text:
VERSION:=4.1.2

# tools

SHELL = /bin/sh
MKDIR = mkdir

abs_builddir = /home/minjin/work/libcoap-code/tests
top_builddir = ..
top_srcdir = ..
# files and flags
ifneq (,)
  PROGRAMS:=testdriver
endif
SOURCES:= test_uri.c test_options.c test_pdu.c test_error_response.c \
  test_sendqueue.c test_wellknown.c
HEADERS:=$(SOURCES:.c=.h)
OBJECTS:= $(patsubst %.c, %.o, $(SOURCES))
CFLAGS:=-g -Wall -g -O2
CPPFLAGS:=-I$(top_srcdir)  -DWITH_POSIX
DISTDIR?=$(top_builddir)/libcoap-4.1.2
FILES:=Makefile.in testdriver.c $(HEADERS) $(SOURCES)
LDFLAGS:=-L$(top_builddir)
LDLIBS:=-lcunit
libcoap =$(top_builddir)/libcoap.a

.PHONY: clean distclean

.SUFFIXES:
.SUFFIXES:      .c .o

all:	$(PROGRAMS)

check:
	echo DISTDIR: $(DISTDIR)
	echo top_builddir: $(top_builddir)

testdriver:	$(OBJECTS) $(libcoap)

clean:
	@rm -f $(PROGRAMS) $(OBJECTS)

distclean:	clean
	@rm -rf $(DISTDIR)
	@rm -f *~

dist:	$(FILES)
	test -d $(DISTDIR)/tests || mkdir $(DISTDIR)/tests
	cp $(FILES) $(DISTDIR)/tests


As many know, I represent the owners of property located on Andover Street known as Sciarappa Farm. This property is the subject of several Articles coming before Town Meeting, as well as the "Special Town Meeting within the Town Meeting" put forward by Selectman McCoy. I watched the interview of Mr. McCoy on WCTV recently, and I am stunned that Mr. McCoy knowingly and intentionally continues to put forward incorrect and inflammatory information designed to sabotage an opportunity that the owners of the land have to sell their property.
In the interview, Mr. McCoy mentions no less than four times that: "For over three decades we (presumably the Town of Wilmington) have given them (presumably the land owners) special agricultural tax discounts…". He said that he won't get into the "legality" of the so-called "tax-discounts" and the fact that "we" never had an opportunity to buy the property, but then he gets right into it anyway. The not-so-subtle message is that the property owners did something illegal. Mr. McCoy fails to state the property owners were entitled to receive favorable tax rates by law. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 61A allows the owner of agricultural land to apply for a reduced tax rate. This law was enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in the early 1970s. Property owners must apply each year to the municipality, which then decides whether to grant the reduced tax rate. In return for granting the reduced tax rate, the municipality gets what is referred to as the right of first refusal to purchase the land if the owners have received a bona fide offer. The owners are required to notify the municipality and provide a copy of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The municipality then has a certain amount of time to decide if it wants to match the offer and purchase the land. The owners of the Sciarappa Farm had applied for 61A designation, as was their right, and the Town of Wilmington approved. However, as the owners scaled back and ultimately ceased farming the land, in 2014 the owners did not reapply for 61A designation. The land was then taxed at the full rate, which the owners have paid ever since.
During the time that the property was still under Ch. 61A, the owners received several offers to purchase their land from third-party Buyers which they would have liked to have accepted. As required by them under the law, they notified the Town of the offers. However, each of the offers were withdrawn by the potential buyers, and no further action was taken. Mr. McCoy stated in his recent WCTV interview (as he has on many prior occasions) that the owners withdrew their offers to the town. This is simply not true and he knows that. What is important to note here is that the Town was put on notice on each of those occasions that the owners were interested in selling their property. During all that time, Michael McCoy sat on the Board of Selectman. Yet, on countless occasions, including in his recent interview on WCTV, he says that "we" (again, presumably the Town) were never notified" that the land was available.
"In a recent Board of Selectman meeting, Selectman McCoy stated that the town hasn't had the opportunity to buy the property, "…after giving them (the owners) tax breaks for years and years and years." This property has been in the Sciarappa family for nearly 100 years, being operated as a farm for most of that time. Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 61A allows for municipalities to reduce property taxes on qualified farm land, with certain restrictions placed upon the land if it is to be sold while under 61A designation. During the time that the property was designated as 61A, the owners paid the full amount assessed by the Town each and every year. In 2014, the property was removed from 61A designation, and a higher tax was assessed. The owners have paid the full amount of real estate taxes assessed by the Town each and every year. Proof of assessment and taxes is a matter of public record which Selectman McCoy could easily have discovered. For Selectman McCoy to insinuate that the owners have received some benefit to which they were not entitled by law is uninformed, unfair, and just plain wrong.
Over a month later and Mr. McCoy is still spreading the same false information. One has to wonder what his true motivation is. It wasn't until the Article to rezone Sciarappa Farm was filed (#53 on the Town Meeting Warrant), that Mr. McCoy took notice and began his campaign to acquire the property. He has sponsored two Articles which are designed to sabotage an offer which the owners have received to sell their land. Mr. McCoy gets very creative in his efforts of sabotage. It is interesting that he calls for a "Special Town Meeting within a Town Meeting". Obviously this was done because he didn't anticipate that a re-zoning article would be on the Warrant so he pulls out this procedural move out of desperation. Then, he proposes one article which will gut the provisions of the very Zoning that the voters of the Town have approved for mixed use by eliminating multi-family housing from that zone. This is the topic of Article 53 which seeks to allow the rezoning of Sciarappa Farm. In his presentation on WCTV, as he has on many other occasions, Mr. McCoy employs scare tactics by intentionally stating that "There could be more than 680 residential units built there!" At one time he said there could be 760 Units! He just pulls numbers out of the air in an intentional effort to scare people. Mr. McCoy knows that the developer's proposal is to fill two significant needs for affordable housing in Wilmington: smaller houses that are priced at the lower end of market rate and housing for seniors, rather than the larger homes that are priced near or above $ 1 million. The vision is to build approximately 210 market rate residential units in both single and multi-family structures, and approximately 40 units that will be designated as "affordable".
The second Article which Mr. McCoy has on his "Special Town Meeting within the Town Meeting" is the one that everyone should be deeply afraid of. He proposes that the people of Wilmington authorize the Town to obtain the Sciarappa Farm by any means possible, including TAKING BY EMINENT DOMAIN. In his interview on WCTV, Mr. McCoy speaks so casually about eminent domain as though it is done all the time and everyone should just let it happen. I want to stress that Eminent Domain is defined in Black's Law Dictionary as: "The power to take private property for public use by the state, municipalities…". There must be some public urgency or public good to justify the taking of someone's private property. In his WCTV interview Mr. McCoy says that maybe "we" (again, presumably the Town) could have some open space like Boston Common, or recreation, or maybe we could have a cemetery, or maybe a farm stand where we could sell apples to the schools. Or maybe the Town won't do anything with the property. Is this urgent? Is this what Mr. McCoy deems to be "for the public good", sufficient enough to warrant taking someone's property? He goes on to show maps of land owned by the Town that abuts the Sciarappa Farm and which is located on the north side and the south side of Route 125. This comprises nearly 40 acres of land. Why then does the Town need to purchase an additional 62 acres? Where is the urgency or the public good?
In his televised interview, Mr. McCoy was asked about the price that the Town would have to allocate in order to purchase the land. In his typical fashion, Mr. McCoy pulls a number out of thin air. He states that he "got some back door prices" from "very reliable sources" of $ 8.2 million. He then "adds" $ 200,000.00 to that price for other costs associated with a taking by eminent domain such as appraisals. He then goes on to say that the existence of an easement that runs through the property will "drive the price down". I am left to wonder what a "back door price" is, who the so-called reliable sources are, and on what bases did these sources come up with that number? Mr. McCoy's taking by eminent domain would require that the Town spend significant money to pay for an appraisal of the property. Then, the Town would propose to pay that price to the owners. But, what if the owners of the property don't think that the value as established by the Town's agent (very likely to be to the benefit of his employer) is as high as they believe their property is worth? Now, the property owners are forced to spend THEIR money to get their own appraisal. Is this fair, or right? This process could go on for a very long time, during which time no other potential buyers will come anywhere near this property. The owners are forced to take what the Town offers, or spend years and fortunes fighting it. The true value of anything, whether it be a used car or land or anything else, is how much a good faith buyer is willing to pay to purchase it, not some made up "back door" price.
So, I ask everyone to think very hard about this. Should the owner of private property be allowed to sell that property to whomever they want and for the highest price that they can get? Or, will you allow your municipal government, by and through the efforts of one elected member of the Board of Selectmen, to take that property for whatever price it sets, just because he wants it? Who will be next victim? This is a very dangerous precedent.
Mr. McCoy was asleep at the switch for more than 12 years when he, as a member of the Board of Selectmen, had a chance to approach the owners of Sciarappa Farm to see if they'd be interested in selling the property to the Town and he failed to do so. Now he's doing all that he can to sabotage an opportunity for them to sell their property, by taking the property by eminent domain, and by gutting the zoning bylaw that was previously approved by the residents of Wilmington so that the developer can't do what he envisions which is needed and beneficial to the Town.
Please go to Town Meeting on Saturday, May 5th. Vote NO to Articles 1 and 2 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant, and YES to Article 53 on the regular Town Meeting Warrant. Send a message to Mr. McCoy that he can't bully his way anymore.
Mr. Crowley – wonderfully long treatise about how you and the Sciarappa family have been wronged but nothing about what the proposed changes will do to the town.
If the 'vision' is 250 units put that in writing.
But you won't because to get the maximum value for the property a lot more units will be built. Anyone trusting the lawyer for a builder promising to scale back things is naive.
Whatever the number of units we already have several issues that the town will need to address if this goes forward.
1st – if you live in the area you will know how bad the traffic gets in the morning and evening. Adding a few hundred to a thousand cars to the commute will create a log-jam that has only one fix.. a wider road.
But there are businesses abutting the road up to the 'farm'. So you may not like to think about eminent domain but I can guarantee you that the dozen businesses on that street that will need to lose their companies or a significant portion of their property to widen the road are going to like it even less.
And you probably aren't aware but we have the lowest water pressure in town so adding one more tract be it large or super grande means millions for new water/sewer lines.
Throwing hundreds to several thousand more people in a small area means the long put off fire substation will have to be built.
And where are you going to put the kids living in the projects/condos/whatever?
Will you create your own school for the property or will they be dumped into the already overcrowded Wilmington school system?
Rezoning that property means lower property values for the surrounding homes (some of the most expensive in Wilmington).
That means everyone else's property taxes will have to go up to accommodate.
When a Wilmington resident (and not an expensive shill) weights the pros and cons who are the winners?
The builder (and you I presume) will make tons of money by socializing the costs of the development project.
The town residents will pay millions that we don't have in the form of new overrides (who doesn't love higher taxes?!?) for new water/sewer, road expansion, eminent domain forced purchases of over a dozen businesses to accommodate the required 2 lane road, millions for the new fire substation, tons of money for new teachers and school expansion.
And with lower property values in that area – property taxes for EVERYONE in town will go up.
In short the builder gets an enormous tax break by passing on the short and long terms costs of the development to the taxpaying residents of Wilmington.
Not a great deal for the people.
I am voting YES on Articles 1 & 2 and he&* NO on Article 53.
c) Any correspondence you or your clients received from the Town declaring its interest or disinterest in purchasing the parcel during the past dozen years.
I am aware that this is a lot to ask of you at this late date, but you and the Sciarrappa Family would be doing a great public service for Wilmington residents who want to review evidence and then decide where the truth lies in this matter.
I also invite anyone on the opposite side of this issue to post any documentation that supports their claims on this specific issue.
I am interested in making these documents publicly available to Wilmington voters who need to see evidence with their own eyes, especially before casting a vote on the issue of "eminent domain." If you and/or your client can provide these documents for public inspection, the voters should have a better understanding of the matters at hand and vote accordingly.
It's public record! Go to the town hall, registry or deeds. Look it up!


