On the Winter Solstice of 2012, the center of the galaxy will helically rise with the morning sun.
According to scholar John Major Jenkins, this moment marks the end of the Mayan calendar. 3 Strangely enough, the Cross of Hendaye, also appears to be indicating this same general time frame. Both of these ancient chronological systems appear to find great importance in the helical rising of the center of the galaxy in 2012. The enigmatic French alchemist Fulcanelli, in his classic Le Mystère Des Cathédrales unquestionably tells the reader that the Cross of Hendaye is marking the end of the Iron Age, the last of the Four Great Ages. 4 According to ancient lore the Iron Age is an Age where the world turns to steel, black magic becomes religion and Men lust for control and dominion over both human beings and the very earth itself. The earth, the air and the water become polluted. Wars, famines, and plagues envelop the human race. Time itself speeds up until exhausted, the world and the Age come to an end and a new cycle begins. These are many of the events that also occur at the end of each of the Second and Third Ages of The Lord of the Rings for each is in essence a microcosm of the entire cycle. Tolkien uses this concept of the upheaval that occurs at the end of each Age as his backdrop to the story of Frodo and the Ring.
These Four Ages according to Fulcanelli, the Cross of Hendaye and many ancient texts, are mapped by the twelve signs of the zodiac. Like the numbers on a clock the Golden Age begins when the hand passes the twelve. The next age, or Silver Age occurs when the hand passes three, the Bronze Age, or Third Age, begins when the hand passes six and the Iron Age, or last Age begins when the hand passes nine. Each of these four quadrants is marked by one of the main signs of the zodiac, Scorpio, Taurus, Leo and Aquarius.
Perhaps this fact is not well known to all of you but the twelve signs of the zodiac are actually marking the process called the precession of the equinox. The earth is tilted in space at 23 degrees. It wobbles slowly on its central axis like a spinning top. This backward wobble is so slow that it takes 72 years for it to pass through one degree of the circumference of the wobble. In other words, if a certain star such as Sirius was rising over a certain point, say a nearby mountain peak on the day you were born, it would take 72 years for the rising of Sirius to move one degree away from that same point on that same day of the year.
The fact that the stars were not fixed in the heaven but were slowly moving backwards is not only central to understanding the alchemical thesis but was perhaps the greatest single secret being taught in the mystery schools of Egypt, Greece and India. The common exoteric knowledge was that the sky was fixed and unchanging. But the adepts and esoteric masters knew that even the heavens were in motion. Since the movement of the stars was so slow the only possible way to map the precession of the equinoxes was through many generations, each successive generation continued this extensive and valuable work. Slowly, over many centuries, the exact map of the precession of the equinoxes was drawn. These clever priests/scientists/initiates had come to realize that it took an enormous amount of time, approximately 26,000 years, to go through one complete precession. So they divided up the nearly 26,000 yearlong cycle into twelve segments affixing a zodiacal 'month' to every 2,160 years in each of the signs. Therefore, if you begin your precession count at Aquarius it will take twelve times 2,160 or 25,920 years for Aquarius to return to its original position again.
Using a combination of observation, meditation, contemplation and discussion, the initiates of these Mystery Schools chronicled human behavior patterns, plant cycles, animal behavior, and a sundry of other physical, emotional and mental occurrences, signs and portents that allowed them to recognize the unique nature, quality and characteristics of each of the twelve signs. From their observations they became aware that each place on the giant zodiacal clock brought forth its own traits and manifestations just as high noon is different than sunrise. They also noticed that at the cusp of the four great signs these changes in behavior, growth, etc. were more clearly pronounced. Indeed, it appeared to them that each of the four aspects of this great cycle actually brought forth different types of beings, different types of behavior. They also observed and chronicled the changing relationship of humanity to the physical and spiritual dimensions of reality noticing that as the Ages unfolded, the world and its beings were actuality densifying. As a result of this densification, with each successive Age, humanity began to focus to a greater and greater extent on the material world and lose touch with the more subtle realms of spirit. The knowledge accrued from these observations eventually became known as the Sacred Science of Alchemy.
To describe the unique qualities and attributes of each of these Ages, these Sacred Scientists used the symbolic language of metals - gold, silver, bronze and iron. Interestingly, these four metals gain molecular density as they move from gold to iron. So it would seem, according to this paradigm that as the Four Ages unfold, gravity is increased and the packing of molecules becomes denser. And now, if the Cross of Hendaye, the writings of Fulcanelli and the work of John Major Jenkins, as well as our own research into Alchemy and Tantra is correct, we are at the end of the Fourth Age, the Age of Iron. But what does this really mean? Is it the literal 'end of the world' as chronicled in mystical texts from the Book of Revelations, to the Corpus Hermeticum of the alchemists, to the Tantras of India, and the teachings of Shamanic cultures throughout the world? Or does it indicate a time of great change and renewal? If, the ultimate alchemical goal is the transformation of lead into gold, then the end of the Iron Age can only herald the dawn of the Golden Age. This is the Age when the fulfillment of humanities true purpose on earth and the full flowering of the primary vision of the Creator becomes manifest. For as any alchemist will tell you, out of the depths of darkness comes the greatest light.
Upon reading The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other works of J.R.R. Tolkien, it is clear that these questions gave him much fuel for contemplation. There are so many parallels between Tolkien's work and alchemical knowledge that one cannot help but surmise that he must have been aware of this ancient view of the Ages with its unique perspective on creation, history and the pre-history of humanity and deftly wove it into the very fabric of his tales.
His epic tale The Silmarillion presents Tolkien's cosmology from the beginning of Creation to the Third Age of Middle-Earth. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is really a documentation of the transition from the Third Age to the Fourth. According to the alchemical lore, the period that we consider 'history' equates with the beginning of the Fourth Age, or 6,500 years ago. Myths and legends that concern the events and experiences that happened prior to this time period are said to have taken pace in 'pre-history'. Tolkien states that imaginatively his 'history' is supposed to take place in a period of the actual Old World of this planet. 6 Interestingly, this is nearly the same time that Tolkien dates the events that unfold in The Lord of the Rings.


The exchange showed the rapport Byrnes, a breastfeeding counselor Piedmont Health's Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program, has developed with Floyd – one of the goals of the program.
The Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program pairs an expecting mother with a peer counselor at the Carrboro Community Health Center. The program is offered as part of the center's Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program.
WIC is a federally funded health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC educates families about nutrition and helps them find healthy foods, health care and other community services.
Breastfeeding peer counselors at Piedmont Health help encourage and educate expecting mothers about breastfeeding techniques and its benefits. The program aims to encourage counselors to develop friendly relationships during an expecting mother's pregnancy – and to continue that relationship after the women give birth.
"It's a proactive rather than reactive approach to breastfeeding support," Byrnes said.
She wanted to learn more about breastfeeding while she was pregnant with her first son R.J. Her doctor told her about the WIC program at Piedmont Health. Floyd said she started using this program because breastfeeding is an inexpensive and healthy way to feed her children.
Many health-care professionals agree that breastfeeding helps both children and their mothers in numerous ways. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect babies, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health's web site (http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding). The website also states that breast milk helps both mothers and children fight various diseases, including Type 2 diabetes.
Floyd said breastfeeding also seems natural for a child, but it's still a learning process for both the mother and her child.
Byrnes agreed that new moms often have questions and sometimes have concerns or face challenges while learning about breastfeeding. One common challenge, she said, is the expectations about newborn behavior. Babies eat very frequently and these expectations sometimes come with self-doubt.
Floyd said some of her friends and family told her that breastfeeding can be painful. She said her breastfeeding experience was not as painful as she thought it would be.
Breastfeeding may seem harder than bottle feeding a baby, but Floyd and Byrnes said it's worth the effort. Floyd said breastfeeding helped her build stronger relationships with her two boys. She recommends it to other expecting mothers.


Dr. Campbell believes that we all deserve a life of vitality. His goal is to build a compassionate, lifelong relationship with each patient. Rather than specializing in one area of the body, and seeing all patients as having issues in that area, Dr. Campbell combines all of your history, symptoms, and body systems into one cohesive picture.
Dr. Campbell grew up nearby in Lake Forest and Naperville, and majored in Saxophone Performance at Illinois Wesleyan University. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences. Aside from playing music, he enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and his Irish Setter, Albus (pictured below).
Dr. Christy Matusiak earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA, and concurrently fulfilled her premedical coursework. In 2009 she graduated from the National University of Health Sciences, in Lombard, IL, with a Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) degree. She holds membership status in the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Her practice emphasizes spinal and extremity manipulation, muscle work, cranial/TMJ corrections, reflexology, acupuncture meridian balancing, nutrition, and lifestyle modification to enhance overall health.
She enjoys treating individuals and families for various conditions including musculoskeletal problems, injuries, digestive complaints, skin disorders, colds/infections, blood pressure/cholesterol issues, asthma, and much more! Dr. Matusiak is truly committed to her role in natural healthcare and holistic medicine. Her goal is always to help you achieve optimal health and wellness by balancing your body physically, chemically, emotionally, and energetically.
Dr. Matusiak maintains an active lifestyle, and sincerely enjoys volleyball and running. She ran her first marathon in October 2009 in Chicago, and first half marathon (13.1) in June 2009, as well as several 5 and 10K races. Dr. Matusiak has been happily married to her husband, Jason, since 2005, and they have three wonderful sons. Her other hobbies include scrap booking, reading, listening to music, and being outdoors with friends and family.
Utilizing the technique of Applied Kinesiology (AK) sets her apart from other chiropractors. She has completed over 600 hours of basic and advanced coursework training in Professional Applied Kinesiology (PAK).
Dr. Van Heule has now moved back to Belgium to be with family, but still consults with Drs. Campbell and Matusiak about previous patients on an as-needed basis. He has degrees in Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Homeopathy. He studied Oriental medicine and Homeopathy in the United States and Europe. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. S. Raheel Haque N.D.
each patient at their comfort level and values their individuality.
healing and turned it into a lifelong passion.
reading, and playing tennis and basketball.
As a certified Whole Health Educator and Coach, Ann Baker holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, a Master's degree in Public Health, and recently completed a Master's level training with the National Institute of Whole Health. In addition, she is certified in Reiki and recently received a certificate in Somatic Psychology/Energy Healing.
Ann fulfills her mission to empower clients to reclaim their health by establishing Coach/Client relationships that are based on mindfulness, respect, integrity and acceptance while providing evidence-based health information and behavior change coaching. Using an intuitive approach, Ann seeks to collaboratively explore the root cause of any health or emotional concern with the client. Having recently applied this approach to healing her own autoimmune and digestive issues, Ann can speak both personally and professionally to the power of the Whole Health model. She is also the mother of three and a passionate, accomplished artist.
Shawn is one of the most highly sought-after hypnotists and Spinal Touch therapists in Chicago. Any whistling in our hallways comes from Shawn.


