That retail task force that Mayor Parker put together about the same time that Macy's announced it was closing the Downtown store came through with its first report yesterday, recommending that Dallas St. between Milam and La Branch — or between the hotels on the west side of Downtown and the hotels, Discovery Green, and George R. Brown Convention Center on the east — be prettied up into a kind of retail promenade. And the task force recommends that it happen sooner rather than later, in time to capitalize on the disposable incomes of the hordes coming to town for the NCAA Final Four in 2016 and the Super Bowl in 2017.
The rendering above, included in the report, shows a Kardashian body double strolling through the intersection of Main St. and Dallas; the Sakowitz building, catty-corner across from the to-be-demolished-in-a-week Macy's, would pair with GreenStreet to anchor the linear district and provide similar photo opportunities. It appears that the task force hopes to lure national retailers and rally existing tenants and landowers, like Hilcorp, to the cause with tax breaks and other incentives, including waiving the city ordinance requiring that signage Downtown be no taller than 42.5 ft.
That map shows the area in the task force has in mind.
Adding another traffic lane is one of the worst things they can do to try to create a walkable retail mini-district. The more lanes you get, the faster the cars go, and the less safe people feel walking. They've done studies. Read a book.
Looks like an un-widening actually. A great improvement over the bleak appearance of Dallas street today.
The old Sakowitz building is directly across Main Street from the old Foley's. Not catty-corner.
Didn't Sam Houston propose in 1859 to convert the parking garage on Main and Dallas into a retail center? Seems like that idea has been around long enough to expect little from it. But, who knows. It would be a perfect second location in Houston for Bork.
Hopefully on the task force's list of to-do items is redirecting all of that fried, nasty, 120-degree restaurant exhaust blasting onto pedestrians as they walk past Guadalajara, House of Blues and Three Forks. I wince as I see impressionable conference attendees walking along there between Courtyard Marriott and the GRB.
Finally… a serious plan for downtown retail. I'm glad for this, but we need to keep in mind who is most likely to benefit from this corridor. It needs to integrate tourism-centric retail. Convention visitors are still coming to Downtown Houston and saying "we love the park, but where are all the gift shops? Where can I find info about what's going on?" We've got to develop more of that stuff for downtown, along with new retail of different varieties.
It's also important to let visitors know about other parts of Downtown. From Dallas street, they may not be aware of all the great restaurants that are a short train ride away by Market Square. Yet another reason why tourist info needs to be in this area.
Yeah, that would be my suggestion, too.
In two years new Swamplot readers are going to think "What the heck is Bork?" about twice a week.
Does this mean we'll get a 150 foot tall Apple advertisement downtown, like our friends in Dallas have?
First, form a round-up-the-bums task force, if you really intend to make downtown pedestrian friendly.
This is a huge waste of money imo. I will go on record to say that I bet the city (we) will lose at least $50 mill on this 44 page idea!
How can they widen one-way Dallas to 3 lanes when it already has 4? Surely the plan is to narrow it to 3 lanes.
@aero I'd rather have a whale mural.
Looking at the map, there are still some problems with that stretch. Of the 7 blocks, 3 right in the middle have parking garages on one side (presumably with reduced street-interaction — I don't recall how many of those have room for ground floor retail facing Dallas St), and the other side are the 3 blocks of GreenStreet, which unless it is majorly renovated does not have much street-level interaction with Dallas St either.
Some of the renderings show ground-floor retail along one of the garages, though, and hopefully designs of existing garages can be altered to improve the street-level interaction.
I suspect they meant Dallas St will be narrowed, not widened (I think it currently has 5 lanes including parking now, and this cuts it to 3).
Contrary to some, I think shopping could make sense downtown. As Houston becomes more of a destination for tourism, we may well see more people wanting to shop downtown, especially if the convention center starts attracting more international conventions. I agree that you're not going to have many people driving in from the suburbs to shop. The report did suggest making free parking to encourage such people (not that it matters much when they are likely spending more on gas than parking), but I don't think they can rely on that.
I'll take that bet. And, I'll also bet that your attitude changes after you realize all the residents and hotel guest inhabiting downtown within just a couple years.
@Eric – that's exactly right. The report actually does address all these concerns, but of course none of the complainers have bothered to read it. They probably haven't even set foot in the area either since the 90's, but you can trust that they'll have an opinion on it.
Great idea. Now execute on it.
We shop downtown at this time and would welcome any new retail there so this is very convenient for us personally.
I think this is a great idea but agree w/Mssr Texas_Leftist in that the city should place tourist/visitor information in this new retail area in downtown. The tourist or visitor would then learn that Hermann park, Rice Village, the Houston Zoo, etc. are a light rail ride away. Also, IMHO, a venue to illustrate the area's history could become a tourist destination itself.
Good work members of the Task Force!
@JD, bill_b, and Eric: You're right. The report says Dallas will undergo a "redesign" down to 3 lanes. The story has been updated.
@bill_b: And you're right about the Sakowitz building. That's been updated in the story as well.
Also, it appears that Bork is not imaginary, but a Russian high-end appliance retailer.
I think downtown Houston is cool. Very walkable. I would totally shop, hang out there if parking is addressed. How about free parking on Saturday as well as Sunday?
This will work. Young professionals with disposable incomes want a real downtown scene.
WASP wants to be somebody!
The "Bork" concept seems to have really caught on with some folks here. Personally, I like the "you will be assimilated" aspect!
Alternatively, it sounds like an eastern european dog barking.
Bork bork bork. Bork bork bork. Bork bork bork bork bork bork bork!
Well, that should be sung to the tune of El Chavo del Ocho, if anyone knows what that is.
I don't understand why they wouldn't include the empty parking lot blocks adjacent to Root Square in the shopping district. Market Square seems to be doing well these days, why not lend some support to this park as well? Empty lots seem like they would be exactly the blank slate needed for a developer wishing to put in new retail.
What's the deal with the full block substation directly next to the park? Talk about a potential prime retail location. Is there no better place for this?
How can anybody actually be against this? Houston is developing into a world class city and the only thing it lacks is a dense urban core with a vibrant downtown. Retail and shopping is what drives people to go places and without retail downtown will remain a ghost town after business hours. How about you people who are against this move out to Sugar Land or the Woodlands and let Houston move forward into a great urban world class city. Houston is going to transform from a sprawling, strip center, giant free way, car centrist, no character, suburban wasteland in to a urban world class city. If you are against that then stay in the burbs and leave us alone.
I predict this will be as successful as El Mercado del Sol.
I must have a Bork meat grinder. It looks awesome!
I _never_ go downtown for retail shopping, and never will, even though I live just 6 miles away along the 59, about a mile from the Galleria. It's not that downtown is hard for me to get to on weekends (15 minutes tops), it's just that there's nothing there for me or my family.
I don't window shop – I go shopping for things I already know that I need. The last time I went downtown was maybe 15 months ago, to an animal adoption shelter in Pavilions.
Why would I go downtown? For the bars (I'm too old), for the restaurants (sure, if a friend from out of town wants to go, twice in the last decade), for the sports (I don't watch sports, don't attend games), for the museums (aren't any), for the convention center (went once for a toy train exhibit with my kids), theater or musicals (ditto, went once, would like to go more, but never do)? So why would I go if you spend $50 million tax dollars to put in a half-assed mall?
The only thing that has brought me (us) downtown a dozen times in the last 3-4 years, has been Discovery Green. But we drive, park, play, then we leave.
Your studies may be right. It might be that all the downtown workers and convention-goers need somewhere to shop, but I don't. I'll just grit my teeth and go to the Galleria (five minutes away) when I need something. If they don't have what I need, downtown sure won't!
I find it hard to understand naysayers who dismiss downtown as a shopping/entertainment destination. The problem for me is that I'm not convinced that leaving downtown alone is a good way to foster continued business in that district. Maybe it makes sense for a big company to have office space in an area that offers nothing else in the way of quality of life, but what would compel them to stay if better options come along on the outskirts? It's the same old argument from the same old naysayers who complain about parking and traffic etc nonstop. As another poster has pointed out often, we Houstonians will happily park 200 yards from a mall entrance and trek over the asphalt in the blazing heat, we'll even do it for an outlet mall that isn't enclosed and air conditioned, but dare suggest we make downtown a destination and people lose their minds. Encouraging this kind of development is not a waste of time. It's a way to maximize the potential of an area of town whose main knock against it is the continued, ignorant prejudice, primarily from people who never go there anyway.
You're so vain, you probably thought that report was about you.
That was a very long post you wrote simply to confirm that you don't realize that you are not the target market for downtown retail. It's OK. They concede that Galleria area residents aren't coming downtown to shop.
I would love to live and shop downtown.
Great idea … except for Houston's heat and humidity.
Perhaps what should be done in addition to the dressed-up, widened sidewalks is to create a street wide (and air conditioned) tunnel paired with skylights and street access all along the sidewalk-widened and cleaned up Dallas St. This could possibly double the amount of retail, provide an all-weather pedestrian corridor and a street level opportunity for fair weather activities or sidewalk cafes.
If the city can do this without tax breaks, what do I care? I'll continue staying away in droves. Do they have to subsidize developers to do something that supposedly makes business sense? What happened to free enterprise?
This is great! But, for all the naysayers, realize, you aren't the demographic — I'm 25 yr old young professional living in the loop, so are my friends. We go downtown for theater and the occasional restaurant. Would we go downtown more often if there was a lively retail scene and a more walkable inviting atmosphere? … absolutely. I swear, some of you complainers are the most uncreative people; can't even see past the current reality. But once something like this goes through and happens, the people will come, and downtown will grow. And not that anyone will care, but you'll be wrong.
I really do not perceive downtown's competitive advantage to be retail shopping at national retailers. Its advantage is events (and interestingly that document noted that retail sales can go down during events).
So there are two types of events: spontaneous and staged. My guess is that the most consistent group to do spontaneous events downtown would be the people (such as UH students) destined to find their way downtown via LRT either in the name of looking for something fun to do or as a waystation to transfer trains to go somewhere else.
For staged events, there are lots of conventioneers and events-attendees maybe needing touristy drinking-type things to do within walking distance of GRB.
How national retailers would appeal to such groups is not clear, although at some point an urban Target or something like that may be necessary.
Also I don't know how the task force can issue a "final report" when we still don't know what might be going up on the Foley's site.
I'm in my 30's and me and all my friends have plenty of disposable incomes, we are all highly educated and socially active and none of us would shop downtown and I live 2.5 miles away. I fit the demographic better then any one of what they're trying to attract, 30somethings have significantly more buying power than 20 somethings and I can assure these stores will mostly cater to an over 25 crowd.
Several residential towers are being planned for downtown. A new rail line will soon connect UH, which has an ever larger on campus population with nowhere to go in the immediate vicinity. Midtown already has a lot of people. I live in the Heights. It's much faster for me to get into downtown than say the Galleria. There must be some scale. People are different. That's why we have malls with lots of stores. Thinking small won't cut it. Downtown is interesting to walk. Also, this isn't just for the locals. It's about bringing in conventions. Personally, having few tourists is nice. Getting into great local restraunts is usually doable. But I think Houston can tolerate a few more. I don't ever want to be like NO. A great city, love the Garden District and the FQ, but would not want to live there. Build it for locals first and let the tourists such as they are enjoy our city.
El Mercado del Sol would have a much better chance of working now, as more people are moving in, than it did back when downtown was a ghost town after business hours.
I think that one of the biggest impediments to downtown retail is the tunnel system. What little retail there is in downtown is located within the tunnel system which caters to office workers. that is one reason the downtown always looks so dead, even at noon time. Everyone is underground.
The bums are another problem that never seems to get addressed. The intersection the Lamar and Main is one of the worst spots, with a crappy convenience store and a major bus/train stop. I caught a bus there for years and saw all kinds of crap go down at that corner. A guy was even stabbed there last week.
Lmao, I can assure you, Houston will never be mistaken for New Orleans. It makes no sense to even compare the two cities. Downtown Houston does not have a 16th century city on the edge of it, and it certainly has no Garden District. There is a great article in the Chronicle on how Houston doesn't have never the population downtown to support this and they were counting all the residential units in the pipeline. Attn Annise Parker, Houston isn't Chicago nor New York.
The people bitching on here were probably the same people that bitched about the idea of a park on the east end of downtown as being a waste of money and nothing but a magnet for the homeless.
Is there a reason Greenstreet's (Houston Pavilions) tenants don't currently have entrances on Dallas?
There are doors there – all it would take would be signs, awnings and unlocking the doors.
Sounds like a plan (except how do they plan to reduce the presence of the homeless?). Hurry up, I am tired of the eats on this side of town.
I'm trying to read the report now. What the hell is up with that font? Is it just me and my computer, or are all the lower case "L"s and upper case "I"'s bold or super thick?
Maybe turn the district into a sampling of Houston's food scene right there in the particular area in question, somewhat nearby the conventions and sports arenas.
Houston chefs are lately receiving press for their food – and conventioneers might appreciate the convenience instead of having to drive all around town when they may be already tired from the convention.
Maybe the city could incentivize that – instead of incentivizing national retail chains.
This needs to happen. Retail downtown is badly needed.
etherist, I'm not exactly sure why you go on and on about all the stuff you "can't" do downtown.
The fact that you never go to that side of town means that your opinion on the area means very little to me. How do you know what it's like to walk around and shop and how the area is if you only go to a specific location every couple years?
You're right, you aren't the tartget demographic. However, lots of people are. I live in the museum district, ma in in my early 30's, ride the rail lots of places and have friends that are in the same category with more and more of my suburban friends moving into the area every year. These people DO WANT a vibrant downtown area with shops.
Well since WASP has declared that he will not shop Downtown and he is the center of the universe and every demographer's dream, I guess it is a foregone conclusion for Annise to back off. After all, he was the same one who swore no gays would go to Neon Boots–it was too far, not in the gayborhood blah blah blah….and apparently it opened to droves of patrons. Let's just forget that East Downtown is starting to develop and there is no shopping there. Let's forget that Midtown is limited as well. Let's forget the the Downtown workers and residents too. In order to lure some big box tenants, there has to be a plan.
16th Century? The French Quarter wasn't even laid out until the 1720's. Most of the buildings date to the last two decades of the 18th century.
I think retail downtown would be great. I think tax dollars for sidewalks, trees, lighting and "wayfinding" signage might be a good idea.
BUT I don't think taxpayers should pay for developer's build-outs, or offer incentives to developers/owners "based on the cost differential of an owner to lease competitive Class A retail space" (cost differential compared to what?).
I also don't think this will be as transparent as they would like us to think. Based on how the City has handled past incentives for retail, the actual agreement(s) won't be available for inspection by the public or council members unless specifically requested, and then only days before Council votes. The Request for Council Action document (one-page summary for Council) will be so vague/inaccurate as to be worthless.
It also looks like several of the members of the task force could personally reap great financial benefits from any government assistance for this shopping district.
People don't go downtown because they're too stupid to realize that going to the Galleria is just as much of a hassle as going downtown. Or, maybe it's because downtown doesn't have enough stuff, which this idea is intended to deal with. Whatever. They're a bunch of whiners who think parking is a problem or who don't want to walk anywhere and worse still, they'd prefer to just let downtown rot. Thankfully, the city has a growing population of people who think differently.
Books A Million didn't exactly inspire confidence in national retailers.
If conventioneers can't be bothered to browse and buy books in an environment probably specifically designed for a national retailer and located in the best retail location in downtown, how can they be expected to walk the streets searching for things they can find at any old mall at home?
@ WASP. I'm also in the demographic. In my 30's with money to spend and educated friends. We love downtown and would welcome more development. Maybe you're not a visionary and just a follower …. The burbs mights suit you better.