text:
Carrington goes solar thanks to a unique partnership
Located within the Port of Newcastle, Carrington Cove Bowling and Sports Club has had its fair share of struggles over the years but they continually find ways to survive and prosper.
To raise money and connect with the community, they have introduced a number of initiatives including:
The creation of a tasteful nude men's bowling calendar
Becoming dog-friendly
Serving great coffee
Opening a new bistro
Receiving of several grants
Hosted comedy and trivia events
Delved into growing their own hops onsite for a local craft brewery, which has been well received by all
Late in 2018, the community raised over $30,000 for a new 50-kilowatt solar system which club manager Jaci Lappin lauded as securing the club's energy future.
With the solar panels now installed it is estimated the clubs energy bill will be cut by about 40 per cent.
The donations were made possible via a partnership with Climate Action Newcastle, who organised a crowdfunding campaign which initially aimed to raise $24,000.
chevron-right chevron-left
The community responded thanks to the great promotion and media attention garnered, with an additional grant of $10,990 from the Community Building Partnership program also secured.
This club recognised 10 years ago that it could not survive just catering to bowlers.
While the bowls membership stands at 49, the club social membership has risen from 212 to 1665.
Keeping the doors open, getting the community into the club and generating income provides more opportunities for the bowling membership to begin looking at ways to strengthen the sport in the club.
Contribution by Mark Whiteman – Regional Bowls Manager (Newcastle/Hunter/Central Coast)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University was established on 1st May 1983. Geographically it is covering the western Vidarbha belt which includes Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana and Washim in the state of Maharashtra. In a very short span of just two decades it has been established as one of the premier university of the region and had contributed in economic, social and cultural upliftment of the society by offering quality education.
The university is recognized under Section 12(B) of UGC Act and is also an associated member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, London (U.K). It offers education in 10 faculties which include Science, Arts, Commerce, Medicine, Ayurveda, Social Science, Law, Home Science, Engineering & Technology and Education. It also offers facilities for Post-graduate and advanced education in Computer, Biotechnology, Business Management, Law and degree courses in Chemical- Technology. The university campus is spread over an area of 225 hectares and is a home to 20 post graduate departments offering 25 courses in various disciplines.
It has also received NAAC Accreditation and at present 127 colleges are affiliated with Amravati University that offer quality education to 90,000 students for undergraduate and post graduate programs in different disciplines. For more information students can visit the official website of the university which is www.sgbau.ac.in.
Apart from this, students can visit an education portal www.onlineresultportal.com which is a comprehensive database of update information about various universities from where you can online download the application form, admit card, check your result and know more about updated notifications etc.


I have an question about transaction launcher (TL) in CRM 7.1 EHP1. I want to use FO process in SAP ECC 6.0 - ISU. I prepared TL by wizard and customize it to the navigation bar link. When I tested it, nothing happend. When I debug this TL call, I can see that parameters are passed from CRM to ISU (I debug this also in ISU). I noticed, that one parameter is whole BOR object (ISUCONTRCT), not just value, by complete instance of BOR.
Is it possible that there is a problem in wizard generated class which prepare parameters to ISU? Should by the import parameter reason of problem or I am missing something in wizard? Thanks for replies.
Finally, this is the solution of problems in this thread. There are two sources of reason that it doesnt work.
1.) BOR instance import parameter in FO process or BOR method.
are not supported by the transaction launcher.
So this is not supported and those objects can not be used.
2.) Calling FO process in ISU is not working, due to program error. Screen can be just refreshed or you can get error message CRM_UI_FRAME_LTX 026.
Hope, this will be helpfull to others also.
2) You want to call a Front Office process (a series of steps in which you can create several objects and actions). In that case, you have to enter the FOP name as you cannot enter objects and methods here.
If you want to use a FOP, you can create it in your ISU system by using transaction EWBC.
I am sure that I am not mixing two different things. I am trying to call Z-custom FO process in ISU which already exists. It has its own containter with import/export parameters.
I am wonder where should be the problem? Its appear that nothing is called and actual CRM web ui screen just refresh after click on this TL link. I suppose that this parameter is cause of the problem... or there may be some problems in FO steps? I am not experienced enough.
that link is not correct - I have got HTTP 404 error.


text:
package sk.henrichg.phoneprofilesplus;

import android.content.Context;
import android.database.Cursor;
import android.os.Parcel;
import android.os.Parcelable;
import android.provider.ContactsContract;
import android.util.AttributeSet;

import androidx.preference.DialogPreference;

import java.util.List;

public class ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX extends DialogPreference
{
    ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceFragmentX fragment;

    private final Context _context;
    String value = "";
    private String defaultValue;
    private boolean savedInstanceState;

    public ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX(Context context, AttributeSet attrs) {
        super(context, attrs);

        _context = context;

        //if (EditorActivity.getContactGroupsCache() == null)
        //    EditorActivity.createContactGroupsCache();

