text:
Chapter: BRUCE T. LUNDIN
« Previous: JOHN LOWE III
Suggested Citation:"BRUCE T. LUNDIN." National Academy of Engineering. 2014. Memorial Tributes: Volume 18. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/18959.
BRUCE T. LUNDIN
"For leadership in aeronautical propulsion research and launch vehicle development."
BY ROBERT S. ARRIGHI SUBMITTED BY THE NAE HOME SECRETARY
BRUCE T. LUNDIN played a crucial role in establishing the framework for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958 and was an integral figure for nearly 35 years at the Cleveland laboratory that is now the NASA Glenn Research Center. He was an exceptional researcher and manager who pioneered significant areas in modern aeronautical propulsion, complex space programs, and new methods of energy conversion and conservation. He died on January 24, 2006, at the age of 86.
Bruce's efforts in developing thrust augmentation techniques such as the afterburner and in testing full-scale engines in altitude-simulating facilities led to industrywide advances. In the late 1950s he developed a document that spurred the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) to assume a primary role in the new field of space flight. Throughout the 1960s he spearheaded the center's development work, which included launch vehicles such as Centaur and Agena. After a brief transfer to NASA headquarters, he was named director of the NASA Lewis Research Center in 1969 (it later became the NASA Glenn Research Center). He guided Lewis through the most difficult period in its history by delving into energy-efficient engines, the development of alternative energy resources, and environmental monitoring
before retiring in 1977. His integrity, doggedness, and well-reasoned managerial style resulted in a number of major aerospace and energy accomplishments.
Bruce was born on December 28, 1919, and raised in Alameda, California. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1942 at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in heat transfer. He then took a position in San Francisco with Standard Oil of California, where he participated in the design of power plants, water treatment plants, and pumping stations for oil refineries. At the time, the NACA was building a staff for its new Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (AERL) in Cleveland. When a former professor recommended Bruce, the AERL offered him a mechanical engineering position. Engineering jobs in California were scarce at the time, and he accepted what he believed would be a temporary job and moved to the Midwest.
Bruce's initial AERL work involved the cooling and heat transfer of an Allison V-1710 piston engine for the P-39 fighter. He was responsible for determining the cooling characteristics of the multicylinder, liquid-cooled engine on a dynamometer test stand. But he was soon thrown into the secret new field of jet propulsion, and received a deferment from the World War II draft because of his ongoing research in this field. By the time the AERL restructured itself in October 1945 to concentrate on the turbojet and supersonic flight, 24-year-old Bruce had accumulated enough experience to be named head of the Engine Research Division's new Jet Propulsion Research Section.
Bruce and his roughly 15 research engineers tested a series of full-scale turbojet and ramjet engines. A major problem with early turbojets was the need to increase speed during takeoffs. The group's work between 1943 and 1946 yielded new thrust augmentation concepts such as the afterburner and variable-area nozzle, which remain basic elements of many modern jet aircraft. The afterburner had been proposed elsewhere, but Bruce's team was the first to create an operational version, with a variable-area nozzle whose size would increase or decrease at various stages during flight.
Bruce believed strongly that researchers learn by operating engines in large flight-simulating facilities, not by sitting at a desk. To facilitate these efforts he advocated the construction of the Four Burner Area (1947) and Propulsion Systems Laboratory (1952); the latter was the nation's most powerful facility with this capability. The altitude chambers at these facilities, whose design was more efficient than wind tunnels, could test actual engines in simulated flight conditions and became a standard tool for engine research.
Bruce received a brief promotion in August 1949 to become chief of the thermodynamics branch, with responsibility for about 30 engineers who analyzed engine cycles, propulsion systems, and basic thermodynamics in turbojets and ramjets. Just months later, he was named assistant chief of the Engine Research Division, and in 1952, at age 33, he was promoted to chief. In these positions he continued to oversee full-scale engine testing in simulated flight conditions. The research analyzed automatic control systems, exhaust systems, and complete propulsion systems. Exhaust nozzles, ejectors, directional controls, radiant heat transfer, and ramjets were all studied during these years. These investigations contributed significantly to the performance and reliability of modern commercial and military aircraft. One key development by the group in the 1950s was the reverse thruster, directing the jet engine's exhaust forward to quickly slow the aircraft when landing.
During this period Bruce was also responsible for establishing requirements for future aircraft and ramjet engines. He advocated the expansion of the AERL's research to spacecraft propulsion, seeing it as an extension of the NACA's aeronautical propulsion efforts. The Cleveland lab had done small-scale fuels studies for rocket engines since 1945, flight-tested ramjets for missile applications in the late 1940s and 1950s, and added a test stand for firing large rocket engines in 1955. Although others at the lab were also interested in space, Bruce was among the most outspoken.
In 1957, Bruce participated in the Research Planning Council with other NACA veterans to develop and coordinate
the lab's research goals and test facilities. The group members felt that the need for aircraft propulsion work was diminishing and should be replaced with additional space programs. Bruce famously recalled "that about half the staff was afraid of getting sucked into space and no longer protected to do their research in a quiet manner, and the other half of us, we were afraid of being left out of this new frontier." He felt passionately that the NACA should not only participate but coordinate all space-related research.
The launch of Sputnik in October 1957 resulted in widespread calls for the establishment of a national space program. One Sunday afternoon in December 1957, Bruce drafted "Some Remarks on a Future Policy and Course of Action for the NACA," outlining the formation of a new space agency based on the NACA structure. This seminal document advocated a broad range of space research to be coordinated by the NACA, warned against concentrating on any single project, and called for the establishment of a new laboratory dedicated to space. Updated by Associate Director Abe Silverstein and renamed "Lewis Laboratory Opinion of a Future Policy and Course of Action for the NACA," the report was presented to headquarters and served as the basic template for NASA.
With the establishment of NASA and the transfer of Abe Silverstein to headquarters in 1958, Bruce was named associate director, responsible for directing and planning research for the entire lab, which had been renamed the NASA Lewis Research Center. The Center expanded its space propulsion and power research during Bruce's tenure, with the development of electric, solar, and nuclear power–generating systems for spacecraft and high-energy chemical, electric, and nuclear propulsion systems.
Shortly after President Kennedy's April 1961 pledge to send Americans to the Moon within the decade, studies were undertaken to analyze various orbital rendezvous and direct ascent approaches to reach the Moon. Bruce led a team that was given one week to assess different Saturn boosters and consider the Earth orbit, lunar orbit, and combination of Earth and lunar orbit methods of rendezvous. The group, known as
the Lundin Committee, pressed NASA to continue to consider all options and emphasized the need to concentrate on launch vehicles and rendezvous options during Apollo's early stages. The committee felt that the rendezvous option would accelerate the Apollo program, permit the use of different size boosters, and save the money earmarked for the massive Saturn V boosters. The committee unsuccessfully lobbied for the use of a low-altitude Earth-orbit rendezvous using two or three smaller Saturn vehicles. A later, more detailed study supported the Lundin Committee findings, but the direct ascent method was eventually selected because it was deemed less complicated.
During this period Bruce was also asked to lead a group to investigate sites for the Manned Space Flight Center. NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan originally restricted the search to sites near existing NASA centers, then narrowed it further to the NASA Langley or NASA Ames Research Centers. After discussing the matter with 20 aerospace officials in Washington, the group recommended a site near Ames. NASA initially agreed with Bruce's suggestion, but pressure from Congressional leaders resulted in the consideration of numerous other sites. Continued efforts by Vice President Lyndon Johnson, including a large donation of land, resulted in the selection of Houston.
Abe Silverstein returned to Cleveland as the director of NASA Lewis in November 1961. At the time there was some internal controversy at Lewis about the Center's overinvolvement in developmental work. Bruce, a strong advocate for its involvement in program management, suggested segregation of the research and development work. Lewis was restructured, with Bruce serving as associate director of development. The development staff, which increased from 200 to 800 in just three years, moved into the new Development Engineering Building located outside the main campus.
Bruce was responsible for hiring, negotiating contracts with industry, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets while continuing his oversight of electric propulsion, chemical propulsion, nuclear power generation, and nuclear rocket
systems. By 1962, he had established a centralized office to support four major chemical rocket programs: the M-1 engine for the Nova rocket, the J-2 and F-1 engines for Saturn, and the RL-10 engine for Centaur. The development group's work expanded with the addition of the Centaur program in 1962, the Agena rocket program in 1963, and the 260-inch-diameter solid rocket and supersonic transport programs in 1964.
The uniquely designed Centaur second-stage rocket, the first spacecraft to run on liquid hydrogen, was Lewis's most important contribution to the national space program. It was designed to transport Surveyor spacecraft to the Moon in order to explore possible landing sites for the Apollo missions. The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center was originally responsible for the Centaur program. After the explosion of the first launch attempt in May 1962, Marshall sought to cancel the program. Instead, NASA headquarters asked Abe Silverstein and Bruce Lundin to assume management and transferred the program to Lewis, where Bruce and Abe oversaw an extensive multiyear test and evaluation effort for the rocket. Centaur not only successfully completed the Surveyor missions but has carried over 100 satellites and interplanetary probes to date. Lewis's 35-year management of the Centaur program is one of its greatest achievements.
In May 1968 Bruce was transferred to NASA headquarters to serve as deputy associate administrator and then acting associate administrator for the Office of Advanced Research and Technology. After only eight months, he returned to Cleveland as the director of NASA Lewis after the retirement of Abe Silverstein. Nearing the end of a long career, Bruce did not discover a comfortable summit as director but rather a long season of turmoil.
Lewis had refocused its efforts in aeronautics in the late 1960s. Significant gains had been made in areas such as noise reduction, supersonic nozzles and compressors, and more efficient engines. The Apollo Program was winding down, however, and Lewis had virtually no direct participation in the development of the space shuttle. Budgets for nonshuttle programs were slashed. The Lewis staff was reduced by 700 by
1971, and the nation's nuclear rocket program was cancelled in late 1972, resulting in the closure of Lewis's subsidiary, Plum Brook Station. On January 6, 1973, Bruce personally informed the staff that the station was to be closed almost immediately. That year, another 800-plus employees left through dismissal or retirement. Bruce implemented a job placement program and prided himself on the fact that every separated employee found other employment.
Further tears were beginning to show in the fabric that held Lewis together. The Center's core management team, who had worked, raised families, and socialized together for more than 30 years, began retiring in the 1970s. In addition, Bruce was mandated by headquarters to begin using contractor labor for many of Lewis's technical and support positions. This led to increased internal tensions and shattered Lewis's cohesiveness at a time of already low spirits. In an effort to boost morale and generate staff support for Lewis's goals, Bruce instituted the Lewis Awareness Program in 1974, featuring talks by him, ceremonies, film specials, and newspaper articles to recognize Lewis's accomplishments, programs, and staff.
Bruce sought new areas of research for Lewis and increased research on energy-efficient engines and noise reduction for the airline industry. He was convinced that the staff's long history of energy conversion work for space applications could be applied to new methods of clean and renewable energy. In the midst of the oil embargo, Lewis undertook a wide range of alternative energy programs. One of the most successful was a wind energy program in partnership with what is today the Department of Energy; it set a precedent for what has become an entire wind turbine industry. Lewis also developed solar-powered electric systems for remote areas and towns, batteries for electric automobiles, and the efficient Stirling automotive engine. In these ways Bruce successfully molded Lewis into a leading energy-conversion laboratory.
Lewis also began a number of environmental monitoring programs. Bruce reached agreements with the city of Cleveland to assist with pollution testing; aircraft were used to collect air samples and to map shipping channels on the frozen Great
Lakes; and the Brayton engine was developed to reduce automobile emissions.
Lewis's greatest achievements during Bruce's tenure were in the Launch Vehicles Division. The group was responsible for not only maintaining and updating the Centaur rocket but also integrating the payload with the Atlas and Titan boosters. More than 30 high-profile missions were launched during Bruce's term, including Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to explore the outer solar system; Mariners 6 and 7, which mapped Mars; Mariner 10, which orbited Venus and Mercury; and the Viking spacecraft, which placed two rovers on the Mars surface.
Overall, however, the Lewis Center continued to struggle under a somewhat strained relationship with NASA headquarters, difficulty convincing the energy industry to use renewable resources, and requirements to continually reduce its workforce and operating budget. There were even rumors that Lewis would be transferred from NASA to the Department of Energy. Despite the difficult circumstances, Bruce was able to maintain Lewis's preeminence in aircraft engine research, launch vehicles, and power generation.
Bruce retired in 1977 after 35 years of federal service. His achievements were recognized throughout his career, beginning in 1953 when he received the Cleveland Technical Society Council's Technical Award. He went on to receive NASA's Medal for Outstanding Leadership in 1965, Public Service Award in March 1971, and in October of that year NASA's highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. In 1966 he was selected to deliver the Jennings Scholar Lecture, in 1975 he was awarded an honorary doctor of engineering degree by the University of Toledo, and in 1976 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and also presented with the National Space Club's Astronautics Engineer Award.
Bruce chaired the NASA Investigation Board for the Skylab mission in 1973 and the NASA Seasat Failure Review Board in 1978. He also served as staff director and consultant to the chairman of the President's Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island in 1979 and participated in the Wakefield
Overview Commission. He was a member of the US Air Force Scientific Advisory Board and of the NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. In 1980 he cochaired the Atlas-Centaur Review Board, which strongly recommended continued use of Centaur despite the availability of the new space shuttle vehicles.
He was a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society, and Royal Aeronautical Society, and a member of Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and the American Society for Public Administration. He wrote over 40 technical papers, including the chapter on ramjet engines in the Princeton series on High-Speed Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion and an influential postwar report that summarizes the NACA's afterburner development.
In addition to this service, Bruce was a frequent spokesman for NASA in the community and was also active in various civic, religious, and educational organizations, such as the Federal Executive Board, the Combined Federal Campaign, the Southwest Community Hospital of Berea, Ohio, and the Boy Scouts of America, from which he received the Order of Merit. He sponsored Explorer Scout Posts in electronics and aerospace for top science students and opened the NASA Explorer Posts to a wider community. He also served as the district chairman of the southwest suburbs and led its sustaining membership enrollment drive for several years. He was named chairman of the Cleveland Executive Board.
Bruce had a long, distinguished career as an engineer, manager, and director of major programs. His efforts provided a firm foundation for subsequent achievements in aeronautics, space, and energy. He continually demonstrated outstanding leadership in planning research, organizing resources for effective and timely execution, and inspiring extraordinary efforts from his staff to solve complex problems.
He was a personable and very human man who enjoyed nature and woodworking when not engaged in his aerospace work. He built much of his family's furniture, toys, and accessories. In his house overlooking a wooded ravine just outside Lewis's rear entrance he maintained an extensive library on a variety of topics.
Bruce is survived by his widow Jean, daughters Dianne and Nancy, son Robert, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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Next: LUCIEN C. MALAVARD »