We're Mint to Be Printable Valentines are the perfect Valentine gift idea for friends and neighbors. These adorable buckets filled with mints or gum will be a hit with young and young at heart.
We love giving our friends a little gift or treat for Valentines Day. It's the perfect way to show anyone close to you how much they mean. Valentines Day isn't just for lovers in our house. It's for everyone!
We found these adorable little buckets at Oriental Trading and knew they would make the perfect gift along with these yummy butter mints.
This post contains affiliate links. We make a small percentage if you purchase through these links, but it will cost you nothing more.
All printables are property of The Crafting Chicks, LLP. For personal non-commercial use. Do not alter or claim as your own.
This gift idea is so simple to put together.
Just print out the Free Printable "We're Mint to Be" Printable Valentine Tags on cardstock and cut out. You could also send these to your favorite copy store.
Next, decorate the Mini Red Favor Pails with some Pink Washi Tape. Then add in some Red and Pink wrapped Buttermints. You could also throw in some gum for gum lovers.
And there you have it. An adorable and quick Valentine's Day gift idea!


I've been reading two books simultaneously! The first is Teaching Students to Read Like Detectives, by Fisher, Frey and Lapp and the second is Making Thinking Visible: How to Promote Engagement, Understanding and Dependence for All Learners by Ritchhart, Church and Morrison. They are my new favorites because they embody the essence of Common Core Standards and what our students can achieve.
I love the idea of giving kids and teachers the tools/structures to meet the expectations of the CCSS. I have attached a free foldable I adapted from a Thinking Visible routine called, Compass Points. It's a popular routine that helps students explore various facets of a proposition or idea. Ask students these questions and record their responses in the directions of a compass to provide a visual anchor. More information can be found at www.pz.harvard.edu.
I envision strategically choosing a few of these thinking routines at a time to model in classrooms and share with teachers before the end of the year.
I've Got a Deal for You!


Since the late 1960s, there has been an acceleration of research focused on understanding how the efferent ducts, the epididymis, and the vas deferens function with respect to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa and as hormone dependent tissues. Another major interest in the epididymis is that it is an attractive target for the development of male contraceptives. There are well over 16,000 peer reviewed articles in the literature on these tissues, their structure, gene expression, protein synthesis and function. Regular international meetings have been initiated that are dedicated to this field. Thus, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive reference volume that spans every facet of epididymal biology, from historical background to the most current results, from basic cell and molecular biology to clinical issues. Well-established experts from every part of the world have contributed to this volume. By necessity, each author was given page limitations so that many topics are not dealt with exhaustively. Whenever possible, references to more comprehensive discussion of specific topics are included.
The epididymis has become increasingly important to researchers engaged in fertility and its regulation. Until now, no single volume review of the field has been available. "The Epididymis: From Molecules to Clinical Practice A Comprehensive Survey of Efferent Ducts, The Epididymis and the Vas Deferens" will provide a complete, up-to-date, in-depth review of the research on the male reproductive tract. Structure, function, and molecular mechanisms underlying the control of the efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens will be reviewed.