    }

    @Override
    protected void onSetInitialValue(Object defaultValue)
    {
        value = getPersistedString((String)defaultValue);
        this.defaultValue = (String)defaultValue;

        getValueCMSDP();
        setSummaryCMSDP();
    }

    @SuppressWarnings("SameParameterValue")
    void refreshListView(final boolean notForUnselect) {
        if (fragment != null)
            fragment.refreshListView(notForUnselect);
    }

    void getValueCMSDP()
    {
        // change checked state by value
        ContactGroupsCache contactGroupsCache = PPApplication.getContactGroupsCache();
        if (contactGroupsCache != null) {
            synchronized (PPApplication.contactsCacheMutex) {
                List<ContactGroup> contactGroupList = contactGroupsCache.getList();
                if (contactGroupList != null) {
                    String[] splits = value.split("\\|");
                    for (ContactGroup contactGroup : contactGroupList) {
                        contactGroup.checked = false;
                        for (String split : splits) {
                            try {
                                long groupId = Long.parseLong(split);
                                if (contactGroup.groupId == groupId)
                                    contactGroup.checked = true;
                            } catch (Exception e) {
                                //PPApplication.recordException(e);
                            }
                        }
                    }
                    // move checked on top
                    int i = 0;
                    int ich = 0;
                    while (i < contactGroupList.size()) {
                        ContactGroup contactGroup = contactGroupList.get(i);
                        if (contactGroup.checked) {
                            contactGroupList.remove(i);
                            contactGroupList.add(ich, contactGroup);
                            ich++;
                        }
                        i++;
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }

    static String getSummary(String value, Context context) {
        String summary = context.getString(R.string.contacts_multiselect_summary_text_not_selected);
        if (Permissions.checkContacts(context)) {
            if (!value.isEmpty()) {
                String[] splits = value.split("\\|");
                if (splits.length == 1) {
                    boolean found = false;
                    String[] projection = new String[]{
                            ContactsContract.Groups._ID,
                            ContactsContract.Groups.TITLE};
                    String selection = ContactsContract.Groups._ID + "=" + splits[0];
                    Cursor mCursor = context.getContentResolver().query(ContactsContract.Groups.CONTENT_SUMMARY_URI, projection, selection, null, null);

                    if (mCursor != null) {
                        //while (mCursor.moveToNext()) {
                        if (mCursor.moveToFirst()) {
                            found = true;
                            summary = mCursor.getString(mCursor.getColumnIndexOrThrow(ContactsContract.Groups.TITLE));
                            summary = ContactGroupsCache.translateContactGroup(summary, context);
                            //break;
                        }
                        mCursor.close();
                    }
                    if (!found)
                        summary = context.getString(R.string.contacts_multiselect_summary_text_selected) + ": " + splits.length;
                } else
                    summary = context.getString(R.string.contacts_multiselect_summary_text_selected) + ": " + splits.length;
            }
        }
        return summary;
    }

    private void setSummaryCMSDP()
    {
        setSummary(getSummary(value, _context));
    }

    @SuppressWarnings("StringConcatenationInLoop")
    private void getValue() {
        // fill with strings of contact groups separated with |
        value = "";
        ContactGroupsCache contactGroupsCache = PPApplication.getContactGroupsCache();
        if (contactGroupsCache != null) {
            synchronized (PPApplication.contactsCacheMutex) {
                List<ContactGroup> contactGroupList = contactGroupsCache.getList();
                if (contactGroupList != null) {
                    for (ContactGroup contactGroup : contactGroupList) {
                        if (contactGroup.checked) {
                            if (!value.isEmpty())
                                value = value + "|";
                            value = value + contactGroup.groupId;
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }

    void persistValue() {
        if (shouldPersist())
        {
            getValue();
            persistString(value);

            setSummaryCMSDP();
        }
    }

    void resetSummary() {
        if (!savedInstanceState) {
            value = getPersistedString(defaultValue);
            setSummaryCMSDP();
        }
        savedInstanceState = false;
    }

    @Override
    protected Parcelable onSaveInstanceState()
    {
        savedInstanceState = true;

        final Parcelable superState = super.onSaveInstanceState();
        /*if (isPersistent()) {
            return superState;
        }*/

        final ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState myState = new ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState(superState);
        getValue();
        myState.value = value;
        myState.defaultValue = defaultValue;

        return myState;
    }

    @Override
    protected void onRestoreInstanceState(Parcelable state)
    {
        //if (dataWrapper == null)
        //    dataWrapper = new DataWrapper(prefContext, false, 0, false);

        if ((state == null) || (!state.getClass().equals(ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState.class))) {
            // Didn't save state for us in onSaveInstanceState
            super.onRestoreInstanceState(state);
            setSummaryCMSDP();
            return;
        }

        // restore instance state
        ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState myState = (ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState)state;
        super.onRestoreInstanceState(myState.getSuperState());
        value = myState.value;
        defaultValue = myState.defaultValue;

        getValueCMSDP();
        setSummaryCMSDP();
        //notifyChanged();
    }

    // SavedState class
    private static class SavedState extends BaseSavedState
    {
        String value;
        String defaultValue;

        SavedState(Parcel source)
        {
            super(source);

            value = source.readString();
            defaultValue = source.readString();
        }

        @Override
        public void writeToParcel(Parcel dest, int flags)
        {
            super.writeToParcel(dest, flags);

            dest.writeString(value);
            dest.writeString(defaultValue);
        }

        SavedState(Parcelable superState)
        {
            super(superState);
        }

        public static final Creator<ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState> CREATOR =
                new Creator<ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState>() {
                    public ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState createFromParcel(Parcel in)
                    {
                        return new ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState(in);
                    }
                    public ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState[] newArray(int size)
                    {
                        return new ContactGroupsMultiSelectDialogPreferenceX.SavedState[size];
                    }

                };

