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YouTube channel (2021)
Tag: Johnbrace.com
Advertise on johnbrace.com and reach over 36,000 visitors a month from only £60 a month
Advertise on johnbrace.com and reach over 36,000 visitors a month from only £60 a month Last month (April 2016) saw 36,531 visitors to this blog viewing a total of 270,122 pages. A text link to a website of your choice (with 1 or 2 sentences of advertising copy around it) in the right sidebar … Continue reading "Advertise on johnbrace.com and reach over 36,000 visitors a month from only £60 a month"
Last month (April 2016) saw 36,531 visitors to this blog viewing a total of 270,122 pages.
A text link to a website of your choice (with 1 or 2 sentences of advertising copy around it) in the right sidebar above the "Search this blog" box is available for only £70 a month.
In this prominent place above the fold, your link be seen on all pages and by all visitors to this blog.
If you'd like to try out advertising on this blog for a month at £70 for the first month, then please order it on this page.
If you'd like to order more than a month of advertising, discounts are available. For a year of advertising, you receive a discount of two months free (12 months for the price of 10).
Ordering multiple adverts also triggers a discount. For advertising for longer than a month, for multiple adverts or for other types of advertising, please don't use the order page for this and instead email john@johnbrace.com with your requirements for a bespoke quote.
Please note that all orders for advertising must comply with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and a list of what is not allowed in advertising can be found here.
All advertising on this blog will be labelled as such so that visitors to this blog do not mistake it for editorial content.
Author John BracePosted on 27 April 2016 2 May 2016 Categories UncategorizedTags advertising, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Johnbrace.com, month, order, text link, visitors, year4 Comments on Advertise on johnbrace.com and reach over 36,000 visitors a month from only £60 a month
What would meetings be like at johnbrace.com if it was part of the public sector?
Charles Dance as Lord Vetinari in Terry Pratchett's Going Postal who would've felt right at home in the sort of public sector described below not as the politician but as the Shadowy-powers-that-be
The below is meant as satire, but it's based in part on true life events.
Editor John Brace: Oh boy, as if I don't spend enough of my life in meetings already!!!
Shadowy powers-that-be: You called the meeting, so don't be flippant with us. Wait a bit, there's not enough people here to be quorate, technical is running late.
Technical: Sorry for being late, not only was the bus I had to get here running late (as we don't get expenses for a car any more), but I had the sign the visitors book as I don't work in this building. Then I had to be issued with a visitor's pass (the reception desk had run out and told me I'm not allowed to be in the building without wearing one).
Then I had to have my bags searched (apparently this is a "secure building"), explain the meaning of every electronic device on me (which took at least fifteen minutes), then I had to wait an age for someone to escort me down twenty feet of corridor (even though I know where I'm going and I've been here a hundred times already). To add insult to injury the magnetic locks on the door to this room have failed and don't work properly (because the software has crashed)
Crashed software on panel next to door for room meeting is held in
so you need to have the strength of Samson to prise open the door! Sadly as we're the overworked public sector we don't have the staff resource available to fix it or even the time to send a message to whoever is responsible to do it.
Editor John Brace: As yes but let's get down to the agenda, the blog is nearly full. By the way why is the ceiling dripping water?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Oh the rebuild and management of the building got outsourced to the private sector. The contractors after they got the contract said the subcontractors couldn't do it for the money quoted so the contract was changed at their request.
So in the end we just caved in to substandard work and now the air conditioning unit gives us a new feature the workers have nicknamed "indoor rain". All rather like that TV show Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell except it doesn't require a magic spell? It's either that or turn the air conditioning off (which makes it hard to breathe).
Editor John Brace: Well as long as it doesn't drip on me, it's make my writing smudge in my notebook but someone will have to get a bucket!
Shadowy powers-that-be (changing seats in an attempt to avoid getting wet from the drips): OK, (by a subtle hand gesture sends an underling to find a bucket) full, what do you mean full???
Editor John Brace: Full as in there's a 3 gigabyte limit on it and as it started in October 2010, 74% of the space is already used. There are things that haven't been published because of lack of available space.
Shadowy powers-that-be: Why not use spare space on the ( *this information has been redacted because of s.43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (commercial sensitivity)) domain?
Editor John Brace: Not considered to be good practice, anyway that's pretty full too.
Shadowy powers-that-be: We'll refer to technical section then for options.
Technical: Well your options are you can either upgrade to ( this information has been redacted because of s.43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (commercial sensitivity)) or switch to self-hosting. The former costs ( this information has been redacted because of s.43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (commercial sensitivity)) and gives another 10 gigabytes of space. If you wanted it self-hosted it would depend on the provider how much space you got but might be more than that.
Editor John Brace: I'd prefer the flexibility of self-hosted.
Advertising: So would we! We could sell advertising then and make more money!!!
Editor John Brace: It's not supposed to be about the money!
Advertising: Pah, you artists, what do you know about making money, we have families to feed you know!
Human Resources: But is John trained for this, what if it all went wrong?
Editor John Brace: I have fourteen years of experience running websites and see HR treats me like I'm a 16 year old GCSE student here on work experience!
