text:
Intern of the month
#Sayuti
Jijali
A how-to guide to building mentorship programs (that work)
Mentorship is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted concepts in the business world. Often it can turn into instructing or simply venting, instead of what it really should be: guiding someone, using your own experience as a tool to provide advice and offer help from a position of advantage. At Jijali, we have learned a thing or two about how to build successful mentorship programs, so that not only do mentees gain the guidance that they're looking for, but so that the program benefits all the different people involved. Our learnings have also allowed us to constantly improve our program, and we're happy to share some of our key learnings:
We had initially allocated a set number of mentees to each mentor in the program, approximating what would be the optimal number based on how much time we thought each mentor could dedicate to the program. We soon learned that some mentors had more time than others, and more time than we'd expected, and were eager to use their time to support more mentees than they had been allotted. Conversely, some were a bit too busy to handle the demands of mentoring the number of individuals that had been assigned to them, and recognized that they could not do all of their mentees justice. We therefore adopted a more flexible approach, so that we could adjust the number of mentees according to the time each mentor said that they would have available, and allow them the freedom to choose how many mentees they would work with. Their situations might also change over time, in which case we could adjust accordingly, constantly monitoring the situation and checking in.
Mentor knows best
With the best of intentions, we conducted a survey during our initial mentorship programs, to learn more about the ongoing needs of the young men and women in the program. The survey was intended, amongst other things, to ascertain whether mentees were intrinsically motivated (that is to say they would require less support from a mentor because of their capacity to motivate themselves), or extrinsically motivated (requiring more support from an external party, in this case a mentor). Whilst the findings were interesting, the feedback we got from mentors about their own mentees was much more insightful, and we realized that formal surveys may not have been the best way to go. Simply asking the mentors what they thought their mentees needed could be more useful in adapting the content and intensity of the program to each individual's needs. The mentors have first-hand experience of the performance and motivation of their mentees, and will always be more objective than the mentees themselves. If in doubt? Ask the mentor.
Even mentors need…mentoring?
The purpose of a mentor is to guide someone less experienced than themselves. Therefore mentors typically have some level of expertise in their field. However, that does not mean that they are expert mentors. For a successful mentorship program, the mentors need detailed and continuous guidance on how to be constructive and useful mentors. An initial onboarding is not enough, especially if it is their first time being a mentor. Our mentors provide feedback to their mentees on work that their mentees produce, and so they need some instruction and guidelines on how to provide meaningful feedback that the mentees can then use to improve their outputs. As a result of this realization we created a guide to assist mentors on how to review their mentees' work in a meaningful and systematic way. But we're not stopping there. We now have our sights set on producing a whole series of guides to help mentors in their journey to honing their mentorship skills; a guide on how to facilitate group coaching, for example, and how to troubleshoot some of the problems that their mentees come up against.
Co-create to better create
You don't have to be an expert in something to have ideas on how to make it better. Our mentors interact with the content we created for the mentorship program on a regular basis, and so who better to give feedback on how to improve it than them? This is not something we had anticipated; though we knew that mentors would have great input on the performance of their mentees, we hadn't factored in how invaluable they would be in re-shaping and evolving the content of the program itself. We have gone on to formalize these feedback loops so that mentors are actively involved in the process of reviewing and revamping the structure and contents of the mentorship program that they are such a key part of.
It's never finished
In the spirit of constant self-improvement (which is at the very heart of good mentorship), we're never done learning. As we continue to grow the Jijali mentorship program we approach every part of it with an open mind, and know that we can always do better. However, we at least know that we've now got it to a point where we're setting hundreds of youth on a path to success, and will continue to do so for a long time to come.
Written by Claire Baker
The big, ugly mistakes to avoid when starting a business
"Covid killed my business - What Next?" Reflection questions for entrepreneurs
Small habits that may be killing your career
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text:
No Joke
By Steve Piontek | March 14, 2010 at 08:00 PM | The original version of this story was published on National Underwriter Life & Health Magazine
It's obvious from the fight that's going on in Congress over whether to even form a Consumer Protection Agency and where to put it that American consumers have a major problem.
It's obvious from the fight that's going on in Congress over whether to even form a Consumer Protection Agency and where to put it that American consumers have a major problem: Namely, that collectively they don't have even one pocket deep enough for Congress to fit in.
This is in stark contrast to the banking industry's pockets, which in their depth rival the fabled Mindanao Deep in the Pacific Ocean. Now those are pockets, buddy. Pockets that are certainly large enough and deep enough to accommodate any number of senators and representatives, not to mention candidates for those revered offices.
You would think from the so-called debate that is going on that consumers all over this country were not the ones who were grievously injured by banks run amok during the lead-up to the cataclysm now known as the Great Recession. That these same consumers weren't taken to the cleaners by mortgage bankers. That they didn't have their clocks cleaned by predatory credit card practices that show how truly innovative banks can be. That they weren't harmed–and are still not being harmed–by the lack of credit availability from banks that are getting funds supplied by the Fed at next to no cost, but are using those same funds to trade for their own advantage.
And even more ironic, within the context of the wholesale amnesia that has seemingly taken hold of Congress since the events of September 2008, it is now the banks that are making the case that they need protection from being over-regulated!
So, what is one "compromise" shaping up to protect consumers? It is to put an agency with that responsibility within the precincts of the Federal Reserve Board.
Yes, the Fed, that same agency whose myopia during the buildup of the housing bubble rivaled Mr. Magoo's. Yes, the Fed, which back in those days of high-flying financial recklessness seemed to have no clue about what kind of exotics those banks it was supposed to be regulating were using–and just how awfully much they were on the hook for.
As a consumer myself I find the idea of expecting the Fed to take my side against the banks more than faintly ludicrous.
So what's going on here? Is it that since they did such a bad job the last time around we owe them one more shot to get it right?
I'm with Barney Frank, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, who has nothing but scorn for the idea. He told Politico recently, "It's almost a bad joke."
Unfortunately it wouldn't be the first time that a bad joke ended up as law. Think of the Bush tax legislation that let the estate tax disappear for the year 2010 only to be resurrected at 2001 rates in 2011. Or think about the Medicare prescription drug bill with its notorious doughnut hole. I could go on, but you get the point.
So, the bottom line as I see it is that no matter what Sen. Richard Shelby, the banking industry's white knight, thinks, it is consumers who need protection and they need an independent agency to make sure it happens. No joke.
Steve Piontek
Empathy, Strategy and Retirement Savers' Downside Risk
John Ruth | January 12, 2021
The author says financial advisors need to take clients' fear of "paper losses" more seriously.
6 Reasons Clients Should Take a Fresh Look at Insurance in 2021
Bryce Sanders | January 11, 2021
This is a great time of year to look for gaping holes in their protection arrangements.
Angie Herbers | January 15, 2021
Now's the time to focus on giving your clients the ability to make a request and have it fulfilled as fast as Uber can deliver a ride.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
import sys

from oslo_config import cfg
from oslo_log import log as logging
from oslo_reports import guru_meditation_report as gmr

from designate import hookpoints
from designate import service
from designate import utils
from designate import version
from designate.central import service as central

CONF = cfg.CONF
CONF.import_opt('workers', 'designate.central', group='service:central')
CONF.import_opt('threads', 'designate.central', group='service:central')

def main():
    utils.read_config('designate', sys.argv)
    logging.setup(CONF, 'designate')
    gmr.TextGuruMeditation.setup_autorun(version)

    hookpoints.log_hook_setup()

    server = central.Service(threads=CONF['service:central'].threads)
    service.serve(server, workers=CONF['service:central'].workers)
    service.wait()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
This is how Rapper Eazy E Contracted AIDS (Details)
Posted By Lindsey Paul
It's been over two decades since the tragic death of Eazy-E, who passed away shortly after he was diagnosed with AIDS, and conspiracies behind his death continue to come to the surface.
This week, Frost, who was signed to the late rapper's Ruthless Records label, spoke out on how he believes Eazy contracted AIDS in the first place during an interview with Siccness.net.
He shares his thoughts, stating:
I'ma tell you what happened with Eazy getting AIDS and I believe this to the day and I believe this to this day," Frost says during an interview published on Siccness.net. "I don't care if you guys got it on film. You can tell the world. They gave him tainted needles with acupuncture. Needles that tainted him, they gave it to him."
Frost says that Eazy-E injured himself in a 4-wheeler accident that he was riding, requiring him to get acupuncture. He says that tainted needles were ordered by someone, which he might have implied to be Suge Knight.
What happened was is that someone, I won't say the name, but people know the name," Frost says. "I don't wanna say that name 'cause it's the devil's name, but another person in Rap, if you know you're history of Rap, calls him the devil. If you know the history of Rap, West Coast Rap, you know who I'm saying. I was told even in my last conversation from Eazy not to even talk to that man. Not only that, but I think that they really had a stronghold of giving him tainted needles with the AIDS virus in him with acupuncture."
This wouldn't be the first time that speculation of Knight being behind Eazy-E's AIDS contraction has surfaced.
Earlier this year, an old clip came out of the Death Row member talking about injecting a person with tainted needles as the new way to kill someone, calling it an "Eazy-E" thing.
Check out the full interview with Frost above. What are your thoughts on the conspiracy?
SOURCE: Siccness.net | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
This is how Rapper Eazy E Contracted AIDS (Details) was originally published on globalgrind.com
AIDS	, eazy e	, frost	, interview