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Bronze Age Minute - Page 3
A new review of an old comic book every weekday. The goal: To revisit and review every superhero, sci-fi and fantasy comic published during the medium's Bronze Age (1970-85).
Review: Marvel Team-Up #1
Spider-Man and the Human Torch team on Christmas Eve in an effort to thwart the Sandman's not-so-nefarious plan. Roy Thomas, Ross Andru and Mike Esposito offer a fair-to-middlin' yuletide yarn to launch one of the Bronze Age's signature team-up books.
Review: Batman and the Outsiders #19
When Geo-Force seeks murderous revenge for an imperiled friend, Batman calls in Superman to save the day. A solid Christmas done-in-one from the always reliable Outsiders team of Mike W. Barr and Jim Aparo.
Review: The Uncanny X-Men #143
Home alone in the X-Men mansion on Christmas Eve, Kitty Pryde earns her "X" squaring off against a N'Garai demon. An excellent final issue from the all-time X-team of Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Terry Austin.
Review: DC Special Series #21
A certain bright star in the sky helps several DC universe characters successfully navigate Christmas Eve adventures. This collection of short tales is pretty solid throughout, with a young Frank Miller's first-ever outing on Batman being the best present in the pile.
Review: Spider-Man, Fire-Star and Iceman at the Dallas Ballet Nutcracker
The Amazing Spider-Friends thwart a disgruntled ballet-wannabe-turned-supervillain, then take in a production of the Dallas Ballet Nutcracker. This weird promotional comic by Jim Salicrup, Jim Mooney and John Tartaglione is equal parts C-list Spidey story, Classics Illustrated and Fun & Games Magazine.
Batman teams with a down-on-his-luck Plastic Man to crack a tobacco-smuggling ring and return a Christmas display to Gotham. This holiday outing from Bob Haney, Joe Staton and Jim Aparo is a mixed bag, but ultimately quite enjoyable.
Review: Hero for Hire #7
A disgruntled, WW-II-era veteran goes undercover and finds goodness in Luke Cage – then decides to nuke Manhattan anyway! This oddball, Christmas story from Steve Englehart has a little something for everyone, but the art by George Tuska and Billy Graham isn't very attractive.
Review: The New Adventures of Superboy #39
Attempting to cheer up a classmate who has the seasonal blues, Superboy takes him to a parallel Earth without Christmas. This Christmas tale from Paul Kupperberg and Kurt Schaffenberger leads off a pair of so-so tales.
Review: Marvel Two-in-One #74
Puppet Master crashes the Fantastic Four's Christmas party in a plot to return to Europe and harvest more radioactive clay. A ho-hum-but-not-completely-humbug holiday outing from the team of Mark Gruenwald, Frank Springer and Chic Stone.
Review: Limited Collectors' Edition #C-34
'Tis the season for this collection of reprints – and an unpublished Angel & the Ape story – from the DC archives. Creative gift givers include Denny O'Neil, Nick Cardy, Bob Oksner and more.
Coming Up From
Now (Jan. 30 to Feb. 3)
DC First Issues
Next (Jan. 23-27)
The Uncanny X-Men
Archives Select Month January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 September 2020 May 2020 March 2020 August 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 November 2018 July 2018 February 2018 September 2017 June 2017 May 2017 October 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 2016 October 2015 August 2015 July 2015 March 2015 August 2014 April 2014
Review: The Brave & the Bold #87
Review: Amazing Adventures #21