If you insist, add it as a risk to the risk register if you're going to be like that! 😛 I really would like to have some time today to actually write something on the blog. Is there anything else?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Oh yes and by the way John we've had to freeze your pay, but the Chief Executive gets an automatic £5,000 pay rise each year.
Editor John Brace: What? Did I miss something?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Oh you don't get consulted on meetings that agree such things as it's an HR (Human Resources) matter.
Editor John Brace: An HR matter? mutters to the trade union rep sitting next to him
Trade Union Rep: We fully agree with management that people should be paid appropriately!
Editor John Brace: Appropriately!!!? The Chief Executive's on more than the Prime Minister (and rising)!
Shadowy powers-that-be: Well when he leaves, feel free to apply for his job if you think you're up to it.
Editor John Brace: Let's just go to the last agenda item, complaints about comments on the blog.
Trade Union Rep: How dare anyone criticise the hard-working public sector workers!!!?
Editor John Brace: We're supposed to be here to serve the public, not to come across as a parody of militant 1970s trade unions.
Trade Union Rep: OK, but our workers are under pressure. We could even go on strike if things don't improve!
Editor John Brace: There are contingency plans in place these days to ensure service continuity even if a strike happens.
Trade Union Rep: Well you certainly read the management memos don't you!? What about supporting your hard working public sector trade unions? Morale isn't good and as strikes don't seem to work any more, we might just try work to rule.
Editor John Brace: I thought (as demonstrated from many, many stories I've written over the years) that the public sector had consistently shown over many years it didn't know what the rules, regulations and laws it operated under were, so instead you just "make it up as you go along".
So how if you don't know the rules can you "work to rule"?
Trade Union Rep: It's negative talk like that, attacking the professionalism of our workers which is why you have such a poor reputation John! It's our job to criticise and stand up for the workers, not yours! I mean seriously, our workers can't know everything! That's obviously a training issue and the fault therefore lies with an under resourced human resources department and the employer.
Human Resources: Don't blame us, we just do what we're told!
Shadowy powers-that-be: John does have a point though and you've got to admit although annoying at times he does try to be thorough and fair. This country is supposed to be a democracy so he's perfectly entitled to do things as he sees fit. However back to complaints.
Editor John Brace: The number of complaints about comments on the blog has fallen.
Shadowy powers-that-be: A fall from what to what?
Editor John Brace: Well from memory there were two last year. Nobody has complained this year, but one author has asked for two to be removed because of a (redacted because of s.42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (legal professional privilege)) matter which means it's sub judice until the (redacted because of s.42 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (legal professional privilege)) Tribunal has taken place.
Trade Union Rep: See there you go again John, showing off that you studied Latin at school and using phrases like sub judice. Why can't you just use ordinary phrases that everybody knows round here like "I'm off down to the pub for a drink, does anyone want to come?"
Editor John Brace: Because as you know, I don't drink alcohol like some people do round here.
At the word alcohol, a politician enters and the room falls deathly silent.
Councillor (name redacted because of s.40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (personal information)): Hi everybody, just popping in to say what a great job you all do. So what are you all discussing?
Shadowy powers-that-be: We were just discussing the blog and the Youtube channel, which is two of the ways we tell the public about the decisions that councillors like yourself make.
Councillor (name redacted because of s.40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (personal information)): Ahh yes, John Brace and his TV-thingummy. Marvellous, I really don't understand how it works myself but the blog and the TV-thingummy is really marvellous at informing the party members what we're doing. Keeps us on our toes!
Shadowy powers-that-be: Thank you for your comments Councillor (name redacted because of s.40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (personal information)), but as you know I and most of the people in this meeting are in politically restricted posts, therefore we cannot comment on party political matters.
Councillor (name redacted because of s.40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (personal information)): Ahh ok, sorry. Anyway as you know I'm very busy, it's been wonderful seeing what your meeting is like but I have to go fill out some expenses claims.
The politician leaves.
Editor John Brace: Now you know why I have massive job security!!!!
Shadowy powers-that-be: You're seem to be implying that if some politicians weren't highly Machiavellian, manipulative people so interested in taking the credit for other people's work, blaming a scapegoat (instead of taking responsibility) when things go wrong, overly interested in criticising the other political parties and their politicians, busy claiming expenses, pretending they have powers that they don't legally have and instead did things in the public interest that you'd be out of a job?
Editor John Brace: In a nutshell yes, but some politicians are far better than others.
Shadowy powers-that-be: Oh boy, that really sounds like pot calling the kettle black as according to your file, you do realise you were a politician (or holder of public office) once don't you?
Editor John Brace: That's exactly why I know what they're like! I was only for two one year terms of office representing ~17,000 students at a university. I can't say I was particularly good at it! While I was there someone had the call to refer to me as a "bureaucrat". I mean seriously a "bureaucrat", just because I insisted on a completed health and safety risk assessment!
It was student politics at university when I was in my mid-20s, but there are times I miss teaching the post graduate students and spending long hours in the university library. Those were simpler, happier times in academia. Politics is very different.
Perhaps that's partly shaped me into the person I am today though as I was trained to follow the Nolan principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Shadowy powers-that-be: We run training courses for the politicians here on the same principles, but as it's not mandatory (it's very hard to force a politician to do anything anyway) so not many turn up.