    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Nokia: Lumia 800 hits Australia in March
Renai LeMay
news Nokia has reportedly revealed that its first smartphones to feature the Windows Phone 7 operating system, the Lumia 800 and 710, will hit Australia in March, with the 800 to launch through all major local carriers.
The Lumia 800 is similar in design to Nokia's N9 handset launched in Australia last year. However, while the N9 ran the now-obsolete Meego operating system, the Lumia 800 will run Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 operating system, which Nokia is standardising on, following a management shake-up in late 2010 which resulted in former Microsoft executive Stephen Elop taking the help at the Finnish firm.
The Financial Review's technology section quoted Nokia Australia managing director Chris Carr today (we recommend you click here for the full article) as saying that the Lumia 800 and its sister phone, the Lumia 710 would go on sale in Australia in March, with the 800 to sell through major carriers Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
Australia has not seen a major launch of a new smartphone running Windows Phone 7 since late 2010, when Microsoft and its smartphone hardware partners HTC, Samsung and LG worked closely with Telstra to bring a swathe of models running the operating system to market. Over the past six months, a number of local Windows Phone 7 enthusiasts have started to question the major telcos as to when new launches would occur.
The gap in Windows Phone 7 launches is believed to have provided a window for rival Apple and Android-based handsets to launch in Australia, with the two operating systems (Android is supported by a clutch of hardware manufacturers, including those also promulgating Windows Phone 7 handsets) currently dominating Australia's mobile phone market.
The Nokia Lumia 800 features 16GB of storage, an 8 megapixel camera, 512MB of RAM, a single-core 1.4GHZ Snapdragon CPU, a 3.7″ touchscreen running at a resolution of 800×480, and Windows Phone 7.5. It also comes with a micro-USB port. Unlike other smartphones like Samsung's Galaxy Nexus, it doesn't feature a near field communications (NFC) chip for mobile payments, which are becoming more popular in Australia.
Many of these specifications are similar to those of existing smartphones on the market. However, in Delimiter's review of the Lumia 800, reviewer Jenneth Orantia praised the phone's design, from its "beautifully-engineered" and colourful unibody polycarbonate casing, its curved glass display, slick user interface and "delightfully fluid and snappy" responsiveness. In the review, Orantia wrote:
"There's no doubt about it, the Lumia 800 is a gorgeous phone. The simplicity, elegance and fully-stocked feature set of Windows Phone 7.5 paired with the stunning hardware design of the Lumia 800 amounts to a lethal combination that will change the game for both Nokia and Microsoft."
"For Nokia, it's the first smartphone that really innovates on all levels since the N95, and for Microsoft, it puts a much sexier face on its Windows Phone operating system, which is key for winning over more users. The distinctive design and eye-catching colour options will go a long way towards attracting everyday users, while the huge improvements in Windows Phone 7.5 should prove appealing for geeks and power users that are keen for something different."
The Lumia 710 is a lower-end, lower-cost Windows Phone 7 phone; similar to the Lumia 800 but aimed at the mid-range market rather than the top-end.
opinion/analysis
Too little, too late? I'm really not sure.
There is no doubt that the Lumia 800 is a gorgeous little piece of kit, and it will stand out both in marketing campaigns in Australia as well as in users' hands when they visit retail stores to test out different smartphone models. It really is *that* nice in the hand and that eye-catching when you're using it. In addition, the Lumia 800 represents the first true fulfilment of the potential that the Windows Phone 7 operating system has promised for some time; in a very similar way that the HTC Desire represented the first true fulfilment of Android when it launched in Australia in April 2010.
However, Australia is expected to see an absolutely huge number of great new smartphones released over the next year. Some in particular, such as Samsung's Galaxy S III, and Apple's iPhone 5 (or whatever it will be called when it is eventually released), are virtually guaranteed to be instant winners, purely by virtue of the previous models which they are heir to.
The Lumia 800 will be released in Australia just after the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona is held, where manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson and so on release details of their upcoming handsets. In addition, it will be released just a few months before Australians start to get excited about the next iPhone — I expect anticipation to start building sometime around June. Can Nokia prevail against this kind of competition, and, despite its strong history, from what many people will see as something of a standing start?
The company's N9 handset, which shares most of the design of the Lumia 800, sank virtually without a trace in Australia when it was launched before Christmas. It will be interesting to see if Australian consumers will pay more attention when take 2, the Lumia 800, is launched in March. Can a new operating system make all the difference? Only time will tell.
Some more shots of the Nokia Lumia 800:
Image credit: Nokia
Nokia previews Lumia 900, 610 in Australia
Optus offers Nokia Lumia 800 deals
Nokia's 6″ Lumia 1320 hits Australia
Nokia Lumia rollout for Sara Lee
Will Telstra skip Nokia's Lumia 900?
Chad 27/01/2012 at 4:08 pm
I think most people are pretty "meh" about the 800, when there is a 900 … (after having a 4.3″ screen… I can't go back now…)
Renai LeMay 27/01/2012 at 4:38 pm
Perhaps, but I don't really agree — according to our reviewer, the Lumia 800 is a stellar phone, and it will take a looong time for the 900, which has just been announced, to come to Australia ;)
The thing about Windows Phone 7 phones as well (and the new Lumias are the perfect example of this) is that they attract attention when people have them in public. Their look and feel, and I'm especially talking about the user interface here, look so much more glamorous than the iPhone, and this effect on the general public can't be underestimated.
If Nokia gets behind it with a substantial marketing push … it will be very interesting to see how the Lumia 800 could do.
Apollo 27/01/2012 at 8:59 pm
Hey Renai,
*Cough* From unnamed carriers *cough vodafone and optus cough* we've been testing the handset for the last few days *cough field test engineer cough* and we've been advised it should be available in the next two weeks *cough no confirmed eta other than two weeks cough*
Sorry mate, nasty cold from all this bad weather we've been having :)
*COUGH*
Adam Ferrari 28/01/2012 at 2:43 pm
You know there an anonymous tip link at the top right? =P
also you should see a doctor.
Cankles 27/01/2012 at 6:37 pm
Lumia 800 has been in Asia and Europe for months. It's an O.K. phone, but is let down by poor battery life, limited applications, under-performing camera, no internet tethering, and quirky usability issues (like being able to add a contact to the phone – it must be synced to an existing service).
Your review really didn't put the phone through its paces.
Personally, I'd wait until Windows 8.
I'd be interested to know where you got your information from … Engadget's review of the Lumia 800 doesn't note any of these problems, apart from the Internet tethering issue.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/nokia-lumia-800-review/
"The eight megapixel camera on the Lumia 800 is exactly the same unit that we reviewed on the N9. It's been around for a while and it suffers from a few foibles, but the underlying hardware is top-notch."
"The battery is only 1450mAh, compared to the Titan's 1750mAh behemoth. However, the Lumia's smaller and more power efficient display cancels out this disparity and the two phones end up being roughly on a par. With heavy use, with a fair amount of photography, e-book reading and so on, the 800 will probably die by late evening. With more normal use, involving calls, push email and a bit of music, it could stretch to a day and a half."
"If you'd prefer a very quick summary, then take it from us that this OS is fast, fluid and nice on the eyes. Its visual design is a boon not only for ease-of-use — particularly for people with poor eyesight — but also in terms of its sheer sassiness, which will be appreciated by anyone who wants to stand out from the iOS and Android crowds."
"Although Windows Phone is still lacking many of the apps that have become popular on other platforms, including Spotify, Dropbox and countless others, it handles core functions rather well, such that you don't necessarily need extra apps in order to handle basic social networking, photography, maps, search, music recognition and purchasing, cloud storage, folder syncing, and other daily tasks."
In some regards Renai, he'd be r ight. The problem with reviewers, is they generally dont spend more than a week with the handset. With a Lithium Ion Battery , we experience whats called a "burn in phase" which is where the battery operates at its maximum efficiency. After about a month or so, the battery gets into its normal phases and its general operating performance shortens. This is just due to the material shrinking and expanding, because when it comes from the factory its normally more solid than liquid.
Once the material starts ionizing , it loses some of its inital shine.
I disagree with him with regards to average battery life. WP7 is easily the most optimized of all the operating systems (we're talking mainstream smartphone), easily beating out both iOS and Android by a large margin. The best bit about WP7 is that it is considerably less resource hungry than both operating systems, more efficient in memory reallocation and much more efficient in both control of radio antenna and video performance (lag).
Where it falls down, is WP7's poor file allocation, ie in something like the old Samsung Omnia 7 or HTC Tropy 7 from last year, where its paltry 8GB of storage + the Mango update quickly turned the handset into a mess of about 4GB of actual storage space. If you were lucky enough to have the 16GB model, it wasnt so bad.
Limited applications is a small problem, but thats due to the relatively minor uptake over last years Samsung Galaxy, Desire HD or iPhone 4. I have full faith with the new market app prices for developers and availabilty of seemless syncronisation with Windows 8, you'll see a massively rejuvenated Nokia and a very high and mighty Microsoft. The contacts thing I didnt see, so I dont know where that came up ?
Thats my 2 cents ;)
Sure, it takes every battery a while to settle in … but I think you guys are nitpicking. Delimiter reviewer Jenneth Orantia is among the best smartphone reviewers in Australia, while Engadget is the gold standard globally. These are fairly authoritative reviews … to be honest, no smartphone battery is going to completely die or become extremely problematic after a few weeks or months of using it.
By any standard the Lumia 800 is a great phone — and I will be interested to see how Nokia does with it in Australia.
Theodus 27/01/2012 at 9:41 pm
Regarding the point about adding a contact to the phone, Cankles is night. However this is due to a design choice in the OS – the phone is not a standalone device as much as away to use your various cloud services on the go. While the device obviously has local storage, this is not emphasised as I understand from what I have seen of Win phone 7 so far.
You're comparing your review site to an (old) Engadget review as your proof? Pfft. That doesn't prove that either reviewer spent enough time with it to give a real run through.
My comments still stand. Use the phone for a week and you'd see this easily.
See my comment above re nitpicking.
Or read the Nokia support forums on the battery issues (which they just rolled out a fix for). Or read about the promised tethering which hasn't been updated or released. Your review had the benefit of looking at a phone that was released everywhere else and could even look at real world user's feedback…
So there. I rest my case – look at real world users and the points they also make….
http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Nokia-with-Windows-Phone/Nokia-Lumia-800-Nokia-comments-on-battery-life-concerns/td-p/1250749
http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Nokia-with-Windows-Phone/When-is-CAMERA-patch-coming/td-p/1283761
http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Nokia-with-Windows-Phone/When-is-tethering-being-added-to-Lumia-800/m-p/1220845/highlight/true#M782
When the carrier reviews software that goes on a handset, we're lucky in being a little behind on releases – heres why;
We (not myself for software issues, but the Network Support Structure) look at forums, search known issues from the manufacturers and generally attempt to make the handset fail. We test against signal frequency, instability and connectivity issues. Once the handset has passed muster, its given a handset rating and then passed to Sales and Marketing. They then organise it on to plans and outright sale.
These are all taken into consideration when the carrier changes software that goes on the handset. Unfortunately, some elements of the company like their own fiddly bits in here and there, bloatware and the like… Which can make or break the experience.
So its nice that you like to sit there and take shots at Nokia, but given Nokia's previous history with timely updates and fixes every month, you'll find that these will likely be fixed before the handset hits the street here. I'd also be willing to wager previous Nokia customers that have strayed, probably will begin to love them again – because Nokia has an excellent support structure.
This has been an excellent handset to roam with so far, I'm thoroughly impressed. While you raise some good points, I could sit here and poke flaws in the Galaxy S2 and iPhone 4s launches recently …
Shannon Pace 30/01/2012 at 8:43 am
i can give you a real world user's feedback, having had the htc mozart since it was released. wp7 is the best performing operating system around. bar none.
the only thing that lets it down is lack of apps. that's it. other than this, wp7 is a fantastic operating system for phones.
battery life is fine, camera is perfectly adequate (considering it is still a PHONE camera) and the syncing of contacts to external providers is a VERY minor issue.
Aryan 28/01/2012 at 1:02 am
So, Nokia's flagship phone in 2012 will use a single core Qualcomm SoC from 2010?
This, when Samsung's Galaxy SIII will (most likely) use a quad core 1.5 Ghz Cortex A9, and Apple's A6 is also rumoured to be a quad core processor with similar frequencies.
I know, spec isn't all, and I agree that WP7's UI is really nice and fluid even on that (now) archaic processor, but specs do matter in that they help create a 'buzz' around the device. While 95% of consumers wouldn't care about the processor inside their phone, that 5% who do care are the ones who crave the cutting edge, and they are also the ones who create buzz around a device.
Those who say that specs don't matter should take note: the two best selling phones in 2011 in Australia, iPhone 4S and SGSII, one had the best GPU in any phone and the other one the fastest CPU. While those CPU and GPUs did not by themselves make the devices popular, they matter.
I'm sorry Nokia, I once loved you, and would like to see you succeed, but your halo device of 2012, the one you are resting so much of your hopes and dreams on, cannot use a processor that's from 2 generations ago. It just can't.
Renai LeMay 28/01/2012 at 1:23 am
The consumers this device is aimed at don't really care about specs or understand what they are in the first place, beyond 'megapixels' ;)
I agree with you and I went to great lengths to mention this in my post. But my point is:
A minority of users *do* care about specs, and they will not look favourably at a flagship device being launched with a processor from two generations ago. This minority of users are the ones who are tech savvy and who make buying recommendations on tech devices to their friends and family (and every family seems to have at least one of them!) These early adopters, while tiny in numbers themselves, have an oversized influence as they are the ones who create buzz around a gadget and recommend it to others, and we know that word of mouth is still the most influential marketing tool.
In my opinion, any device which specifically shuns this group, is going to have a very hard time finding traction in the mainstream. Successful consumer electronic devices are the ones which are easy enough and accessible for the mainstream to use, yet have the allure and attraction to attract power users to them.
bob 28/01/2012 at 1:32 am
So Apollo, are you saying that the Lumia would be available before march? or at least early march?
any ideas on pricing?
Apollo 28/01/2012 at 10:27 am
From what I understand theres no exact ETA, but company staffers are talking within two weeks.
Bob 28/01/2012 at 3:44 pm
If I get another Nokia in my life, ever, it'll be the N9.
James 30/01/2012 at 4:39 am
Damn straight brother.
Thrawn 30/01/2012 at 1:43 am
I played with a Lumia 800 a few weeks ago overseas
The design and feel is very, very nice. Better than anything else out there for sure.
Unfortunately for me the OS feels pretty laggy at some points still (like Android). iPhone 4 is still way ahead in performance and app range.
Jackson 30/01/2012 at 4:35 am
"N9 Sank without a trace" right, and how did you determine that?
Even if it did I'm not surprised really, marketing ceased almost entirely about 8wks ago now.
About a week before the peak shopping period begun…
Before that is was painfully difficult to find it in any kind of decent no's with most retail outlets.
For at least 1mth after it 1st came out (Oct 10/11), it was only in some outlets, & in ridiculously low no's.
The black 64GB was even worse than the 16GB models…
Telco's/resellers was a bit better, & was def. way better than what happened for the N900.
Plans weren't terribly competitive initially, but definitely got better as time went on w/most telcos/resellers.
With all the obstacles thrown in it's path, I'm amazed it's sold much at all.
It's truly an amazing piece of work "overall", & deserves far more respect from NA than it's gotten.
There's no need to "put it to the sword" just so the L800 can get some air.
They should be pushed equally as hard, but no….