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STAMFORD, Conn. – August 8, 2018 – NBC Sports Group's coverage of the 2018-19 Premier League season kicks off two days from today, on Friday, August 10, when Manchester United host Leicester City live at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. Continuing its annual tradition of a trip to the United Kingdom, NBC Sports Group's U.S.-based Premier League team will open the season on the road, as the entire announce team works together on-location in the U.K. for kickoff of the 2018-19 Premier League season.
Coverage begins tomorrow, Thursday, August 9, with a special three-hour Premier League Live: Transfer Deadline Day show live from Old Trafford at 11 a.m. ET on NBCSN. Click here for more information.
Wolverhampton Wanderers earned automatic promotion to the 2018-19 Premier League by finishing in first place in the Championship last season. This season will be Wolves' fifth season in the Premier League, and first since 2011-12, when they finished in last place. Wolves sat in first place in the Championship for a majority of last season, eventually finishing the campaign with 99 points, nine points above 2nd-place Cardiff City. Wolves' tally of 99 points were the most by a Championship side since Leicester City earned 102 points in 2013-14. Leicester City went on to win the Premier League in 2015-16.
Wolves are a historic club in England, one of the 12 founding members of the Football League in 1888. Throughout their history, Wolves have won nine major trophies, including three top-flight titles and four FA Cups. Their most successful period was from the late 1940's to the early 1960's, in which Wolves won five major trophies in a 12-season span. The club won three top-flight titles in a six-season span in the 1950's, including back-to-back titles in 1957-58 and 1958-59. Wolves are the only club in English football history to score 100 league goals in four straight seasons, doing so from 1957-58 – 1960-61.
This season will be Fulham's 14th in the Premier League, and first in the top flight since 2013-14. The club played 13 straight seasons in the Premier League from 2001-2014, which included four finishes in the top half of the table.
Fulham return to the Premier League after finishing in third place in the Championship this past season, earning promotion via the Play-Offs. Fulham's home ground is Craven Cottage, located in west London on the banks of the River Thames, less than two miles from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.


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At the time of senior high school, I seduced girls pretending to be serious.
I used to seduce girl pretending to be serious.
You said delirium also dreaming yesterday night too,did you.
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I feel so cheerful, taking a rest in the forest.
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Having few money, I ate only Rahmen , also yesterday too.
Being far distant,I retune to hometawn only at the Obon festival.


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March 15, 2021 by Colltales
What Legacies Are Made of, Colltalers
Daylight Time Savings is on, a sight spring is not too far. Covid-19, though, is yet to receive the memo; global cases have beat the 120 million mark, and the U.S. has a quarter of them. Good and bad news about vaccines: many got their shots in the global north but billions worldwide remain uninoculated.
Brazil, second on that grim list of virus casualties, experienced an earthquake of sorts with the return of former President Lula da Silva to politics. And there's also a string of sad anniversaries to mark: Breonna Taylor, Marielle Franco, the Syrian civil war, and the Fukushima nuke disaster and tsunami.
Let's start with Bolivia, where far-right Jeanine Añez was arrested on terrorism and sedition charges. She instigated the 2019 military coup that ousted the country's first indigenous president, Evo Morales, and led a brutal regime that persecuted and killed countless pro-democracy activists. Morales has since returned and in Oct. his ally Luis Arce won a closely-watched special election. Bolivia, population of 11 million, has 260,000 coronavirus cases.
In Poland, as around the world, massive marches marked Women's Day on Sat but the focus this year was the draconian anti-abortion law that went into effect on Jan. With increasingly restrictive measures against sex minorities – the country has now what it calls 'LGBTQ-Free Zones!' – religious zealotry seems to have been inscribed into law. Poland may be ready for a gifted leader to take it out of a past of coal, war, and prejudice and back to the future.
And Scotland, whose efforts to become independent from the United Kingdom have increased since Brexit, was told by the U.K. Prime Minister that he's against another referendum. The first one, in 2014, failed to grant autonomy to Scots, but F.M. Nicola Sturgeon has since pushed for a new vote.
A few other issues of note include Myanmar, where the now indiscriminate killings of civilians by the military that staged the Feb.1 coup continues to sow terror in the country. And Mexico and Marocco which are fine-tuning legislation to make marijuana legal, or at least for medical condition therapies.
A report by the World Health Organization found that nearly one-third of women and girls will experience some form of sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. Even as lockdowns have exacerbated violence toward women, numbers don't yet reflect what the U.N. calls 'a shadow pandemic.'
And the scary climate emergency-related reports keep rolling on. One, from Rainforest Foundation Norway, found that human activities have destroyed 34% of old-growth tropical rainforests worldwide. And another, by over 30 scientists sponsored by the National Geographic Society, determined that the Amazon Rainforest is now a net contributor to the warming of the planet. What used to be called 'the lungs of the world' is now grasping for air.
When President Lula was sentenced to 12 years in jail, on what's now been proven to be trumped-up charges, it was the official end to a sort of spring to Brazil. After all, after two landslide elections, Lula and his successor Dilma Rousseff led the country to the greatest economic growth and social mobility period of its history. But by 2016, Rousseff had been ousted, again on unproven allegations, and Brazil had started a long, painful plunge from grace.
From 6th- to 12th-economy in the world in three years, from a leader of emergent markets to a fire sale of its most valuable assets, from rescuing an estimated 30 million people out of extreme poverty to rejoining the list of nations where hunger is rampant, it was a fall from what never quite looked like a paradise to a much worst place. The tragedy of Covid and its unrestrained path of death may be another fallout of the legislative coup against Rousseff.
Lula and his Workers' Party, still Brazil's largest representation in congress, touched every segment of the economy and society, even when banks' record profits at times seemed at odds with the party's leftist governance manifesto. The coordinated attack, by a far-right alliance of big landowners, rich Evangelical leaders, and conservative media that ultimately cost Lula power and freedom, will surely be dissected by historians of the future.
Not by coincidence, President Bolsonaro launched the first mass vaccination program – with a vaccine produced by the country's own Butantã Institute. Despite rising deaths and entire states still locked out of it, some may be breathing a bit easier. Others are simply elated as Lula could potentially beat Bolsonaro next year. If he runs. But the country remains split and there'll be always many who hate him and will vote for the other guy no matter what.
Ten years ago, a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Ōkuma, Japan, triggered by an earthquake, created a giant tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people. Beyond the reminder that natural disasters can throw any society back to its Stone Age, the ultimate cost of the horrific event is yet to be precisely drawn. But to be sure, the entire planet was actually spared from an even worst fate as reactors melted but cooled off in time.
Around the same time, what started as peaceful rallies against President Bashar al-Assad has escalated to an international conflict on Syrian soil. In this past decade, it has destroyed much of the countryside but the forces still fighting there are but proxies, making the bid for Russia, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, Shia Muslim militias, Israel, Saudi Arabia, a U.S.-led coalition of Western countries, and an assortment of violently distraught Islamic groups.
What al-Assad started as a push to crush internal dissent has completely spiraled out of his control, but he's still in power. While big powers refuse to take the lead to broker peace among warring forces, behind the scenes, they continue to fund it and bomb it. As a result, over half a million have died.
There are similarities between Marielle Franco, a Brazilian councilwoman and LGBTQ activist assassinated by militiamen linked to Rio police three years ago yesterday, and Breonna Taylor, an emergency room technician, shot by the Louisville, KY, police inside her own home, a year ago. Both were poor, working-class Black women with a will to make a difference, and that's what typical garden-variety macho tugs working for corrupt systems hate.
Marielle was killed for her ideas and accomplishments, daring ascent, and her true-telling political trajectory. Breonna was shot by a police force known for racial profiling. But ultimately they were killed by rising femicide, whose numbers especially during the pandemic rose to inconceivable heights. There's also something else, though their brutal demise brought forth to the world: at their moment, they'd already given their 110% many times over.
None of their assassins has been brought to justice – banners with 'Who Ordered the Murder of Marielle?' are all over her city – even though in her case, two of the shooters are in jail. The mark they've left however is indelible. After all, poor 'Cariocas,' and BLM activists continue to fight for justice.
Our time here is brief. We get busy with our lives, dreams, and aching backs but often forget that it's what we leave, not what we can't take with us anyway, that counts. Be on the lookout, dear reader, to jump at the opportunity to make peace, plant a tree, kiss your mom. It's great too if we can match at least a tiny part of what Marielle and Breonna's legacies are all about. But if it's love that it's important to you, then you'll be remembered. See ya. WC


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Q: Убрать дубликаты из списка Задан каркас метода, который должен удалить дубликаты из списка. И тест на него. Как реализовать метод?? Возможно задача простая, но в этом деле я пока новичок.
public class FullSearch {
    public static HashSet<String> extractNumber(List<Task> list) {
        HashSet<String> numbers = new HashSet<>();

        // for-each
        return numbers;
    }
}

public class FullSearchTest {

    @Test
    public void extractNumber() {
        List<Task> tasks = Arrays.asList(
                new Task("1", "First desc"),
                new Task("2", "Second desc"),
                new Task("1", "First desc")
        );
        Set<String> expected = new HashSet<>(Arrays.asList("1", "2"));
        assertThat(FullSearch.extractNumber(tasks), is(expected));
    }
}

A: public static HashSet<String> extractNumber(List<Task> list) {
        HashSet<String> numbers = new HashSet<>();
        list.stream()
                .forEach(n -> numbers.add(n.getFirstVariable()));
        return numbers;
}

n.getFirstVariable() здесь должно возвращаться значение поля Task-a, которое у вас указано как "1" или "2", вы не указали как называются ваши поля класса Task, поэтому назвал firstVariable