Editor John Brace: Hence my comment about job security. I have massive job security. I'll never run out of public sector problems to write about!
Shadowy powers-that-be: Of course from the public sector's perspective at times you are the problem John! You do realise what a "drain on resources" you are?
Editor John Brace: Imagine if I didn't do what I did then! Imagine how expensive it would be then! Mere trifles of mistakes would be missed, not corrected and before you know it you're ending up paying a six-figure sum to a consultant to write a report to tell everyone what they know already! Transparency always has a price yes, but good decision-making is priceless.
Getting the decision right the first time saves thousands (or even tens or hundreds of thousands) of pounds later having to correct it or the financial costs of dealing with the consequences of bad decisions (such as planning appeals, judicial review etc).
Shadowy powers-that-be: But the politicians really hate it when you point out that there are multiple secret expense systems running (that a C-level decision has been made to deliberately not tell the public about) that to be honest even you shouldn't even know about! I mean that sort of information is supposed to be restricted to far above your pay grade!
Some of the politicians on the grapevine got told that you're not a proper journalist so their let their guard down and nearly choked on their cornflakes when you started publishing their expenses!
Editor John Brace: I'm unusual yes. Unlike the newspapers, I've specialised in local political reporting with a bit of court reporting too. The term is "new media journalist", although you can also use blogger (even though I'm not too keen on the term). As I also run the Youtube channel that would make me "broadcast journalist" too.
No I think what the politicians have got used to are newspaper journalists and rarely local radio or TV who don't get be wrong do a good job but in the main are under too much time pressure to spend months of investigative journalism on a story.
Newspaper journalists turn up to public meetings when they're invited and write about one particular item that they're asked to. Then it appears in the newspaper and also on the newspaper's website. That to me sounds more like proactive public relations than holding the powers that be to account.
Investigative journalism seems to be (sadly) a dying art in this country and one investigative journalist is probably enough to give many politicians nightmares.
Anyway MP's expenses are published so why not councillors too? Why shouldn't the public be able to see what they're claiming in allowances and expenses (after all it's the public money that they're spending) and why do public bodies break the law and deliberately understate on their website the annual amounts for councillors (in breach of the regulations)?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Yes, I have no doubt that it was a story in the public interest. But you brought up the discrepancies between the figures for councillor's allowances and expenses in the draft statement of accounts compared to what was being stated!
You exposed multiple secret expenses system! Councillor Niblock has been seen getting a lift to a meeting rather than a taxi! Your journalism is leading to changes in politicians' behaviour and that is dangerous!
Editor John Brace: Well isn't that good as it saves the public sector money?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Good for your reputation as a journalist maybe, but we think you're being too militant about it, you're driving up public sector audit costs and not being diplomatic towards the politicians. I mean making an objection about the accounts to the auditor because they don't add up! I mean seriously!? When have public sector accounts ever added up?
Editor John Brace: Well they should add up!
Shadowy powers-that-be: In an ideal world yes, but management made a decision that to a proper job with the accounts would be an "unreasonable use of scarce resources". Politicians made it clear to us to cut the back office jobs like payroll (but not councillor expenses we've protected that spending), accounting and legal, so that's the reason why!
Editor John Brace: So you're saying, people above my pay grade deliberately turned a blind eye to multiple secret expenses system for paying expenses to politicians that was deliberately understating the true amounts that the public wasn't to know about? This was all done to "protect frontline staff"?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Yes. On the instructions of the politicians.
Editor John Brace:: So why wasn't I told?
Shadowy powers-that-be: Because it was supposed to be a secret.
Editor John Brace:: But it's unlawful, contrary to the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003!
Shadowy powers-that-be: Well there you go again, doesn't your legal department ever just take the a day off!? You must have more legal people on your payroll than we do!
Yes that's why it was meant to be kept a secret. It was fine as it was because nobody outside knew about it. Until you opened your great big mouth and told the public! Are you a manager or a journalist?
Editor John Brace: Both.
Shadowy powers-that-be: So who's your line manager?
Editor John Brace: I don't have one.
Shadowy powers-that-be: Well if you had a line manager, you'd realise that the politicians answer to the people and senior management answer to the politicians. Senior management do not like being made redundant (at the instructions of a politician)! Apparently you don't answer to anybody!
Editor John Brace: I prefer it that way, concepts like editorial independence and freedom of the press may sound old-fashioned but it's better that way. I'm answerable to my wife!
Shadowy powers-that-be: We're all answerable to our wives but that's not the point!
Editor John Brace: Anyway, this meeting has gone on far too long. It's time I got back to writing!
Author John BracePosted on 15 September 2015 7 August 2021 Categories Wirral CouncilTags blog, building, bureaucracy, Cllr Niblock, comments, contractor, Councillor, expenses, Freedom of Information Act 2000, John Brace, Johnbrace.com, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Lord Vetinari, public meetings, public sector, taxi, taxis, trade unions7 Comments on What would meetings be like at johnbrace.com if it was part of the public sector?
Campaign Group asks Wirral Council councillors to "call in" £9.7 million contract award decision for construction of flood wall in West Kirby