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text:
Q: How to extract time after a particular time and before another time in R? My question might have been asked before. I searched, but I could not find. Thanks for your answer or referring to a previous post. I have two datasets. My datasets (DF1 and DF2) include Date, Time, and Value of my desirable variables (V1 and V2). Both Date and Time columns are of factor class. Here is my DF1 including V1:
#DF1
Date        Time         V1
6/2/2019  0:00:00        0
6/2/2019  0:01:00        24
.
..
6/2/2019  23:59:00       56
6/3/2019  0:00:00        78
6/3/2019  0:01:00        24
.
..
6/3/2019  23:59:00       32
6/4/2019  0:00:00        14
6/4/2019  0:01:00        62
.
..
6/4/2019  23:59:00       103

Then, here is my data (DF2), which includes variable 2 (V2).
#DF2
Date        Time         V2
6/2/2019  0:00:00        2
6/2/2019  0:01:00        33
.
..
6/2/2019  23:59:00       12
6/3/2019  0:00:00        14
6/3/2019  0:01:00        56
.
..
6/3/2019  23:59:00       67
6/4/2019  0:00:00        94
6/4/2019  0:01:00        43
.
..
6/4/2019  23:59:00       156

First, I have to combine these two datasets based on a DateTime variable (which is the combination of Date and Time). So, I used the following code.
# I used the following to change the date class for DF1 and DF2.
DF1$Date <- as.Date(DF1$Date , "%d/%m/%Y")
DF2$Date <- as.Date(DF2$Date , "%d/%m/%Y")

#Then, I merged Date and Time in each dataset in a variable called "Datetime"
DF1$Datetime <- paste(DF1$Date , DF1$Time)
DF2$Datetime <- paste(DF2$Date , DF2$Time)

#Then, I changed the type of Datetime variable as follows:
DF1$Datetime <- as.POSIXct(DF1$Datetime, format = "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
DF2$Datetime <- as.POSIXct(DF2$Datetime, format = "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")

#After that, I merged the datasets DF1 and DF2 by Datetime variable:
My_DF <- merge(DF1, DF2, by = "Datetime")

Now, what I need is to extract the subset of My_DF with the times (records) after "9:00:00" and before "22:00:00". For example, the output should include but not limited to all the 9:01:00 records for the seven days in my data. So, I tried the following, but it does not work:
New_DF <- subset(My_DF, My_DF$Time > "09:00:00" & My_DF$Time < "22:00:00")

The New_DF (my desirable output) should be as:
Date        Time         V1         V2
6/2/2019  9:01:00        ..         ..
6/3/2019  9:01:00        ..         ..
6/4/2019  9:01:00        ..         ..
6/2/2019  9:02:00        ..         ..
6/3/2019  9:02:00        ..         ..
6/4/2019  9:02:00        ..         ..
..
6/2/2019  21:59:00       ..         ..
6/3/2019  21:59:00       ..         ..
6/3/2019  21:59:00       ..         ..

A: Here is one way of doing it.  Had to create some data since it was not supplied
> # create data as factors
> dates <- as.factor(paste0('6/', 2:8, '/2019'))
> times <- as.factor(format(as.POSIXct(seq(0, 86400-60, by = 60),
+                            origin = '1970-1-1',
+                            tz = 'UTC'),
+                 format = '%H:%M:%S')
+ )
>
> # create data.frame (tibble)
> tib <- tibble(date = rep(dates, each = 1440),
+               time = rep(times, times = 7)
+ )
>
> # select data after converting factors to characters
> # (try to avoid the use of factors except for categorical data)
> sel <- filter(tib,
+               as.character(time) >= '10:00:00' &
+                 as.character(time) <= '22:00:00'
+ )
>
> glimpse(tib)
Observations: 10,080
Variables: 2
$ date <fct> 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6...
$ time <fct> 00:00:00, 00:01:00, 00:02:00, 00:03:00, 00:04:00, 00:05:00, 00:06:00, 00:07:00, 00:08:00, 0...
> glimpse(sel)
Observations: 5,047
Variables: 2
$ date <fct> 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/2019, 6/2/201...
$ time <fct> 10:00:00, 10:01:00, 10:02:00, 10:03:00, 10:04:00, 10:05:00, 10:06:00, 10:07:00, 10:08:00, 10:09:00, 10:10:0...
>

A: You can subset the data based on hour of the day :
#merge two datasets
New_DF <- merge(transform(df1,
                datetime = as.POSIXct(paste(Date, Time), format = "%d/%m/%Y %T")),
                transform(df2,
                datetime = as.POSIXct(paste(Date, Time), format = "%d/%m/%Y %T")),
                by = "datetime")
#Select relevant columns
New_DF <- New_DF[c("datetime", "V1", "V2")]
#Extract hour of the day
New_DF$hour <- as.integer(format(New_DF$datetime, "%H"))
#Subset the data based on hour
New_DF[New_DF$hour >= 9 & New_DF$hour < 22, ]

Or using tidyverse and lubridate
library(tidyverse)
library(lubridate)