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Readers ask: Invictus poem analysis line by line?
1 What is the message of Invictus poem?
2 What is the main theme of the poem Invictus?
3 What does the line my head is bloody but unbowed symbolize?
4 What is the meter of Invictus?
5 What is the message of this poem?
6 What is the moral lesson of Invictus?
7 Who is speaker in the poem?
8 What is the central theme of the poem The Road Not Taken?
9 What does night symbolize in Invictus?
10 What figure of speech is out of the night that covers me?
11 What literary device is used in the following line I am the captain of my soul?
12 What is the meaning of Under the bludgeonings of chance?
13 What is the theme of this poem?
14 What is the meaning of the word Bludgeonings as it is used in the poem?
15 What is the meaning of Invictus?
What is the message of Invictus poem?
Invictus is a poem which focuses on the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. It is a rallying cry for those who find themselves in dark and trying situations, who have to dig deep and fight for their lives. The poet certainly knew hard times and needed all his strength to battle against disease.
What is the main theme of the poem Invictus?
Suffering and Resilience. "Invictus" is above all a poem about resilience in the face of suffering. This resilience comes from the courage to embrace life and refuse despair.
What does the line my head is bloody but unbowed symbolize?
bloodied but unbowed proud of what one has achieved despite having suffered great difficulties or losses; originally as a quotation from W. E. Henley's poem Invictus (1888), 'My head is bloody, but unbowed. '
You might be interested: FAQ: Alliteration poem maker?
What is the meter of Invictus?
"Invictus" uses iambic tetrameter (tetra means four).
What is the moral lesson of Invictus?
They face their fears and act. They surround themselves with positive people. The story told in the movie and book Invictus demonstrates the power of self confidence and optimism. Nelson Mandela's supreme self confidence allowed him to unify a nation when most thought that it was headed for a bloody civil war.
Who is speaker in the poem?
Definition: In poetry, the speaker is the voice behind the poem—the person we imagine to be saying the thing out loud. It's important to note that the speaker is not the poet. Even if the poem is biographical, you should treat the speaker as a fictional creation because the writer is choosing what to say about himself.
What is the central theme of the poem The Road Not Taken?
The poet, Robert Frost, through this poem asserts the importance of the right decision at the right time. In life we have to make our choices; sometimes we have to make these choices without the full understanding of the state of affairs.
What does night symbolize in Invictus?
The word symbol derives from the Greek word "symbolon" meaning token or watchword. In the first line of first stanza "Out of the night that covers me", he uses night as a symbol. It represents the hardships, sufferings and the pain of worldly existence.
You might be interested: Often asked: Ozymandias poem translation?
What figure of speech is out of the night that covers me?
Personification: Personification is used to attribute human characteristics to an inanimate object. The poet has personified "night" in the first line of the poem such as "out of the night that covers me." Nightstands for the suffering that troubles him.
What literary device is used in the following line I am the captain of my soul?
The figure of speech used is metaphor (it means coming of age) and personification. The figure of speech used is symbolism because gate symbolizes one's path in life. "I am the master of my faith. I am the captain of my soul."
What is the meaning of Under the bludgeonings of chance?
Under the bludgeoning of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed." This is the second stanza; small, but meaningful. The poet is describing someone who has had a hard life. They have encountered many troubles and circumstances, but have never given up pushing through them.
What is the theme of this poem?
What is the meaning of the word Bludgeonings as it is used in the poem?
In 'Invictus', 'bludgeonings' refers to the myriad stumbling blocks and misfortunes brought about by life.
You might be interested: Quick Answer: Poem for gift?
What is the meaning of Invictus?
Invictus, meaning unconquerable or undefeated in Latin, was written in 1875 by William Ernest Henley.
Readers ask: The flea poem summary?
Readers ask: Example of haiku poem about life?
Often asked: How to write an apostrophe poem?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