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text:
Buying Is Now 26.3% Cheaper Than Renting In The US
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 at 10:28pm.
Perfect House Team
Another great one from our people at Keeping Current Matters:
The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting, with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage, in 98 of the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.
In the six years that Trulia has conducted this study, this is the first time that it was cheaper to rent than buy in any of the metropolitan areas.
It's no surprise, however, that those two metros are San Jose and San Francisco, CA, where median home prices have jumped to over $1 million dollars this year. Home values in San Jose have risen 29% in the last year, while rents have remained relatively unchanged.
For the 98 metros where homeownership
What's In A Name.... For A Hurricane?
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 at 11:40pm.
We hear these names as they come up as tropical storms.... but where do the actual names come from? Find out more below!
Tropical storms have been named for 2017, so here is the list of hurricane names for the Atlantic Basin (Miami hurricanes) and Eastern North-Pacific (California hurricanes). Is your name listed?
HOW ARE HURRICANES NAMED?
Native Americans called these storms Hurakons, after "a great spirit who commanded the east wind." Spanish explorers adopted the word and then began giving hurricanes the names of patron saints on whose feast days the storms occurred. Later, hurricanes were identified by their longitude and latitude.
A weatherman in Australia is credited with being the first person to name a
Things To Do In Hampton Roads