inner_join(df1 %>%
            unite(Datetime, Date, Time, sep = " ") %>%
            mutate(Datetime = mdy_hms(Datetime)),
           df2 %>%
            unite(Datetime, Date, Time, sep = " ") %>%
            mutate(Datetime = mdy_hms(Datetime)), by = "Datetime") %>%
 filter(hour(Datetime) >= 9 & hour(Datetime) < 22)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
You are here: Social Security Administration > Research, Statistics & Policy Analysis > Research & Analysis > International Update, January 2019
International Update, January 2019
(released January 2019)
intl.update@ssa.gov
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Germany Implements Pension Reforms Affecting Contribution Rates and Benefits
Canada Implements Canada Pension Plan Expansion
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Releases OECD Pensions Outlook 2018
On January 1, Germany implemented a social insurance reform law that sets new minimum and maximum contribution rates, extends eligibility for reduced contributions, adjusts the target replacement rate for old-age pensions, modifies the benefit formula for disability pensions, and expands pension credits for certain caregivers of young children. The provisions are intended to improve benefit adequacy and to protect vulnerable populations from poverty. The government estimates the reforms will cost a total of €32 billion (US$36.64 billion) through 2025.
Key changes that came into effect on January 1 (unless otherwise noted) include:
New minimum and maximum social insurance contribution rates: The law prevents the overall contribution rate (split equally between employers and employees) from rising above 20 percent of monthly covered earnings/payroll or falling below 18.6 percent of monthly covered earnings/payroll through 2025. (Contribution rates are adjusted annually.) Currently, the overall contribution rate is 18.6 percent and is projected to remain at this rate through 2023 before increasing to 19.9 percent in 2024 and to 20.3 percent in 2025 (thereby triggering the 20 percent cap). Under the previous law, the maximum contribution rate was set at 20 percent until 2020 and 22 percent from 2020 to 2030.
An increase in the number of workers who pay reduced contributions: Effective July 1, employees with monthly earnings from €450 (US$515.25) up to €1,300 (US$1,488.50) will pay reduced social insurance contributions; the specific rate depends on an employee's earnings, with rates increasing progressively as earnings increase. Previously, reduced contributions were paid with earnings from €450 to €850 (US$973.25). (Employers continue to pay the full contribution rate regardless of the employee's earnings level.)
A new target replacement rate for old-age pensions: The law sets the target replacement rate for old-age pensions at 48 percent of average wages (the current rate), through 2025. Under the previous law, the target replacement rate was set at 46 percent until 2020 and 43 percent from 2020 to 2030. (The target replacement rate is maintained through adjustments in the benefit formula.)
Benefit formula adjustments for disability pensions: The law increases the number of years that an individual with a disability is credited as having worked and paid contributions (based on their average income before the disability began). Under the previous law, the period from the date of the reduction in earning capacity up to age 62 and 3 months (gradually increasing to age 65 by 2024) was taken into account in the pension calculation. The new law extends this period to age 65 and 8 months (gradually increasing to age 67 by 2031).
An increase in pension credits for certain parents: For children born before 1992, the maximum number of individual earnings points credited to a parent who cared for a child up to age 3 increased from 2 to 2.5 earnings points. (For children born since 1992, a parent will continue to be credited with one earnings point for each year of care, up to 3 years.)
Germany's social insurance pension program covers employed persons; certain self-employed persons; military personnel; and, under certain conditions, caregivers and unemployment, sickness, and certain other benefit recipients. To qualify for an old-age pension, the insured must have reached the normal retirement age of 65 and 8 months (gradually rising to 67 by 2029) and have at least 5 years of contributions. (The normal retirement age may be lower under certain conditions.) Old-age and disability pensions are calculated as the product of: (1) total individual earnings points (individual lifetime earnings divided by average national earnings multiplied by a normal entry factor); (2) the pension factor (typically 1.0, but lower in certain cases such as early retirement); and (3) the pension value (the monthly benefit amount for one year of average covered earnings, adjusted according to changes in average national earnings).
Sources: "Germany to Harmonize Pension Provisions Across East and West," International Update, U.S. Social Security Administration, September 2017; Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Europe, 2018, U.S. Social Security Administration, September 2018; "RV-Leistungsverbesserungs-und-Stabilisierungsgesetz: Fragen & Antworten" and "Deutsche Rentenversicherung zum Rentenpakt," Deutsche Rentenversicherung, November 23, 2018.
On January 1, Canada's federal government implemented a law that gradually expands the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), an earnings-related pension program that covers employed and self-employed workers in all provinces except Quebec. (The province of Quebec opted out of the CPP, but has a similar earnings-related pension program called the Quebec Pension Plan [QPP]; in February 2018, Quebec's government passed a QPP expansion law that largely follows the framework of the federal CPP expansion.) The law will be phased in gradually through 2025 and aims to improve the retirement security of future retirees; a worker with a full contribution history under the expanded CPP will receive a monthly old-age pension of around one-third of his or her average monthly career earnings, up from one-quarter of earnings prior to the reform.
Changes to the CPP that went into effect on January 1 include:
An increase in contribution rates: The contribution rate for employers and employees increased from 4.95 percent to 5.10 percent of payroll and earnings, respectively, up to the annual earnings ceiling (the year's maximum pensionable earnings, or YMPE). (The YMPE for 2019 is C$57,400 [US$42,116.63].) The contribution rate will continue to increase gradually each year until reaching 5.95 percent for both employers and employees in 2023. In addition, in 2024 a second earnings ceiling (the year's additional maximum pensionable earnings, or YAMPE) will be introduced that will be set at 107 percent of the YMPE in 2024 and 114 percent of the YMPE in 2025 and thereafter. Employers and employees will each contribute 4 percent of payroll or earnings from the YMPE up to the YAMPE.
An increase in benefits: Old-age, disability, and survivor pensions will increase based on how long a worker has contributed to the expanded CPP. As such, benefit increases will be modest for workers currently nearing retirement and larger for younger workers just entering the labor force. The first full old-age pensions under the expanded CPP will be paid in 2065.
A new tax benefit for low-income workers: The government introduced a new refundable tax credit (the Canada Workers Benefit, or CWB) to supplement the earnings of low-income workers and encourage more people to join the labor force. The CWB replaces the Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB); compared with the WITB, the CWB provides higher maximum tax benefits and increases the income level at which benefits are phased out.
Canada's pension system consists of the public CPP, Old-Age Security (OAS), and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) programs, and voluntary tax-advantaged private savings and employer-sponsored pension plans. The normal retirement age for a CPP old-age pension is 65 with at least one valid annual contribution; a reduced pension is possible from age 60 to 64, and a deferred pension (for an increased benefit) is possible up to age 70. OAS is a nearly universal pension paid to persons aged 65 or older and is financed through general revenue. To be eligible for an OAS pension, a person must be a legal resident of Canada for at least 10 years after reaching age 18. Low-income OAS pensioners are eligible for the income-tested GIS.
Sources: "Canada Reaches 'Agreement in Principle' on Expansion of the Canada Pension Plan," International Update, U.S. Social Security Administration, October 2016; "Backgrounder: Introducing the Canada Workers Benefit," Department of Finance Canada, 2018; "Québec (Canada) Adopts Law Expanding the Québec Pension Plan," International Update, U.S. Social Security Administration, March 2018; Social Security Programs Throughout the World: The Americas, 2017, U.S. Social Security Administration, March 2018; 29th Actuarial Report, Supplementing the 27th and 28th Actuarial Reports, on the Canada Pension Plan as at 31 December 2015, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada, May 1, 2018; "Canada Pension Plan Enhancement," Government of Canada, January 9, 2019; "The Canada Pension Plan Enhancement—Businesses, Individuals and Self-Employed: What It Means For You," Canada Revenue Agency, January 10, 2019.
On December 3, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released OECD Pensions Outlook 2018, the fourth edition of its biennial report on major policy issues facing public and private pension systems in the OECD's member countries. This year's report focuses on how certain financial incentives and regulatory measures can enhance pension fund performance. In particular, the report examines how policy changes in the following areas can produce better outcomes for retirement savers: the design of tax incentives and public subsidies for retirement savings, the regulation of administrative fees and pension disclosures, and the structure of automatic features and investment choices. In addition to these topics, the report analyzes how governments can reduce socioeconomic disparities in retirement and reform survivor pensions to meet current socioeconomic needs.
The report starts by providing an overview of the current pension landscape in the 36 OECD countries. It finds that public, defined benefit, pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pensions remain the most important source of retirement income for average earners in these countries. In 15 OECD countries, public PAYG pensions provide nearly all of the retirement income for average earners, with the total gross replacement rates of these pensions ranging from 32 percent (Poland) to 83 percent (Italy). Chile is the only OECD country where average earners can expect to receive all of their retirement income from funded pensions. The remaining 20 OECD countries, including the United States, have pension systems that combine public PAYG pensions with mandatory or voluntary supplemental funded pensions. The report contends that these mixed pension systems are preferable to purely PAYG or funded systems because they can better balance key pension risks and objectives (e.g., financial sustainability, poverty reduction, and consumption smoothing).
After highlighting the extensive use of funded pension arrangements in OECD countries, the report discusses several ways in which governments can improve these arrangements. The report's key recommendations include:
Standardize and simplify the tax treatment of funded pensions. To reduce confusion about retirement savings, governments should apply similar tax rates and rules to all funded pension arrangements. The tax rates and rules should be easy to understand and relatively stable over time so that individuals can more confidently plan their retirement savings.
Provide a variety of financial incentives for retirement savings. To promote retirement savings among individuals at all income levels, governments should offer a mix of tax deductions, tax credits, and direct subsidies. Governments can use fixed-rate tax deductions, matching contributions, refundable tax credits, and targeted national subsidies to incentivize retirement savings among low- and middle-income individuals. Governments should also configure entitlement programs and tax systems to avoid discouraging individuals from saving for retirement because doing so would significantly reduce their entitlement income or increase their tax liabilities.
Establish automatic features, simple investment choices, and default options. Governments can increase participation and encourage savings in funded pensions by implementing automatic enrollment, auto-escalation of contributions, and other similar features. To encourage active participation among retirement savers, governments should support the development of consumer-friendly investment options and management tools. There should also be default contribution rates, plan providers, and investment strategies for individuals who are unable or unwilling to make their own choices.
Regulate pension disclosures and fees carefully. Given that administrative fees can significantly affect the net returns of funded pensions, governments should create and enforce policies that help limit them. These policies could include strengthening investment and fee disclosure requirements, benchmarking the performance of every pension fund, imposing cost controls, or introducing a performance-based fee system (under which the fees a pension management company can charge are directly linked to its performance).
The report also makes several policy recommendations in its discussions of socioeconomic disparities and survivor pensions. Two of these recommendations are:
Expand protections for lower socioeconomic groups. The negative effects of retirement age increases and other pension reforms often fall disproportionately on lower socioeconomic groups because they tend to have lower life expectancies than higher socioeconomic groups. To counteract these effects, governments should adopt more flexible retirement ages and more progressive public pension and tax systems.
Make survivor pensions temporary and budget neutral. Survivor pensions are still needed to smooth living standards after the death of a partner, but they should not shift resources from single persons to couples or disincentivize work. Governments should therefore ensure that survivor pensions are funded entirely by covered couples and only provide temporary benefits when they are claimed before retirement.
Source: OECD Pensions Outlook 2018, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, December 2018.
For more information about social security programs in these and other countries, please see Social Security Programs Throughout the World.
International Update is a monthly publication of the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) Office of Retirement and Disability Policy. It reports on the latest developments in public and private pensions worldwide. The news summaries presented do not necessarily reflect the views of SSA.
Editor: John Jankowski.
Writers/researchers: Ben Danforth, John Jankowski, and David Rajnes.