You know you're in England when just about every stranger who chats with you mentions the weather. Don't be mistaken, though - there's plenty of fascinating things up for discussion; it's just that Englishmen genuinely find the weather interesting. If you don't, then you won't have to look far for other areas of interest. There's the Stonehenge, London's theatre scene and of course, the Royal Family.
Also, don't let this obsession with weather fool you into believing that England is some cold, dreary place. Although the country does get its fair share of rainfall, the climate isn't quite as depressing as most people probably imagine. For those rainy days, a warm, comforting English meal will surely hit the spot. Keeping yourself dry is as easy as stepping into one of London's many pubs, ordering a hearty meal of steak and kidney pie, fish and chips, and bangers (English sausages). And when it's clear out, then you're free to go back to exploring the city taking pictures at the Stonehenge, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
Climate: The weather in England is normally damp and temperate. January and February tend to be colder, while July is usually the warmest month of the year.
Visa/Passport: In general, Australian passport holders are allowed to stay in England for up to six months without a visa. An exception to this is travellers who plan to work during their stay.
Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in West London is the United Kingdom's busiest airport. On the other hand, Gatwick Airport (LGW), the second busiest airport in the country, can be found 47.5 kilometres south of Central London.
Departure Tax: Passengers are required to pay a departure tax upon leaving the country. The amount to be charged varies depending on the traveller's destination.
Getting Around: Most towns and cities can be reached via trains, which are fast and comfortable, though not always the most economical choice. Buses are also a fairly convenient way of travelling around, though service is limited when it comes to the countryside. For remote places, travellers may choose to hire a car or rent a bike.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in England.
Drinking: The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 18.
Shopping: Antiques, aromatherapy products, bone china, designer goods, and royal souvenirs are good buys in England. Popular shopping spots include Oxford Street and Knightsbridge district, both in London.
Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected, except when a service charge has already been added to the bill. In restaurants, 10 to 15% will suffice depending on the type of establishment and on service quality.


text:
Enroll A Loved One
College Guild News
From Our Students
From Our Volunteers
From Our Interns
Writing an accessible course
By Louisa Izydorczak
CG Intern
I was College Guild's Summer 2018 Course Intern. I wanted to write a new College Guild course relating to my major at Bowdoin College, the subject that I'm most passionate about. That subject is computer science.
When I first spoke to Julie Zimmerman, College Guild's founder and Dean of Students, we both had some reservations about the idea of putting a computer science course in the College Guild curriculum. After all, our students range from third-grade dropouts to PhDs. On top of this, depending on how long they have been in prison and on what their lives on the outside were like, they would be coming into the course with a vast range of experiences. A course on "Computer Science" or even the broader "Technology" may sound too daunting for students, especially those less experienced students.
If I was going to make this happen, I would need to make the course as un-intimidating as possible, starting with the title. I thought of the ideas at the core of Computer Science, the ideas that make me excited to go to my classes each day. I love thinking about innovation and how advances in technology have the power to change our lives, for better or for worse. This led me to title my course "Inventions."
The Inventions course starts out by prompting students to think about what constitutes an invention, talking about inventions that came about by mistake, and the earliest inventions, like tools used by cavemen. It talks about historical events, like the inventions of the car and the polio vaccine. There's a bit about entrepreneurship, with "Shark Tank" as a case study. The course talks some about early computers, the internet, and social media, and how these things have changed the world. I had to be especially careful with these topics not to make the questions too technical, avoiding right/wrong answers. I ask students what topic they would enjoy making a YouTube video about, how schools might take action against cyberbullying, and what they think about politicians using Twitter. I go into the ethical issues surrounding technology, like accidents with self-driving cars, children experiencing internet addiction, and invasions of privacy in a modern world. The course concludes by considering how people have imagined the future in books, television, and movies and encourages students to imagine what the future might really look like.
I'm proud of Inventions because I was able to make computer science accessible while still holding on to those core ideas that get me imagining, thinking, and wondering. My course isn't the only College Guild course to make a science-y subject accessible, though. I think of Marine Biology, a course that encourages students to write about caring for an abandoned seal and draw their own creepy, deep-sea fish. I think of Environmental Issues, a course that invites students to think about how natural resources are used in their institutions and how they might be conserved. College Guild courses have to be unique because of our unique student body, and that's what makes writing a College Guild course so challenging and so rewarding.
More Than Just a Class
My road to College Guild
Finding connection in the strangest of places
Follow College Guild
Your email address will be added to our mailing list in order to keep you up to date with information about our organization! You may also receive other emails in the future from College Guild. You may unsubscribe at any time.
© 2018 by College Guild.