text:
It's Past Time Rap Received Other Genres' Artistic Privilege
October 25, 2017 October 25, 2017 / authoridad
In something that probably should have been written 20 years ago, Theodore Kupfer at National Review comes out in favor of rap as a valid cultural experience. The fact that it was written in 2017 is the saddest part.
But it does make some valid points (that most of the country understood decades ago):
The first track on Straight Outta Compton is a clue that the critique might be wrong. The song begins with the sobering reminder that, "When somethin' happens in South Central Los Angeles, nothin' happens. It's just another n**** dead," letting that last word echo before the music kicks in. In other words, N.W.A., which became infamous among conservatives for glorifying violence, began its first album by noting how pervasive such violence is in their hometown, and how little anyone seems to do about it.
As anyone paying attention has understood since the genre became popular in the 1980s, hip-hop is largely a reflection of the diseases infesting the broken communities where it was created, not a celebration of them.
But much of the criticism of rap doesn't grant its creators the same artistic privilege that those in other genres receive, and even Kupfer's plea on their behalf succumbs to it.
Of course, I can't defend N.W.A.'s call to shoot police officers. But the conservative critique of hip-hop reduces a genre that contains multitudes to its least defensible instantiations.
N.W.A. wasn't calling for people to shoot cops. They were expressing their anger and frustration at their own personal experiences with LAPD.
And this is the problem in a nutshell. Black rappers have every lyric they spit taken literally, as if every crime committed in their songs has happened in real life, and all we're waiting for is the physical evidence to emerge.
Artists in other genres, like punk, metal, and even country that perform songs featuring innumerable stories of violence are never treated like criminals who just haven't been convicted yet. Johnny Cash did not actually kill a man in Reno just to watch him die. To my knowledge Carrie Underwood has not vandalized anyone's automobile. Garth Brooks did not advocate women kill their cheating husbands in "The Thunder Rolls."
Songwriters are granted license by the mere act of creation to use imagery and exaggerated emotion in their music. But for some reason, hip-hop rhymes are taken more literally. By treating rap lyrics as transcriptions of actual crimes instead of the expressive art they are, the genre is denied that same license and is instead otherized. That makes the alienation of black culture even worse and has the opposite effect its critics intend.
Instead of persuading rap to "clean up its act", it persuades rappers to react in defiance. Kendrick Lamar uses clips of Fox News hosts criticizing him in his music. Eminem writes an entire album about efforts to censor him.
I'm not sure "Fuck you, Tipper Gore!" is an improvement over "Fuck the Police" in the eyes of rap's critics, but that's what 30+ years of public whining has gotten them.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
New members elected
TWAS has announced the election of 58 new members, including 11 women. The election took place at the Academy's 21st General Meeting in Hyderabad, India, on Tuesday, 19 October 2010. The current membership now stands at 1,000
The new TWAS members, who will be inducted at the Academy's 22nd General Meeting at TWAS's headquarters in Trieste, Italy, in November 2011, are:
01. Agricultural sciences
ALMOMIN, Sabah (Kuwait); b. 6-7-1956. PhD, Research Scientist, Biotechnology Dept, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, Kuwait. A scientist focusing on using science for national development, she has developed a DNA diagnostic probe for brucellosis, cloned the first lamb using embryo split and transfer, and conducted a population genetic analysis of local fish. An elected member of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, she has won the Distinguished Reviewer award of the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, Saudi Arabia.
Elected as Fellow
ARRUDA, Paulo (Brazil): b. 5-4-1952. PhD., Professor, Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genetica, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas SP, Brazil. Prof. Arruda has made important contributions to the field of plant molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology that have led to the understanding of amino acid biosynthesis, gene regulation, stress response, and whole genomic analysis of plants and bacteria. A member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and Member of the Order of National Scientific merit, Arruda has won the RedBio medal Award from the Latin America Biotechnology Network of FAO in 2001.
CERRI, Carlos Clemente (Brazil): b. 10-11-1946. PhD, Professor, Centro de Energie Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidad de Sao Paolo, Brazil. Cerri is a soil scientist with expertise in the dynamics of soil organic matter. He pioneered the use of C-13 tracer to follow the gain and loss of soil organic matter in soil science. A fellow of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, he has been awarded the Medalha Fernando Costa, Comendado de Ordem de Merito Cientifico of Brazil and the Chevalier dans l'Ordre of France, and winner of the Ernesto Illy Trieste Science Prize in 2009.
HEONG, Kong Luen (Malaysia): b. 2-6-1948. PhD, DSC, Senior Scientist, International Rice Research Institute, Metro Manila, Philippines. Heong has made significant contributions in ecology, biodiversity and education of pest management. He developed insect population models for understanding predator-prey and insect-plant relationships, and quantified food webs in rice ecosystems and the impact of pesticides on biodiversity. Understanding the farmers' decision making, he designed communication campaigns and entertainment-education concepts for farmer education. A fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences, UK, he has won, inter alia, Dubai International Award for best Practice in 2008, and the Golden Rice Award of Vietnam in 2002 and 2003.
KAMAL-ELDIN, Afaf (Sudan): b. 1962. PhD, Professor, Department of Food Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden. With over 115 research paper and review articles in peer reviewed journals and over 20 book chapters Kamal Edin is one of the leaders in her field. Her research contributed significantly to the understanding bioreactivity of various plant dietry compounds, with implication to human and animal health. Fellow of the Sudanese Academy of Sciences, she has given the Marcuse lecture of LIPIDFORM in 1997.
02. Structural, cell and molecular biology
MACCIONI, Hugo J. F. (Argentina): b. 17-1-1941. PhD, Professor Emeritus, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Chair, CIQUIBC, Ciudad Universitaria, Cordoba, Argentina. Prof. Maccioni demonstrated that glycosyltransferases are physically and functionally associated in Golgi membranes and disclosed the requirements for their exit from the endoplasmic reticulum via COPII vesicles for transport to the Golgi apparatus. Corresponding member of the National Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, Buenos Aires, Argentina, he has won the SRT Dorado Award, and the Award for Scientific Excellence of CICT, Province of Cordoba, as well as the Bernardo Houssay Prize of the Argentine Society of Biology, in 2001.
MUNIYAPPA, K. (India): b. 8-9-1952. PhD, Professor of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. Muniyappa has a long and distinguished record of original contributions to our understanding of chromosome synapsis, homologous recombination and telomere length regulation. He has pioneered the study on the roles of DNA damage response proteins in telomere homeostasis, senescence and cell cycle checkpoint control, and related effects. Fellow of all three science academies of India, Muniyappa has won the Bhatnagar, Kempe Gowda, Vishwanath Memorial, and Sreenivassayya Memorial Awards, the JC Bose Fellowship, the Yamagiwa International Cancer Award of UICC, Switzerland.
VIJAYRAGHAVAN, K. (India): b. 3-2-1954. PhD, Senior Professor and Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India. VijayRaghavan is an outstanding developmental geneticist and neurobiologist. His work has revealed important principles and mechanisms that control the assembly and wiring of nerves and muscles during development, and he has recently begun to define how these neuromuscular circuits direct specific locomotor behaviours. A fellow of all three science academies of India, he has won the Bhatnagar Prize, and the first Infosys Science Prize in Life Sciences in 2009.
YAO, Meng-Chao (Taiwan, China): b. 21-3-1949. PhD, Director & Distinguished Research Fellow, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, China. Yao was among the first to discover and define the global DNA rearrangement processes in Tetrahymena, and has revealed the mechanistic details of some of these processes. He also linked some of these mechanisms to human cancer progression. Elected fellow of Academia Sinica, he has won the distinguished alumni award of National Taiwan University and has been a professor at the Fred Hutchinson Center of Cancer Research in Seattle, WA, USA.
YUSOFF, Khatijah Mohamad (Malaysia): b. 12-7-1956. PhD, Deputy Secretary General (Science), Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia. Her major research interests are in the molecular biology of animal viruses (NDV, NiV, RSV, HBV). Some of her work includes the determination of the first complete sequence of the L gene, epitope mapping of the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase and fusion proteins, and the molecular biology of local NDV strains. Her other research interest includes poultry viruses such as infectious bronchitis, bursal diseas and chicken anemia viruses. Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and of the Islamic World Academy of Sciences, she has won, among others, the 2005 Carlos Finlay Prize for meritorious work in microbiology by UNESCO.
03. Biological systems and organisms
ASFAW, Berhane (Ethiopia): b. 22-8-1954. PhD, Director, Rift Valley Research Service, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A paleoanthropologist by training, Asfaw has conducted extensive survey in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, stretching from the southern Afar in the north to the Ethio-Kenyan border in the south, unearthing many fossils recorded among the earliest hominids, some dated to over 5 Ma old. He also helped discover hominid species dated 80,000YBP, one of the earliest homo sapiens. A member of the launching board of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences in 2009, he is an associate member of the American Academy of Sciences of USA.
DIAZ, Sandra Myrna (Argentina): b. 27-10-1961. PhD, Professor of Community and Ecosystems Ecology, Univ. Nac. De Cordoba, Argentina. Diaz's research interests lie in how plant functional traits are affected by environmental drivers and affect ecosystem properties and their derived social benefits. Together with colleagues from different areas of knowledge, she is currently working on the development of ecological and social tools to analyze the origin and maintenance of functional diversity, and the links between its components and various ecosystem benefits provided to societies. An elected Associate Foreign Member of the National Academy of Sciences of USA in 2008, she has won the Cozzarelli Prize, Taborda Award and Zayed International Prize; the Peace Nobel Prize of 2007, given to IPCC included her as a member.
ZHAO, Jindong (China): b. 11-11-1956. PhD, Professor, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China. He has been studying various aspects of cyanobacteria and made meaningful contributions to our understanding of the mechanism of cell differentiation in cyanobacteria and the regulation of light distribution between the two photosystems there. Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has received the first and second prizes of natural science research in 2006 and 2007, respectively, of the Chinese Ministry of S&T, and also the HLHL Prize in biological sciences in 2008.
ZHUANG, Wen-Ying (China): b. 27-7-1948. PhD, Research Professor, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. She is a renowned mycologist and fungal biologist, with her main focus on the taxonomy and phylogeny of fungi. She has discovered many new fungal taxa, contributed to fungal systematics through integrated biological approaches that have renovated traditional treatments. She also established Rhizoscyphus as a segregated new genus from the genus Hymenscyphus. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has won the 3rd class Prize for Natural Sciences from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. She is on the editorial board of 4 different international journals in mycology and plant taxonomy.
04. Medical and health sciences (inc. neurosciences)
BARALLE, Francisco (Argentina): b. 26-10-1943. MD, PhD, Director General, ICGEB, Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India. A distinguished bio-organic chemist, he earlier sequenced the noncoding regions of rabbit globin mRNA, functionally analysed the RNA polymerase III promoters and more recently has studied mitonic mutations and their consequences in detail. An elected corresponding Member of Argentina National Academy of Sciences and Member of EMBO, of the Ordine dei Medici of Trieste and of Milan, he has over 200 research papers.