If you have been following us on facebook and twitter you may already have noticed all the exciting new developments that have been happening! We are happy to announce three new exciting partnerships!
Our first partnership is with HUB Australia. Specifically, HUB Melbourne! If you haven't heard about the HUB you REALLY need to check them out. The idea behind the HUB is working in a collaborative and supportive workspace that encourages community across sectors, disciplines and generations. We have been able to have many of our APERTURE meetings at the HUB and the working environment is absolutely amazing, inclusive and relaxed. Check them out!
Our second exciting new partnerships is with our first affiliated festival in Asia – Festival Film Dokumenter (FFD Yogyakarta)! Please check out their organiser's facebook.
Their call for entries is open now from July 15th- October 10th! This is for Indonesian filmmakers only. Stay tuned for their international open submissions.
Our final new partnership announcement is with the Multicultural Women in the Arts (MWA). MWA supports all women engaged in the arts at any level and from any background. Check out their facebook page here.
With 3 months left to the actual festival (November 22-23 2013) we are working hard at organising the actual logistics for the event. We have also decided to extend the deadline for submission to August 26th in order to accommodate all the amazing submissions that keep coming in! The selection panelist has already begun to review all current submissions and we can't wait to reveal which ones will be showcased during the festival! For more information about how to submit your pieces please view our submission information page!
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Capgemini Argentina
Capgemini eleva todos sus objetivos financieros para 2021 basándose en su fuerte impulso de crecimiento
Revenues of €8,711 million in H1 2021, up 14.9%
H1 constant currency growth of +17.9% and organic growth* of +7.1%
Q2 constant currency growth of +12.4% and organic growth of +12.9%
Operating margin rate* up 1.2 points to 12.0%
+42% increase in Net profit, Group share, with normalized earnings per share* up 32%
Organic free cash flow* up €323 million to €429 million
Raising all financial targets for 2021:
constant currency growth of +12.0% to +13.0%
operating margin of 12.5% to 12.7%
organic free cash flow above €1,500 million
Paris, July 28, 2021 – The Board of Directors of Capgemini SE, chaired by Paul Hermelin, convened on July 27, 2021 in Paris to review and adopt the accounts[1] of Capgemini Group for the first half of 2021.
Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of the Capgemini Group, said: "Capgemini has delivered an excellent 2021 first-half performance. Organic growth accelerated significantly in Q2 reaching 12.9%, and H1 operating margin has materially improved.
I would like once again to pay tribute to our 290,000 team members who continuously create value for our clients, in a context that remains challenging in several regions.
These results are underpinned by two factors: a structural acceleration in client demand for technology and the relevance of our strategic direction, as outlined during our 2021 Capital Markets Day. They also exemplify our growth model based on our intimacy with strategic clients, the success of our innovative offerings, deep relationships with our technology partners and significant investments in human capital. We are developing new solutions to help our clients reduce their carbon footprint, and have just launched our first offer for sustainable IT.
In light of this excellent performance and the very solid prospects for the second half of the year, we have decided to significantly raise our growth, operating margin and free cash flow targets for 2021."
1ST HALF KEY FIGURES
Capgemini generated revenues of €8,711 million in H1 2021. After a Q1 2021 already marked by higher than expected growth, the Group accelerated strongly in the second quarter. Organic growth* (i.e. adjusted for Group scope and exchange rate impacts) was +12.9%, compared with +1.7% in the previous quarter, with Q2 activity significantly exceeding pre-crisis levels.
For the whole of H1, Group growth reached +14.9% on a reported basis, +17.9% at constant exchange rates and +7.1% organically. Digital and Cloud services primarily underpinned this performance, accounting for around two-thirds of activity[3] and recording strong double-digit year-on-year growth at constant exchange rates in H1.
Bookings totaled €9,128 million in the first six months of 2021, a +20% increase at constant exchange rates year-on-year. The book-to-bill ratio reached 105% in H1 and 111% in Q2, demonstrating the Group's good business momentum.
The operating margin* is €1,042 million, or 12.0% of revenues, an increase of 28% or 120 basis points year-on-year.
Other operating income and expenses represent a net expense of €230 million, down €11 million year-on-year.
Capgemini's operating profit is therefore up +41% at €812 million, or 9.3% of revenues.
The net financial expense is €85 million, an increase of €21 million on H1 2020 with the acquisition of Altran.
The income tax expense is €282 million and includes exceptional tax expenses2 of €56 million, compared with €26 million last year. Adjusted for these expenses, the effective tax rate is 31.0%, compared with 34.6% in H1 2020 and 33.0% in FY 2020.
Net profit (Group share) is up 42% year-on-year at €443 million for the first six months of 2021. Basic earnings per share rose by 42% year-on-year to €2.63, while normalized earnings per share* increased 28% to €3.58. Normalized earnings per share adjusted for exceptional tax expenses rose 32% to €3.91.
The Group generated organic free cash flow* of €429 million, compared with €106 million in the same period in 2020.
Return to shareholders totaled €329 million in H1 2021, corresponding to the dividend payment (€1.95 per share). Furthermore, the Group disbursed a net amount of €70 million on external growth transactions during the period.
OPERATION BY REGION
Changes in Group scope had a significant impact in Q1 2021 (+22.5 points at Group level), mainly due to the acquisition of Altran, consolidated from April 1, 2020.
Given the very limited impact of scope changes in Q2 (-0.5 points at Group level, due to the divestiture of Odigo on December 30, 2020), constant currency growth rates are far more representative of underlying organic trends (i.e. at constant Group scope and exchange rates).
Q2 2021:
Organic growth across all Group regions increased significantly on Q1 2021. In particular, France recorded the fastest acceleration, reporting Q2 organic growth well above 10%. This acceleration is also visible across all Group sectors, but especially in those heavily hit by the health crisis: Consumer Goods, Services (including transportation, hospitality and catering) and Manufacturing. The latter sector made a strong recovery, returning in Q2 to an activity level comparable to the pre-crisis period, as did the Consumer Goods sector in Q1.
At constant exchange rates, the Rest of Europe (31% of Group revenues), United Kingdom and Ireland (12% of Group revenues) and Asia-Pacific and Latin America (7% of Group revenues) regions grew significantly above 10%, while France (21% of Group revenues) and North America (29% of Group revenues) reported high single-digit growth.
These regional trends were fueled by relatively global sector trends. At constant exchange rates, growth is high double-digit in Consumer Goods (13% of Group revenues), Manufacturing (25% of Group revenues and also including Life Sciences), Services (5% of Group revenues) and the Public Sector (14% of Group revenues). Financial Services (22% of Group revenues) and the TMT sector (Telecom, Media and Technology, 13% of Group revenues) came next. Only the momentum of the Energy & Utilities sector (8% of Group revenues) fell significantly short of that of the rest of the Group.
H1 2021:
Given the magnitude of the Q2 acceleration, the activity trends detailed above also apply to the entire half-year. All Group regions reported double-digit growth rates year-on-year at constant exchange rates. This performance takes into account the impact of Altran's consolidation, which is nonetheless limited to Q1 as explained above.
Revenues in North America therefore grew by +12.3% at constant exchange rates, driven mainly by the underlying organic momentum of the Consumer Goods and Manufacturing sectors. The operating margin rate improved further to 15.7%, from 14.4% in the first half of 2020.
Momentum was even stronger in the United Kingdom and Ireland region, with activity growth of +18.5% at constant exchange rates. Public Sector and Financial Services organic growth remained buoyant in the half-year, with Consumer Goods accelerating steadily. The operating margin reached a record level of 17.6%, compared with 14.3% a year earlier.
France revenues grew by +16.2% at constant exchange rates. The Public Sector and Consumer Goods contributed the most to organic growth during the period, while the Manufacturing sector closed the period on a strong momentum. The operating margin improved by 60 basis points year-on-year to 7.5%.
The Rest of Europe region grew +23.7% at constant exchange rates. The Manufacturing, Consumer Goods and TMT sectors reported the strongest organic trend. The operating margin increased significantly to 11.5% from 10.2% one year ago.
Finally, the Asia-Pacific and Latin America region reported revenue growth of +21.3% at constant exchange rates. Organically, the Financial Services, Consumer Goods, TMT and Manufacturing sectors all reported double-digit growth. The region reported a 2-point increase in its operating margin to 12.5%, from 10.5% in H1 2020.
OPERATIONS BY BUSINESS
All Group business lines also showed a further increase in organic growth in total revenues* compared with Q1. In particular, organic growth was a solid double-digit in Strategy & Transformation services (8% of Group revenues) and Applications & Technology services (61% of Group revenues and Capgemini's core business), but also in Engineering services, which saw a strong return to growth and Q2 activity levels comparable with the pre-crisis period. This excellent performance, combined with strong organic growth in Infrastructure and Cloud services, as well as in Business Services (before the impact of the Odigo divestment), brought organic growth in Operations & Engineering services (31% of Group revenues) to above 10%, compared with 7.7% at constant exchange rates.
For the whole of H1 and at constant exchange rates, Strategy & Transformation consulting services reported a +27.3% rise in total revenues. Applications & Technology total revenues increased +10.1%. Finally, Operations & Engineering total revenues grew +33.6% at constant exchange rates with the Q1 impact of the consolidation of Altran, which mainly delivers Engineering services.
At June 30, 2021, the Group's total headcount stood at 289,500, up +9.2% year-on-year, with 163,200 employees in offshore centers (56% of the total Group headcount, up 3 points on June 30, 2020).
Capgemini's balance sheet structure was relatively unchanged in H1 2021.
At June 30, 2021, the Group had cash and cash equivalents and cash management assets of €2.9 billion. After accounting for borrowings of nearly €7.8 billion, Capgemini net debt* stands at €4.8 billion at June 30, 2021, compared with €6.0 billion at June 30, 2020 and €4.9 billion at December 31, 2020.
Given the confirmed stronger than expected momentum, the Group is raising all its targets for the fiscal year and is now aiming in 2021 for:
constant currency growth of +12.0% to +13.0%, instead of +7.0% to +9.0% previously;
an operating margin of 12.5% to 12.7%, instead of 12.2% to 12.4%;
organic free cash flow above €1,500 million, compared with €1,300 million.
The inorganic contribution to growth is anticipated at c. 5.0 points (4.5 points previously).
Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer and Carole Ferrand, Chief Financial Officer, will present this press release during a conference call in English to be held today at 7.00 a.m. Paris time (CET). You can follow this conference call live via webcast at the following link. A replay will also be available for a period of one year.
All documents relating to this publication will be placed online on the Capgemini investor website at https://investors.capgemini.com/en/.
PROVISIONAL CALENDAR
October 28, 2021 – Q3 2021 revenues
February 14, 2022 – FY 2021 results
April 28, 2022 – Q1 2022 revenues
May 19, 2022 – Shareholders' Meeting
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements may include projections, estimates, assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations and services and product development, as well as statements, regarding future performance or events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "may", "would", "should" or the negatives of these terms and similar expressions. Although Capgemini's management currently believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, risks identified in Capgemini's Universal Registration Document available on Capgemini's website), because they relate to future events and depend on future circumstances that may or may not occur and may be different from those anticipated, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Capgemini. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed in, implied by or projected by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not intended to and do not give any assurances or comfort as to future events or results. Other than as required by applicable law, Capgemini does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the United States or any other jurisdiction.
Capgemini is a global leader in partnering with companies to transform and manage their business by harnessing the power of technology. The Group is guided everyday by its purpose of unleashing human energy through technology for an inclusive and sustainable future. It is a responsible and diverse organization of 290,000 team members in nearly 50 countries. With its strong 50 year heritage and deep industry expertise, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to address the entire breadth of their business needs, from strategy and design to operations, fueled by the fast evolving and innovative world of cloud, data, AI, connectivity, software, digital engineering and platforms. The Group reported in 2020 global revenues of €16 billion.
Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com
APPENDIX[4]
Strategy & Transformation includes all strategy, innovation and transformation consulting services.
Applications & Technology brings together "Application Services" and related activities and notably local technology services.
Operations & Engineering encompasses all other Group businesses. These comprise Business Services (including Business Process Outsourcing and transaction services), all Infrastructure and Cloud Services, and R&D and Engineering Services.
Organic growth, or like-for-like growth, in revenues is the growth rate calculated at constant Group scope and exchange rates. The Group scope and exchange rates used are those for the reported period. Exchange rates for the reported period are also used to calculate growth at constant exchange rates.
When determining activity trends by business and in accordance with internal operating performance measures, growth at constant exchange rates is calculated based on total revenues, i.e. before elimination of inter-business billing. The Group considers this to be more representative of activity levels by business. As its businesses change, an increasing number of contracts require a range of business expertise for delivery, leading to a rise in inter-business flows
Operating margin is one of the Group's key performance indicators. It is defined as the difference between revenues and operating costs. It is calculated before "Other operating income and expenses" which include amortization of intangible assets recognized in business combinations, the charge resulting from the deferred recognition of the fair value of shares granted to employees (including social security contributions and employer contributions), and non-recurring revenues and expenses, notably impairment of goodwill, negative goodwill, capital gains or losses on disposals of consolidated companies or businesses, restructuring costs incurred under a detailed formal plan approved by the Group's management, the cost of acquiring and integrating companies acquired by the Group, including earn-outs comprising conditions of presence, and the effects of curtailments, settlements and transfers of defined benefit pension plans.
Normalized net profit is equal to profit for the year (Group share) adjusted for the impact of items recognized in "Other operating income and expense", net of tax calculated using the effective tax rate. Normalized earnings per share is computed like basic earnings per share, i.e. excluding dilution.
Organic free cash flow is equal to cash flow from operations less acquisitions of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets (net of disposals) and repayments of lease liabilities, adjusted for cash out relating to the net interest cost.
COVID-19: The impact of the health crisis on the consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2021 is not isolated. The definition of the above alternative performance measures is therefore unchanged and, in accordance with past practice, these financial statements include in other operating income and expenses a non-material amount of incremental and non-recurring costs related to this crisis.
RESULTS BY REGION
RESULTS BY BUSINESS
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT AND OPERATING MARGIN
NORMALIZED AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Group recognized exceptional tax expenses of €56 million in H1 2021, compared with €26 million in H1 2020. These tax expenses relate to (i) the transitional impact of the 2017 U.S. tax reform and (ii) the consequence of a 2021 change in a local tax regulation on legal restructurings carried out in 2016.
Adjusted for these exceptional tax expenses, normalized earnings per share is €3.91 in H1 2021.
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND ORGANIC FREE CASH FLOW
* The terms and Alternative Performance Measures marked with an (*) are defined and/or reconciled in the appendix to this press release.
[1] Limited review procedures on the interim consolidated financial statements have been completed. The auditors are in the process of issuing their report.
[2] These tax expenses relate to (i) the transitional impact of the 2017 U.S. tax reform, and (ii) the consequence of a 2021 change in a local tax regulation on legal restructurings carried out in 2016.
[3] Group scope excluding Altran.
[4] Note that in the appendix, certain totals may not equal the sum of amounts due to rounding adjustments.