Runs start as soon as possible. Clean up about 3:30. The more help picking up cones and cleaning the earlier we leave.
Cost: $25.00 per Driver - Max - 25 drivers - spectators free!
Everyone will be required to sign a waiver and all drivers are required to work the course when not driving. Bring chairs and a cooler; there is shade available. No alcohol.
Required Equipment: A safe/functioning car (we will inspect it) any make or model, the cooler the better; Helmets are required for drivers and passengers. There are usually loaners available.
Goal: "Fun & Family Oriented Gymkhana" Meaning - street legal tires driven to the event only (no tire changing is allowed); No trailered cars unless they are vintage European or Japanese. We may give out awards for improvement over the day i.e., training.
This event is designed to be a safe, fun way to enjoy your automobile. No dangerous driving or recklessness will be tolerated. We operate near a residential section and ask that the exhaust system be street legal for noise. Regardless; we reserve the right to determine if it too loud. We want to come back next year.
.... Remember - you are competing against yourself, not others - come out and have some fun with your car!
Questions call the Committee: Jake Jacobs (beancounter) 513-858-3071; Don Klein (Track Master) 513-895-2624; Skip Jackson (Equipment Master) -513-720-7547 or E-mail me if you want to be on our update list.


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AI-based drones help analyze health of crops
The drones using artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by MiSmart are all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) manufactured locally by Vietnamese.
The UAVs conduct aerial reconnaissance to find insect-infected areas. They also spray chemicals on the infected parts of crops, thus saving up to 99 percent of pesticides.
MiSmart won first prize at Viet Solution, an international competition seeking digital transformation solutions initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The drones from MiSmart are the achievements of a group of young developers headed by Pham Thanh Toan, CEO (chief executive officer) of MiSmart, and his co-worker Tran Phi Vu, who is now CTO (chief technology officer) of the project.
Toan and Vu were friends at high school, but did not keep contact until they accidentally met again on Tet holiday. At that moment, Vu was a PhD student studying UAV at New South Wales University in Australia. Toan had for many years been developing machine learning software and AI.
They decided to set up MiSmart, a project making specialized drones for different purposes.
After two years of implementation, MiSmart's two drone models, Mis GA-22 and Mis TH-16, were first commercialized six months ago.
Farmers use the drones in an automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode. The devices are designed to be resistant to dust and water. They can also be folded after use.
MiSmart's drones have a common characteristic in that they are made of carbon fiber, lighter than aluminum, but are 5 times firmer than titanium, capable of lifting heavy objects weighing up to 22 kilograms.
This is one of the rare drone models made fully by Vietnamese, from its hardware to its software design.
Toan said MiSmart makes drones used in agricultural production to help increase the value of Vietnam's farm produce. The drones can help find insect-infected areas, thus reducing pesticide abuse and minimizing costs.
MiSmart's drones go 'scouting' by sending maps to the server and discovering insects thanks to AI and spray chemicals. All of these metrics are on an IoT platform for management. Farmers can know the exact areas that need chemicals spraying, and there is no need to conduct many drone operations.
The drones are programmed to support the spraying of plant protection chemicals over large farmland areas, and they can move up or down or navigate in accordance with terrain conditions.
MisMart doesn't use AI cameras. Instead, it uses low-cost high-resolution cameras. After drones take pictures and send images to the server, the images are analyzed by AI to find the abnormal points. Drones continue to fly to those points to capture more images and identify insect areas. These are the outstanding features provided by AI technology which the naked eye cannot discover.
If compared with traditional spraying methods, MiSmart's drones operate 40 times more effectively thanks to radar. The radar scans the land area below and maintains reasonable spray distance, thus saving on chemical use.
Digital transformation in agriculture
After six months of commercialization, Toan's company has revenue of VND4 billion. MiSmart's business includes drone sales and leasing.
A drone device from MiSmart sells for VND200-250 million.
MiSmart's products became better known after good feedback from customers.
MiSmart also plans to use technology in forest management, mapping and rescue activities.
MiSmart's major clients are not farmers, but agriculture co-operatives, spraying companies and large agriculture production corporations. These clients have certain knowledge and thus it is easier to transfer technology.
According to Toan, each area has its own terrain characteristics, so drones are designed depending on the area so they can operate most effectively.
Currently, MiSmart is targeting the Mekong Delta market, where there are large sample fields. In the north, MiSmart is targeting tea fields. It plans to develop a drone model specifically used for coffee fields in the Central Highlands.
According to Toan, the biggest difficulty in manufacturing drones is weak supporting industries. MiSmart can manufacture mechanical parts and develop software, but it still has to import motors and batteries.
Flying permits are also a big problem. Not all clients of MiSmart can get a license, which is an obstacle for its products to reach the market.
Trong Dat
Hanoi aims to become ASEAN's artificial intelligence hub
Hanoi aims to build a digital transformation strategy to turn the city into ASEAN's center for cyber security, artificial intelligence and big data.
PM highlights significance of agriculture, farmers, rural areas
The Party and State define agriculture, farmers and rural areas as a significant part of the national industrialisation, modernisation, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stated.
hi-tech agriculture
Outstanding economic events of Vietnam in 2020
FEATUREicon 24/12/2020
Vietnam among very few countries to post GDP growth rate of 2.5-3 percent, and the signing of RCEP agreement in 2020 when Vietnam assumes ASEAN Chairmanship are among the top 10 domestic economic events in the year.
Local technology enterprises must regain the market
"Vietnam's overall economic growth rate is below 10%. The growth target for digital technology enterprise should be set at 15-20% and even more," said Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam at the National Forum for Developing Technology Enterprises.
Silent, painful reforms of the tax sector show positive results
The tax sector's painful, quiet reforms have helped increase Vietnam's position in the global business climate report.
Textbook changes – a test of education reform
Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha noted before the National Assembly that the content of Canh Dieu (Kite), the textbook for first graders, is "not appropriate".
2020 - year of opening the door to the world
Vietnam's export growth this year has been impressive thanks to the signing and approving of many free trade agreements (FTAs), reflecting the success of the country's steady and flexible international integration process.
Do the Vietnamese still have a chance?
If you want to get over the rapids, you must first get off the boat. Will the next decade reach the goal of industrialization without success?
Unfinished dream to become a 'dragon'
Vietnam's industries, especially the processing and manufacturing industry, are developing.
Vietnamese spend $10 billion on illegal football betting
Ladbrokes, a British betting and gambling company, estimates that Vietnamese illegal football betting in Vietnam is worth 3-5 percent GDP (gross domestic product), or $10 billion a year.
2020: eventful year for drivers
New regulations have had a big impact on car and motorbike drivers this year.
Key transport projects kick off in 2020
Construction of several national key projects, including the North-South Expressway and Long Thanh International Airports, have started.
E-hailing drivers disillusioned as income falls
Ride-hailing drivers have seen their incomes fall dramatically because of policy changes.
Japanese, Thai retailers compete in $200 billion retail market
After the lockdown this year, shopping malls began to be busy again in the 'new normal' situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital transformation needs new 'ways of thinking' at provincial, local level
A difficult question can often become easier if a new approach is used, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung told representatives of Thai Nguyen agencies pursuing the path to digital transformation.
World struggles amid uncertainties, Vietnam prepares for new cycle
The pandemic and uncertainties have put pressure on the global economy. However, Vietnam, though facing many risks, is expected to continue growing well.
Travel firms look forward to serving MICE tourists at year end
With high-quality products designed to satisfy diverse demand from businesses, the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) market is heating up, promising to become a highlight in the year-end tourist season.
Outsourcing no more
When we only dominate the processes of assembly, we are lost at the most important stages of the value chain, from invention to design to distribution...
Automobile industry: localization ratio still low, price still high
After 25 years of development, the automobile industry has failed to reach its localization ratio goal, while cars in Vietnam are more expensive than other regional countries.
Livestream industry: a way out for Vietnam's digital economy
The combination of livestreams and e-commerce could create an industry worth tens of billions of US dollars. This promises to be a very important element in the development of the digital economy.
Vietnam needs strategy for digital transformation in education sector
The success of digital transformation in the education sector will make an important contribution to the formation of a digital nation.
From Olympiad bronze medalist to Google engineer
A male student who won the bronze medal at the 2007 International Olympiad of Informatics (IOI) in Croatia is now a Google engineer in Silicon Valley in the US.