Elected as Associate Fellow
GAZZINELLI, Ricardo T. (Brazil and USA): b. 8-9-1960. Professor, Laboratorio de Immunopatologia, centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou- Fundacao Osawldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He is well recognized for his seminal work on elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms by which innate immunity mediates host resistance to infection and diseases caused by intracellular protozoan parasites. Fellow of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences since 2000, he has won the TWAS Prize for Medical Sciences in the year 2009, SCOPUS award for Latin America– Elsevier/CAPES 2007, Comendador – National Award for Scientific Achievement, 2007, Secretary of Science and Technology Minas Gerais State, Basic Research Prize - Marcus Mares-Guia, 2009.
HE, Lin (China): b. 17-7-1953. PhD, Professor, Bio-X Centre, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. He has made basic and significant contributions to the understanding of causative genes and molecular aetiologies of genetic diseases, such as the IHH gene causing brachydactyly type A-1, a 100 years' genetic puzzle and widely quoted textbook example, "He-Zhao Deficiency", and systematic studies of occurrence of psychiatric disorders. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has won the TWAS Prize in Biological Sciences in the year 2009, the HLHL Award in 2002, and several Young Scientist Awards in China.
ISMAIL, Asma (Malaysia): b. 15-6-1958. PhD, Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. She has discovered an antigenically specific 50kDa outer membrane protein in Salmonella typhi, leading to the dot EIA test called TYPHIDOT TM, commercialized in 1994. This later led the improved version TYPHIDOT M-TM in 1998, and to the DNA based dipstick test, to detect in typhoid carriers, which is yet to be marketed. She is actively involved in the National Strategic Planning for Higher Education, Cluster Working group on Healthcare biotechnology, and the National Strategic Planning and Advisory for Biotechnology, Malaysia. Her leadership capabilities in scientific strategies gained recognition as a Board of Trustees, Women scientists of the Muslim World. A member of the Council of the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia, she has won many awards and medals.
WU, Kenneth K. (Taiwan, China): b 6-7-1941. MD, MS, PhD, Distinguished Investigator and President, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan Township, Taiwan, China. An internationality respected vascular biologist, Wu has made seminal contributions to the understanding of thrombosis at the molecular level, and made advances to the basic knowledge and therapeutic approaches. Fellow of Academia Sinica and European Academy of Sciences, he has won the SANOFI Prize and University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center President's Scholar Award.
05. Chemical sciences
AL-KINDY, Salma M.Z. (Oman): b. 15-2-1960. PhD, Associate Professor in Chemistry Sultan Qaboos University Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. She is an analytical chemist who has developed the methodology and instrumentation for drug analysis in pharma and biological matrices, monitoring pollutants and toxic metal ions in lesser known Omani plants using GC and GC–MS. She was a winner of the Overseas Research support awarded by UK.
CHAKRAVARTY, Akhil R. (India): b. 20-5-1953. PhD, Professor, Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. One of the finest inorganic chemists of India, he has developed the hitherto unknown chemistry of 3d metal-based synthetic photonucleases as potent photodynamic therapeutic agents, and DNA-binders cum photosensitizers with phototoxic effects in visible light. Fellow of INSA and IASC, he has won India's Bhatnagar, CRSI and JC Bose Awards.
GALEMBECK, Fernando (Brazil): b. 21-1-1943. PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Ciudade Universitaria Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, Brazil. He has created new methods and techniques for polymer surface modification. His findings on amorphous aluminum phosphates and natural rubber nanocomposites led to the creation of two companies, in the US and Brazil. Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and São Paulo State Academy of Science, he has won the Retorta de Ouro, Fritz Feigl, Simão Mathias, Abiquim, Eloisa Mano, Álvaro Alberto Prizes; and Great Cross of the Brazilian Order of Scientific Merit.
GHOSH, Swapan K. (India): b. 4-9-1949. PhD, Head, Theoretical Chemistry Section, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India. Ghosh has formulated density functional theory for time-dependent quantum systems involving electric and magnetic fields and classical fluids and other soft matter systems, and has developed a new mode coupling theory and new universal scaling laws for diffusivity in fluid mixtures. He has been elected to all three science academies of India, and has won the silver medal of the Chemical Research Society of India.
MAMMO, Wendimagegn (Ethiopia): b. 12-11-1954. PhD, Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An expert in the isolation and characterization of secondary metabolites from the medicinal plants of Ethiopia, Mammo has also synthesized a variety of poly-thiophenes, polyfluorene copolymers useful in photo-voltaics. He is the editor-in-chief of the Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia.
WAN, Li-Jun (China): b. 23-7-1957. PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Wan has successfully developed high resolution imaging technology of ECSTM and applied this technique to carry out fundamental physical chemistry study on single molecules (molecular conformation, molecular structure, recognition, and orientation on solid surface), molecular assembly (molecular arrangement, chirality, adlayer structure), and molecular reactions on solid surfaces. Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has won the TWAS Prize 2009 in Chemistry, the National and State awards in Natural Science, and the CCS-BASF Young Innovation Prize.
ZHAO, Dongyuan (China): b. 3-6-1963. PhD, Professor in Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Zhao has made many breakthroughs in the synthesis of ordered mesoporous materials. His discovery of two families of novel mesoporous materials (SBA and FDU) are regarded as a milestone in the mesoporous-materials community. He has authored 330 papers in high-impact international journals and 37 patents. His papers have been extensively cited for more than 18,000 times (h-index 65) with single paper over 3300 times. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has won the TWAS Prize in Chemistry in 2008, and the HLHL Prize in 2009.
06. Engineering sciences
ALMEIDA, Virgilio (Brazil): b. 25-3-1950. PhD, Professor, DCC-IXEX-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He is known for his contribution to locality as a universal behaviour of all computational processes, and for introducing analytical models for both temporal and spatial locality of reference in streams of requests in the web. He has also developed a cost-performance model that showed a heterogeneous capacity distribution to be preferable to a homogeneous one in parallel systems. Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, he has won the Premio FUNDEP Research Award, and the National Order of Scientific Merit of Brazil.
HU, Haiyan (China): b. 4-10-1956. PhD, President & Professor of Mechanics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China. He is known for outstanding contributions to the dynamics and control of nonlinear/complicated systems in aerospace technology and other high-technologies, especially for the pioneering advances in the dynamics and control of nonlinear mechatronic systems with delayed feedback, the dynamics and control of non-smooth mechanical systems, and the dynamics of nano-scale systems. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hu has won the Xu Zhilun Prize, and the National Prize for Science, and also the National Prize for Scientific and Technological Development.
KUMAR, Panganamala Ramana (USA): b. 21-4-1952. PhD, DSc, Franklin Woeltge Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA. Professor Kumar's major contributions are in the following fields: Adaptive control and stochastic systems, Manufacturing systems, Queueing systems, and Information theory and wireless networks. He has developed models to quantitatively understand wireless networks, addressed their scalability, and initiated a large network information theory. He has examined protocols for medium access, power control, routing, cross layer design, and QoS, studied in-network information processing in sensor networks, clock synchronization. A Fellow of the US National Academy of Engineering, and of IEEE, he is also a Guest Research Professor at the Tsinghua University, China until 2010.
MARWALA, Tshilidzi (South Africa): b. 28-7-1971. PhD, Executive Dean, faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has been developing advanced mathematical and intelligent computational methods and applying these for modelling complex engineering, biomedical and social systems. These developments include pseudo-modal energies, neuro-rough models and Genetic Monte Carlo procedures. A Fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa, and of South African Academy of Engineering, he has won the TWAS-AAS- Microsoft Award for Young Scientists in 2009 and the Bronze Order of Mapungubwe in 2004.
SHARMA, Ashutosh (India): b. 22-8-1961. PhD, Institute Chair Professor in Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India. He has made noteworthy contributions in mesomechanics, self-organization and instabilities in visco-elastic thin films, meso-patterning and fabrication in polymers and carbon, and functional multiscale interfaces for biology, energy and environmental applications. A Fellow of all three Science Academies and of the Engineering Academy of India, he has won the Bhatnagar and Bhabha Awards of India, and the TWAS Prize in Engineering Sciences in 2008.
SOROOSHIAN, Soroosh (USA): b. 2-7-1948. PhD., Distinguished Professor, Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth System Science, University of California Irvine, USA. Sorooshian is renowned for his development of hydrological models for use both by operational hydrological services worldwide and for leadership in the interdisciplinary field of bridging hydrology, meteorology and remote sensing for addressing critical global water resource issues. Fellow of US National Academy of Engineering, he has won the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2005, UNESCO Great Man-made River Prize 2007, and the Walter Orr Robert Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Sciences Award.
YADAV, Ganapati D. (India): b. 14-9-1952. PhD, Dean and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Mumbai Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India. Yadav has made seminal contributions to catalysis and green chemistry and technology, some of which are commercialized. He has propounded the selectivity engineering principles elegantly through the development of novel solid superacids and new concepts in phase transfer catalysis. Fellow of two of India's science academies, he has won a large number of academic and professional awards, notably the Dr. K. Anji Reddy Innovator of the Year Award, the VASVIK Award and the Hindustan Lever Biennial Award for the Most Outstanding Chemical Engineer of the Year.
ZHENG, Xiaojing (China): b. 12-05-1958. PhD, Vice President & Professor, School of Civil Engineering and mechanics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China. She is known for his observations and quantitative simulations on the formation and evolution of wind-blown sand flow and aeolian geomorphology; on magneto-solid mechanics including magnetic force and constitutive models of ferromagnetic materials and quantitative solutions; and for exact solutions to von Karman's equations of thin plates and the convergence proofs of the approximate analytical solutions. Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has won the Chinese Natural Science Award.
07. Earth, astronomy and space sciences
CUI, Xiangqun (China): b. 25-12-1951. PhD, Director, Najing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, Nanjing, China. She has successfully realized the innovative telescope Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST), which has the capability to obtain tens of millions celestial spectra, thus substantially contributing to the study of cosmology in dark energy, large scale structure and evolution of galaxies. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has won the Science & Technology Progress Award of the Jiangsu Province twice, and of China twice, and 2009 National Outstanding Expertise Person awarded by the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
DIOP, E. Salif (Senegal): b. 31-10-1950. PhD, Professor and UNESCO Chair at the University CAD, Dakar, Senegal. His main areas of work are focused on water and environment (freshwater, coastal and marine waters and wetlands), evaluation of marine waters and continental programmes, assessment of groundwater, geosphere-biosphere interactions; integrated management of marine areas and coastal interfaces land/sea/ atmosphere, and assessment of water as a factor of sustainable development. A member of the African Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Sciences and techniques, Senegal, he is part of IPCC which received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