A: public static HashSet<String> extractNumber(List<Task> list) {
    HashSet<String> numbers = new HashSet<>();

    // for-each
    for (Task task : list) {
        numbers.add(task.getNumber());
    }
    return numbers;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
using System.Text;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Http;

namespace CondenserDotNet.Middleware.TrailingHeaders
{
    public class TrailingHeadersMiddleware
    {
        private readonly RequestDelegate _next;

        public TrailingHeadersMiddleware(RequestDelegate next) => _next = next;

        public async Task Invoke(HttpContext context)
        {
            var trailingHeaders = new TrailingHeadersFeature(context);
            var stream = new ChunkingStream()
            {
                InnerStream = context.Response.Body
            };
            context.Response.Body = stream;
            context.Response.Headers["Transfer-Encoding"] = "chunked";
            context.Features.Set<ITrailingHeadersFeature>(trailingHeaders);
            await _next(context);
            context.Response.Body = stream.InnerStream;
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            sb.AppendLine("0");
            foreach (var header in trailingHeaders.Headers)
            {
                sb.Append(header.Item1)
                    .Append(": ")
                    .Append(header.Item2())
                    .AppendLine();
            }
            sb.AppendLine();
            var bytes = Encoding.ASCII.GetBytes(sb.ToString());
            await context.Response.Body.WriteAsync(bytes, 0, bytes.Length);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
"}).join(""),document.body.appendChild(n),document.body.style.position="relative",document.body.parentElement.style.paddingBottom=""+n.offsetHeight+"px",setTimeout(function(){n.style.bottom=0,n.style.opacity=1},50),e.util.on("click","locksmith-ab-toggle",function(e){e.preventDefault();for(var t=e.target.parentElement;-1===t.className.split(" ").indexOf("locksmith-ab");)t=t.parentElement;-1!==t.className.split(" ").indexOf("toggled")?t.className=t.className.replace("toggled",""):t.className=t.className+" toggled"}),e.util.enableActions(n)}}()}(); 'Home' - CASE
Home And Just in CASE 'Home'
Case 38 home
'Home'
What do we mean when we use the word 'home'? Often we seem to mean dwelling or place, but surely a home is much more. My wife and I sold our house recently and said to friends a number of times 'we sold our home'. But did we? Surely our home was more than the bricks and mortar and the land on which they stood. We are now living in a small apartment at New College before moving to another house. It is nothing like our old house, and yet it feels like 'home'. We're happy being together with a small smattering of our possessions. What makes this small apartment feel like home? Surely, in large part, that my wife and I are together in this place. But what if you are the sole occupant of your residence? Is it still home? Can a person living alone be at home? Of course! So home must be more than just a dwelling or cohabitation.
We also use the word 'home' to speak of our nation or 'land'. For Indigenous Australians connection with the land is something that leads them to speak of 'home country', a place associated with continuous occupation by their ancestors. Such places are intertwined with shared history and stories. Newcomers to any country can take time to feel at home, and immigrants can long for landscapes lost. Travellers returning to their place of birth also speak of going home and mean more than just a place. Rather 'home' means nation, cultural identity, and connection with race and ethnicity. Separation from one's nation can cause alienation and a sense of loss.
The Israelites experienced what it meant to be aliens and strangers at the hands of the Assyrians. The Psalmist wrote of their experiences:
By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars
we hung our harps,
for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion!'
How can we sing the songs of the Lord
while in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:1-4)
The longing of the Israelites is similar to the longing we have, to be in a place where we can sing our own 'songs of joy' with those we love. But more than this, the foundation of this longing for home is rooted in our relationship to God. True 'home', as God planned it, is a place of opportunity for fellowship with him, and service that brings glory to him. It is also a place where we can know love, peace, kindness and grace, and in turn understand the need to share this with others.
This idea of longing for home is a key theme in the latest issue of Case magazine published by CASE. There are a number of essays that explore the theme. One piece by Graeme Goldsworthy traces 'home' from Eden, through the wanderings of exile, to the New Jerusalem, an eternal home unlike the transient and decaying dwellings of our world.
Alison Payne explores the language of homesickness. This is a sense of disconnection, 'rootlessness', loss of shared cultural understanding, and a longing for common stories that bind us together. An echo of Eden lost, which one day will be restored. This longing may account for the distorted ideas of home we find around us—if it could just be bigger, have polished floors, a pool—maybe then we would be satisfied.
In another essay Gordon Menzies and Susan Thorp remind us, a house can become an idol rather than a foretaste of heaven. And at the other end of the spectrum, Michelle Waterford explains that the Australian housing crisis means that finding a place to live is an increasing problem for many people, Internationally, we also see thousands forced from their homes due to persecution, war, and natural disaster. Those of us who live in safety and sufficiency have the opportunity to show hospitality to those in need.
Finally, Erin Goheen Glanville examines the metaphor of 'hospitality' and calls for a refreshed understanding of the concept. Christians are to show hospitality to refugees. That is, as strangers we are to help strangers.
The Bible reminds us that while we can experience 'home' in this life, ultimately our true home is a heavenly one. In this life we may experience a sense of belonging in nations, places and homes—though many are denied even this—but our true 'citizenship' is in heaven (Phil 3:20). One day we will be fellow citizens with God's people in his heavenly household with Christ as the cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22). We will dwell together, bound by a love founded on and in Christ. This is an experience of belonging that passes understanding and can never be realised in our attempts to capture some sense of what it means to be at 'home' on earth.
Subscribers to Case should now have this issue. Individuals can subscribe to receive four issues per year (in hard or soft copy) for as little as $20 AUD per annum. Institutions can subscribe for $120 per annum (there is a special rate for schools and churches). You can also purchase single issues online. Explore all the options HERE.


Kuwait plans to raise its oil production capacity by 150,000 barrels a day to 3.4 million bpd by mid-2015, a top oil executive in the oil-rich Gulf state says.
"(Kuwait's) current production capacity is 3.25 million bpd. We plan to add another 150,000 bpd by mid-2015," says Hashim Hashim, the chief executive officer of Kuwait Oil Company, responsible for exploration and production.
The company also plans to add between 400,000 and 500,000 bpd to the country's production capacity to fulfil Kuwait's aim to raise output capacity to 4 million bpd by 2020, Hashim said on the sidelines of the global oil and gas conference on Tuesday.
He said Kuwait currently pumps around 3.0 million bpd and could "increase production depending on market conditions".
Hashim also said he believes current oil prices of just over $US100 ($A112.38) a barrel are "fair".
Speaking during the conference, KOC acting manager for contracts Moomen al-Ghawas said the company has contracts under construction worth $US35 billion ($A39.33 billion).


The request as it was written, did not contain an actionable request that we can send to any government entity, and there was no clear indication that information was actually being requested. The message we received was only statements or opinions, and there was no question or request contained therein that we could identify.
For this reason, we have removed the request message, and have marked the request as "Complete" on our site. This concludes the request at this time.
If the requester does wish to submit a new request, please do so by filling out the form on our homepage. Please indicate in your message exactly what information is being requested, as well as any government entities that you think may be included in your request.