1. Highly durable and long lasting silicone stencil. 2. Extra soft, texture very close to human skin. 3. Suitable for tattoo beginners to practice tattooing skills. 4. Can be repeatedly tattooed for several times.
Color: Blue Material: Silicone Size: App 19.5*14.5cm Weight: About 45g Notes: 1. The real color of the item may be slightly different from the pictures shown on website caused by many factors such as brightness of your monitor and light brightness. 2. Please allow slight deviation for the measurement data.


If you had Russian ancestors of Jewish religion living in St Petersburg before the Revolution you are in luck.
The St Petersburg historical archive digitised the metrical records ( birth, death and marriage) and uploaded them on their website. They are not indexed. Manual page by page research within the book is required.
Fund 422 inventory 3 has the collection of metrical records for Choral Synagogue in St Petersburg. The collection also has the books for those buried at Volkovskoe cemetery for the period 1820-1871 (fund 422, inventory 1 , files 158-159) and the books for buried at Preobrazhenskoe cemetery for the period 1875-1918 (files 162-244).
Preobrazhenskoye (Transfiguration) Jewish Cemetery was created in 1875. It started as a separate burial place for adherents on non-Christian religions. On the territory of the cemetery, one can see impressive tombs (many of them designed by famous architects) of prominent representatives of the St. Petersburg Jewish community.
In addition, you will find lists of employees of Jewish Community (1892-1894, 1918) and teachers of Jewish secondary schools (1893-1906), lists of employees of the Synagogue (1894-1906, 1919-1921), lists of boys singers (1905-1906) and many more various records.
Fund 1129 has the collection of metrical books for Kronstadt synagogue (1875-1909).
If you are looking for post -Revolutionary metrical records than look no further than ZAGS archives in St Petersburg.
Do not forget the online project – Jewish cemeteries in St Petersburg database.
Remember that the information you are looking for may fall within the scope of the law on Archival Affairs in the Russian Federation. Under this law there might be a restricted access to archival documents. Since it will contain information about the personal and family "secrets" of a citizen. A 75-year term from the date of creation of the specified document applies. Let's say the document is created less than 75 years ago. Then you need to provide the archive with documents, confirming your kinship with your ancestor.


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LDS comedy group hits Salt Lake - Deseret News
byDeseret News | Jan. 14, 2011
He already went viral. Now, he'll try and do it again, live. Stephen Jones, best known for his BYU Old Spice parody YouTube hit that notched more than 2.5 million views, joins The Left Field Stand Up Comedy for live performances in Salt Lake City this weekend. "Look at your weekend, now look at mine, now back at your weekend, now back to mine," says Jones, referencing his popular impersonation in a news release. "Sadly, it's not mine. But if you stopped sitting at home watching YouTube videos and came out to see a live show, it could be like mine." Founded by Jones and seven other BYU students this past fall, The Left Field Stand Up Comedy is a traveling ensemble of Mormon comedians united over a commitment to perform clean, family-friendly material.
Read the rest of this story at deseret.com
Arts & Entertainment Humor Arts And EntertainmentHumor,Arts And Entertainment,Arts & Entertainment
A Latter-day Saint in "Stranger Things" Season 3 + 10 Other Funny Latter-day Saint Mentions in TV
Latter-day Saint Movie Review: Does "Aladdin" Live Up to the Hype or the Original?
Trina Boice
New Trailer for "The Other Side of Heaven 2," Plans for Exciting New Releases of Both Films
Jannalee Sandau


I think it was Bob Orben who said, "Have you noticed how health insurance is like a hospital gown: every time you turn around, you find something that isn't covered?" But health researchers are discovering what many people have known all along -- that getting healthy is about more than medicine and treatment. It also involves a healthy outlook on life.
Various studies have validated the mind/body connection. Cancer is often diagnosed within months of the death of one's spouse. People who are cynical or angry have been shown to be more prone to heart attacks than those with a more positive outlook. And former Saturday Review editor Norman Cousins demonstrated for years how humor, laughter and hope can aid the healing process.
A healthy person is not one with a certain lifestyle, a certain income or certain favorable circumstances. A healthy person is usually one with certain attitudes. Positive mental attitudes and fruitful spiritual attitudes are part of it. One might say that a robust spiritual outlook is good health insurance.
This is excellent. Thank you. All your writing is truly inspirational and uplifting.


Sort This Out Cellars welcomes the opportunity to partner with successful wine retailers and restaurants. Many of our wines are limited and may be available exclusively through our tasting room and website. However, we respect the role that wholesale customers play in connecting wine enthusiasts with new and exciting wines like ours. We look forward to working with wine industry professionals to bring our wines to market.
If you are a wholesale customer in California, Arizona, or Nevada and would like an information on product availability and pricing, please call or email Michael Cobb for a complete listing of wines and prices for your state.
Self Distributed - Call 805-688-1717 or email Michael Cobb for details.


28/09/2006 Finalmente inaugurato il Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Semplice guida per chi arriva o parte dal nuovo Airport.
Aspettando l'apertura del sito web ufficiale troverete notizie sui mezzi di trasporto e servizi .
* Public taxis serving Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport must be less than 5 years old.
* Public taxi drives must be certified by Airports of Thailand.
* Passenger drop off at Departures (level 4 - outer curb).
* Passenger pick up at the taxi stand at Transport center.


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Family of killed US journalist Marie Colvin sues Syria
July 10, 2016 Middle East, WorldSharif Nouman
10 Jul, 2016 7:03 pm
BEIRUT – The family of American journalist Marie Colvin, who died in Syria in 2012, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in a US court, accusing the Syrian government of deliberately killing her.
Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik were killed in the besieged Syrian city of Homs in 2012 while reporting on the Syrian conflict, now in its sixth year.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington on Saturday and seen by Reuters, said Syrian officials deliberately targeted rockets against a makeshift broadcast studio where Colvin and other reporters were living and working.
The suit alleged the attack was part of a plan orchestrated at the highest levels of the Syrian government to silence local and international media "as part of its effort to crush political opposition".
The lawsuit included as evidence a copy of an August 2011 fax which it alleges was sent from Syria's National Security Bureau instructing security bodies to launch military and intelligence campaigns against "those who tarnish the image of Syria in foreign media and international organisations".
"This case is about carrying on Marie's work," plaintiff Cathleen Colvin, Marie Colvin's sister, said.
"We are seeking truth and justice not just for her, but for thousands of innocent Syrians tortured or killed under the Assad dictatorship," she said in a statement released by US human rights group the Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) which filed the case for the Colvin family.
Advocacy group Reporters Without Borders said it supported the lawsuit.
The group's secretary-general, Christophe Deloire, said Reporters Without Borders "hopes these efforts will help to expose the truth, namely that these journalists were deliberately targeted and killed because they were providing information about the Syrian army's crimes against civilians."
A murder and attempted murder investigation was launched in France in 2012 into the death of Ochlik and wounding of another journalist, Edith Bouvier, in the same attack.
Reporters Without Borders, as an interested party in the case, said it will submit the Colvin family's US lawsuit to the judge in charge of the French investigation on Monday.
Colvin and Ochlik were both prize-winning reporters of wars in the Middle East, Asia and elsewhere. The Britain-based Colvin, who lost an eye while working in Sri Lanka in 2001, was working for the Sunday Times at the time of her death. The Syrian Foreign Ministry, to whom the lawsuit was addressed, could not immediately be reached for comment. -Reuters
Palestinian leaders say they'll cut security coordination with Israel
Marchers protest police violence in Baltimore, New York
Hong Kong braces for new democracy showdown as poll reform vote looms
Aleppo evacuations gain pace as rebels, civilians leave
North Korea says to take "corresponding measures" if UN adopts sanctions
At least 21 killed in Brazil prison breakout bid
Mexican governor, senator husband killed in helicopter crash
Gunmen kill 15 in Kenya hotel compound attack claimed by Somali Islamists
← People being murdered on the directions of AJ&K PM: Pervaiz Rashid Japan's ruling bloc wins landslide in upper house election →