HO, Paul (Taiwan, China): b. 14-12-1951. PhD, Director of Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, China. Ho has been responsible for setting up the Submillimetre Array (SMA), which jumpstarted the growth of astronomy in Taiwan. Likewise, he helped set up the Array for Microwave Background Anisotropy (AMIBA), the first telescope for cosmological studies in Asia. An academician of the Academia Sinica, he has won the Miller, Henri Chretian and Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowships.
PIMENTEL, Marcio (Brazil): b. 11-3-1959. DPhil, Full Professor, Instituto de Geociencias, Universidade federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. He identified the Goiás Magmatic Arc which represents the existence of a large oceanic basin separating the present-day Amazon region from the rest of Brazil during the Neoproterozoic. Fellow of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, he has won the Martelo de Prata Prize, José Bonifácio Medal, Comenda da Ordem Nacional do Mérito Científico, 2009, and the Spendiarov International Prize - 2000- Russian Academy of Sciences.
ZHOU, Weijian (China): b. 23-3-1953. PhD, Director, State Key Lab of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, China. She has pioneered chronostratigraphic and geochemical tracer techniques using loess 10Be and 14C for Quaternary studies, applied these to numerous paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental studies in East Asia and revolutionized our understanding of north-south hemispheres interactions. Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has won several national natural Science awards.
08. Mathematical sciences
CHIDUME, Charles E. (Nigeria): b. 11-8-1947. PhD, Professor of Mathematics/ Senior Vice President/Provost, African University of Science & Technology, Abuja, Nigeria. Chidume's research achievements are in the area of nonlinear functional analysis, properties of Banach Spaces and nonlinear iterations. An elected member of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences, he was a research scientist at ICTP, Trieste between 1992 and 2009.
GOLES, Eric (Chile): b. 21-8-1951. Doctorat d'Etat, Professor, Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Facultad de Ingeniera y Ciencias, Penalolen, Santiago, Chile. He is known for his introduction of algebraic invariants and discrete lyapunor functions for the study of the dynamical threshold networks, application of lattice and distribution game theory to the "sand pile" problem. Fellow of the Chilean Academy of Sciences, and of the Croatian Academy of Sciences, he has won the M. Noriega Morales Scientific Prize, National Science Prize, Ordem de Rio Branco Gran de Comendador of Brazil, and also the UNESCO-CNRS Jules Verne Prize
HAYAT, Tasawar (Pakistan): b. 1-1-1969. PhD, Distinguished National Professor, Department of Mathematics, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan. Hayat has worked mainly on problems involving mathematical modelling of engineering and environmental processes, including heat transfer, magnetohydrodynamic flows, symmetry analysis and computer applications in nonlinear science. A fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, he has been an associate member of the Abdus Salam ICTP, and the recipient of the Abdus Salam Prize in Mathematics (1999), a TWAS Young Scientist Prize (2000) and several other national medals and awards.
LANDIM, Claudio (Brazil): b. 28-1-1965. PhD, Dr Habilit., Full Professor, Instituto de matematica Pura e Aplicada, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His research is on sharp bounds of the spectral gap of generators of conservative dynamics from which one can deduce the convergence to equilibrium of particle systems evolving in infinite volume; a dynamical fluctuation theory for stationary non equilibrium states including a nonlinear hydrodynamic regime; non-equilibrium fluctuations of tracer particles; and hydrodynamic limit of interacting particle systems evolving in random media. Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, he won the TWAS Prize in Mathematics in 2006.
SOARES, Marcio G. (Brazil): b. 9-8-1952. PhD, Professor, Department of Mathematics, ICEx-UFMG, Belo-Horizonte, Brazil. Soares works at the interface of algebraic geometry and holomorphic foliations, in particular the geometric aspects of foliations through the search of invariants. The general focus has been on the theme of geometry of algebraic differential systems. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and has won the FUNDEP Prize 2005 and the National Order of Scientific Merit of Brazil.
09. Physics
FAN, Shoushan (China): b. 6-2-1947. MSc, Professor of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. Fan's group has developed a method to make continuous pure carbon nanotube yarns and films with unique mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties, allowing them to be used to make micro and macroscopic nanotube devices and structures with a variety of applications. A member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has received the Chang Jiang Scholars Achievement Award.
KOFANE, Timoleon C. (Cameroon): b. 4-8-1956. PhD, HDR, Full Professor in Physics, University of Yaounde, Yaounde, Cameroon. He is thought to be the originator of the well known parametrized double wall potential, extensively used in phase transitions in quantum tunnelling. He also set up the Hamiltonian describing the spin dynamics of ferromagnets subject to easy-plane anisotropy and a parametrized Zeeman Energy. A Fellow of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, and also of the African Academy of Sciences, he has been a Senior Associate of ICTP, Trieste.
KOILLER, Belita (Brazil): b. 1-12-1949. PhD, Professor of Physics, Instituto de Fisica UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is known for her seminal contributions to condensed matter physics, including the first application of the renormalization group to the calculation of the properties of electrons, phonons and other excitations in solids, and her work on quantum computing with silicon, which has important implications for the design of solid state quantum computers. Fellow of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, she has won the Brazilian National Order of Scientific Merit, and also the UNESCO-L'Oréal Award For Women in Science in 2005.
LITTLEWOOD, Peter Brent (United Kingdom): b. 18-5-1955. PhD, Professor of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK. Well known for his theory of amplitude collective modes in superconductors, the dynamics of charge density waves, the phenomenology of high temperature superconductors and colossal magnetoresistance manganites, and the theory of Bose-Einstein condensation of polariton, he is a fellow of the Royal Society, London. He sits on the University's Cambridge-India Partnership Group, is also on the advisory board of the International Collaborative Centre on Quantum Matter (ICC-QM), located in Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
MONDAL, Naba Kumar (India): b. 11-3-1951. PhD, Senior Professor in High Energy Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India. He was associated with the pioneering Kolar Gold Field (KGF) Proton Decay and Neutrino experiment. He participated in the DZERO experiment at Fermilab and was involved in the discovery of top quark. He is presently leading a team setting up an underground laboratory, the India-Based Neutrino Observatory (INO). Fellow of all science academies of India, he is also a National JC Bose Fellow.
QUEVEDO, Fernando (Guatemala/Spain); b. 12-5-1956. PhD, DSC (hc), Director ICTP - Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy and Professor of Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University. A leader in string theory, he is known for the explicit construction of first realistic string models (4-dimensions, 4 physical interactions, 3 families of quarks and leptons, etc.), introducing S-duality in string theory, introducing non-abelian T-duality in string theory, and identifying the cosmological moduli problem as a generic low-energy property of string models. He has won the Royal Society's Wolfson Merit.
TONG, Shuk-yin (China): b. 21-4-1942. PhD, Deputy President and Chair Professor of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. Tong is known for the development of practical solutions of surface structure achieving sub-nano precision determination of positions of atoms in the surface region of solids using electron diffraction methods. A member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has been a Royal Society Distinguished Professorship Awardee, and the Croucher Foundation Senior Research Awardee.
10. Social and economic sciences
ANDRIAMANANJARA, Rajaone (Madagascar): b. 1-12-1942. PhD, President, Madagascar's National Academy of Arts, Letters and Science, Antananarivo, Madagascar. Economist by training, he has been studying development project management and planning, and the history and livelihood of Malagasy households crossing the millennium 1990-2006, and labour mobilization. Fellow of Madagascar's as well as African Academy of Sciences, he has won the Grand Croix, the Grand Officier and the Commander of Madagascar's National Order.
BOUJAOUDE, Saouma (Lebanon): b. 22-9-1950. PhD, Professor, Department of Education, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. BouJaoude's research on science education with Arab world in general, and Lebanon in particular, has had impact on the training of science teachers, and on the curriculum. He has studied the student's perception of the theory of evolution, and on the nature of science. He won the TWAS Regional Office's Prize for Science education in 2008.
CHU, Cyrus C.Y. (Taiwan, China): b. 29-10-1955. PhD, Distinguished Research Fellow, Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, China. A world-wide leading scholar in demographic economics, Chu has analysed the population problem based on rich classifying criteria such as income, occupation, sex and bequests. He has also made significant innovations in criminal sanction, legal procedure, punitive damages, constitutional philosophy and other topics. An Academician of Academia Sinica, he has won the National Science Council of Taiwan's Distinguished Research Awards, and the Presidential Science Award of Taiwan.
FANG, Xin (China): b. 21-1-1955. PhD, Professor and Member, Presidium, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Baijing, China. Trained in engineering and in engineering economics, she has done systematic studies on science and technology development strategy and policy, especially in industrial technology policy and national innovation system. Many of her policy recommendations have been adopted by the Chinese government. She has won the Young Scientist award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the S & T Progress Awards, and is the President of the Third World Organization of Woman Scientists (TWOWS).
JANSEN, Jonathan D. (South Africa): b. 29-9-1956. PhD, Professor, Vice Chancellor and Principal, the University of Free State, Blomfontein, South Africa. His landmark work has been on inter-generational transfer of knowledge from white Afrikaaner parents to their children born after the cataclysm of apartheid, and the role of disruptive pedagogical interventions that break the cycle of transference. A member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, he has received an honorary Doctor of Education degree from the University of Edinburgh. His recent book: "Knowledge in the Blood: confronting race and the apartheid past" led to the review: "it could do for questions of South Africa identity what Edward Said achieved for Palestinian and Arab identity. And it could definitely be a strong Grawemeyer award candidate".
TZENG, Ovid J-L (Taiwan, China): b. 8-9-1944. PhD, Academician and Distinguished Research Fellow, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, China. A psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, he established a dual-system working model for human memory. His phase retrieval model of temporal coding specifies how temporal information is encoded and later retrieved via an organized rehearsal network. His research also details the language-universal as well as language-specific properties of brain processes across different wiring systems in the brain. Academician of Academia Sinica, Tzeng has won the Golden Words Award 2008, outstanding scholar Award of Taiwan's National Science Council, and the national Phi Tak Phi Distinguished Service Award.
YEH, Anthony Gar-on (China): b. 28-10-1952. PhD, Chair Professor, Centre of Urban Studies and Urban Planning, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Yeh is a pioneer in the development of advanced GIS methods and models for the planning of sustainable development, especially in the development of cellular automata urban planning models. He is also internationally well known for his distinguished study of urban spatial structures in Hong Kong and China. An Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), he has won the Commonwealth Foundation Conference Award twice, the S& T Advancement Award of the CAS, among others.