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
import describe from 'tape'
import React from 'react'
import dom from 'cheerio'
import ReactDOMServer from 'react-dom/server'
import ProjectDetails from '../'

const render = ReactDOMServer.renderToStaticMarkup

const createProps = (
  {
    projectId = '1111',
    title = 'title',
    description = 'project description',
    summary = 'project summary',
    tags = ['tag1', 'tag2'],
    ownerId = '1234',
    ownerDisplayName = 'ownerName'
  } = {}
) => ({
  projectId,
  title,
  description,
  summary,
  tags,
  ownerId,
  ownerDisplayName
})

describe('Project Details', ({test}) => {
  test('Project Title', ({end, equal}) => {
    let msg, actual, expected, output

    const props = createProps()

    const $ = dom.load(render(<ProjectDetails {...props} />))

    msg = 'Project Title is displayed'
    output = $('.project-title').text()
    actual = output
    expected = props.title
    equal(actual, expected, msg)
    end()
  })
  test('Project Summary', ({end, equal}) => {
    let msg, actual, expected, output

    const props = createProps()

    const $ = dom.load(render(<ProjectDetails {...props} />))

    msg = 'Project Summary is displayed'
    output = $('.project-summary').text()
    actual = output
    expected = props.summary
    equal(actual, expected, msg)
    end()
  })
  test('Project Description', ({end, equal}) => {
    let msg, actual, expected, output

    const props = createProps()

    const $ = dom.load(render(<ProjectDetails {...props} />))

    msg = 'Project Description is displayed'
    output = $('.project-description').text()
    actual = output
    expected = props.description
    equal(actual, expected, msg)
    end()
  })
  test('tags', ({end, equal}) => {
    let msg, actual, expected, output

    const props = createProps()

    const $ = dom.load(render(<ProjectDetails {...props} />))

    msg = 'tag list is displayed'
    output = $('.tag-list')
    actual = output.length
    expected = 1
    equal(actual, expected, msg)
    end()
  })
})

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I'm back from my weekend getaway to New York. I'll never forget the surprised look on my grandma's face. My sister and brother were in on it, but no one else was. My husband and I arrived at the airport around 11 am and my brother came to pick us up. I was texting my sister and told her we were close to the house. She used the Drop In feature on Amazon Echo to connect with my grandma. She was chatting with my grandma as I walked in the house. My grandma was so engrossed with my sister that she didn't even notice me standing right next to her. I leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. She turned her head and looked up and her eyes got huge and her smile just got wider and wider and she said, "aiya aiya aiya!" It was too freakin cute. My sister managed to take a blurry photo from her screen. I wish it was more clear, but you can see how happy she is there.
First stop was dim sum! My parents took us to this awesome place called New Lake Pavilion. It was some of the best dim sum I have ever had. It's located near Flushing. It's a lot closer to where my parents live. I think it's even better than Jing Fong. My husband kept saying it's so unfair that we can't get dim sum as good as this in Atlanta.
That night my sister got us box seats to see Radiohead at Madison Square Garden. I LOVE Radiohead. It's one of my favorite bands. The set list was amazing and Thom York's energy is contagious. This is a shot of all the people holding up their phones with the flashlight on as we waited for an encore.
Before the show we stopped by Dominque Ansel's Bakery for a Blueberry Cronut. If you haven't had a Cronut, you need to try it just once. Each month he produces a different flavor and apparently he never repeats the flavor ever again. Smart! They are very sweet though. Sometimes too sweet for me.
Throughout the weekend, I checked the kitty cam and we were actually very worried about Flash at one point. We didn't see him for a long time because he was hiding underneath the chair. I think he missed us the most. We had a friend stop by twice to check in on them. All of them were fine. I'm sure they're happy we're back! I missed them so much.
That's it for me! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and here's to another Monday. Back to the grind!
That smile is worth a million bucks! I'm sure your grandma was thrilled to see you.
How did your furry kids react when you came home?
Simi was like good, now feed me my wet food already.
Nero was the same as usual and he's used to being left alone for a weekend here and there.
Great post! Sounds like a really fun weekend!!!
Awww, what a lovely surprise! I am jealous of your dim sum!