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Downloaders note—ISP Copyright Alert System rollout begins
By Jared Newman
TechHive |
Internet service providers are now rolling out a system to warn or punish users who download and share copyrighted content.
AT&T, Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon are all participating, and will roll out their responses over the next two months. The so-called Copyright Alert System varies by ISP, but calls for gradually more severe responses to each infringement, starting with emailed warnings and escalating to throttled data speeds or temporary suspension of service.
For example, here's how Time Warner Cable's alert system will work, according to spokesman Alex Dudley:
Users suspected of copyright infringement will first receive two warnings delivered by email. These messages discuss the "dangers of copyright" and contain links to websites with legal content and with advice on how to secure a home wireless network.
If copyright infringement continues after the first two warnings, the next two warnings will appear as a browser page when the user tries to access the Internet. (They'll also be delivered by email.) The user must then click through to acknowledge the notice; otherwise they'll be redirected back to the warning page.
For the fifth alert, users will be cut off from the Internet until they call Time Warner Cable. "The suspension is just to get you to pick up the phone so you can listen to us preach about copyright infringement," Dudley said. Users will see a message saying they have 14 days to appeal the suspension. (Appeals go through the American Arbitration Association and carry a $35 filing fee, which is refunded if the customer wins.)
Dudley couldn't say what happens if copyright infringement continues after the suspension phase. He noted that Time Warner's terms of use allow the company to terminate service, but as far as he knows, Time Warner has never done so. The Center for Copyright Information, which is in charge of the alerts system, says that it does not call for termination of service for repeat offenders.
"Contrary to many erroneous reports, this is not a 'six-strikes-and-you're-out' system that would result in termination," the group said in a press release. "There's no 'strikeout' in this program."
Consequences unclear
Still, neither the Center for neither Copyright Infringement nor ISPs have spelled out what happens if people continue to download or share pirated files, even after six warnings. The Center says it won't seek personally identifying information about anyone without a subpoena or court order, and Dudley wasn't sure whether rights holders would head to court to expose repeat offenders.
The idea of the alerts system is to avoid getting to that scenario. Dudley noted that Time Warner already had its own alert system in place, but he believes the Copyright Alert System is more educational and more customer-friendly.
Some advocacy groups oppose the system anyway. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, for instance, argues that innocent users could become collateral damage, and worries that the system could open the door to more extreme punishments from rights holders in the future.
We also reached out to AT&T, Cablevision, Comcast, and Verizon to ask how they'll implement the Copyright Alert System, but did not hear back before this story published.
This story, "Downloaders note—ISP Copyright Alert System rollout begins" was originally published by TechHive.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Jared Newman covers personal technology from his remote Cincinnati outpost. He also publishes two newsletters, Advisorator for tech advice and Cord Cutter Weekly for help with ditching cable or satellite TV.
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Producing aluminum has an impact on the environment: locally where we operate, and on the global climate due to greenhouse gas emissions. The main inputs related to our production, are bauxite, energy, water. As the leading fully integrated aluminum company, we are responsible for operating in an environmentally conscious way.
By continuously improving the way we produce aluminum, we strive to minimize the impact our activities have on the environment, especially in biodiversity, water stewardship and climate change.
delivering aluminum to segments where it has the greatest benefits from a climate perspective.
It is our strategy to minimize the environmental impact of our operations along the aluminum value chain. Our goal is to mitigate emissions to land, water and air, conserve biodiversity and reduce waste production. To achieve this, we monitor, identify and reduce environmental risk throughout the lifetime of our operational sites.


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OSHA schedules Maritime Advisory Committee meeting
OSHA Trade Release
Trade News Release
Contact: Office of Communications
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is holding an open meeting of the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) and its workgroups in Washington on Nov. 27 and 28, 2007. Notice of the MACOSH meeting was published in today's Federal Register.
The workgroups will meet on Nov. 27 from 8:15 a.m. until 5:15 p.m., and MACOSH will meet on Nov. 28 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Both meetings will be at the U.S. Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Office Building, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C., 20210.
The 15-person committee advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on issues relating to occupational safety and health in maritime industries.
The committee has five workgroups: health, longshoring, cranes and falls, shipyards, and outreach and safety culture. Some of the topics for discussion include radiation exposure at maritime terminals from cargo screening devices; traffic safety guidance; roll-on roll-off cargo guidance; cargo lashing safety; working over water from aerial work platforms; recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board; leading indicators; e-tools; non-English speaking employee issues; new technology and safety; updating the OSHA Training Institute shipyards and longshoring courses; the new maritime outreach training course; and OSHA's maritime alliance on the 10-hour and 30-hour outreach courses.
For general information about MACOSH and this meeting, contact Joseph V. Daddura, acting director, Office of Maritime, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Room N-3609, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210, phone: 202-693-2086. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend the meeting should contact Vanessa L. Welch at 202-693-2086 no later than Nov. 20, 2007, to obtain appropriate accommodations.
Written data, views, or comments for consideration by MACOSH on the various agenda items listed above should be submitted to Ms. Welch at the address listed above. Submissions received by Nov. 20, 2007, will be provided to committee members and will be included in the record of the meeting. Anyone wishing to make an oral presentation to the committee on any of the agenda items listed above should notify Ms. Welch by Nov. 20, 2007. The request should state the amount of time desired, the capacity in which the person will appear, and a brief outline of the content of the presentation.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.


Patricia Krause (Pat) LMT, MA67590 is a state licensed massage therapist who has maintained the necessary training, state and county licensing and malpractice insurance required by the industry overseers. She is a current member in good standing of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSTMA).
Pat provides Swedish and therapeutic massage. She incorporates hot packs, essential oils and a variety of holistic energy healing modalities in her treatments. Her specialty is in vibrational sound treatments using tuning forks and also incorporates Reiki, Biotherapy and gemstone therapy in her massage sessions.
This is my story, my spiritual journey and why I am here to serve. I spent over 30 years in the Technology field as a Software Engineer and IT Professional. I have been thinking that there must be more to enjoying life than sitting behind a desk and computer all day long. Personal happiness, joy and stress free living is my goal.
I have been studying Science of the Mind for over 25 years and continue to read and study many metaphysical and self-help books in an attempt to figure out who and what I truly am. I always try to keep an open mind about every topic of conversation and always treat people the way that I want to be treated, with love, respect, kindness and caring. I found that if I follow my intuition (that little feeling or voice inside) it is always right.
Coming from a scientific background I have always been analytical and have a curiosity to know the details of how things works. I have learned about the various religions, psychic abilities, scientific theories, art and music and realize that none of these things are separate. I have learned about belief systems and how every individual has one. I learned that there is a common element to everything in my world and it is ENERGY! It is everywhere and in everything!
I believe that we are energy beings or spirit and we create our own worlds by our belief systems. When I think with focus and intent, I manifest that experience, whether it be positive or negative. I am learning to be aware of what I'm thinking so that I don't create negative experiences. I have created UEM to provide YOU with healing modalities such as massage, reiki, sound, vibration and gemstone therapies to assist you in pain and stress relief by using these methods to relax your tense muscles, calm your nervous system and cleanse and balance your energy fields (Chakras) in order to return your physical body to optimal performance.
Won't you join me in relaxing, renewing and enjoying our physical existence here on Mother Earth?