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We are proud to offer bespoke tours for community groups who wish to explore our various identities and learn of our common history and shared heritage.
We can also tailor the route and commentary as required and offer meals and other activities and attractions as part of your visit to Belfast. To find out more, simply contact us on +44 (0)28 90 321321.


I have a friend who refers to winter as "the dark tunnel". Living on the 45th parallel, daylight begins around 7:30 am and ends around 4:15 pm. People turn to holiday lights, to alcohol, friends and religion to endure. It's time for those of us in the northern hemisphere to grab a duvet and escape into a good book in front of the woodstove. I'm trying to decide if I love winter or not. Certainly I needed a break after a strenuous year and that part is heavenly. I'm actually reading books again and getting my studio organized. But the mind works differently in the winter. Things can go bump in the night.
This is part of a sample I made this week for a class I'll be teaching next year. For the past two weeks I've been designing new classes and samples for 2009 and 2010. That has been a lot of fun and really satisfying.
oh...i remember my two winters in astoria...what a beautiful area...but, i know what you mean! i learned to knit while there with some wonderful elderly women from scandinavian decent i believe. they were beautiful, sharing women. they knew how to wile away those cold days...and bake! cookies to die for! i'd move back to the northwest in a heartbeat. sending warm and cozy-ness wishes your way. mmmmmmm!
just lovely, judy...trying to settle into winter here, too. last night i worked in soft light in the studio. it was heavenly. looking forward to more winter nights like that one. take care!
this reminds me of my winters in minneapolis, where the sun would start to set at 3:30 and disappear by 4:30. but interesting things brew in those long dark hours. the mysterious beauty in the second photo looks like she's a night lady, full of good ideas when the rest of the world is asleep!
you are so precious to give me a shout-out here. thank you, missus friend! i've got pitchers of martinis in the ice box downstairs. and a huge plate of seared ahi, cheeses, and potato pancakes with caviar at the ready. come on over, judy. i'd love to see these beautiful class samples life and in person. they are soul-stirring.
I always dreaded the long dark winters here and then I decided to embrace the thing I dreaded so much. Now winter is something I enjoy. I change gears and relish the long nights to do the things that I wouldn't think of doing when the light and sun are here.
yes, i am feeling the dark tunnel. i blogged yesterday about the need for brightness and light in our lives and how we have "to seek the light where it exists and spread the light where shadows loom." i like your message even better: help each other and be of good cheer." such a wonderful way to cope during the months of darkness.
Book suggestion- I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.
These pieces are gorgeous !
today we will see high of 40 degrees here in wisconsin and tonight will drop to 2 !!
enough of that already !!!
anyhow, the one thing that is keeping me sane right now...me taking your class at VR~oh I can't wait for that !!!!
Winter is (sort of) my friend now that I've learned to accept her in all her harsh but magical guises. Having no heat in the house, however, is not so much fun! Stay warm in front of that fire, Judy, and enjoy. Those pages are so lovely and warm themselves!
We're in our summer but we are having wonderful much needed rain and it's quite cool for this time of year. Here in Melbourne we can have four seasons in one day. I love your new painting and I can't wait to see what your classes for Melbourne are.
Stay warm and cozy as you lighten the tunnel Judy.
I love all the seasons; though I can remember how bone deep cold I was after moving to WA 33 years ago. Think I wore turtlenecks for two solid years. Coming from central CA with temps up to 110 in the summers and dripping continuously, I thought I had gone to heaven when I moved to the coast. Then north to WA with the same glee. Now the wind, different story...scares the heck out of me when it topples the fir trees, but the rest I can embrace.
Lovely journal pages to look at while I am feeling cold bundled up in my own kitchen. could turn the heat up but am thinking of the bill. So trying to get by. Raining here. Not as cold as on the East Coast or even where you are.
My friends in Roseburg report snow.
Might you get some too?
meanwhile, I'm launching into a new journal in about a week, a completely different size for me (from 8 1/2 x 11 to 11x14), and I just wanted to say that I keep turning to your blog, your journal pages, to remind me of the vision I have for this change. I want the immediacy of the visuals WITH the writing, which you accomplish in a way that is obvious, seamless, cohesive as he** for me as a viewer ... I can't say how much I appreciate you posting your pages. Such inspiration.
How can a page be any prettier? I love the second picture, also, so much! Are you preparing for the Valley Ridge class?
Thanks for thots and pretty things.
I haven't been to your blog for awhile, I've been ill a long time and not doing much. Anyway, I've been trying to track down your email address and also anywhere you may be selling your art. Please let me know. I'm glad you're getting a chance for a rest, you seem to have been incredibly busy this year.
It is funny- but I go into hyper drive in the winter. My studio is so out of control that it has spilled all over the house- and I have plans for even more projects. I love warm drinks and a big fire- summer is actually a difficult time for me. Hey, is it time to go to Port Townsend yet??
Wow...A lot of people must go through "the Tunnel." (I just posted on the subject, too.) I wonder how many of the people that feel it are creatives?
Hello Judy- Love your art work! beautiful pages. I,too, am in the PNW - thought that I had sidestepped all of the bugs floating around but got nailed over the week end. Winter is not my fave! Sunshine and warmth are my muse.