text:
(-) Happy Hours
(-) Performance Bonus
Happy Hours, Scala, Performance Bonus
At Relativity, we make software to help users organize data, discover the truth, and act on it. Our platform is used by thousands of organizations around the world to manage large volumes of data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. Relativity has over 175,000 users in 40+ countries.
Ansarada
Ansarada is an AI-powered dealmaking platform provider focused on helping companies and their advisors thrive amid their most important business events, such as mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, IPOs and audits. Founded in Australia, we're a 12-year old company that's transforming its product offering and building out our US team!
NVISIA
Agency • Software
NVISIA is a software development partner with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee. Since 1991, we have delivered software innovation that scales. Our innovation teams build edge applications with leading, open source products to engage enterprise customers in new ways, while leveraging the process and data in their core business systems.
SpotHero
Consumer Web • Transportation
SpotHero is a rapidly growing tech company that's transforming the $30 billion parking industry. We are a dedicated team working together to define the future of transportation in major cities.
Pangea Money Transfer
Fintech • Mobile
Founded in 2012, Pangea Money Transfer started with the mission of giving everyone the power to move money effortlessly, starting with those who need it the most. Receivers in our 15 active countries across Asia and Latin America can collect the money at available cash pickup locations or directly into any bank account in minutes.
West Monroe Partners
We are an uncommon blend of business-savvy consultants and technical experts who work together to achieve sustainable success. Are you ready to join our team and accept the challenge?
Label Insight was founded with the mission of helping consumers understand what's in the products they use and consume. Today, their world-class data solution powers transparency between CPG brands, retailers, and consumers.
SPINS LLC
At SPINS, we believe there's more than meets the eye to data. As the leading provider of retail consumer insights, analytics and consulting for the Natural, Organic and Specialty Products Industry, we strive to transform raw data into intelligent and actionable business solutions.


text:
Machiavellian
Someone who uses cunning and scheming to get what they want, with no regard for morality or other people. The term 'Machiavellian' is inspired by the Italian Renaissance writer Machiavelli's book 'The Prince' which was dedicated to Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici, on the Medici family's return to Florence. In writing the book, Machiavelli's aim was to flatter the returning ruler, and perhaps seek some new role for himself (so in this respect, the book itself could be said to be Machiavellian).
In 1252 Henry III was given a polar bear by King Haakon of Norway. He kept it in the Tower of London on a long chain so it could swim in the Thames.
"I remain just one thing, and one thing only - and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician. "
~ Charlie Chaplin


TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) has announced it has been awarded a multi-year contract by The Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK). This will significantly broaden federal agencies' access to TransUnion's credit data, public & alternative data, analytics, remote identity and device identification, fraud prevention managed services and investigative risk management offerings.
CreditVision – A suite of tools, fueled by enriched data, credit performance trends and behaviors, and analytics providing a comprehensive and trended view of an individual's financial health.
Prama – A suite of solutions changing how organizations explore data and act on insights. Prama uses advanced technologies to harness underlying data assets and applies advanced analytics to give customers the ability to make better decisions.
IDVision – A solutions suite that enables consumer identity and digital verification, enhancing government organizations' ability to effectively mitigate and manage cyber fraud.
TLOxp – Over 100 billion public and proprietary data points, which help the government verify identities, authenticate businesses, accelerate due diligence on government vendors prior to contracting, identify potential threats, discover fraud, accelerate investigations, and combat fraud.
Recently, TransUnion was also among the first to be awarded a blanket purchase agreement by GSA's login.gov for TransUnion's remote identification and fraud prevention managed services and data analytics solutions.
TransUnion's Government Information Solutions division provides fraud, benefit eligibility verification, continuous evaluation services, identity authentication, data breach response, investigation services, and other key solutions to federal, state and local government agencies in the U.S. TransUnion's solutions help both private and public sector organizations manage risks and reduce costs.
FEDLINK serves federal agencies, libraries and information centers as their purchasing, training and resource-sharing consortium. Its nearly 30 agency members include, but not limited to, the Departments of State, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Air Force, Army, Navy and Veterans Administration, as well as the Supreme Court and the Smithsonian Institute.


text:
Mars rover Curiosity - the first days on Mars
• The rover Curiosity - the first days on Mars
Mars rover Curiosity, landed successfully on August 6, 2012 Mars in Gale Crater, embarked on a journey across the surface of the Red Planet. The rover has already checked his equipment and scientific instruments, drove a few tens of meters, leaving traces on the surface of Mars, and even made a first analysis of the soil.
Photos of the first days in the rover Curiosity on the mysterious red planet.
Immediately start with the vertical Mars mega-panorama. She removed 6 days after the landing of the rover Curiosity on the surface of the Red Planet on August 6, 2012. The image was obtained from the orbit, the camera multifunctional automatic interplanetary station NASA. If you click on the panorama, you can see the landing site of the rover Curiosity and dark dunes in the lower part of the image that are between the rover and the main object of the mission - Mount Sharp (she got into pan and lies at the bottom of the screen).
Previous panorama made from orbit Mars multifunctional automatic interplanetary station NASA. It looks something like this:
Gale Crater - Impact Crater on Mars. Its geological age is approximately 3.5 to 3.8 billion years. An unusual feature is the huge Gale crater mound around the central peak. It is in the crater Geigy successfully landed the rover Curiosity (green dot). In the center of the crater is Mount Sharp, where and keeps its course "curious" rover.
Place of landing the rover was named "Bradbury Landing" (Bradbury Landing) in honor of the American science fiction writer - the author of "The Martian Chronicles" - Ray Bradbury, whom August 22, 2012 would have turned 92 years old.
Self rover made it August 7, 2012.
The rover found his first goal for the Red Planet - cobblestone, tentatively called N165. With the help of a laser gun rover smashed it into dust, and made spectral analysis to determine the chemical composition. The way for the search for water on Mars meets neutron detector Russian production - one of the many instruments of the rover.
Right in the corner can be seen one of the rover's wheels.
Panorama. Traces of the rover Curiosity on Mars. It works on nuclear fuel, which, according to the calculations of scientists, should ensure that it is functioning for two years.
After the testing of the rover Curiosity systems from the landing site (Landing Site) will go to the "crossroads" in 500 meters from him, received the name Glenelg (Glenelg). Here there are three types of surface topography. If all goes according to plan, the rover gets there in about 1.5 months.
But the main purpose of the entire Martian rover and programs worth $ 2.5 billion - the foothills of Mount Sharp in the center of Gale Crater. Path to 20 km will take about two years.
Here rover shows us its robotic arm on the ultimate goal - Mount Sharp.
The robotic arm near. She pulled on a 2.1 meter in length. At hand are a number of scientific instruments: a camera, a drill, a spectrometer and other instruments for the study of the soil of the Red Planet.
Color photo foot of Mount Sharp, where the rover will travel. Taken with a camera Curiosity August 23, 2012.
Panorama of Mars, Mount Sharp and part of the rover Curiosity, August 18, 2012.
Another self-portrait of the rover Curiosity. View from above. Who can see this Martian workaholic detail.
The wheels of the rover Curiosity, August 28, 2012.
Scientists have no doubt that Mars once had water, because Gale Crater, where the rover landed, - a dry bed of an ancient sea. On Mars, there is a dry river bed and its tributaries. Moreover, in the rover landing area Curiosity already "felt" in the ground or water or hydrated minerals - about 1% -1.5%. This is considerably less than expected ...
Traces rover on the surface of Mars.
Perhaps early Mars was very similar to our early Earth and had a similar atmosphere and climate. And consequently, all the prerequisites for the emergence of life.
The interesting geology of the Red Planet at the foot of Mount Sharp.
Long ago, Mars had no luck: after a collision with a large asteroid Red Planet lost its magnetic field, atmosphere and potential residents. So it is unlikely to meet the Curiosity rover will run today Martians.
This is the latest panorama received from Mars August 31, 2012. It can be seen all the way, who did Curiosity rover for 21 Martian days. As long as it is 21 meters. By the way, the average martian solar day is called Sol, and it is 39 minutes longer than Earth days.
We can say that the famous question - "Is there life on Mars?" - is not quite accurate. It will be correct to ask: "Did she?"
The network laid panorama Mars 1 gigapixel
The rover found a brilliant particle
Why NASA does not want the rover found water?
First humans will land on Mars in 2023, but they will not return
How to reach Mars?
China flies to Mars. The first rover has already been created
On the rover "Mars 2020" Set the color stereoscopic HD-camera
On Mars, life can be. But how to find it?
River on Mars were much wider and more powerful than on Earth
To study the Red Planet China will send in the next year Mars rover
Rover "Kyuriositi" found on Mars unusual shiny object
Rover "Kyuriositi" replaced the "brains"
The NASA developed tires with a memory effect for the new Mars rover
In Russia, the first test of a Martian lander
NASA rover presented, combined with a mobile laboratory


text:
Q: How to show only terms by id or slug on edit-tags.php (custom taxonomy manage page) for a custom taxonomy How can I show only terms by id or slug on edit-tags.php (custom taxonomy manage page) for a custom taxonomy.
I am saving term_owner metadata to a table for each term and getting all terms' ids for a specific term_owner. Now I want to show only these terms on edit-tags.php.
I have tried list_terms_exclusions filter but seems it doses not work for edit-tags.php?taxonomy={custom_taxonomy_name} or I am missing something.
Can anyone help me with a working example?
Thanks you.

A: The edit-tags.php doesn't listen to any arguments except the s search query variable. If you want to do anything more advanced, you will have to hook into the get_terms filter.