text:
EDITOR BIO
Legislating the Metaverse in ASEAN
The Metaverse is a projected new technology that will be used to connect users all across the globe and will involve both virtual reality, social media, and traditional technologies. The Metaverse has largely been promoted by Facebook's parent company Meta, but that, according to Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg, does not mean that [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2022-08-15T06:55:35+07:00August 15th, 2022|Dispute Resolution, TMT-Technology, Media, Telecom|Comments Off on Legislating the Metaverse in ASEAN
Axie Infinity and Dispute Resolution
This last week I gave a presentation for ASEAN Legal Alliance on NFTs, Axie Infinity, and the major problem digital assets present for national sovereigns. I've previously written in this space about the difficulty of the Metaverse being largely owned and operated by an American company. Citing the United States reaction to Chinese limitations to [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2022-06-13T02:58:13+07:00June 13th, 2022|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, TMT-Technology, Media, Telecom|Comments Off on Axie Infinity and Dispute Resolution
Contractual Remedies for Breach in Vietnam Contracts
One of the major issues we face as lawyers in Vietnam is protecting our clients in drafted contracts. There are numerous elements that go into such drafting, but one major element is the inclusion of penalties for breaches of the contract. While Vietnam does not recognize liquidated damages, there are a number of other penalties [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2022-04-04T04:06:51+07:00April 4th, 2022|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution|Comments Off on Contractual Remedies for Breach in Vietnam Contracts
Choice of Law Rules for Contracts in Vietnam
When I first started practicing in Vietnam over ten years ago, it was assumed that the law governing the contract would--if at all possible--be foreign law. Vietnamese law was little developed, then, and foreign law was deemed more likely to contemplate potential issues arising. This, of course, neglected issues of dispute resolution and enforcement which [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-09-28T15:41:03+07:00September 28th, 2020|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution|Comments Off on Choice of Law Rules for Contracts in Vietnam
Restructuring Debt in Vietnam
I'm excited. As of a couple of hours ago, Vietnam has gone over 40 hours without a new case of Covid-19. That means it took only a month for the country to effectively control a second outbreak of the virus. Here's to hoping the trend continues. But with that in mind, there is a lot [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-08-31T21:53:37+07:00September 1st, 2020|Dispute Resolution, Restructuring, Securities and Capital markets|Comments Off on Restructuring Debt in Vietnam
Derivative Suits Against Management in Vietnam
A derivative suit in Vietnam, as in most jurisdictions in which it is allowed, is a civil action brought by a shareholder of a company against a third party in the name of the company. Often this third party is a member of management.1 This is a powerful tool for minority shareholders to influence the [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-05-21T14:04:04+07:00May 21st, 2020|Corporate and commercial, Dispute Resolution|Comments Off on Derivative Suits Against Management in Vietnam
What To Do After Force Majeure in Vietnam
While Vietnam is coming out of the Covid-19 epidemic, force majeure in Vietnam and elsewhere remains a major issue for investors both domestic and international. Cross-border flows of goods and people remain restricted, but internally, Vietnam is resuming business as usual to the extent possible. As the world locked down over the last few months, [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-05-06T15:25:34+07:00May 6th, 2020|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, International Trade, Legal News|Comments Off on What To Do After Force Majeure in Vietnam
Vietnam Joins Hague Treaty on Evidence
On 4 March 2020, Vietnam signed the Hague Convention of 18 March 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters. The Convention takes effect on 3 May 2020. Vietnam is the 63 country to join the Convention. In joining the Convention, Vietnam continues its gradual accession to international judicial treaties. In [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-04-27T14:57:10+07:00April 27th, 2020|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, Legal News|Comments Off on Vietnam Joins Hague Treaty on Evidence
How to Successfully Use a Non-Compete Clause in Vietnam
Not too long ago I was looking at some labor law issues and tangentially saw a reference to a court case in Vietnam that addressed the issue of non-compete agreements. This intrigued me because the last time I looked into the issue there had been no real developments in the area and the consensus amongst [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-03-25T12:40:46+07:00March 25th, 2020|Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, Employment|Comments Off on How to Successfully Use a Non-Compete Clause in Vietnam
Judiciary's Role Under-defined in Vietnam
I've spent the last two and a half days trying to figure out exactly what the courts do in Vietnam. I've come to the conclusion that their role is ill defined and that on purpose. I read through the Law on Promulgation of Legislative Documents, the Law on People's Courts, the Civil Procedure Code, and [...]
By VietnameseLawBlog|2020-02-19T12:26:49+07:00February 19th, 2020|constitutional, Contract Law, Dispute Resolution|Comments Off on Judiciary's Role Under-defined in Vietnam
© 2006 – 2021 Indochine Counsel. All Rights Reserved.


This proposal for a clinical case study of the treatment of a woman diagnosed with dysthymia employs a cognitive behavioral approach to identifying effective treatment modalities for patients with depressive disorders. In cognitive behavioral sessions, psychotherapists seek to help a patient identify his or her harmful thinking patterns in order to develop better coping strategies and social skills. The focus of the research in this study is on how people in general think, behave, and communicate in the present rather than on their early childhood experiences.
This study is comprised of four chapters; this chapter provides an introduction and overview of the research, a statement of the problem to be considered, the purpose of the study and the rationale in support of the client selected. Chapter Two presents a critical review of the peer-reviewed and scholarly literature, and Chapter Three describes the methodology employed. The final chapter summarizes the findings of the research and provides a discussion of concluding thoughts that resulted from the research and the treatment sessions that formed the basis of the project.
This is a proposal for a clinical case study on the treatment of a woman diagnosed with dysthymia. Dysthymia, or minor depression, is characterized by the presence of a depressed mood for the majority of the day for a minimum 2-year period with no more than 2 months' of respite from the symptoms during this period. Further, at least two of the following symptoms must occur concurrently with the depression: disruption in eating habits -- poor appetite or overeating; disturbed sleeping pattern -- insomnia or hypersomnia; low energy or fatigue; low self-esteem; poor concentration or difficulty making decisions; and a feeling of hopelessness (Rakel, 2004). This case study will employ the relational model, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This technique is a relatively short-term, focused psychotherapeutic approach that can be used for a wide range of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, and personality problems. The cognitive behavioral approach has provided an effective framework in which to better understand individuals and their unique problems and circumstances, and, further, it provides an effective approach to use developing individual therapy modalities (Fine & Schwebel, 1994). The focus of this research project will be on how the client thinks, behaves, and communicates currently rather than on early childhood experiences.
Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in the United States today, and all signs indicate that the condition is on the rise (Helm, Boward, McBridge et al., 2002). The costs associated with this range of depressive disorders are enormous. In fact, it has been estimated that depression results in more than 200 million lost workdays and costs the U.S. economy $43.7 billion annually; further, much of those costs are hidden, including $23.8 billion lost to U.S. businesses in absenteeism and lost productivity (Myslinksi, 2004). Claims for short-term disability for those with depression are comparable to other chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and lower back pain. People who experience unrecognized depression are also greater users of healthcare resources for their physical ailments (Myslinksi, 2004). On a final note, it should be pointed out that there are currently no data supporting qualitative differences in symptomatology between major depression and dysthymia (Klein, 1991).
The purpose of this investigation is to highlight those aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating depressive disorders in general and those that affect the patient in this study in particular. It is the intent of this dissertation to demonstrate how an application of the basic tenets and theoretical principles of cognitive behavioral theory may be applied and utilized in the treatment of the client, Mary.
It is relevant to note that these theoretical constructs bridge into clinical practice and are not only theoretically central but also help the therapist to think about the nature of the therapeutic relationship, the analysis of which is at the heart of cognitive behavioral practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has always grown from a fertile interaction between theory and clinical practice. Clinical experience comes to challenge the contemporary theoretical understanding and demands a development of that theoretical understanding so as to accommodate the emerging clinical experiences.
All the chapters in this volume address the Mary's struggle to come to know and tolerate some of the indisputable facts of life, including dependency and the inevitability of loss.
This dissertation is concerned with the conceptual foundations of cognitive behavioral theory. I undertake an integration of the theory and technique of cognitive behavioral theory in this dissertation. It is designed to introduce essential theoretical tenets of cognitive behavioral theory, especially as they apply to the client, and to illustrate how this theoretical model lends itself to the clinical situation. It is important to remember that cognitive behavioral theory is a clinical science. The test of the goodness of its theory is that it generates actions leading to change in a direction taken to be desirable by the client.
This is not a dissertation about looking into the past and finding fault so that all of our present-day problems can be explained away. Too often these days, it appears that people are looking to place responsibility for their problems everywhere except in their own lives and in their own choices. This is not to say that early events in our lives don't influence our current functioning -- they do. It is to say, however, that events in the past cannot be changed. Instead, what we do with those events, how we think about those events, and how we use those events to make us stronger in our present day lives is what is important.
There are times when it is good to pause for a moment and ask ourselves: Whence have we come? Where do we stand now? Where are we going? This dissertation attempts to answer these questions for the field of cognitive behavioral therapy. As I resisted the idea of a dissertation consciously, I was already at work writing it on a preconscious level. When I found myself one afternoon running through points of interpretation 'in my head,' I realized that the question had been decided for me. A fresh rethinking created opportunities to return to the received canon, to rescrutinize cognitive behavioral theorists and themes and, additionally, to treat at length thinkers I incorporated selectively or inadequately earlier: I had in mind Beck and.... And so the die was cast.
In this dissertation I attempt to do two things. First, I try to trace the history of cognitive behavioral theory. Second, I try to incorporate the theory with clinical practice. My major aim in writing this dissertation has been to develop an integrated position with respect to knowledge about cognitive behavioral theory.
Psychologists neither live nor work in a vacuum. Each day, students of psychology learn concepts and techniques that will affect their interactions with other people, whether as clients, co-workers, or as companions, for the rest of their lives. Each day, instructors face the responsibility of teaching those students. Each day, researchers gather data and draw conclusions upon which both the knowledge of psychology and its application are based. And, each day, clinical practitioners must apply the concepts and techniques they were taught in graduate school, as well as newly developed theories and applications that they later learn, in order to assist to the greatest extent possible the individuals and families that they serve.
Regardless of the environment in which psychologists work, whether they are involved in basic research or education or applied psychology or clinical practice, they are seeking out real world issues and functional methods for understanding the impact of those issues on individuals.
"Treatment of Women Diagnosed With Dysthymia." 22 January 2005. Web. 19 April 2019. <https://www.essaytown.com/subjects/paper/treatment-women-diagnosed-dysthymia/3580>.
"Treatment of Women Diagnosed With Dysthymia." Essaytown.com. January 22, 2005. Accessed April 19, 2019.