Lately, everything I've done has gotten me closer to my roots–roots as tight and intertwined as the roots of grass. Typically, a person uses the term "grass roots" to describe a type of political campaign, one coming from a local level and from the people as opposed to from an enormous political machine.
I'm using grass roots to talk about my Echolocation launch. Since the end of February, I've held readings, signings, discussions, chats, lectures. I've been interviewed. I've blogged. I've guest blogged. I've been reviewed. I've reviewed. I've grabbed hold of my book's destiny and run with it. And each pair of hands my book has landed into as a result of this work, will hopefully land it into another set of hands.
My sincere hope is that you feel that this book is not being shoved down your throat from some large machine, because it's not. It's coming to you from me and from the people. It's coming to you from an independent press, Engine Books. The goal is not wealth. The goal is telling our stories, sharing them. The goal is spreading our roots.
In this, I am not alone. My friends, my family, and complete strangers have reached out to help me launch this book. I'm so grateful to you all. Every day I feel like I'm running as fast as I can and you're right beside me, holding my hand, keeping up.


text:
2012 X-Stack FOA Frequently Asked Questions
2012 X-Stack: Programming Challenges, Runtime Systems, and Tools
Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) DE-FOA-0000619 and Program Announcement LAB12-619
Q1: What is the expected size of awards? The FOA said that each institution should range from $500K-$1.5M.
A1: The FOA, under item E. of PART II - AWARD INFORMATION, states: "Award sizes for each collaborating institution are anticipated to range from $500,000 up to $1,500,000 per year." This has been corrected to the following: "The total project size is anticipated to range from $500,000 up to $4,000,000 per year."
Q2: Does the collaboration need to be led by a lab?
A2: No, collaborations can be led by a University or Industry based PI. However, we encourage projects with Lab co-PIs, in order to keep the DOE Office of Science mission focus.
Q3: The evaluation criteria in the FOA seem designed to evaluate vertically-integrated proposals that address all aspects of the exascale software stack. Would a focused effort that targets several bullets in the FOA but not all be considered responsive to the call? If so, will the evaluation criteria should be adjusted so that it is clear that a single proposal does not have to address all of the listed challenges?
A3: Yes, a proposal may address a subset of the X-Stack, as long as it addresses multiple components of it. Yes, the evaluation criteria will be adjusted to include only relevant challenges (e.g., programmability challenges for a subset that addresses tools and run-time systems, does not apply)
Q4: How many awards overall are targeted?
A4: There isn't a target number of awards. Until we review the proposals and make selection decisions, we will not know how many awards we will make.
Q5: Can a Principal Investigator (PI) be on more than one team?
A5: Yes.
Q6: What is the DOE position on open source?
A6: The official position of DOE is that software produced in connection with an award should be open source. The office has preference for the BSD license. Occasionally the office makes exception to this rule when there is co-funding involved and the applicant applies to a patent waiver. Also, applicants may keep all existing IP that they propose to bring into a new software to be developed.
Q7: What kinds of contracts are you looking for?
A7: We do not negotiate contracts. We enter into cooperative agreements. If you are a subcontractor for a Lab, then the type of instrument used is up to the Lab and your company or University.
Q8: Do we need to respond to all components of the X-stack (i.e. runtime, compiler, debugger, OS, model checking, etc)? Or can we respond to some of the X-Stack components?
A8: You may select only a subset of the X-Stack, as long as it addresses multiple components. See also the question on the evaluation criteria.
Q9: The FOA states that the application MUST include a description of the proposed path to integration and/or interoperation with existing programming environments. The FOA also encourages solutions to transform applications from "old" to the "new" programming environment. Does a path of transformation from old to new replace the requirement of describing a path to interoperation/integration with existing environments?
A9: The proposal should describe how the transformed applications may still run even if required algorithms and/or libraries are not yet transformed or unlikely to be transformed.
Q10: The sample table (on page 18 for the University version and on page 16 for the Lab version) of the funding opportunity shows five years of funding, whereas the information under Program Funding is that expected awards are to be made for a period of three years. Is the sample table incorrect?
A10: Yes, the sample table should have shown three years instead of five.
Q11: Who owns title to any inventions conceived or reduced to practice under the program prior to the approval or granting of the patent waiver?
A11: With respect to rights to inventions arising from sponsored research and development, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 USC 2011 et seq.) and the Federal Non-nuclear Research and Development Act of 1974 (42 USC 5908), the Department of Energy (U.S. Government) owns title to any subject inventions conceived or reduced to practice by large businesses under the program prior to the approval of the patent waiver. However, the Secretary of Energy, may waive the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or which may be made by any person or class of persons in the course of or under contract of the Secretary if he determines that the interests of the United States and the general public will best be served by such waiver. Under the Bayh-Dole Act (35 USC 200, et seq.), small businesses and universities generally may elect to retain title to any subject inventions conceived or reduced to practice under the program without the need for a patent waiver.
Q12: Who owns title to any inventions conceived or reduced to practice under the program if the Request for Patent Waiver is subsequently disapproved or denied?
A12: Prior to approval of a waiver and subsequent to a disapproval/denial, for large businesses, title to any subject invention vests with the United States in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or the Federal Non-nuclear Research and Development Act. With respect to small business, non-profits and universities, each may elect to retain title to any subject invention pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act.
Q13: Can the DOE include such a waiver in the final version of the FOA for this procurement?
A13: Yes, a class patent waiver or an advance patent waiver may be granted concurrently with an award for the funding opportunity announcement. The authorization for class waivers is found at 42 USC 5908(c). Class waivers may be appropriate in situations where all members of a particular class would likely qualify for an advance or identified invention waiver. Normally, class waivers are originated by the DOE, however, any person with a direct and substantial interest in a DOE program may request a class waiver by forwarding a written request therefor to the Patent Counsel.
Q14: Is there a citizenship requirement for grants? Can foreign institution apply?
A14: Any university or other institution of higher education or other non-profit or for-profit organization, non-Federal agency or entity, is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. An unaffiliated individual also is eligible for a grant or cooperative agreement. For more information go to: http://science.doe.gov/grants/policy.asp#rules
Q15: If a Lab is the lead institution, would it have to distribute funds to the partners, or do the collaborators get funds directly from DOE?
A15: It is preferred that each collaborating institution submit a proposal to DOE and receive, if selected, funding directly from DOE. However, it is possible for a collaborating institution to enter into a sub-contract with a national laboratory for collaboratory work and this arrangement should be clearly identified in the Lab proposal.
Q16: Will cost sharing be a consideration in making awards?
A16: Cost sharing is not a requirement for this FOA.
Q17: The FAQ says: "Under the Bayh-Dole Act (35 USC 200, et seq.), small businesses and universities generally may elect to retain title to any subject inventions conceived or reduced to practice under the program without the need for a patent waiver.". Does that mean a small business doesn't need to go through the patent waiver process for source code?
A17: Technical data that rises to the level of a subject invention can be controlled by the Bayh-Dole Act (Bayh-Dole) and if that is the case, the small business/non-profit may benefit from Bayh-Dole if they comply with the requirements of Bayh-Dole. If Bayh-Dole applies, there may not be a need to request a patent waiver but the PI should check with DOE before assuming Bayh-Dole applies.
Q18: It appears from the FOA that completing the "Research and Related Budget" form is mandatory. This is structured for what looks like a cost plus proposal. We would prefer to do a firm fixed price response. Is that not an option?
A18: This FOA will not support contracts - all awards will be grants. Please refer to the Grant rules, regulations and guidance online at http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/policy.asp#rules for information on how to complete the Research and Related Budget form. If your organization has questions or concerns with regard to applying this guidance to your organization's cost structure, please contact the Grants and Contracts Division, Office of Science, at 301-903-5212.
Q19: Are individual partner 1-2 page work statements required in addition to the 25 page work narrative?
A19: In the lead PI proposal, the 1-2 page partner summaries are in addition to the 25 page narrative. Each partner from a different institution needs to submit a separate full proposal. If the partner uses the same, or very similar, 25 pages of narrative as the lead PI that narrative must explicitly address that partners unique contributions within that 25 page narrative.
Q20: The X Stack 2012 FOA states that general letters of support should not be included. Is it permissible to include quotations from them within the project narrative?
A20: Other than page limits, there are no restrictions on how you describe your collaborations in your narrative.
Closed Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs)
Closed Lab Announcements
Additional Requirements and Guidance for Digital Data Management


After completing an intensive, meaningful re-branding process, we are excited to share with you our new corporate brand name – Intango!
Nothing changes (but the name) – we are still the same company that stands behind your daily digital marketing experience.
We've been here since 2008 – the same people, the same minds – continuously exploring how to create and provide you with the most innovative, effective, simple and reliable digital advertising and marketing solutions.
We offer you a variety of performance-based ads solutions, including full service / self-service platforms for advertisers and publishers, video expertise and XML / RTB supporting ads for extra optimization.
SelfAdvertiser.com– self-service platform for advertisers.
We invite you to Intango with us, and may we all win!


At C & C Heating and Air we strive for 100% satisfaction in everything we do. We value your opinion and invite you to tell us and others about your experience with us. Please take a few moments to tell us what you think by leaving us a review here on our website or on any of these popular review sites or social networks.
After waiting for service twice from another big-name local HVAC company - the first time almost 2 months before they showed up - the second time, so far, 3 1/2 weeks with no show or phone call, I decided to contact C and C and within 1 hour Blue showed up at my door and fixed the problem. C and C Heating and Air will have my business and my referrals from now on. Thanks Blue, you guys are the best.