A: I have added these code to my theme function.php for my custom taxonomy "series".

add_filter('edited_terms', 'mysite_edited_terms');
function mysite_edited_terms($term_id) {
  if($_POST['taxonomy'] == 'series'): {
    $user = wp_get_current_user();
    if ($user->ID) {
      $terms = get_user_meta($user->ID,'users_terms_for_series');
      $terms = (empty($terms) ? $term_id : "{$terms},{$term_id}");
      update_user_meta($user->ID,'users_terms_for_series',$terms);
    }
  }
}

add_filter('list_terms_exclusions', 'my_list_terms_exclusions', 10, 2);
function my_list_terms_exclusions( $exclusions, $args ) {
  global $pagenow;
  if (current_user_can('can_manage_all_terms') &&
    $pagenow=='edit-tags.php?taxonomy=series') {
    $terms = get_user_meta($user->ID,'users_terms_for_series');
    $exclusions = " {$exclusions} AND t.ID NOT IN ({$terms})";
  }
  return $exclusions;
}

but nothing happened. This code is based on @MikeSchinkel. I think @Jan Fabry is right that the edit-tags.php doesn't listen to any arguments. But I dont no how to do that.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Bulletin of Southern Methodist University 2022-2023 Vol. CVI
Southern Methodist University publishes a complete bulletin every year. The following catalogs constitute the General Bulletin of the University:
Undergraduate Catalog*
Graduate Catalog*
The Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
SMU Guildhall
In addition, certain locations or programs provide their own schedules and information, including:
Professional and Online Studies
SMU Abroad
SMU-in-Taos
Every effort has been made to include in this catalog information that, at the time of preparation for publishing, most accurately represents Southern Methodist University. The University reserves the right to change, at any time and without prior notice, any provision or requirement, including, but not limited to, policies, procedures, charges, financial aid programs, refund policies and academic programs. In addition, the University reserves the right to change the time, location, and modality of courses, or alter course requirements and campus offerings due to circumstances beyond the university's control that may affect the health or safety of students or affect the educational function of the institution. Such circumstances include, without limitation, power failure, fire, strikes by University employees or others, damage by natural elements, epidemics, and acts of public authorities. The University will, however, exert reasonable efforts, when it judges them to be appropriate, to provide comparable services, facilities, or performance; but its inability or failure to do so shall not subject the University to liability.
*Catalog addenda are published online. An addendum includes graduation, degree, and transfer requirements that do not appear in the online catalog but apply in that academic year. Addenda, if applicable, are found on the left-hand navigation bar.
Information also is available at www.smu.edu.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU's commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX* Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688.
Margaret Scott, Catalog Editor
Robert Lothringer, University Registrar
Dallas TX 75275-0221


Today is a great day in Boston! Coming off the first Stanley Cup in almost 40 years, the Bruins parade that followed, and the fact that it's sunny and 70 degrees - what more could you want then Jack Johnson and some donuts!??


Many high school students know the thrill of acting in plays, but few the excitement of seeing their original work performed in a commercial theater. Having written half a dozen plays since freshman year, Scituate High senior Alex Moon will take audiences on a compelling journey when The Company Theatre presents his World War II drama about Hitler youth cadets fighting guerilla warfare against the Russians.
"The Werewolves," named after the actual sabotage units, will be performed tomorrow and Saturday by The Academy of The Company Theatre Conservatory in Norwell.
Since "The Werewolves" was performed last summer At Manhattan Repertory Theater, Moon has worked with The Company Theatre artistic director Zoe Bradford and director Kevin Mark Kline to go through the script "line by line to make it more clear in terms of what I'm trying to say," he said. For the first time, the production has video projections and lighting and sound designed specifically to orient the story in time and place. In its earliest form last year, it had staged readings in Easton and Bridgewater, after it won the 2016 New Works Contest of Artists from Suburbia, which promotes new works on the South Shore.
Moon wrote the play in 2016, after he came across a blurb about the Werewolves and then read wider in memoirs and history.
A history buff, Moon raises profound questions in his intelligent, suspenseful and moving drama whose sophistication is surprising for an 18-year-old. In a 90-minute work without intermission, he tells the story of eight German youth, ages 14-16, in 1945, as they train to be fighters, go on sabotage missions, and cope with defeat. He manages a complicated cast of characters, social dynamics, scenes and historic details deftly and convincingly, with unexpected twists and turns. Without preaching, Moon explores when self-sacrifice is worthwhile, the responsibility of leaders to present the truth, and whether someone can act reprehensibly and still elicit sympathy.
As told by Moon, a cruel SS officer and the dominant youth, Hans Wulf, use intimidation, group pressure and violence to convince the vulnerable cadets that their honor depends on their willingness to sacrifice their lives to destroy an "inhuman" enemy, even when the prospect of victory was dim. Until Heinrich Himmler and Hans Adolf-Prützmann recruited them to be Werewolves in 1944, the Hitler Youth cadets showed their dedication to the Third Reich in civil actions, such as parades and rallies.
As Moon has developed his talent, he has turned his imagination to a wide range of stories and received encouraging recognition. "The Confession" is a short Monty Python-style farce about prisoners during the Spanish Inquisition, which the Madlab Theatre of Columbus, Ohio is presenting this month. "Les Nuls," a satire about the French Revolution, was commissioned and presented as a workshop by Artists From Suburbia last year. And this year, "The Wreck of Silence," which uses American Sign Language to tell a tale about a British soldier who becomes deaf and stranded on an island, was awarded for Innovative Excellence by the Massachusetts Thespian Society and performed by the Scituate High Drama Club.
Always an avid reader and encouraged to express himself by his parents, a financial advisor and elementary school teacher, Moon credits The Academy of the Company Theatre with shaping him as an actor, director and playwright since he became involved at age 13.


hope it brings you comfort that you're not alone.
Today, more than ever before, is the age of information.
information you have no doubt been giving away.
business completely on the Internet part time.
TRENDS OF ONLINERS AND "OFF-LINERS"
activities and 50% have friends over once a month.
BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR AD DOLLARS!
credit card required to make many of the purchases.
82% said they knew the item would be on sale someday.
82% said somebody always has it on sale.
46% felt quality has suffered.
34% said service has declined.
and resolving problems that we learn.


Party Name: WASHINGTON, Petitioner, v. Arturo R. RECUENCO.
After respondent threatened his wife with a handgun, he was convicted of second-degree assault based on the jury's finding that he had assaulted her "with a deadly weapon." A "firearm" qualifies as a "deadly weapon" under Washington law, but nothing in the verdict form specifically required the jury to find that respondent had engaged in assault with a "firearm," as opposed to any other kind of "deadly weapon." Nevertheless, the state trial court applied a 3-year firearm enhancement to respondent's sentence, rather than the 1-year enhancement that specifically applies to assault with a deadly weapon, based on the court's own factual findings that respondent was armed with a firearm. This Court then decided Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466, 120 S.Ct. 2348, 147 L.Ed.2d 435, holding that "[o]ther than the fact of a prior conviction, any fact that increases the penalty for a crime beyond the prescribed statutory maximum must be submitted to a jury, and proved beyond a reasonable doubt," id., at 490, 120 S.Ct. 2348, and Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S.Ct. 2531, 159 L.Ed.2d 403, clarifying that "the 'statutory maximum' for Apprendi purposes is the maximum sentence a judge may impose solely on the basis of the facts reflected in the jury verdict," id., at 303, 124 S.Ct. 2531. Because the trial court could not have subjected respondent to a firearm enhancement based only on the jury's finding that respondent was armed with a "deadly weapon," the State conceded a Sixth Amendment Blakely violation before the Washington Supreme Court, but urged the court to find the Blakely error harmless. In vacating respondent's sentence and remanding for sentencing based solely on the deadly weapon enhancement, however, the court declared Blakely error to be "structural error," which will always invalidate a conviction under Sullivan v. Louisiana, 508 U.S. 275, 279, 113 S.Ct. 2078, 124 L.Ed.2d 182.
i.e., whether Blakely error can ever be deemed harmless. If respondent's reading of Washington law is correct, that merely suggests that he will be able to demonstrate that the Blakely violation in this particular case was not harmless. See Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 24, 87 S.Ct. 824, 17 L.Ed.2d 705. But it does not mean that Blakely error--which is of the same nature, whether it involves a fact that state law permits [126 S.Ct. 2548] to be submitted to the jury or not--is structural, or that this Court is precluded from deciding that question. Thus, the Court need not resolve this open question of Washington law. Pp. 216-218.
2. Failure to submit a sentencing factor to the jury is not "structural" error. If a criminal defendant had counsel and was tried by an impartial adjudicator, there is a strong presumption that most constitutional errors are subject to harmless-error analysis. E.g., Neder v. United States, 527 U.S. 1, 8, 119 S.Ct. 1827, 144 L.Ed.2d 35. Only in rare cases has this Court ruled an error "structural," thus requiring automatic reversal. In Neder, the Court held that failure to submit an element of an offense to the jury--there, the materiality of false statements as an element of the federal crimes of filing a false income tax return, mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, see id., at 20-25, 119 S.Ct. 1827--is not structural, but is subject to Chapman's harmless-error rule, id., at 7-20, 119 S.Ct. 1827. This case is indistinguishable from Neder. Apprendi makes clear that "[a]ny possible distinction between an 'element' of a felony . . . and a 'sentencing factor' was unknown . . . during the years surrounding our Nation's founding." 530 U.S., at 478, 120 S.Ct. 2348. Accordingly, the Court has treated sentencing factors, like elements, as facts that have to be tried to the jury and proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Id., at 483-484, 120 S.Ct. 2348. The only difference between this case and Neder is that there the prosecution failed to prove the materiality element beyond a reasonable doubt, while here the prosecution failed to prove the "armed with a firearm" sentencing factor beyond a reasonable doubt. Assigning this distinction constitutional significance cannot be reconciled with Apprendi's recognition that elements and sentencing factors must be treated the same. Respondent attempts unpersuasively to distinguish Neder on the ground that the jury there returned a guilty verdict on the offenses for which the defendant was sentenced, whereas here the jury returned a guilty verdict only on the offense of second-degree assault, and an affirmative answer to the sentencing question whether respondent was armed with a deadly weapon. Because Neder's jury did not find him guilty of each of the elements of the offenses with which he was charged, its verdict is no more fairly described as a complete finding of guilt than is the verdict here. See 527 U.S., at 31, 119 S.Ct. 1827. Pp. 218-222.
154 Wash.2d 156, 110 P.3d 188, reversed and remanded.
James M. Whisman argued the cause for petitioner. With him on the briefs were Norm Maleng and Brian M. McDonald.
Patricia A. Millett argued the cause for the United States as amicus curiae urging reversal. On the brief were Solicitor General Clement, Assistant Attorney General Fisher, Deputy Solicitor General Dreeben, and Kannon K. Shanmugam.
Thomas, J., Roberts, C. J., and Scalia, Kennedy, Souter, Breyer, and Alito, JJ., joined. Kennedy, J., filed a concurring opinion, post, p. 222. Stevens, J., filed a dissenting opinion, post, p. 223. Ginsburg, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which Stevens, J., joined, post, p. 224.
trial court applied a 3-year firearm enhancement to respondent's sentence based on its own factual findings, in violation of Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S.Ct. 2531, 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004). On appeal, the Supreme Court of Washington vacated the sentence, concluding that Blakely violations can never be harmless. We granted certiorari to review this conclusion, 546 U.S. 960, 126 S.Ct. 478, 163 L.Ed.2d 362 (2005), and now reverse.
On September 18, 1999, respondent fought with his wife, Amy Recuenco. After screaming at her and smashing their stove, he threatened her with a gun. Based on this incident, the State of Washington charged respondent with assault in the second degree, i.e., "intentiona[l] assault . . . with a deadly weapon, to-wit: a handgun." App. 3. Defense counsel proposed, and the court accepted, a special verdict form that directed the jury to make a specific finding whether respondent was "armed with a deadly weapon at the time of the commission of the crime." Id., at 13. A "firearm" qualifies as a " 'deadly weapon' " under Washington law. Wash. Rev. Code §9.94A.602 (2004). But nothing in the verdict form specifically required the jury to find that respondent had engaged in assault with a "firearm," as opposed to any other kind of "deadly weapon." The jury returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of assault in the second degree, and answered the special verdict question in the affirmative. App. 10, 13.
At sentencing, the State sought the low end of the standard range sentence for assault in the second degree (three months). It also sought a mandatory 3-year enhancement because respondent was armed with a "firearm," §9.94A.533(3)(b), rather than requesting the 1-year enhancement that would attend the jury's finding that respondent was armed with a deadly weapon, §9.94A.533(4)(b). The trial court concluded that respondent satisfied the condition for the firearm enhancement, and accordingly imposed a total sentence of 39 months.