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Kottayam Pushpanath is an Indian author who took the imagination of hundreds of thousands of his avid readers to dizzy heights and played a crucial role in making reading a national past time. The litterateur has penned more than 300 popular volumes of cliffhangers. He had started writing even as a school student and continued his writing career even after he joined the Education Department as teacher. His breakthrough came in the late 1960s when his detective novel Chuvanna Manushyan got serialize in the popular Malayalam weekly Manorajyam, which was published from Kottayam, Kerala. But that was only the beginning. The author penning up to 11 serials at a time in popular publications of Kerala. Along with his popularity, two of his protagonists too became famous – Detective Marxin, who usually handled crimes outside India, and Pushparaj, who was one of the most sought after private detectives in India. He also created another popular character, detective Sudheer. While the 1960s and 70s were dominated by detective and horror novels penned by him, by mid-seventies and eighties Kottayam Pushpanath moved towards magical novels. Many of his novels had been translated to Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati and Telugu. He had also translated Bram Stoker's Dracula and Sherlock Holmes series. Two of his novels, Chuvanna Anki and Bhramarakshass had been made into movies.
ഡ്രാക്കുള ഉണരുന്നു
ഡ്രാക്കുളയുടെ നിഴൽ
Malayalam books
Writer's bio
Kottayam Pushpanath (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം പുഷ്പനാഥ്), was a prolific Indian author most noted for his detective novels in Indian language. He also wrote mainstream novels, science fiction, and horror fiction, and translated Bram Stoker's Dracula Sherlock Holmes series. He has penned to more than 300 novels and 100's of short stories. Kottayam Pushpanath's grandson Rayan Pushpanath carrying the royalty of pushpanath's every works. Pushapanath lived in Kottayam, Kerala. He died on 2nd May 2018 aged 80 at his home in Kerala after a long bout of age-related problems. He was married to Mariyamma, and had three children – Salim, Seenu and Jemeela.
Read my bio
Read our latest articles and publications details


The Department of Electrical Engineering is one of the departments in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Namibia, Ongwediva. The department offers the following degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Honours). The programme is designed with the objective of meeting national and regional needs for education in Electrical Engineering.
Careers; Electrical engineers specializing in various fields such as power generation, transmission and distribution; power systems protection; control systems; smart grid design, distributed power generation and energy storage systems.
The students' capabilities are strengthened by the continuous improvement of the Department's laboratory facilities, industrial attachments and students working on various small projects during their studies. The undergraduate students are required to complete two final year projects before graduating: one research project and one design project including design and implementation of a comprehensive engineering project which must contain new or useful engineering elements to society.
The department's aademic staff are involved in research with diverse scientific interests including; power system stability analysis, distributed generation, energy storage, grid-Integration of renewable energy resources, smart grids, control of power system components, application of power electronic devices in power systems and power system protection.


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Q: Domain of $\ln(1+\frac{1}{x})$ What is the definition domain of $\ln(1+\frac{1}{x})$ and why it's not the same as for $\ln(x+1)-\ln(x)$ ? Both functions are not defined on $0$. For the second form, the DF is $(0,+\infty)$ while for the first one is $(-\infty,-1) \cup (0,+\infty)$

A: Their domains are not the same because $\ln(x)$ is not defined for $x\leqslant 0$. Therefore $\ln(x+1)-\ln(x)$ is not defined for $x\leqslant 0$. However, $\ln(1+\frac{1}{x})$ is defined when $x<-1$. Take an $x<-1$ then $1+\frac{1}{x}>0$ and therefore $\ln(1+\frac{1}{x})$ is defined for $x<-1$.

A: The expressions "$\log(1+\frac 1x)$" and "$\log(x+1)-\log x$" are only equivalent when they are both defined, i.e. when $x > 0$. If you are getting the same graph, this means that the software is making some unsolicited simplifications to the second expression.
For instance, Wolfram Mathematica evaluates $\log (x+1)$ and $\log x$ to complex values when the arguments are negative, and the imaginary parts vanish when it takes the difference, except for $x \in (-1,0)$.

A: The relation $f$ defined by $f(x)=\ln(x+1)$ on $\mathbb{R}$ can only be given a domain that is a subset of $\{x:x\gt-1\}$ for it to be a function. The relation $g$ defined by $g(x)=\ln(x)$ on $\mathbb{R}$ can only be given a domain that is a subset of $\{x:x\gt0\}$ for it to be a function. Thus the relation $h=f-g$ is a function if and only if it is given a domain that is a subset of $\{x:x\gt-1\}\cap{\{x:x\gt0\}}=\{x:x\gt0\}$. Meanwhile, the relation $j$ defined by $j(x)=\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{x}\right)$ on $\mathbb{R}$ can given a domain that is a subset of $\{x:1+1/x\gt0\}=\{x:1/x\gt-1\}=\{x:x\lt-1\lor{x\gt0}\}$. Notice that $\{x:x\lt-1\lor{x\gt0}\}\setminus\{x:x\gt0\}=\{x:x\lt-1\}$. As such, $\ln\left(1+\frac{1}{x}\right)=\ln(x+1)-\ln(x)$ for every $x\gt0$, but the left-hand side exists for $x\lt-1$, while the right-hand side does not.
What is happening is that $1+\frac{1}{x}\gt0$ when $x\lt-1$, yet $x\lt0$ and $x+1\lt0$, which occurs because even if $s\lt0$ and $t\lt0$, $\frac{s}t\gt0$. Many mathematical softwares are not programmed to account for this, and so, despite it being incorrect, they give both $j$ and $h$ the same plots for their graphs.
Many people make a similar mistake when handling the expression $\ln(x^2)$. They always write $2\ln(x)$, which is incorrect. The correct expression is $2\ln(|x|)$. The equation $\ln(|xy|)=\ln(|x|)+\ln(|y|)$ is correct for every $x,y\in\mathbb{R}$, but $\ln(xy)=\ln(x)+\ln(y)$ is only correct for $x\gt0,y\gt0$. Computers can make this mistake too, since computers are programmed by fallible, mistake-making humans.

A: $log$ of negative values has same complex output: $\ln(-ve) = (\ln (ve) + i\pi)$
Thus, $$\ln(1+x)-\ln(x) =\ln(-ve_1) + \ln(-ve_2) = (\ln (ve_1) + i\pi)-(\ln(ve_2)+i\pi) = \ln\left(\frac {-ve_1}{-ve_2}\right) = \ln(\frac {ve_1}{ve_2})$$
But, for software(except few too smart softwares):
$$D:f+ g = D:f \cap D:g \implies (\mathbb R - [-1, 0]) \cap (\mathbb R^+ - 0)$$


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«Была бы готова простить измену» — Чехова рассказала истинную причину развода
Звезда объяснила, почему не побоялась в 39 лет уйти от мужа Анфиса Чехова дала откровенное интервью, в котором поделилась подробностями развода с Гурамом Баблишвили. По словам...
Очередной рекорд: китайцы построили уникальнейший аттракцион
Они опередили весь мир В Китае построили первое в мире колесо обозрения без спиц высотой 145 м. Его уже называют инженерным чудом. Футуристическое сооружение разместили на...
SHOCKS: Two major Walking Dead characters to die
In the show, Rick Grimes is gearing up to take on super villain Negan in the next part of season seven. The evil character, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, has caused havoc for Rick and the other Alexandrians since his introduction. But in the comics, which run way ahead of the TV show, a huge change could be about to come. The...
Heart-breaking moment horse cries at owner's funeral
CAJAZEIRAS, Brazil — Family and friends of Wagner de Lima Figueiredo, 34, grieved at his funeral in Brazil this Tuesday. One notable friend was Wagner's beloved horse, Sereno. Caters News reports that Sereno shocked attendees of the funeral when he started to cry, whinnying as he mourned the loss of Wagner. He even...
All the secret messages David Bowie left in his final album Blackstar before his death
Music icon David Bowie released Blackstar, his 25th and final studio album, a year ago today (8 January 2017) on his 69th birthday. Two days later, the Space Oddity star died after losing his battle with cancer – but he left behind even more than his incredible legacy of music as fans are still unearthing secret messages...
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman weigh in on a possible Deadpool-Wolverine teamup movie
Ryan Reynolds stunned fans by playing an ex-military officer named Wade Wilson who mutates into a foul-mouthed superhero following a botched cancer treatment in Deadpool. With Hugh Jackman's final movie as Wolverine coming out in March, fans are wondering if they will see a superhero team-up between the two. Actors Jackman...
Identical twins want to marry boyfriend they share
Remember those twins who share a boyfriend and sleep in the same bed? Well they've just announced their intention to marry him. Yep, just when you thought it couldn't get any weirder. Anna and Lucy DeCinque, 31, both announced on YouTube they wanted to get hitched to their lover Ben Byrne. 'We've been...
Lindsay Lohan is so desperate for Mean Girls 2 she has started writing it herself
This news is so not fetch — Lindsay Lohan is refusing to leave Mean Girls alone. The actress participated in a live Q&A session with CNN this week where she was asked about doing more comedy movies. "I have been trying so hard to do a Mean Girls 2. It is not in my hands. I know that Tina Fey, and Lorne Michaels...
George Michael's godchildren could inherit his £100m fortune
George Michael's £100m estate could end up going to his godchildren as he did not produce an heir. 'Loosen up. Swing,man': Frank Sinatra gave George Michael some sound advice about stardom in 1990 The pop star, who was found dead on Christmas Day, did not have any children when he lost his life aged 53....
Danny Boyle says he felt terrible for casting Leonardo DiCaprio over Ewan McGregor for The Beach
BAFTA winning director Danny Boyle has revealed that he felt guilt after casting Leonardo DiCaprio over Ewan McGregor for his 2000 movie The Beach. Boyle has said that he wasn't "particularly respectful" to McGregor when the latter was led to believe that he would star in the film. The 60-year-old film director in...
Grange Hill and The Railway Children actress Deddie Davies dies aged 78
Deddie Davies, the actress best-known as Mrs Perks in The Railway Children, has died aged 78. The actress, who most recently starred as donkey-owner Marj in Sky 1's Stella, had reportedly been ill for a while before she passed away. Stella co-creator Ruth Jones was one of the first people to pay tribute to Davies after...
Unsettling Victorian portraits of dead children propped up to look alive
There are many different ways to remember loved ones who have passed away – but propping their bodies up for a photo wouldn't cross most of our minds. But things were different in the 19th century, when post-mortem photography was the norm for grieving family members. In this undated photo montage, Brandon Sistrunk,...