Robert Alexander Mundell, CC (born October 24, 1932) is a Nobel Prize-winning Canadian economist. Currently, he is a professor of economics at Columbia University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Mundell's models allowed a significant role for fiscal policy, especially under fixed exchange rates. However, the treatment was entirely Keynesian—an increased budget deficit operated solely by raising the aggregate demand for goods. Moreover, increases in government spending and cuts in taxes had pretty much the same effect on the economy.
Consider John Kenneth Galbraith or Lester Thurow, both leading economists in the view of the general public, both with all the formal qualifications, both totally ignored by the academic mainstream. Or consider Robert Mundell, who is still revered for his contributions to international monetary theory, yet whose later incarnation as the father of supply-side economics has similarly been ignored.
This page was last edited on 16 April 2019, at 23:41.


Are you already enjoying new Hidden Object game Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen? If you want to solve all challenging and tricky puzzles, then use our fantastic Strategy Guide created special for you by Casual Games Experts. Its colorful, large and clear screenshots display the solutions perfectly, and the hints and tips of this fantastic Strategy Guide will always help you through the rough spots! Don't miss your chance to download Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen Strategy Guide!


Our lower ground floor gallery is an ideal space for training sessions, meetings, events, photo shoots and filming. It can be hired empty all day on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday and most evenings from 6 - 12pm. The space is also available to hire along side one of our rotating art exhibitions which feature exciting contemporary painting and sculpture by international and UK based artists.


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Santa Rosa Conference & Vstrs is a company that is located in 9 4th St, ca Sonoma, CA Santa Rosa, CA. You can contact the company via this phone number: (707) 577-8674. This business is categorised in transportation services, travel agencies.
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Santa Rosa Conference & Vstrs has official website address www.winecountrymeetings.com that is ranked #0 in the world based on Alexa.
Site Description: Sonoma County is the ideal destination for meeting professionals and others who are looking for unique and memorable venues.
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As a customer of Santa Rosa Conference & Vstrs, you can share your first-hand experience and opinions about the company's products, services and offers. Your rating and review will become a very useful information for other users.


My tickets to visit the Wembley Stadium Tour was already booked so I literally had to push myself out. I just couldn't care less about what I was wearing!!! Just pulled out a random tee (same as I'm wearing here) and black jean. The weather was sunny but it could get a bit chilly later in the evening so I needed a light jacket, so I pulled out the thinner denim jacket instead of those fierce winter-wears. I could wear my Puma shoes, which was the same black red combo. However the blue denim jacket looked too separate, so I chose the floral printed blue sneakers instead and off we went!
Somehow after reaching there I felt much better (getting out and getting some air makes everything alright, right?!!!) and was messing with the camera with some photos of us in the arena. Still, I was sure I wasn't gonna come up with an OOTD post coz my outfit looked super silly!!! Somehow my guy convinced me to take some proper OOTD shots saying 'if it isn't good enough don't post it, but just let's take the pics'.
It's a simple outfit but could really stand out with the red color. You do look great here.
I don't see anything wrong with a simple outfit. T-shirt and jeans are timeless. You certainly carry it off very well and still look very comfortable and cool.
Red n Blue always work. Awesome that you could fit into kid-size tee.
That's a good outfit for watching the game, especially since it's going to be crowded in the stadium anyway. It's so much better to wear an outfit that you're going to be comfortable in. Good call from your guy to take pics.


Pretty sweet so far. Can't wait to see Lucinda take the stage with her dear friend Wanda Jackson. You know it will happen.
Welcome 2012! For the last of Shady Groove's Year in Review, I bring to you the top live shows of the past year.
11. Joe Pug (Johnny Brenda's) – Johnny Brenda's is prob my favorite small venue to see a show in philly. Joe Pug sounds like an early Dylan, honing his craft.
10. Ziggy Marley (The Keswick Theatre) – crowd was great, dancing and singing. Praise to the Most be High. JAH! Rastafari.
9. Doc Watson (The Keswick Theatre) – epic. Legendary. He's blind, he's nearly 90. Amazing.
8. Hoots and Hellmouth (Yards) – Barn Stomping, hell raising folkies from Philly put on a rollickin show at Yards. All were dancing and singing. The band also brings wooden boards to stomp on. For real.
7. Hayes Carll (WCL) – Rockin band, great lyrics. They didn't put the tables on the floor downstairs. That means the floor was open for dancing!
6. Mason Porter (WCL upstairs) – Mason Porter is prob my favorite local Philly band. Their old school folk and rock influences blend to create a magnificent union. Must see.
4. Carolina Chocolate Drops (TLA)– Wow. One of the best live folk experiences.
2. The Gourds (The Saint, Asbury Park NJ)– High energy. Rejuvenated with some new material. Fresh off of their brand new album, Old Mad Joy, recorded up in Woodstock, NY at 'The Barn' at Levon Helm's Studios.
1. David Wax Museum (Johnny Brenda's)– Well put together group of musicians. Something totally different from your run of the mill folk/indie group. They also play significantly under-known instruments, Donkey Jaw bone being one of them.


EBO Consult manages administrative and technical tasks of several local district heating non profit companies. One of the administrative and technical tasks of EBO Consult is the expansion of district heating area. In order to realise a project, 30% of the heat demand has to be converted to district heating. A packaged deal is proposed to all the area with the same price.
The Package Approach is a marketing tool that allows for a greater engagement of the community. By making a collective proposal, EBO is engaging directly the members of the community to act and think collectively. The only way to reach the required level of sign ups is for the community to mobilize.
By offering a packaged price, EBO is able to offer a lower price to the individual actors (6000 euros per installation). Therefore, members with lower budget can access district heating at a lower price.
If you are looking to implement the Package Approach, get in contact with me !
Rie holds a bachelor degree in social science from the university of Roskilde and a mast degree in cross-cultural studies from the University of Copenhagen Business School. She has mainly worked with issues in social science, international trust-building,diversity management, cultural and behavioral differences and change.
In 2018 Ecopower started with the development of a large district heating project in the city of Eeklo. Despite the fact that this project is in the starting phase of study of the technical and economic feasibility, Ecopower also studied the possibilities of the implementation of the "Package deal" of Danish partner EBO into this project. In the context of REScoop PLUS, three Ecopower employees went to Denmark to learn all about this "Package deal". Because of the early stage we are in now, the implementation of the "Package deal" is not possible yet. But thanks to the Danish in-house training we are fully inspired and prepared to do so, hopefully in the course of 2020.


These are the words that best describe this experience.
Val Speedriding is delighted to announce that we now offer introductory tandem speed riding flights.
Unlike paragliding, speed riding is all about speed and always staying close to the ground. The tandem package is designed for anyone who would like to get a taste of the sport and experience the sensation of smooth and rapid flight. Val Speedriding offers this new activity in the spots in Val D'Isère that offer the best snow and weather conditions on the day.
If you want to discover all the sensations of flying, gliding, fluidity, style and freedom that speed riding offers and get a quick and easy idea of the sport, then this is the package for you.
Ride with a professional and notably one of the pioneers of this tandem sport.
Val Speedriding also offers you a GoPro selfie-style video filmed with a special mount so you can keep a memory of this unforgettable experience.
This is an intense and effective experience which nonetheless requires a certain level of skiing ability simply to ensure safe take-off and landing. We won't touch the ground between these two steps but to ensure a safe landing, you will need at least a 2-3 star level and to feel comfortable parallel skiing for long periods of time.


My in-laws were visiting the last few weeks from Denmark. They've been here many times, visiting New York City more times than we can count. So, last weekend, I decided to head the other direction to one of my favorite places, a true taste of New England…Old Sturbridge Village, in Massachusetts. Farmgirl road trip!
Spring's here! I want to scream it from the rafters! It's like the whole world's awake! In Connecticut, we can actually store away the snow shovels, bring out our sandals, and pull out the yard furniture! The season's off to a busy and good start!