It is essential that you renew your application for financial aid for every school year that you attend; your initial application only counts for your first program year, and a renewal application must be submitted every year until you either graduate or leave the program.
Please refer to your program for specific information regarding the renewal process, obligations for notifying the school about changes to your financial status, and other relevant matters.
It is important to note that eligibility for financial aid is contingent upon a student maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by their respective degree program. It is the responsibility of each student to understand and adhere to these standards of performance.


When Stacey Simmons moved to Teton Valley five years ago from Missoula, Montana, she decided to bring her love of the dance-fitness class known as OULA—named after creator Kali Lindner's hometown of MissOULA—to Driggs. Now, with five classes each week for beginners, seasoned pros, and even juniors, OULA-Driggs has become a beloved fitness experience that Simmons says "is all about how it feels, not about how it looks.
"Each OULA class brings a sense of community and a safe place to come express yourself," she says.
cardio-driven classes set to top-40 hits, Simmons and her tribe of OULA enthusiasts are also working to give back. The first Friday of every month, they host Dance & Donate, with 100 percent of proceeds going to a local nonprofit.
Throughout the past year, Dance & Donate classes have benefited the Hispanic Resource Center, Family Safety Network, and more. To attend a class or recommend a nonprofit, visit the OULA-Driggs Facebook page, facebook.com/ouladriggs.


One of the few black models to make it in the region, the 23-year-old talks smashing stereotypes in a country that has seen its fair share of racism.
Impossibly tall and slender, and with the kind of striking bold features that the fashion industry clamours for - a face that's all angles and deep set dark eyes - Suzan Idris' appearance instantly reads model. But the inherent irony in this is that the 23-year-old Accounting graduate never saw that in herself and essentially tripped and fell into the flourishing career she has developed for herself, when she had barely broken out of her teenage years.
"I'm not really a fashion person actually," Idris explains with a laugh, "So when I was first approached to model I was like no, I don't like the camera, I don't like attention, I don't know anything about posing or fashion; I'm not the person you want." That incident occurred over six years ago in her freshman year of university in the American University in Cairo when a friend asked Idris to model for a project - a concept she vehemently opposed at the start. But she complied, and soon after, she was requested for an official photo shoot by renowned Egyptian photographer Batool El Daawi.
"I literally just stared at her when she asked me," Idris laughs. "But I'm usually an adventurous person so I was like, 'why not?'" Eight months later, the reluctant model had a change of heart and made the deliberate decision to actually pursue the art of posing. "For a while I still didn't get it, fashion didn't move me, but there was that turning point where I decided I wanted to try it," Idris explains. And that's when things kicked off and the model starting landing shows and fronting campaigns. And her initial hesitance seems almost absurd now, as she poses effortlessly in front of the camera, for a slew of brands including Kojak, Maison Yeya, and Gant.
I'm a model and I'm black and in a very racist environment – and I'm still amazed about that up until today.
Sudan is even more conservative than Egypt – you guys don't realise the extent of it and the luxury that is living in Cairo, in comparison to there.
It has a shelf life, you know, until I'm 25 or maybe 30, but I can't consider it as a long term decision.
But she continues to see modelling as means of growing and learning. "Modelling is actually close to accounting in the sense that I see myself as a resource; I try and take care of myself and reinvest in myself and grow myself, as if I'm a company. Modelling is like a ladder and I try to scale it," she explains. And having started effectively working at an age when most of had few responsibilities besides making it to class on time has given her a leg up on the maturity scale. "It made me grow faster, mature faster. I learned to pick what I want and what I don't from an early age. No one manages me so I have to make my own decisions and I have to make them wisely." And so far she's displayed wisdom beyond her years, and beauty that has defied convention in Cairo and we have no doubt that she will continue to dominate at whatever career path she do decided to pursue.
Article images sourced from @suzansalahidris.


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Represent Northumberland at Commonwealth agricultural event
By Jo Blakemore
If you are aged under 40 and have an interest in agriculture, you could travel to Australia, thanks to a Wooler-based farming society
A young person with an interest in farming or agriculture has the chance of a trip of a lifetime later this year.
Glendale Agricultural Society, as a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, is able to nominate an individual when the 26th Common Agricultural Conference returns to its roots in Australia.
The successful candidate will be Glendale's Next Generation candidate.
Delegates will be looking at best practice in agriculture and agricultural show management.
The conference, which will take place at Brisbane Showground, will provide an in-depth look at the issues facing primary production in Queensland in the farming and agricultural industry, and the challenges and opportunities for agricultural shows.
The Princess Royal, president of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC), will be in attendance.
Glendale's successful candidate nominated to attend the conference must be under the age of 40, with an involvement in agriculture who also has the potential to contribute to the long-term face of agriculture in the region, the country and the Commonwealth.
During the conference, the RASC coordinates a separate Next Generation Forum where future leaders of the Commonwealth Agricultural Societies meet together, learn and discuss related issues.
Two years ago Matthew Frater, of Boulmer Hall Farm, Boulmer, Nor thumberland, attended the biennial conference in Zambia on behalf of Glendale Agricultural Society (GAS).
It was the first time GAS had been a part of the conference and nominated a Next Generation Candidate to attend.
Matthew said: "It truly was a fantastic networking opportunity and it demonstrated to me the diversity of the agricultural industry, and the opportunities it has for young people.
"The focus of the event was how to feed the world, and the staggering outcome I came back with was that the world requires 50% more food than we have available, and incredibly 40% of the food we do produce goes to waste. Educating the world about food and farming is crucial to improve on these statistics.
"I would urge any young person involved in the agriculture industry in the area to seize this opportunity from the GAS with both hands.It turned out to be an experience of a lifetime."
Glendale can provide a £500 contribution for the chosen delegate, with the best candidate for the conference supported through the process of obtaining any necessary further funding.
Simon Orpwood from the GAS, and trustee of the Commonwealth Agricultural Society, said: "We are looking for a candidate with an abundance of enthusiasm and interest in the agricultural sector.
"The delegate will be interested in becoming a future leader with a commitment to the development of the industry.
"Anyone is welcome to apply, from a gamekeeper to a farm adviser. This is a career development opportunity not to be missed."
Deadline for expressions of interest in the Next Generation candidate is Friday, June 20. Make contact via email to info@glendaleshow.com
Explorer Conrad Dickinson tells of polar adventure guiding Prince Harry
Explorer Conrad Dickinson is to talk at Wooler Outdoor Week about his experience guiding Prince Harry to the South Pole
Northumberland wind turbine bid approved despite opposition
Parents stage protest over school transport charges in Northumberland
Extra sheep and cattle classes lined up for Glendale Show
The growth in popularity of livestock classes has seen new sheep and cattle competitions introduced at this year's Glendale Show
Defra funds programme of vaccinations for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus
Swedish farming practices in focus at Glendale Agricutural Society event
North East rural landowners encouraged to give up land for affordable homes
Appointments: Owen Pugh appoints non-executive director
Appointments: Employment solicitor appointed to Gordon Brown Law Firm
Appointments: Wallsend Shopping Centre appoints new centre manager