All About Gin – The Nations Favourite Spirit.
There's no other beverage that Britain loves more than gin. But what do we know about this popular spirit? Where did it come from?
Thought to originate in Holland, gin dates back as far as the Middle Ages. It was derived from a drink called Jenever which was a Dutch liquor which became increasingly popular in Britain and Ireland, growing more popular than brandy in England by the mid 17th century and remains the nations favourite spirit to today. Jenever was traditionally distilled with juniper berries which gives traditional gin its predominant flavour.
The infamous cocktail that we all know was first created in India during the 19th century. The army of the British East India Company began to use a combination of tonic water and gin. Tonic water contains quinine which was known to combat and prevent malaria, a disease that was extremely prevalent during those times. Today, tonic water is a little sweeter, with lower levels of quinine, making G&T a much more palatable cocktail in the summer.
We've all heard the term, but where does it come from? Gin!
The popular theory is that English soldiers fighting in the Anglo Dutch wars during the 17th century would drink Dutch gin to calm their nerves during battle, and so the name was born.
During the late 1600s gin (Jenever) was sold in pharmacies to treat a wide range of ailments like kidney problems, gout, and gallstones.
That infamous "shaken and not stirred" line is considered erroneous by many gin enthusiasts. The Martini should be stirred to preserve the flavour without diluting the whole cocktail and losing the gin flavour.
We might think we Brits are gin's No 1 fan, but there is another place in the world that consumes a vast amount more than we do. The Philippines is responsible for almost half of global gin consumption. It's been their go-to cocktail for many years and remains so today.
Feel like mixing yourself a G&T? Take a look at our newest range of gin hampers.


Mens Swim Briefs - Tiger Print Speedo - Swimwear for men.
This lovely tiger print swim brief has been designed around a Speedo swimwear brief and is presented in finest quality swimwear fabric. The classic style of this tiger swim brief has been captured by our swimwear designer, providing a Speedo brief in a wonderful tiger print.
The tiger print swimming brief comes with a drawstring for waist adjustment, to eliminate movement of the garment while you swim or dive. The tiger print fabric clings to you like a second skin while you are swimming.
Animal print swimwear remains a popular choice all over the world and this tiger print swimming brief is no exception. A large number of swimming pools in France have strict rules about swimwear styles. Men are not allowed to wear anything except swim briefs or Speedos. In Australia, this style of swimwear is sometimes known as budgie smugglers; here in the UK we refer to them as swim briefs or Speedos.
With sides finishing at 7cm in classic Speedo swimwear style, this is an attractive choice of men's swimwear with extra animal print appeal.
If you like the look of this lovely swim brief and enjoy wearing the Speedo brief style, buy a pair of our men's tiger print swimming briefs for sale here today.
If this tiger print swimwear brief does not rock your boat, take a look at some more swim briefs in our fantastic selection of men's swim briefs.