Back | Home » Members » Members » Cisco Systems (Czech Republic), s.r.o.
Cisco Systems is the largest world provider of solutions in the area of data, voice and video transfer and in the area of wireline and wireless networks. Amongst the solutions of the company are, for example, tools for team collaboration and meeting solutions as TelePresence and WebEx, complex company communication solutions for both large and small enterprises, equipment and applications for multimedia, date centres, routing and switching products and many others.
Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from the Californian Stanford University. Today, the company has about 73,000 employees worldwide and, during the last fiscal year, its net sales amounted 40 billion US dollars. Almost complete Internet operation is currently directed by Cisco products.
Cisco has been successfully operating on the Czech market since 1995. Apart from its effort to help large organizations as well as small and medium enterprises achieve higher efficacy and better business results with the use of modern technologies, Cisco in the Czech Republic focuses on the support of those who can reach out for better life through technologies, whether its direct support of selected non-profit organisations or participation in charitable projects. Cisco is moreover active in the sphere of educating ICT specialists in the Czech Republic – for example via the CCIE Incubator for university students or the Cisco Networking Academy Program.


This entry was posted on Sunday, November 28th, 2010 at 2:36 am	and is filed under Anthrax, Grace Jones, Island, Ivy Rorschach, Julian Cope, London American, Lux Interior, Ricky Nelson, Robert Palmer, The Cramps, U2. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.


text:
Walk-in Covid vaccines to resume at Oxford's Kassam Stadium
People will be able to get first doses, second doses and booster jabs from next week
Lily Morl
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging people to wrap up warm as queues may form (Image: Getty Images)
Walk-in Covid vaccinations are to return to a major Oxfordshire venue from next week.
From Monday (January 10), people in the county will be able to 'grab a jab' at the Kassam Stadium without an appointment, as long as they are eligible.
Located in Littlemore, Oxford, they are expected to be offering walk-ins from 9am to 7am most days.
Read more: 10 best Oxford pubs that aren't there anymore - from the Shotover Arms to the Fox & Hounds
It is one of three Oxford Health vaccination centres that will once again deliver walk-in vaccines from next week, with two other sites opening up in Reading and Aylesbury.
The Oxfordshire public are being encouraged to double check they are eligible for a jab before making tracks to the centre.
Adults will be able to use the walk-in service, as will 12 to 15-year-olds.
The following vaccinations will be on offer:
First and second doses for people aged 12 years old and over
Third doses for people with a weakened immune system aged 12 years old and over
Boosters for people aged 16 and 17 years old who are at high risk from COVID-19 or frontline health and social care workers
Boosters for people who have had the third dose for people with a weakened immune system (with a letter from their GP or hospital specialist).
Anita Sherwood, Oxford Health's interim Covid Operations Director, said: "Getting your jabs and boosters is the best way to protect yourself against the effects of Covid-19. It is also the best way to protect your family and those around you – if you are yet to get your booster or your initial jabs please don't hesitate.
"While booking your jab is the best way to ensure you get yours in a location and at a time that suits you, we appreciate that some people like the convenience of being able to decide on the day and simply turn up.
"The safe and efficient running of our vaccination centres is of paramount importance and there may be times when we have to close the walk-in queues if there is especially high demand and we would ask you to come back".
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust are also warning and encouraging people to wrap up warm as you may face queues outside.
Want the latest news from across Oxfordshire? Make sure to subscribe to our free daily newsletter so you never miss a story.
Oxfordshire Covid rates as thousands of cases confirmed in run-up to New Year's Day
Oxford University issues Covid update for students returning after Christmas break amid Omicron spread
Oxfordshire NewsDelays of 40 minutes is expected