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[Etherish] When a good album hits home
For me, being a Turin Brakes fan involves doing a lot of things. For example:
Updating this website and its Twitter / Facebook pages, for example.
Googling for the latest news and searching the social networks for Turin Brakes mentions and replying to those.
Adding lyrics to the database (for those interested: all We Were Here lyrics are available here).
And that's just some of the things I do for the website. As you all know to some degree, being a Turin Brakes fan means listening to the beautiful music, seeing the band perform live (most of the time that means travelling to the UK), hoping to get your cd signed and singing along in your car to Guess You Heard, Painkiller and In-between. Or on your bicycle, if you like cycling list most Dutch people do. And it means plugging the band with friends and colleagues, dragging them along to the gigs and make them see how awesome this band is. I can't hide the smile on my face I get when I (not so) secretly play Turin Brakes in the office and have some colleagues humming along to the songs.
Still got it, that band. Still got it. I think then…
So this may sound stupid, but during an album release such as We Were Here I listen to the album, and listen a lot. I write a review type article about it. And I like that album. To this day, whenever I play We Were Here, I hear new things. I don't control when I start to love it, or when I truly know it, or when it hits me or when certain details start to stand out.
Because it's not up to me when a good album hits home. That's up to… I don't know, life, or music or the "stuff in between" that this band loves to sing about.
For example, I have listened to Blindsided Again for months now. Again and again, on vinyl, on Spotify, on cd… I've heard the song live twice, even. Yet the epic line At night I grow wings, I soar above my own life from the climax, it never really hit home…. Until today. And it made me want to finish adding the lyrics to the site, so I once again put on We Were Here and listened, reading the booklets and making sure to add the extra "ooohs" and details that they don't put in there. And even the lyrics I've been singing along get a new meaning when truly studying them. Here are some that spoke to me in detailed isolation:
All the junk in space, old TV shows and radio waves / they become your friends / beam you home
Long grass, catch my thoughts and keep me dreaming
Life can pull the rug from an old floor / a friendly face slam the door / soldiers wonder what they're fighting for
Where will I go / the time that the lights low?
Bonus points if you can name all the songs. 😉
Anyway, now I've once again studied this album in detail, embraced it's emotions and lyrics, what struck me is how much of a Turin Brakes album this truly is. That may seem obvious, it being made by Turin Brakes and all… But the lyrics seems to exist in the same universe as songs like By TV Light, Stone Thrown, Come & Go, Radio Silence and Dark on Fire. That world that doesn't capture one state of being, but rather a whole existence.
Turin Brakes keep on building this world full of songs. I wouldn't say it's a world full of characters – the number of character-based songs, or storylines, is quite low. Most of TB's songs seem to appeal to all the emotions we know and live with. So if a song says "Long grass, catch my thoughts and keep me dreaming", then that might seem whimsical or vague on first listen. But if it hits home, you can picture it… Thoughts buzzing round your head, leaving through the air, caught by the long grass… Like the dew, or like the air blowing through the long grass. It just works so well.
While other bands might try to dazzle you with fancier words or complicated song structures, Turin Brakes, in my humble opinion, have always managed to strike the balance just right. Turin Brakes songs are songs that appeal on first listen, but always offer deeper level of detail if you keep paying attention and listening to them on the right moments. In the case of songs like Blue Hour and By TV Light it has taken me years to completely embrace those songs, but in the end I was rewarded more than I could have hoped.
So either I'm going crazy or I've hung in there long enough. Whatever it is, it seems I've found it on We Were Here too. And it's great, amazing thing when you can put on music and have it hit home. And make it feel like home, wherever you are. Once again, We Were Here has the power to do that to me.
And if it read like I was complaining about all the stuff a fan has to do: I wasn't, truly. I love doing those things and I choose to do them. And as long as the reward is that there's a band across the North Sea from me that keeps on making just the right music, it's totally worth it. I don't think I ever chose to like Turin Brakes. They were there, and then, at one point I did. It just happened. And I can't choose to stop liking them. At least not when they've still got what made them work in the first place. We Were Here proves they still got it for me.
And thus I will travel to London next month to see this awesome band play live. Hopefully: see you there!
TagsEtherish
2 comments on "[Etherish] When a good album hits home"


Campaigners have welcomed the government's decision to postpone the next parliamentary stage of its controversial welfare reform bill.
The bill has already passed through the Commons and a second reading debate was due to take place on 19 July in the House of Lords. But this debate has now been postponed until 13 September.
Many disability organisations have argued that the passage of the bill has been rushed and have criticised the government for failing to publish details of how the bill will affect disabled people.
Campaigners have become increasingly frustrated by the reluctance to release detailed information about the likely impact of its reforms of disability living allowance (DLA), even though its replacement – personal independence payment (PIP) – is due to be introduced in less than two years.
The detail of how the reforms will work in practice and how they will impact on disabled people will be contained in regulations, which the government has yet to publish.
Neil Coyle, director of policy for Disability Alliance (DA), welcomed the decision to postpone the Lords second reading but said the timing of the government's announcement of the delay – late last week – was "very strange".
He said the message from peers to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had been that they did not want to debate the bill until September.
Despite the delay, Coyle warned that there had been no indication yet that the government was "wildly revising the provisions of the bill".
DA has warned that it is ready to seek a judicial review of the government's DLA reforms, if it fails to provide evidence that it has carried out a robust analysis of the impact of the changes.
DA has asked the government to prove that it has properly analysed the impact of proposed cuts of more than £2 billion to spending on DLA/PIP. Coyle said the delay would mean there was more time for the government to provide this evidence.
He said: "The more time they give themselves, the more likely it is they can avoid any potential judicial review.
A DWP spokeswoman said the date of the second reading was moved "due to parliamentary business", and insisted that the government was "following the usual processes" and "working with disability organisations" on DLA reform.


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Bridge Structures on theWestern Highway Anthonys cutting
The $200 million realignment of the Western Highway in Victoria between Melton and Bacchus Marsh involves the construction of approximately five kilometres of dual carriageway freeway on a new alignment which avoids the existing steep hills and dangerous curves of Anthonys Cutting. As well as five kilometres of dual freeway, the project also involves a new interchange at Bacchus Marsh, a smaller half diamond interchange at Hopetoun Park Road, a new overpass at Bulmans Road, and two bridge structure crossings of Djerriwarrh Creek and Pyrites Creek – 165m and 98m long respectively. These two creek crossings include bridge piers built using prestressed matchcast concrete segments, which at up to 30m in height are some of the tallest piers of their type in Australia. Along with the significant bridge structures, the project also involves the construction of cuttings and fill embankments of up to 25m in height which involved moving approximately 1.3M cubic metres of material. The project is being delivered under an alliance project delivery framework comprising of VicRoads, AECOM and John Holland and is programmed for completion in early 2012. The paper describes the selection of the various bridge forms used on the project, the use of precast segmental construction for the tall piers and some of the challenges faced in the design and construction of the bridges, particularly those built adjacent to high fill embankments and in steep terrain.


Absolutely free plans, woodworking clip art and how to, An index of free woodworking plans and how to information including seasonal clip art to make your own patterns..
Wooden design plans – woodworking projects, Wooden design plans, wooden plans, pergola plans, gazebo plans, playhouse plans, wooden toys plans, shed plans, deck plans, woodworking ideas and a lot.
Free woodworking plans, projects and patterns at, Free woodworking plans and easy free woodworking projects added and updated every day. use our rss feed to keep up-to-date on the latest free woodworking.


Bevan has conducted research on high-performance work practices, employee reward strategy, staff engagement and retention, and 'good work'. He has a special interest in workforce health and wellbeing, having led a number of national and international projects focusing on workforce health and the impact of chronic illness on productivity and social inclusion.
He is an advisor to a number of UK government departments and has advised employers and policymakers in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australasia and North America. He has received a special award from GAMIAN-Europe for his contribution to the field of mental health and is a reviewer for several academic journals, including The Lancet; a regular columnist for HR magazine; a judge at the Global Healthy Workplace Awards; and is a member of Public Health England's Health & Work Advisory Board, and the Health and Work Group of the Public Health Responsibility Deal.


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Oxford Bibliographical Society
New Publication: Catalogue of the medieval manuscripts of Trinity College
The Oxford Bibliographical Society is pleased to announce the publication of the third in its Special Series of Manuscript Catalogues. The volume is The medieval manuscripts of Trinity College, Oxford: a descriptive catalogue by Richard Gameson. The catalogue retails at £100 but is free to members, existing and new (annual subscription £30).
The catalogue describes in detail the ninety-three medieval manuscripts now in the collection of Trinity College, Oxford, as well as twenty-four fragments found in use as the endleaves in bindings of early printed books in the college's Old Library. There are colour illustrations throughout, and forty separate colour plates, reproducing pages and details from the manuscripts, as well as appendices listing books given to the college by its founder Sir Thomas Pope and by Thomas Unton, and detailed indices of names, titles, iconography, provenances, secundo folio readings etc. 530 pages + 40 plates. Bound in full cloth with a dust-jacket. ISBN 978 0 90142063 3.
To buy this book now, send £100 by cheque (to the Treasurer) or PayPal (to oxford.bibliographical.society@gmail.com). Please remember to include your mailing-address with your order. To join the society, click here.
All content © Oxford Bibliographical Society. Design and site: Richard Rowley and Hedley Smith.