Do you want to reach the pinnacle of your profession? This book is practical and not theoretical. Have you had enough of unworkable theories? Unworkable theories are "myths of knowledge". They do not create any effect or inspire change in people's lives. Approach this book with a practical mind for all resources in it are practical. This book is a bank of ideas and thoughts.
You don't need an MBA to build a successful business. Nor do you need to become a techno guru before you can embark on any tech project. There are no insurmountable barriers that could prevent you from achieving your goal.
A close friend of mine once joked that he was required to submit dozens of documents in order to open his LLC. In return, he expected a fancy name. However, the Registry Department just gave him a piece of paper with the words "General Director" printed on it. If you ask me 'How can you be your own boss?' I will ask you to go for the title of "general director".That is to say, create your own LLC if you want to be free from your tyrannical boss. On the other hand, if you are looking for a job and can't find one for yourself, create one so that you don't have to go to interview after interview being rejected. In this book you are going to meet the secret sauce of the big and successful companies of our time and the underdogs who persisted until they made it.
You will also meet the rich opportunities of business, the mindset of the dreamers and the millionaires, what makes the two different and the chemical combination you need to be successful.
This book is a guide to improve your circumstances, your life, your business and your job.
Be you a trader, a programmer, realtor, an entrepreneur, a doctor, a consultant, a teacher or a beautician - there is useful advice that could be helpful to your endeavour. Do not follow just follow the advice to the letter, but, rather pick and adapt that which will work for you. Take not those that suit you and leave those that don't. I don't promise you heaven on earth. Remember to be yourself.
This book is divided into three parts. In Part 1, I talk about spotting opportunities. What is an opportunity at all? Why are some people are better at finding opportunities, while others miss them completely. You will discover how to break the rules for the better. You will also learn of the mindset of an ordinary person. What makes them ordinary? Running for a prize but not genuinely challenging - another revealing episode that you will discover, among others.
Part 2 covers the secret way to work smart, think smart and invest smart. In this era of knowledge dispensation, the traditional matter of simply "working hard" is no more. This book details the secret ways of the three pillars "work smart, think smart and invest smart". You will also learn the difference between a dreamer and a millionaire. The two are made, not born.
Part 3 is all about starting your business from scratch. Many people find it difficult to let it go .You will learn how some people left their comfort zones for better. And you are not an exception. If you don't like your career, trade it for a better one. And a better one is doing what you love.
No matter what kind business you are involved in, the possibilities are endless. This book will give you the tools and guide you on a journey of faith. In conclusion, you will compete for the prize and not just accept a place.
1300 + INSPIRATIONAL SUCCESS AND WISDOM QUOTES The ultimate ageless collection to inspire your life and change its course!
Mindset: 30+ Amazing Mindset Tricks & 100+ Daily Affirmations! Develop a Successful Mindset and Gain More Self Esteem, Happiness, Wealth and Freedom in Your Life!
Jake Findi is an entrepreneur and an author of his classic You're either a dreamer or a millionaire. He is also the author of "HOW THE SUPER RICH WIN -the brainbox to success." Coming soon.
He is based in Russia. Jake is marketing oriented and business inclined. Above all, he is very ambitious. Some people call him Mr. Positive. His philosophy is to learn something new every day and is always hunting for new opportunities and ideas. In other words, Jake is a self taught entrepreneur. He believes that giving a shot in something is the key to success.
He is a motivational speaker coach, writer and creator of a reality TV show in Moscow and a fashion designer. He's the founder of Jake and Jake LLC –a group of companies.
He is the founder of premium concierge and lifestyle management project called www.vip-service.ru and an e-store fanada.
Words cannot express my gratitude to my father for making a man out of me. I was born a boy but now I clearly see that I'm a man of my own making! Many thanks to my awesome designer, Alsim Mamedov, who has been designing my project logos over the years. You are a design guru! I thank you for the brilliant book cover design, the spine, selecting the right fonts, the inside flaps, the back cover, and all the quirks – table, pictures editing - among other things. A super job well done.
I am also indebted to Michael Campbell-Thomson for his support in working on the draft of the manuscript, and for Robert Thomas for his careful editing. You saw the value my work and it gave me further momentum to get it done. I'm proud to have you as a friend. You're not only on the right track, you set the course for the rest of my team to follow. And last but not the least, I will also like to convey my thanks to Sam Whitmey for your dedication and proofreading of this book. Please allow me to encourage you today: you do such a great job! Keep it up! I appreciate you.
And to my dedicated team such as Nikolay Zenin, Ivan Chichkin, Michael Fres, Vladimir Gusev and others, I want to say thank for keeping me on my toes by reminding me always about the progress of the book. You're a necessary piece to this puzzle. I appreciate your commitment and service and just can't imagine a project with you at my side.
Also, I appreciated the thoughtful insights from various individuals from all walks of life who commented on one thing or the other - this really benefited my research greatly. I greatly appreciate their contributions.
Finally, to all my friends around the world, I thank you all for inspiration and for believing in me - believing that I can do the extraordinary. You're my eternal mentors. I will always turn to you for advice. I live to value you all. Forever grateful.
Do you want to reach the pinnacle of your profession? This book is practical and not theoretical. Have you had enough of unworkable theories? Unworkable theories are myths of knowledge. They do not create any effect or inspire change in people's lives. Approach this book with a practical mind for all resources in it are practical. This book is a bank of ideas and thoughts.
A close friend of mine once joked that he was required to submit dozens of documents in order to open his LLC. In return, he expected a fancy name. However, the Registry Department just gave him a piece of paper with the words General Director printed on it. If you ask me 'How can you be your own boss?' I will ask you to go for the title of general director . That is to say, create your own LLC if you want to be free from your tyrannical boss. On the other hand, if you are looking for a job and can't find one for yourself, create one so that you don't have to go to interview after interview being rejected. In this book you are going to discover the secret sauce of the big and successful companies of our time and the underdogs who persisted until they made it.
You will also discover the rich opportunities of business, the mindset of the dreamers and the millionaires, what makes the two different and the chemical combination you need to be successful.
Part 2 covers the secret way to work smart, think smart and invest smart. In this era of knowledge dispensation, the traditional matter of simply working hard is no more. This book details the secret ways of the three pillars work smart, think smart and invest smart . You will also learn the difference between a dreamer and a millionaire. The two are made, not born.
No matter what kind business you are involved in, the possibilities are endless. This book will give you the tools and guide you on a journey of faith. In conclusion, you will compete for the price and not just accept a place.
While reading this book, I will strongly recommend you to have a pencil or a marker on you to underline every phrase or sentence or paragraph that touches you.
It is your property now. Read it as you never read before. It is up to you to do whatever you need to do to get the most out of it. The ball is in your court!
Read it with full concentration, rapt in thought with a passion for the ideas. Will you prefer to read with all your attention or just read for reading's sake? You got to help yourself in order for yourself to help you. It is only you that can help yourself.
Read it many times as you can. So the next time you pick up this book from your shelf, table or desk or open your potable book reader, ask yourself: why am I reading this book? If you have the answer, then make every second of it count. Follow every phrase and sentence with attention and concentration.
This book is intended for people who fear to take risk, who fear to break the rules or start something new. There is power in your hands, in your brains, and in every fibre of your being. Baba said Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realize it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it.
Many times we ask ourselves why so and so is able to amass a fortune, when at one point they were in the same situation as us? He wanted to succeed, that is why he made it. Follow me. It is not only the matter luck, and I'm not even a fan of it. Do you rely on luck to fulfill your dreams? It is said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity ? You have to be prepared to utilize the opportunity that surrounds you -that is your luck. Never wait for luck to just show up. Do you catch my drift? Will you still continue to wait for luck ?
This book cost you money and I believe you bought it to make money or change your present situation. If you borrow it from someone it is for a purpose. Money is important whether you agree or not. If you doubt what I say try to ride a bus for free. Whatever your attitude may be towards money, you are right. If you don't revere it, you will not get it.
We often hear people say opportunity knocks but once. I want to run counter to that saying What is opportunity in the first place ? According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something . In my own way; it's the occurrences of events that make things happen. How many times have you heard of this phrase opportunity knocks ? I believe that we are surrounded by opportunities every blessed day of our lives. Unfortunately we don't flash on it. They say opportunity knocks but once but it actually knocks at our doors as long as you have your door shut. He never breaks into your room if you don't invite him. He is always available and waits for you. Avail yourself to him!
Until you recognize the door handle (the gateway to opportunity), you will ever gaze at the glistering stars hoping to conjure him from the beautiful sky. One of the key factors to spotting an opportunity is to have a burning desire for it .If you don't yearn for something it is hardly noticeable.
People who invented all sort of things that made life better for us are not just mere inventors, but, they are opportunity seekers. They desired it. Let's take a look at Alexander Fleming, a Scottish scientist, who left a pile of dirty Petri dishes open at his work place and went on vacation. On his return he found out that most had been contaminated. There was a bacterial growth around the mould.
According to the Nobel Prize website, Fleming dumped most of the dishes in a vat of Lysol. But when he got to a dish containing staphylococcus, something odd caught his attention. And what made him spot that? This was the beginning of an idea that would change the world. The dish was covered in colonies of bacteria, except in one area where a blob of mould was growing. Somehow the mould was in an area free from bacteria, as if the mould had blocked the bacteria from spreading. He realized it could be used to kill a wide range of bacteria. So penicillin was discovered right there. The answer to why some people are able to find opportunities is because they are simply opportunity hunters.
We are all born inventors, but the problem is we rarely act on instinct. Successful businessmen and women aspire to greater things than a boring cubicle and a nagging boss. If you're waiting to act on a million dollar idea you might dumb yourself down a notch. Figure out and work your way to success. Make the idea you have a brilliant one.
Swami Vivekananda said Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success .
Out of our natural desire to make things happen; achieve a goal, change a career, there is a natural wish that stimulates us to go for it against all odds. Life is like lifting weights. They press down on you and you need to push it up. You either stay under the heavy barbell breathless or fight with nature and gravity to gain your freedom. It is the same as resolving a difficult situation and achieving success.
Living in your comfort zone? There is a life much better than what you are living now. You need to stretch out for more promising opportunities. If you are looking for a way to see bread on your table early in the morning, you should be the luckiest person but may not necessarily be right. Otherwise, I will strongly urge you to challenge your-self, tune your mind-set to going beyond just what you have opted for. Sow a seed today and live in expectancy. Martin Luther said Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree .
Believe it or not – you're greater than you think you are - stretch out and reach the limit that you are capable of and you will be surprised to know what you can accomplish with the same body you have been living in over the years. That reminds me of a shocking, and of course, life-changing story.
Beach Story: Perhaps you might have had heard of it. An ambitious young man desires to become a millionaire, so he goes to see a wise guru, who knows the ultimate secret to success. Here is the full story.
The young man says to the guru, I want to become rich and successful. Can you help me? The guru smiles and says, Meet me at the beach tomorrow at 4 AM, and I will show you the secret to success.


text:
Bede, Priest and Historian, 735
The Collect:
Almighty God, who has enriched your Church with the learning and holiness of your servant Bede: Grant us to find in Scripture and disciplined prayer the image of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and to fashion our lives according to his likeness, to the glory of your great Name and the benefit of your holy church; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bede was a monk, priest, and historian. From the age of seven, he spent all his life at that monastery except for a few brief visits to nearby sites. He says of himself: "I have devoted my energies to a study of the Scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight." Bede was the first person to write scholarly works in the English language, although unfortunately only fragments of his English writings have survived. He translated the Gospel of John into Old English, completing the work on the very day of his death. He also wrote extensively in Latin. Bede's best-known work is his History of the English Church and People. His work is our chief source for the history of the British Isles during this period. Fortunately, Bede was careful to sort fact from hearsay, and to tell us the sources of his information. He also wrote hymns and other verse, the first martyrology with historical notes, letters and homilies, works on grammar, on chronology and astronomy -- Bede was aware that the earth is a sphere, and he is the first historian to date events ANNO DOMINI, and the earliest known writer to state that the solar year is not exactly 365 and a quarter days long, so that the Julian calendar (one leap year every four years) requires some adjusting if the months are not to get out of step with the seasons.
Today is an Ember Day
The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Mechthild of Madgeburg
The First Book of Common Prayer
Jackson Kemper
Helena of Constantinople
Join Us Sunday for Pentecost
Lydia of Thyatira
Lee's Burial Sermon
Father Lee Jefferson's Burial - Today
Dunstan
Today's Remembrance
Pachomius of Tabenissi
Worship this Sunday
Father Lee Jefferson's Burial
UPDATE from Bishop Jake
From the Presiding Bishop
Friday Love
Eve of Ascension Day - Zoom Evening Prayer & Bible...
Johann Arndt and Jacob Boehme
Father Lee
Join us Tomorrow
For Tonight...
Martyrs of the Reformation Era
A Prayer for Children
Elisabeth Cruciger
Saint Philip and Saint James


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Signed and dated "nierman 62" l.l.
Mixed media on Masonite, 23 1/2 x 31 3/8 in. (59.8 x 79.6 cm), framed.
N.B. The lot is accompanied by a sales receipt from Temple Emanu-El, Marblehead, Massachusetts, which is not dated on the front but is stamped on the reverse, Dec. 20, 1962.
Chips to frame liner, but not to surface of the work. Minor alligatoring to sun. No additional condition issues to report.