text:
Expo 2020 Dubai records 5.66 million visits in first two months
Expo 2020 Dubai has enjoyed 5,663,960 visits. During October and November, the event welcomed 5,383 government leaders.
Words: Bea Mitchell
Since opening to the public on October 1, Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 5.66 million visits up to December 5, boosted by the UAE's 50th National Day weekend.
Expo 2020 Dubai has enjoyed a whopping 5,663,960 visits up to December 5. During October and November, the event welcomed 5,383 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state.
In its first two months, Expo 2020 Dubai has hosted a total of 10,461 events. The number of repeat visitors in October and November reached 1.2 million.
"We are delighted with the figures, and that so many people chose to celebrate such a momentous occasion, the UAE's 50th National Day, with us here at Expo 2020 Dubai," said Reem Al Hashimy, director general of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Number of repeat visitors reaches 1.2 million
She said the figures are "a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Expo, from the hosting of spectacular events that make people want to visit again and again, to the bringing together of global change-makers".
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of visitors in November came from outside the United Arab Emirates, including India, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
Additionally, the Expo School Programme has welcomed close to 250,000 students from across the UAE. Expo 2020's virtual visitation increased to 25 million.
During the first two months, approximately 455,000 journeys were made to and from the site via taxi. More than 600,000 trips were made on the Expo Rider bus service, and 2.2 million visitors travelled to and from Expo 2020 Dubai using the Dubai Metro.
In its first month of opening, Expo 2020 Dubai enjoyed 2.35 million visits and 12.8 million virtual visits, and hosted 5,610 events. 17 percent of visits came from overseas despite the pandemic.
Images: Expo 2020 Dubai
Attraction design
World Expos
Bea Mitchell
Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.
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text:
using System;
using System.Threading;

using Gtk;

using Mono.Unix;

namespace Mono.Upnp.GtkClient
{
    [System.ComponentModel.ToolboxItem (true)]
    public partial class LazyServiceInfo : Gtk.Bin
    {
        readonly IServiceInfoProvider provider;
        readonly ServiceAnnouncement service;
        bool mapped;

        public LazyServiceInfo (IServiceInfoProvider provider, ServiceAnnouncement service)
        {
            this.provider = provider;
            this.service = service;

            this.Build ();

            loading.Text = Catalog.GetString (string.Format ("Loading {0}", provider.Name));
        }

        protected virtual void OnMapped (object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            if (!mapped) {
                mapped = true;
                ThreadPool.QueueUserWorkItem (state => {
                    Widget widget;
                    try {
                        widget = provider.ProvideInfo (service);
                    } catch (Exception exception) {
                        var vbox = new VBox ();
                        vbox.PackStart (new Gtk.Label ("Failed to Load " + provider.Name), true, true, 0);
                        var expander = new Expander ("Error");
                        expander.Add (new Label (exception.ToString ()));
                        vbox.PackStart (expander, true, true, 0);
                        widget = vbox;
                    }
                    Gtk.Application.Invoke ((o, a) => {
                        alignment.Remove (alignment.Child);
                        alignment.Add (widget);
                        ShowAll ();
                    });
                });
            }
        }
    }
}


Cite:Scissored and Pasted: readers and writers redoing and undoing King James by Valentine Cunningham at http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/ via http://writersinspire.org/content/scissored-pasted-readers-writers-redoing-undoing-king-james-0. Accessed on Saturday, April 20, 2019.
If reusing this resource please attribute as follows: Scissored and Pasted: readers and writers redoing and undoing King James (http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/) by Valentine Cunningham, licensed as Creative Commons BY-NC-SA (2.0 UK).


text:
require "google/cloud/translate/v3"

##
# Example demonstrating basic usage of
# Google::Cloud::Translate::V3::TranslationService::Client#get_glossary
#
def get_glossary
  # Create a client object. The client can be reused for multiple calls.
  client = Google::Cloud::Translate::V3::TranslationService::Client.new

  # Create a request. To set request fields, pass in keyword arguments.
  request = Google::Cloud::Translate::V3::GetGlossaryRequest.new

  # Call the get_glossary method.
  result = client.get_glossary request

  # The returned object is of type Google::Cloud::Translate::V3::Glossary.
  p result
end
# [END translate_v3_generated_TranslationService_GetGlossary_sync]


As midnight approaches on our third Sol of the Mars mission, much has been accomplished. Life support systems have been built, providing oxygen and water. Additional windmills have been erected to power those systems as well. Our research is progressing well, giving us access to more technology.
A cargo rocket has been dispatched from Earth, bringing additional pre-fab structures which will give us a head start on production of basics. We hope that we will soon develop the technology to build these structures with the supplies we harvest and produce on Mars. The rocket is also carrying additional supplies including polymers, machine parts and electronics. We will need these from Earth until we can produce our own. 5 additional drones will be on that rocket as well. The more drones at our disposal, the more efficient building and gathering will be.
HUGE discovery today. Our surface scanners have found a water deposit! It lies just a little North-West of our position.
We have expanded operations with an additional concrete facility and power to support it. Research efforts continue as well.
This Sol, we had our first anomaly analysed which allowed gives us a research boost of 10% for Engineering. Our scientific efforts also completed the research for three areas, Crowd Funding, Water Reclamation, and Magnetic Filtering. Crowd Funding brought us an additional 1,000 M on Earth. Water Reclamation will allow us to build a spire in domes which will reduce the water demand. Magnetic Filtering will allow the Moxies (oxygen production) to operate more efficiently giving a 50% boost to O2 production.
Our efforts in construction will now have a priority in establishing oxygen and water production to support colonists. Once those facilities are in place, construction of the dome will commence.
Is there a version of this on iOS?
No, it's not for mobile.
The first Sol on Mars saw a successful touchdown of the rocket and deployment of the rovers.
Construction began with a solar array, power cables and concrete extraction facility. With an immediate supply of surface metal deposits, the rovers were able to build a power windmill before the end of the day.
The Commander chose to use funding to increase research capacity from Earth, allowing an additional 2,000 research points for the next 5 Sols. With this gain in research, Explorer AI was successfully accomplished. This allows our Explorer Rover to add 100 research points to the effort each Sol. Research is a key to success.
The first rocket is in the landing process, the Commander has started planning for the placement of the first dome as shown below. This area seems to be rich in surface metal deposits which will help our construction efforts.
The next phase will be to set up a concrete production facility, with power, and choose our research priorities.
The Colony Commander has made his decision on the landing area for the first rocket. He has chosen Margaritifer Alpha 3S 22W as the site. Though it has a high risk of meteors, the flatter terrain will allow for more flexibility while building domes and infrastructure.
Touch down is scheduled for tomorrow morning.
Mission Control Centre has ordered the launch of the first rocket containing the supplies shown below. A cargo rocket with additional supplies, prefabs and drones will follow shortly.
A Rocket Scientist has been chosen as the Colony Commander and will be making any further decisions about the site. MCC will fully support the Colony Commander.
While Courage 1 is transiting to the red planet, the Colony Commander will consider the landing site choices and make a decision when the rocket obtains orbit around Mars.
To aid in his decision, the Mission Commander directed the Mission Control Centre to send probes for a more information on the two landing areas.
Our Mission Ops Centre has received telemetry from the Mars Survey Probes, it is time to decide our landing site. Two ideal areas have been selected by our Mission Specialists with a third as difficult reference.
1 - Coordinates 1S 167 W - very high metals available with high amounts of concrete and water. The greatest threat will be dust storms which will affect solar power generation and water production by vapourators. By using power storage cells and water tanks, the colony should be in a position to ride out the storms with little difficulty. Topography is relatively flat allowing for plenty of room to build structures.
2 - Coordinates 3S 22W - high levels of metals with very high levels of concrete and water. The greatest threat will be meteors. Though these will be pose a danger to the colony, they can be a source of additional metals and polymers with luck. At some point our scientists will be able to work on developing a laser defense against them. Topography is relatively flat.
3 - Coordinates 18N 135W - high levels of metals and concrete with a lower availability of water. Dust Devils and Storms will be the greatest threat, with an increase risk of Cold Waves. Cold Waves will freeze any stored water and shut down some production. Our scientific community will have the chance to develop ground heaters at some point which will alleviate the impact of the Cold Waves. Topography is steep and will present much less available landscape for structures.
Our Mission Specialists are recommending to not choose the 3rd option due to terrain and increased environmental threats.
Your assistance is requested. Help our Mission Commander - Site 1 or 2? First rocket will be launched tomorrow, it will be a cargo rocket containing resources, pre-fab structures and robotic drones. These drones will construct the necessary infrastructure to support our colonists.
You have a choice of sponsors for the mission, each offering different advantages and disadvantages. Though it is rated as "Very Easy", I have chosen the International Mars Mission. This does give the best chance of success. I may run another mission later with a different sponsor.
The IMM provides $30,000M of funding which will be used for supplies, pre-fab buildings and research. It also provides additional research points at a rate of 300 per Sol which will be most beneficial. Research is the key to success and survival. The IMM will have 200 applicants for us to chose from for our colonists. The IMM will also provide food stocks with the colonists.
The game update occurs tomorrow. Planned "launch" is the 26th.
We have a choice in the Commander Profile which provides bonuses to game play. I have narrowed it to 3 from the many choices. Rocket Scientist, Futurist and Inventor.
Rocket Scientist provides a fifth cargo/passenger rocket as well as researched tech of CO2 Jet Propulsion. This tech unlocks the Shuttle Hub and long-range transportation.
Futurist researches Breakthroughs 30% faster and give the tech for Autonomous Sensor. Sensor towers will not require power or maintenance.
Inventor has the drones gradually optimize through the first 100 Sols allowing faster work and construction. This profile provides the tech for Autonomous Hubs, allowing drone hubs to work without power or maintenance.
Which Commander should be chosen?
Hi All! I've been playing Surviving Mars and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I plan on starting a game later this week (after a game update) and share progress on my profile here. I am hoping some of you will join in on some of the game play with me.


text:
package com.alevohin.addressbook.spring;

import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.Bean;
import org.springframework.context.annotation.Configuration;
import org.springframework.security.authentication.AuthenticationManager;
import org.springframework.security.authentication.AuthenticationProvider;
import org.springframework.security.config.annotation.authentication.builders.AuthenticationManagerBuilder;
import org.springframework.security.config.annotation.method.configuration.EnableGlobalMethodSecurity;
import org.springframework.security.config.annotation.method.configuration.GlobalMethodSecurityConfiguration;

@Configuration
@EnableGlobalMethodSecurity(securedEnabled = true)
public class SecurityConfiguration extends GlobalMethodSecurityConfiguration {

    @Autowired
    private CustomAuthenticationProvider authenticationProvider;

    @Autowired
    @Override
    protected void configure(AuthenticationManagerBuilder auth) throws Exception {
        auth.authenticationProvider(authenticationProvider);
    }

    @Bean
    public AuthenticationManager authenticationManagerBean() throws Exception {
        return authenticationManager();
    }
}


Photography and Editing by Jonas Raaby.
Saint Best is a Copenhagen based Electro-Pop band. For the relase of their upcoming album a brand new Stage Wear Collection was required to fit their modern sound.
Their costummade stage wear has been designed with inspiration in Saint Best's sound as well as each individual musician.