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Archive for PIP Criteria
This case concerned the application of one of the criteria for Personal Independence Payment: 'Engaging with other people face to face', a type of need that occurs most commonly amongst those with mental health needs and/or neurodevelopmental conditions (such as Autism).
This update to our original case write-up, added in late 2020, refers people to the 'trawl' that has been announced by the DWP to provide retrospective repayment: we have taken this directly from the Disability Rights UK site here and recommend using their links as well:
It is likely that it will consider PIP decisions made between the 6 April 2016 – the date from which the ruling applies – and 17 September 2020 – the date from which the DWP says that it has been following the Supreme Court ruling.
Those refused PIP previously and who benefit from the Supreme Court judgment may be owed several thousands of pounds in arrears.
While the DWP says that the procedure for its case review will be finalised after consultation with stakeholders, it has issued the following FAQ responses:
"What will this mean for current PIP claimants?
Where claims are reviewed, as part of the administrative exercise, and this leads to an increase in the PIP award, claimants will receive backdated payments to the effective date in each claim. This will usually either be the date of the start of their PIP award, or the date of the UT decision, whichever is the later.
What will this mean for PIP claimants who have previously been disallowed PIP?
We will be checking claims which have been disallowed after the Upper Tribunal's decision on 6 April 2016 to see if they are within scope for inclusion in the exercise.
If claimants were disallowed PIP before the UT decision on 6 April 2016, their disallowance decision will not be reviewed. If they think the MM judgment may apply to their claim, they should consider making a new PIP claim.
What about claims where the DWP's award has been appealed? What about claimants who have appealed their PIP claim and their award was decided by a tribunal?
"We do not have the power to change decisions made by a Tribunal on the basis that their decision is wrong in law. Therefore, we do not plan to review cases where the award decision was made by a Tribunal.
If claimants feel that they are affected by the Supreme Court judgment, they can ask us to review their claim at any point and this may result in a supersession of their PIP award.
If a claimant's needs arising from their health condition or disability have changed since their award was decided by a tribunal and they think they are affected by MM, they will need to ask for their claim to be reviewed as a Change of Circumstances."
For more information see Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Implementation of legal judgment MM: frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) available from parliament.uk.
Benefits and Work have a 7 minute video explainer of the DWP case trawl review together with a video transcript available from www.benefitsandwork.co.uk.
The case itself
The two central issues were:
(1) What "social support" means and how it differs from "prompting"
(2) Whether "social support" only covers help given during an interaction or whether help given in advance is also relevant.
The criterion is represented below.
Activity 9: Engaging with other people face to face
Descriptor 9b: Needs prompting to be able to engage with other people (2 points)
Descriptor 9c: Needs social support to be able to engage with other people (4 points)
The Decision of the Court
It is inherent to the structure of PIP that, broadly speaking, each descriptor reflects a greater degree of disability than the previous descriptor.
The Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 ("the Regulations") Schedule 1 defines 'social support' as:
"support from a person trained or experienced in assisting people to engage in social situations"
It was the training or experience required by the supporter rather than the nature of the support itself which differentiated 'prompting' in 9b from 'social support' in 9c. A need for support from any person (including a friend or family member) could qualify as 'social support', but only where it was necessary (rather than merely desirable) for the support to be provided by a person with relevant training or experience (rather than merely any person with whom the claimant was familiar or had a positive relationship) could it count for 9c purposes [paras. 33-35]. Thus the
"twin requirements of necessity and relevant training or experience" [para. 34]
differentiated between "social support" and "prompting", even though
"the nature of the support provided might not differ between 9b and 9c" [para. 35].
(2) Lady Black dismissed the Secretary of State's argument that only a need for support to be provided face to face during the engagement itself could satisfy a relevant descriptor. In her view, such a narrow construction of 'support' would
"stand in the way of other means of support which work for the particular claimant, and would also be likely to impede attempts to improve the claimant's abilities to handle matters without support at all, or with diminished support."
[para. 41]
She also pointed to the wide range of types of interaction included and identified that the physical presence of a supporter may be inappropriate and/or counter-productive in such sensitive situations as a medical examination or romantic encounter.
It was fundamental to the requirements for PIP eligibility that the claimant's condition must be relatively long-term or permanent (lasting at least 12 months) and that each specific need must be present at least 50% of the time. The need itself must, therefore, be a continuing need (rather than a past need from which the claimant has recovered or is improving), however:
"There is nothing in the wording of descriptor 9c, or the definition of "social support", to require actual presence of the supporter during the engagement, nor yet to require that the support is timed to coincide with the engagement, rather than being provided in advance, or indeed afterwards." [para.43]
Lady Black resisted the temptation to specify in more detail the types, nature, timing or duration of support which would or would not be sufficient to meet a descriptor and decided that reading in a need for a temporal or causal link between the support and the engagement was incorrect. 'Need' was not a relative term. If only trained or experienced help would be sufficient for the claimant to be able to engage with other people face to face, then they would satisfy 9(c) "social support". If any familiar, well-meaning but inexperienced support would do, then they would not (although 9(b) might still be satisfied). She concluded:
"Given that social support is likely to take many different forms, depending on the individual needs of the claimant, it is undesirable to attempt to prescribe, in the abstract, which other forms of support will be sufficient. It will be a question of fact and degree, and is something that will have to be worked out on a case by case basis, by those with expertise in making assessments and decisions in relation to claims, keeping the wording of the provision firmly in mind." [para. 46]
In practice, of course, short of their case being considered in detail by the Supreme Court, most claimants will have to take their chances as to the expertise and knowledge of the wording of the provision of the particular assessor and decision-maker assigned their claim. Nevertheless, this judgement should be of assistance (at least at FTT level) in clarifying that the support is needed by many individuals with relevant needs where it has perhaps been denied before.
Although this case originated in Scotland, this criterion is exactly the same in England.
Full text at: https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2017-0215-judgment.pdf
Categories : Care and Health Law Cases, News
Tags : Autism, need for support with social interaction, PIP Criteria


Master's and Postgraduates students of PSUT will have the unique opportunity to study in two universities at one time and obtain two degrees.
PSUT has signed collaboration agreements with the University of Arizona (UA), Indiana University (IU), Oakland University (OU), and University of Michigan – Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) in the USA; to provide joint teaching programs for common courses in Engineering, Computing Sciences and Business.
Founded in 1885, University of Arizona is a global leader in research that produces graduates who are real-world ready. Continually advancing in the frontier of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnership, UA ranks 21st among all public universities in the United States and is a member of the Association of American Universities. In UA's micro-campus at PSUT, dual degrees are offered in two Master's programs; Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Engineering Management.
Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of IU's seven campuses and two regional centers statewide. Innovation, creativity, and academic freedom are hallmarks of IU world-class contributions in research and the arts. The school of Informatics, Computing and Engineering at IU Bloomington welcomes PSUT students to participate in a special Bachelor's program.
At Oakland University, students conduct research as early as their freshman year, gain global perspectives studying abroad, compete in Division I athletics, lead student orgs, perform on stage and learn without limits. PSUT's Engineering students are invited to spend a year at Oakland University while paying in-state fees as per as the agreement between two universities.
University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a nationally ranked and accessible education, small class sizes, a strong alumni network and a commitment to diversity. But beyond numbers, they offer limitless opportunities to customize the experiences through internships, organizations and honors programs. PSUT's Engineering, Computing Sciences, and Business Technology students are invited to study at the UM-Dearborn's campus as part of a special Bachelor's and Master's program, while paying in-state fees as per the agreement between the two universities.


With over a decade of marketing experience, you can rely on us to bring your brand to life.
Here at Owl & Bear, marketing is our passion, helping your business stand above the competition. We cover everything 'marketing' from a full day of consultancy, to creating you a new website, branding and logo design.
To see how we helped bring other businesses to life check out our portfolio page or simply give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Whether you have a plan in place or are looking for some inspiration and much needed marketing advice the best step is to simply get in touch.


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Conquer Flying Fears with a Balloon Ride
Over the years we've had loads of passengers who are nervous flyers. However, they say the best way to overcome your fears is to face them, and many people have done just that. Chris Carter from Leicestershire is one of our most recent nervous flyers. He accompanied his wife Lisa on a sunrise flight from Grantham (Stoke Rochford Hall). Pictured Left: Chris and Lisa on their Virgin Hot Air Balloon Ride. "I originally purchased the balloon flight voucher as a Christmas gift for my wife. She's always been fascinated with hot air balloons ever since she watched the TV show Wacaday when Timmy Mallet flew in a balloon over Kenya," says Chris. "When it came to booking the flight Lisa made it quite clear that she wasn't going to go on her own and she wanted to share the experience with me. "I was a reluctant flyer, and quite nervous at the prospect of going up in a balloon." Despite feeling apprehensive Chris wasn't going to let Lisa down and faced to his fears by taking the short trip to their launch site in Grantham. On the Day of the Balloon Flight…. "We were the first to arrive, so we rang our pilot, Rebecca, to double check that we were in the right location. Soon afterwards more passengers began to arrive - many of them had been unlucky and had flights cancelled due to bad weather. Fortunately for us this was our first booking and the weather conditions were perfect for launch." The invitation to help inflate the balloon was ideal an ideal way for passengers to get to know each other and also eased Chris's nerves. "The experience was pleasantly very 'hands on' with the majority of the passengers mucking in and helping with the balloon inflation. I think everybody was taken aback by the sheer size of the balloon." Pictured left: Chris, Lisa and their fellow passengers take in incredible views over the Staffordshire countryside. Our Pilot Made us Feel Completely Safe… Chris's worries were quickly diminished after the smooth, gentle take-off and their pilot's professional, friendly nature ensured the couple that they were in great hands. "The launch was strange as you're sat down and don't realise how quickly you take-off because it's such a smooth experience. "Rebecca put us at total ease throughout the flight. She answered all questions, pointed out interesting views and had the most amazing selfie stick – the camera was rigged up on ropes and was several feet away from the balloon, so ideal for taking photos. Pictured above: Our very own selfie camera and breath-taking views of the Staffordshire countryside. Finishing the Experience in Style Chirs said all passengers on their flight seemed to enjoy the balloon ride and the 'mucking in' aspect made the experience even more fun. "We landed near Stamford and everyone got involved with the packing up of the balloon afterwards, which we all enjoyed. "The Champagne toast was also a lovely way to round-off the experience." Chris's tip for future passengers: "The Champagne is served in a silver goblet, so it's best to have a little drink of water in the goblet first, as the champagne then pours better afterwards." Second Sky High Experience on the Horizon? Chris and Lisa plan to take their daughter Madeleine up in a flight so she can experience the magic too. "Madeleine can't wait to be tall enough to experience a hot air balloon ride. We'd definitely go again and I'll be much less nervous the next time. Pictured left: Lisa enjoying the sunshine He also points out that passengers should prepare themselves for cancellations due to the 'great' British weather. "I think that patience is key when booking as our weather can be very temperamental. "Our flight was brought forward by an hour and we moved launch locations due to the weather conditions. From speaking to our fellow passengers, quite a few had experienced flight cancellations, so we definitely felt lucky to fly on our first attempt. "Despite my initial reservations about going in a balloon, I thoroughly enjoyed it." Pilot Rebecca Cains offers her advice for people with flying fears. "I have never flown anyone who has not enjoyed it, despite how nervous they may have been. You need to just feel the fear and do it anyway, you will not be sorry, just enlightened." Chris's Advice for People Nervous About the Flight…. "Just go for it! You'll never forget the experience." Chris Describes Ballooning in Three Words…. "Tranquil, serene, amazing."