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text:
Myanmar CSOs Begin Countdown to Internet Shutdown's 101st Day
The US-ASEAN Maritime Exercise: Why Myanmar Matters
Myanmar Military Drops Case Against Kachin Leader over Conversation with Trump
Woman Killed as Typhoon Lashes Tokyo Area
Hong Kong Students Form Human Chains after Weekend of Protests
The Death of British Burma's Anti-Colonial Monk
No End in Sight to Myanmar Military, Northern Alliance Fighting
The Day Gen Aung San Established the Myanmar Army
Recalling the Day When I Was Reborn
Mandalay University Rector Faces Probe over Canteen Contract
Restriction on Rohingya Use of Internet Data in Bangladesh Triggers Debate
Myanmar Soldiers Sentenced to 20 Years After Civilian Killings
Leaving Prison, Ex-Child Soldier Calls for Peace in Myanmar's Shan State
Rights Activist in Myanmar Sentenced for Giving Judge Broken Scales of Justice
Police Detained, Forestry Officials Investigated Over Bribes in Myanmar's Rakhine State
Myanmar Ambassador Meets with 2 Migrant Workers on Death Row in Thailand
Myanmar's Yangon Intl Airport Reopens
Zimbabwe's Mugabe: From Liberator to Oppressor
The Day Myanmar's Independence Hero Tied The Knot
Hard Right: Political Divide Deepens in Thailand
US Voices Concern Over Myanmar Army's Lawsuit Against Religious Leader
Taiwan Warns Solomon Islands of China 'Debt Trap' in Diplomatic Switch
Myanmar Army Says It Recaptures Village in Buthidaung from AA
Bosses of Myanmar's Controversial New Yangon City Project See Major Shakeup
Rally in Northern Myanmar Highlights IDPs Plight
Dengue Fever Kills 68 in Myanmar in 8 Months
Myanmar, South Korea Sign Major Agreements on Trade, Investment and Finance
Thai Park Chief Questions DNA Evidence in Case of Missing Karen Activist
Flights Delayed at Yangon Airport After Myanmar Military Plane Skids Off Runway
The Day Three Myanmar Banknotes Suddenly Became Worthless
North Korea Tells United Nations to Cut International Aid Staff
Bangkok Tops Paris, London as World's Most-Visited City: MasterCard
Thai Garment Factory Investigated by Starbucks After Illegal Wages Exposed
Hong Kong Leader to Meet Media After Killing Extradition Bill
Civilian Vehicles Torched Amid Fighting Between Rebels and Myanmar Army
Three Myanmar Rebel Groups Halt Offensive Pending Further Talks
Chinese-Owned Garment Factory Strikers Sued by Myanmar Police
Myanmar Central Bank Unlikely to Accept Deputy Governor's Resignation: Sources
Myanmar Military, USDP Charter Amendment Proposals to be Reviewed by Panel
Myanmar Military Chief Asks Thai PM to Help 2 Migrant Workers on Death Row
Company of Former Myanmar Dictator's Grandson Among 4 Sued for Unpaid Loans
Myanmar's Emerging Democracy is Being Eroded
Thai Police Arrest Suspected Bomb-Maker in Bangkok Blasts
Hong Kong Police Fire Beanbag Rounds in Overnight Clashes with Protesters
South Korean President Enhances Bilateral Economic Ties with Myanmar
Three Lawmakers Quit Charter Amendment Committee in Spat with NLD
6 Myanmar Villagers, Including 3-Year-Old, Wounded in Rakhine
Phandeeyar CEO Jes Petersen (R) speaks about the effects of an ongoing internet shutdown in Rakhine State as part of a panel with MCRB Director Vicky Bowman (L) and Phandeeyar Digital Rights Associate Han Min Oo at Phandeeyar in Yangon on Monday, September 9, 2019. Not pictured but also on the panel were FEM adviser Oliver Spencer and Htaike Htaike Aung, executive director of the Myan ICT for Development Organization. / Danny Fenster / The Irrawaddy
By Danny Fenster 9 September 2019
YANGON— Four civil society organizations (CSOs) launched a 21-day countdown in Yangon on Monday to Sept. 30, the 101st day that internet access will have been shut down in several townships of western Myanmar's Rakhine State; on that day, they are calling on businesses and individuals to abstain from the internet themselves in a show of solidarity with those living under the internet ban in Rakhine State.
Myanmar's Ministry of Transport and Communications, with approval from the Union government, ordered telecom operators to shut down mobile internet service in parts of Rakhine State and neighboring Chin State in June of this year amid growing clashes between the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw, and the Arakan Army.
At midnight on Saturday, Aug. 31, the ban was lifted on the northern Rakhine townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Myebon, and neighboring Chin State's Paletwa Township, but the shutdown remains in the four Rakhine State townships of Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya.
U Myo Swe, Myanma Post and Telecommunications (MPT) chief engineer, told The Irrawaddy at the time the order was made out of concern for security and the public interest under authority of Section 77 of the 2013 Telecommunications Law.
Article 77 of the Telecommunications Law allows for a temporary suspension of service, though the ongoing shutdown in Rakhine State has been open-ended.
"All of us know the situation in Rakhine. People are in trouble, and many people have been displaced. The internet is one of the contributors to this, so it has been temporarily suspended," he said. "It will be resumed when stability is restored."
But, said Oliver Spencer, adviser to Free Expression Myanmar (FEM), that justification is too vague to meet international human rights standards.
"Every authoritarian government in the world uses the same argument about national security and closing down information," he said. "The internet has been shut down now for 70 days—what effect has it had on the conflict? The conflict continues."
The UN, in declaring internet-enabled access to information a human right in 2016, likened the internet to the modern public square; limiting citizens' access to it, it decided, is a human rights violation.
In certain extreme circumstances, according to UN policy, these rights can be limited—threats to border integrity by foreign invasion, say—but justifications must not be vague or arbitrary and must not be used to hide human rights violations—worries the UN has voiced in the Rakhine State context.
"Is this argument in Rakhine State legitimate or not?" Spencer asked.
"In Rakhine we have no idea when it will finish—that is vagueness. And the risk shouldn't be hypothetical—they need to show very specifically what the risk is, they cannot just say it's a possible risk," he said.
"We need to consider an internet blackout as exactly the same as a total curfew [on] people being able to go into a public, physical place … Without access to the public space, there are many other rights violated because they cannot access information—to health, education, culture, economic development," he said.
Jes Petersen, CEO of Phandeeyar, the Yangon tech incubator that hosted the event, spoke to the blackout's impacts on economic development in particular.
"There are very few businesses in Myanmar who are not using the internet—and not just big corporations. All over the country SMEs [small- and medium-sized businesses] … even farmers, are increasingly reliant on an effective digital infrastructure," he said.
"Turning off the internet is really bad for business," he said, citing a report that found targeted internet shutdowns in India to have cost businesses more than US$3 billion (4.6 trillion kyats) over a five-year period. "This stuff has real impact," he said.
But, a press release from the campaign organizers noted, "In conflict areas such as northern and central Rakhine State, an internet shutdown has even more serious consequences for safety. Local residents need access to the internet to obtain help, emergency services and humanitarian aid."
The shutdowns have also reportedly impacted access to remittances from overseas through mobile money services.
The campaign is organized by FEM, the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), Phandeeyar and the Myan ICT for Development Organization.
MCRB Director Vicky Bowman emphasized the role telecom operators have to play in responding to such demands from the Myanmar government responsibly.
"It is the responsibility of businesses, especially telecoms, to respect human rights. The only company that has taken that responsibility seriously is Telenor. They informed their users immediately and put out statements regarding their views," actions she said all operators should have followed.
"None of the other telecoms have done this," she said. "Despite recent development funding of $300 million, Ooredoo continues to be silent," she added.
In 2016, Qatar-based Ooredoo, one of the major telecom operators in Myanmar, received $300 million in loans from the Asian Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation—funding that came with certain requirements for the respect of international human rights standards.
Organizers of the campaign are asking companies and employees to discuss the role internet access plays in their daily lives and what the impact of a total shutdown would be for them before Sept. 30.
"Under the existing legal framework, they could lose access to their data without warning or any formal indication of when that could be turned back on," Bowman said, referring to Article 77.
On Sept. 29 organizers are asking all to set up an email auto-response with a message about the blackout and to change their Facebook profile photo to the campaign's logo.
On Sept. 30 they are asking participants to abstain from using the internet in solidarity with those in Rakhine State.
"Be aware that the right to internet data is becoming a fundamental enabler for all, and that that human right can be taken away very quickly under Article 77 of the Telecommunications Law and the way it's being used in Rakhine State. All internet users should be aware," said Bowman.
Myanmar Govt Restores Internet Access to Parts of Rakhine, Chin States
Govt Faces Backlash for N. Rakhine Internet Blackout
No Internet in Western Myanmar until Security Situation Eases: MPT Official
Myanmar Orders Internet Shutdown in Conflict-Torn Rakhine State: Telco Operator
Topics: Human Rights, Internet, Rakhine
Danny Fenster The Irrawaddy