This single-track trail is located on the mountainside just north of NW A St. and east of N Walton Boulevard has been designed specifically for mountain bicyclists.
This trail system incorporates progressive features, but also takes provides alternatives for riders of all levels.
Trails are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced with special features including log rides, drops, jumps and a free ride area with table top jumps, bermed turns, and a wall ride. Parking is available at 2400 N Walton Boulevard, just south of the Bark Park.


MMI depends on the generosity of our community, people like you, to succeed in our mission, "so the hungry can eat." We accept cash and in-kind food donations. All Donations to Manna Meal, Inc. are tax deductible. A letter of thank you serving as your tax receipt can be sent to you after each donation. However, if you prefer we can send you a yearly break down in January of each year.
milk & juice for one day, two meals.
Manna Meal, Inc. is a non-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible. Presently our average of meals served per day is over 400, seven days a week.


My Chow is blind and old. I have taken him to several groomers who boast of their wonderful service and near perfect reviews. But it is only at this grooming place that Tyler, my baby seems to get excited whenever I carry him thru the door of the shop. His tail starts wagging and starts doing his happy bark. He is always looks good and smell good when I pick him up after. Tyler is the one being groomed not me (LOL) so I guess he has a better way judging which shop he wants to go. And so far it seems this shop and groomer is who he wants to be at. Obviously Celebrity paw knows how to handle disable and older dogs and that is good enough for me.
I love the place and will keep on going there.
Lack of caring much!? I took my dog in for the second time and they plucked the hair out of his ears. He was miserable and very swollen from it. They also burned his ear with the clippers.
Not being familiar with this service I called a couple times to question if this discomfort was normal or not. Instead of showing compassion or concern for my dog I was greeted with annoyance for even calling.
I ended up having to pay a $210 vet bill.
Mabey this service was a normal procedure but it would have been nice to have been told about it first and explained properly about the possible reactions. It also would of been nice if my questions were met with equal concern and not attitude and annoyance.
Also if you are so busy that you don't have time to address a customers concerns then you are not a qualified groomer in my opinion. The paw spa brags about 25 years of professional service just beware that it doesn't come with proper bedside manners especially if you ask questions!
My puppies got their first haircut today. I was super worried but came back looking so cute..
Posted by Reina Gonzales Vasquez on June 27, 2015. Brought to you by facebook.
Posted by Katina Apostle Mall on May 31, 2015. Brought to you by facebook.
Posted on October 12, 2015. Brought to you by opendius.


A month ago I stumbled across a website called the Happiness Club– an online, monthly membership group run by Jo Howarth, to help people with their mental wellbeing.
I had a read through some of Jo Howarth's Tweets and information on her website and although I am a very happy person, it made me realise that I'm often so busy 'chasing happiness' as opposed to living in the moment.
It got me thinking that a lot of the people who read this blog and my tweets are either teachers or parents of kids with Special Needs. And both parents and teachers are notorious for self sacrificing and not looking after themselves.
So Jo kindly let me try out the Happiness Club complimentary for a month so I could report back to my readers about what I honestly thought.
Daily Pep Talk– I loved receiving an email each day with a video and written message from Jo. They were uplifting and it almost felt like I was getting a little message from a good friend each day. I think I will miss them! Some days I read it and enjoyed reading but didn't feel I needed the pep talk that day. But others, like the morning that started with me tripping over my toddler's potty…that little message in my inbox really helped!!
Changed My Outlook– I've genuinely found some of the messages Jo sent, changed how I thought about things. I believe I 'live in the moment' a lot more now and have stopped chasing happiness as much.
Reliable– For anyone who's struggling with their mental wellbeing I can imagine that the reliability of Jo Howarth's messages is a real positive of this service. Her emails always arrived when she said they would and I was never let down.
Different Mediums- I chose to receive my messages by email. However, I liked that there was a choice- I could also have used her app and interacted on Facebook.


[email redacted, apply via Jobable] or clicking Apply Now.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our personal data policy and for recruitment purposes only. Candidates not notified within eight weeks may consider their application unsuccessful. All related information will be kept in our file for up to 24 months. A copy of our Personal Information Collection Statement will be provided upon request by contacting our Human Resources Division.


Go to meeting website to submit an abstract (deadline 15th June) and to register (early deadline 30th June).
The next EACPT Focus Meeting will be held from 6th to 9th October, 2016 in partnership with the Croatian Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
The theme of the meeting is "How to Assess Medicines from Research to Clinical Practice? Efficacy, Effectiveness, and Economic – 3E Assessment". The main objectives of this Focus Meeting are to increase awareness, knowledge and use of critical assessment pillars for medicinal products in everyday clinical practice in order to improve healthcare outcomes in affordable manner.
We will be guests in the Adriatic coastal town Opatija, Croatia. Opatija lies at the centre of the Kvarner Riviera with the longest tradition of providing quality conference venues in Croatia.
Opatija's very attractive geographic location, lush green scenery and a pleasant climate (45° 20' north latitude) were some of the main reasons for its origins and the rapid development of its tourism from the end of the 19th century. The venue – Grand Hotel 4 Opatijska Cvijeta – is located in the very centre of Opatija and includes four buildings that were named after Opatija's best-known flowers.
The hotel has 223 rooms. The hotel also includes the large Tamaris congress centre, which has 7 multi-functional halls and the latest congress equipment.