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Some Big Deal
By Kathryn Jean Lopez
About Kathryn Jean Lopez
Follow Kathryn Jean Lopez on Twitter
The Washington Times suggests something very far away from a united Senate:
Fewer than 20 senators are publicly committed to supporting the immigration deal that hits the Senate floor today while nearly 40 are already opposed or have serious concerns, underscoring how difficult it will be for President Bush and his allies to craft a coalition that can pass the bill.
A Washington Times survey of Senate offices and public comments after the deal was announced Thursday found an additional 32 senators who said they cannot even take a position yet — a result of the fact that the deal was written in secret by a dozen senators and the Bush administration, wasn't even finalized until yesterday and still hasn't reached many Senate offices.
"I did not agree to any immigration deal and was not part of the negotiations," said Sen. Jim Bunning, Kentucky Republican and a likely opponent. "From what I have heard about the bill, it gives amnesty to the estimated 12.5 million illegal immigrants in this country."
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Kathryn Jean Lopez is a senior fellow at the National Review Institute and an editor-at-large of National Review. Sign up for her weekly NRI newsletter here. She is the author of A Year with the Mystics: Visionary Wisdom for Daily Living. @kathrynlopez
Convict and Disqualify Trump
Dan McLaughlin
For the health of the Republican Party — and the nation — it is the right and just thing to do.
The Flight 93 Post-Election
The mood perfectly captures what happened at the U.S. Capitol — fevered, dark, and apocalyptic.
Jacob Blake Himself Blows Up 'Unarmed' Media Narrative
Tobias Hoonhout
CNN ran multiple articles describing Blake as 'unarmed' which have yet to be corrected.


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8. Asus Google Nexus
Asus is a Taiwanese multinational computer electronics and hardware company headquartered in Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan.
Founded in 1989, it has a very diverse set of consumer and enterprise related products that include desktops, laptops, mobile phones etc. It also has netbooks monitors, projectors, networking equipment, motherboards, optical storage, graphics cards, multimedia products, wearables, workstations, servers, and tablet PCs.
While Google handles the design, development and marketing of its tablet devices, the manufacturing is done through partnering with the original equipment manufacturers where Asus is one in the list that included Samsung, HTC and also Motorola. The two generations of the Nexus 7 launched in 2012 was manufactured for and branded as Google for release. In 2013, Asus held an announcement as a successor to the Google Nexus 7 which was a 7.00 -inch tablet with 1280 by 800 pixel display and was the first device to run Android 4. In late 2013, Google introduced the second generation of Nexus 7 which was also developed and manufactured by Asus.
Asus has also been keenly working with Microsoft for developing Windows 8 convertible tablets. As of August 2016, the devices currently available in Nexus series are two smartphones, the Nexus 6P (manufactured by Huawei) and Nexus 5X (manufactured by LG). The most recent tablet was the Nexus 9 which was manufactured by HTC and the most recent streaming media player the Nexus Player manufactured by Asus.
Asus also launched many Android-based smartphones in the brand name Zenfone and Padfone series which are powered by Intel Atom processors.


Based in Milan, 1+1 historical design gallery specializes in Italian pieces from the 20th century with a focus on lighting and selected objects. Operating online, the gallery aims to satisfy clients worldwide with accurate item descriptions, detailed pictures, and quick delivery. 1+1 features selected pieces by well-known designers and manufacturers such as Franco Albini, Guido Andlovitz, Tommaso Barbi, BBPR, Osvaldo Borsani, Augusto Bozzi, Franco Bucci, Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Marcello Fantoni, Guido Gambone, Angelo Mangiarotti, Enzo Mari, Sergio Mazza, Bruno Munari, Angelo Ostuni & Riccardo Forti, Carlo Pagani, Ico Parisi, Gio Ponti, Willy Rizzo, Gino Sarfatti, Ettore Sottsass, Stilnovo, Oscar Torlasco, Nanni Valentini, Marco Zanuso and more!


Mini Muffin MiniMo Teddy Bear Charlie Bears is an adorable 8-1/2 inch shaggy brown and dark brown mohair bear made of the finest Schulte mohair. She wears an organza bow and a beaded necklace with bell around her neck. Mini Muffin MiniMo is fully-jointed and has sparkling glass eyes. Included with this teddybear is an Isabelle gift bag and certificate of authenticity. Mini Muffin MiniMo comes from a limited edition of 2000. Charlie Bears - 'Bears with Personalities'.
Nice little bear with a sweet expression and beautiful tones of brown. Recieved two little rabbits with order, such a nice surprise. Super service as always.


On April 3, 2015, Sealaska directors approved a shareholder distribution totaling $12.9 million. Sealaska has paid out approximately $553.5 million in total dividends to its shareholders since inception. This is the fortieth consecutive year Sealaska has issued dividends to its shareholders. Sealaska is the largest Alaska Native Corporation at more than 21,600 shareholders, with many still calling Southeast Alaska home.
The record date for the April 2015 distribution is April 3, 2015. The distribution will occur on April 13, 2015.


Variability in local practice continues to cause upheaval for schools at the heart of the SEND system. Here are some of the misconceptions we need to address now.
Previously I have written about how the law trumps all as far as SEND is concerned. As we near the end of the reforms implementation period, I continue to hear first-hand accounts from practitioners of legal inaccuracies, abdicated responsibilities and convoluted processes in the SEND system.
With a number of charities and individuals offering valuable advice, I think it useful to clarify, in one place, some of the common misconceptions that keep coming up time and time again!
Myth 1: It is the responsibility of the school to arrange the provision specified in a child's EHCP.
This is a very popular misconception, owing to differences in local policies and procedures. The local authority is legally responsible for arranging provision, not the school. There is no ambiguity here, despite what some may tell you.
Only the LA can carry out an EHC needs assessment to identify SEND. A parent/carer may have privately commissioned reports (EP/SALT for example) that they wish the LA to consider as part of the needs assessment, and can submit these as part of their views during the assessment process.
School, parents/carers, young people and professionals (including social care and health, if appropriate) should all have their voices heard as part of the needs assessment.
To quote the Education Act 1996: 'the authority shall arrange that the special educational provision specified in the statement is made for the child'. This is true not only for statements but also for EHCPs.
Myth 2: An EHCP cannot specify a particular type of therapy if it is not available from the local health service.
A therapy can be included even if that specific local service doesn't provide it. Evidence for the requirement of said therapy would be part of the EHC needs assessment that informs the plan.
Once a child's needs have been identified, it only matters that they are being met, not who's meeting them.
The landmark case of R v The Secretary of State for Education and Science, ex parte E  1 FLR 377 CA ruled that 'the statement must specify in part 2 the authority's assessment of the special educational needs of the child ... and in part 3 the special educational provision to be made for the purpose of meeting those needs'.
This is true not only for statements but also for EHC Plans, see paragraph 9.69 of the SEN and Disability Code of Practice 2014, 'Provision must be specified [in Section F] for each and every need specified in Section B'.
Myth 3: Special educational provision (SEP) can be generic and unspecified.
An EHCP needs to contain a high level of specificity in relation to Section F; this particularly means, whether or not the young person attends a special school, the special educational provision in an EHCP needs to be very clearly detailed. It cannot be a collection of generic statements such as 'access to', 'opportunities for', 'regular', 'where necessary' and so on.
Parents/carers will receive a draft plan, which they should comb through for any 'woolly' statements. Local parent/carer forums and Independent Supporters should support parents/carers in responding to the draft plan.
Myth 4: Schools can send a child home to 'cool off', or ask parents/carers to collect their child from school.
No, this cannot happen lawfully and is a common myth. Even if the parent or carer agrees to collect their child, unofficial or informal exclusions are illegal. We need to take share this very clear message and take action if we are to prevent the unlawful exclusion of young people with SEND. This cannot be clearer.
Anyone working in the SEND system has a duty to aspire for the best possible outcomes for young people. Volunteering for IPSEA was an invaluable opportunity to consolidate my own understanding of the law.
Drawing on that experience, and my regular discussions with SENCOs and families, I hope I've drawn you to some of the common areas that come up time, and time again. Hopefully together we can keep banging that drum, and remember that the law trumps all!


We're told the actor went to the hospital last week after complaining of abdominal pains and left last Wednesday ... against the doctor's advice.
Michael went radio silent over the weekend, and one of his friends went to his Glendale home Sunday to check on him. Michael didn't answer, so the friend climbed through a window and found his body lying in the living room.
We're told Michael had a history of hypertension and high cholesterol. He also battled diverticulitis -- inflammation of the digestive tract.
Our sources say he was not following medical advice. So far it's being treated as a death from "natural causes." An autopsy is pending.