text:
Abortion pill reversal gave this mom hope. Now she wants to give back.
By Jeanne De Vita | October 9, 2019 , 02:57pm
(Pregnancy Help News) Ashley Padilla had always wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, but after giving up on pursuing that dream, she could never have expected it would come to fruition with her inspired to serve others because of the support and assistance she received through the Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN).
Padilla's son Gavin was saved from chemical abortion with the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol nearly two years ago, and as his second birthday approached Padilla had returned to nursing school and is set to complete her studies next May. But also notable is that she is considering looking into practicing her upcoming profession serving other women facing unexpected pregnancies with the APRN.
"I want to get the word out there," Padilla told Pregnancy Help News.
Whether or not her path leads to her working with the APRN after graduation, Padilla plans to support the program any way she can, and she's already doing so by telling how the network helped her as a frightened young mother in the process of a chemical abortion.
"I wanted to help spread the word from the beginning," she said. "Now I know that my receiving this education means a lot more."
Padilla, of Clermont, Fl., said that she definitely plans to be involved with the APRN in some fashion.
"The nurse I had really helped me, she held my hand, and prayed with me," said Padilla. "I just want to do that for someone."
Two years after feeling overwhelmed by her pregnancy with Gavin, Padilla says now she doesn't know what she would do without her son.
"He is a blessing to my family," she said. "I feel like he's going to be a blessing to the world."
"I'm just so thankful that I found them [APRN]," she added, "and I was able to get help for my little baby."
READ: 'Pro-choice'? Media slams miscarriage-halting hormone when used to reverse the abortion pill
Padilla spoke to her nursing class about APR once she reached the clinical stage of nursing school. In addition to her medical training, Padilla will have the important perspective of having walked in her patients' shoes.
"I want people to know it's an option," she said, looking forward to helping women navigate the aftermath of having done something they regret.
"I'm doing this because I was scared," she told Pregnancy Help News. "It's scary; it's okay to be scared."
She praised the APRN, saying, "If you do get the conviction to save your baby, there are people who will help you."
Two years later, she noted, they continue to be a support system for her.
It was February 2016 when Padilla went to an Orlando, FL, abortion facility seeking an abortion.
Her marriage had ended, and after entering a subsequent relationship she got pregnant, but the relationship did not last.
With two young children at home, then ages four and eight, Padilla thought, "This is the absolute last thing I need right now."
Her story illustrates how even women who disagree with abortion can feel that it's their only option.
"I was never an abortion supporter," she said. "I know that it's wrong, but I felt justified because of my situation."
"I truly thought I was doing the right thing," Padilla added.
Padilla also said she wished she would have known about the possibility of saving her unborn child earlier, specifically on her way into the abortion center. As it is, she happened to find the network on the internet on her own.
Once in the abortion center examination room, Padilla asked to see the baby's heartbeat on the monitor. The staff member attending to her was taken aback, telling her no one asks to see the heartbeat.
Gavin was around six weeks old in utero at this point.
Padilla said immediately after taking the first abortion pill her conviction for life came through, and she was hit with regret.
She ran from the facility for her car as fast as she could, crying, and tried to make herself throw up. She frantically called her mother in the parking lot.
"I was so hysterical," she said. "I told my mom, 'I can't do this!' I don't think I can live with myself."
Padilla then searched the internet with "abortion regret" and similar terms, having no knowledge at the time about abortion pill reversal.
She connected with a consultant at the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, and roughly 12 hours after she'd taken the first pill for a chemical abortion, she'd been evaluated at a Kissimmee, Fl., family practice office and began taking progesterone to counteract the abortion pill.
While in the doctor's office she noticed pictures on the wall of babies he had saved through the abortion pill reversal protocol, telling Pregnancy Help News they made her happy.
"I had hope," she said.
This was a marked contrast from the abortion facility, which had visible filth on the floors, a lengthy row of pregnancy tests in progress lined up on the counter, and a somber mood prevalent among the many girls in the waiting area anticipating their results.
The doctor and his nurse prayed with her the first day she came in, she said, and at every visit afterward. She has maintained contact with the office, and even more so with her APRN consultant.
In the initial aftermath of undertaking the APR progesterone protocol, Padilla said she remained afraid, for her son, who's heart rate was very low after her taking the abortion-inducing drug, and her with lingering doubts about how she would fare with another baby as a single mother.
READ: To date, Abortion Pill Reversal has helped save over 900 babies from abortion
"I just thought, "I have no idea what I'm going to do," she said. "I'm a big mess. But I think I'm supposed to do this."
Though she didn't know how things would play out once that she decided to try to save Gavin, she held onto the hope and support she encountered at the pregnancy help center, and the support from her family.
"He's supposed to be here," Padilla said of Gavin.
Asked to describe her son, she replied, "He's so funny."
"He is perfect," she continued. "He's the cutest little boy. He loves his brother and sister."
"I don't know how my life would be if I didn't have him," she added.
"I feel like this is our purpose in our life," said Padilla. "That's just the way it was supposed to be."
Regarding the question of what she will tell Gavin when he's old enough to know the circumstances around his birth, Padilla said she has thought a lot of that.
"I'm pretty sure I'm going to tell him," she said.
"I don't think I should hide from him what happened," said Padilla. "I think it's important for him to know to know he's extra special, and that when I realized I did something wrong I went through a lot to save him."
"He really is a miracle baby," she added.
Gavin's second birthday party was scheduled to take place September 28 at a local park, where he and his loved ones were planning to have pizza and cake. His birthday invitation included a photo of Gavin at the beach all wet and exuding joy, having played in the water. When she spoke to Pregnancy Help News, Padilla said she hadn't yet decided if his party will have a theme, but Gavin likes both music and trucks, so she thought she might do one of those.
Padilla remarried last year, and shares that her husband is wonderful as a father to the three kids.
She looks forward to raising awareness about the APRN.
"I hope some people can see that there are other options out there," Padilla said.
Editor's Note: This article was published at Pregnancy Help News and is reprinted here with permission.
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text:
Rachel Graham on December 09, 2011 in Screenwriting Script Notes Silent Films
Script Notes On: The Artist
http://bit.ly/tRAcKk
Script Notes is a series about current cinema and what writers can learn from great (and not-so-great) scripts. This entry is about The Artist, a black-and-white silent film about a 20
The Artist is an endlessly charming and feel-good movie that highlights all the best aspects of silent films without most of the negatives. The film features broad, archetypal characters that were common in cinema back then (and, let's face it, now), but played by great actors who give far more nuanced performances than most silent film stars of the era. The characters in the film talk about how audiences are sick of the actors "mugging to the camera" so they can be understood, but it's in contrast to the restrained and intimate performances in this film.
People sometimes think that it's easier to write silent or no-dialogue films, but it's a lot harder than one might expect. One reason is because the scripts have to detail every action precisely so the meaning will come across, particularly in animation. That makes the script much longer than a script with dialogue. It also makes it much more difficult to convey emotion, themes, and even sometimes plot (I discovered this when writing a scene of two characters in different buildings communicating through a window - and it made absolutely no sense). And the audience really has to be watching; any distraction or slowing of pace might mean they miss a joke or an important plot twist.
So how does The Artist hold the audience's attention? Firstly, The Artist has fun with artistic shots and thematic images, particularly using reflections, shadows, and portraits to explore the theme of identity, which is central to the film. They also added small thematic touches to delight the observant viewer: each movie title, whether on a poster, marque, or shooting script, relates to either the plot or the theme. For example, when George finds love interest and rising star Peppy in his dressing room, cozying up to his jacket and hat, the film poster behind them reads "The Thief of Her Heart," illustrating that Peppy is already in love with George. And later in the film, George walks by a theater with Peppy's new movie, "Guardian Angel," which is what Peppy longs to be (and later is) for George. With the detail needed to write a no-dialogue film, screenwriters have ample room to add these elements and strengthen their film.
Script Notes On: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Script Notes On: The Descendants
Script Notes On: Martha Marcy May Marlene
Rachel Graham is a writer, researcher, and movie enthusiast living in New York City. Trained in Dramatic Writing at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, Rachel has written scripts for television, film, and the stage, as well as articles for online and print publications, blogs, and the occasional to-do list. She loves writing about writing, children


This generous three bedroom two bathroom home whose sundrenched interiors and impressive entertainer's deck promise enviable entry to a bright and thriving locale.
Immaculate from start to finish, this engaging property features a separate lounge flooded in natural light, and generous living and dining that opens to a huge deck presenting seamless indoor outdoor entertaining and uninterrupted tree-top views.
A bright kitchen, superbly ordered, with sleek cabinetry and stainless steel appliances completes this stylish living domain while privately zoned bedrooms with BIR's are serviced by two pristine bathrooms, master with ensuite.
Extras include a carport, ducted heating, air-conditioner and ceiling fans, all within easy reach of Watsonia Village shopping and station, Elder Street Reserve, Plenty River Trail, schools, buses and M80 Ring Road.


text:
The lack of checks and balances in Sri Lanka's democracy
Written by R Mukkath on September 21, 2012 . Published in Democracy on life support on Sri Lanka.
A democratic state by definition leaves political leaders at the mercy of voters, but one look at Sri Lanka's provincial council elections is enough to bring you back to reality: in this island nation the voters may speak but it is the politicians who will be heard. The elections in Sri Lanka have become a stage for establishing the ruling party's popularity.
A polling booth in Sri Lanka with both Sinhalese and Tamil wording – Credits: Charaka on Flickr, CC by 2.0
The Department of Elections has announced that President Mahinda Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) won 12 seats in the Eastern Provincial Council, while the Tamil National Alliance(TNA) has secured only 11. Now, while it may seem like the UPFA has not won enough seats to form a single-party government, to muster a majority it may well get the support of a Muslim party which managed to secure seven seats. The TNA, which hoped to win these elections, has received a major setback in its plans for more power-sharing in these Tamil dominated areas.
Clearly, the absence of any major political opposition in Sri Lanka, and the continued support for the President and his government from the predominantly Sinhala constituency, is making any significant representation from the Tamil community increasingly difficult. One of the basic requirements for a fully functional democracy is the presence of an opposition party. Checks and balances are essential for democratic processes to be carried out effectively. In Sri Lanka, one sees more political agreements than disagreements which makes it difficult for the Tamil community to have a say in the development of the country. President Rajapaksa's victory in the provincial council elections is timely as the country is due to appear before Sri Lanka's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva.
The turnout of voters in Batticaloa, one of Eastern Province's three districts, was low this time around. " We did not see as many Tamil people coming out to vote in these regions, we were at least hoping to win in our (Tamil) areas and make a difference in the political set-up with proper representation," says a local Tamil from Batticaloa. The Tamils have always maintained that ever since independence from Britain in 1948 governments have sponsored Sinhalese settlements in the eastern province with a view to changing its demography, and according to the Associated Press, "Tamil Tiger rebels fought over three decades of civil war in the hopes of creating an independent Tamil state in a merged north and east. The war ended in May 2009 when government forces defeated the rebels."
While the government is caught up in the election race, some important issues are getting sidelined. The World Health Organization (WHO) has "urged the government to formulate a regulatory framework to control the quality of imported fertilizers and pesticides and test them for nephro-toxic agents such as arsenic and cadmium as they are known to cause kidney diseases " and went on to say that "Research has shown that water in the North–Central and the Uva Provinces is contaminated with arsenic and cadmium. Around 20,000 people have been affected by the Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Aetiology (CKDu) in the two Provinces…. Analysis of 32 samples of agrochemicals had shown that 10 per cent of the samples were contaminated with arsenic and 20 per cent were contaminated with lead." These health issues need immediate attention and while the areas (North-central and Uva Provinces) affected are predominantly Tamil, lack of representation in the government makes it impossible to bring the issue to the fore.
The Sri Lankan doctors' union, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) stated that the doctors in Sabaragamuwa Province were on strike. The GMOA demands that the Ministry of Health immediately implement the transfer of the Provincial Directors of Health of the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva Provinces. Meanwhile, marking of GCE Advanced Level examination papers has been postponed because of a strike by university teachers demanding a salary raise. Currently, only a fraction of GDP is allotted to education and university teachers and educators want more. The government has not made this a priority and is instead focussed on the elections. With a country that has its health and education sector in complete turmoil, focus on winning a election seems like a rather futile exercise in development.
Tags: balances, checks, democracy, education, elections, Health, Tamil