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Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.
One of the key truths every pastor must understand if he is to successfully deal with an abuser is simply this: not all sinners are the same. How many times have you heard, or perhaps have said yourself, "all of us are sinners. We are the same"? I suspect you have heard this many times. It isn't true, and let me show you what I mean by this.
All human beings are born into this world as sinners. The moment we exit the womb (and even before!) we are rebels against God, despising His Word. We do not become sinners by sinning. We sin because we are sinners. No one needs to teach us. We know by nature and are, as Scripture says, children of wrath. All of us need Christ. All of us need to be born again by faith alone in Christ alone. In that sense, we are all the same at the starting line of our earthly lives.
John 8:43-45 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.
Contrast Jesus' manner here with his dealing with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
When it comes to dealing with abusers, pastors must grow up and be wise! We must be innocent of evil and yet as wise as serpents in regard to it. Abusers are not like other sinners. Oh yes, it is possible that we could come across a man or woman who, out of ignorance, is not treating their spouse well. But such a person will be quickly and rather easily corrected through biblical rebuke and instruction. Not so the abuser.
Abusers, remember, are people who have a fundamental mindset of entitlement to power and control. They are the very center of their universe and they deem themselves fully justified in using whatever means necessary against their victims to control those victims. Such a person is often a bull-blown sociopath. He has no conscience and no ability to feel empathy for others. If you approach such an individual in "love," thinking that if you just paint them a clear enough picture of the harm they are doing to others that they will be heartbroken and repent, then you are going to fail. They have no heart to be broken! They are, in fact, evil.
Peace with everyone surely is the goal for us as believers. But it is not always possible. When you encounter a situation that has a one-sided peace, then living with the fallout can leave you exhausted and bewildered. Over the years I have spent many hours "riding the ambulance" with too many people who have been wounded (and sometimes "left for dead") by someone they loved or were tied to through blood. I have seen too many people locked in a grid of fright, guilt, and anger because of the "shoulds" and the "oughts" that have been used as weapons to force them into an uneasy peace. I have seen many of them turn to the church or to well-meaning, believing friends or relatives only to experience a total lack of understanding of what they are going through as they try to relate to a person who abhors peace. So often, the person who is doing the "trying" is the one who is blamed if peace doesn't work. This ought not to be!
Well over fifteen years ago I began to see patterns in the people who crossed my path as I spoke around the country and as I worked in a counseling office. Their symptoms were the same, and the "methods" used by their difficult person were the same. In each instance, with very little deviation, I saw a person who wanted a decent relationship living as a hostage of someone who was unwilling to take personal responsibility for his or her actions. I was amazed to note that it did not matter whether the hostage-taker was a mother, a husband, a child, a sister, a friend, or a boss; the behavior was the same, and the results were the same. One person held control and through open rage, passive anger, oily manipulation, or sullen silence stubbornly refused to release his grip.
It became more and more obvious to me that the people who consistently operated this way were in a category all their own, yet many Christians I talked with failed to see that the traditional, even biblical, way of handling most relational difficulties might need to be reexamined when this kind of person was part of the equation. They continued to bash their heads and hearts against the proverbial wall, hoping against hope that this time things would be different.
Silvious, Jan (2009-09-11). Foolproofing Your Life: How to Deal Effectively with the Impossible People in Your Life* (p. 8-11). Random House, Kindle Edition.
Pastors, of all people, must get a firm hold on these facts. That abuser who has been exposed in your congregation is not your ordinary sinner. He or she is a hard, hard case who must be sent away from your church for the protection of your flock and in particular for the safety of the victim. Pour your efforts into ministering to his victim. The grim reality is that very, very, very few such evil ones ever change. Realizing this is an important and fundamental first step in being wise about such evil.


Yao Ming makes Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and hosts wine lovers at The Yao Family Wines tasting room in St. Helena, California.
Well, to date it is difficult to find the wines of China here. But the question still remains, what to drink with that Kung Pao Chicken? Going back to last week's column on Sauvignon Blanc, I have had a lot of it lately and near the top of the list is this balanced crisp and clean palate pleaser. I have not had the opportunity to pour it with a wok full of goodness yet , but my guess is it would be a pleasure.
When we think of wine countries, France and Italy may be the first to come to mind.
But in the new age it is not a stretch to suggest that the most important wine nation in the world may well be China. When you consider the size of China's emerging consumer demand, the exponential growth in vineyard plantings in new wine regions and the purchase of key winery properties around the world, there is little doubt that China will play a significant role in the future of wine.
So is that a good thing? Well, it depends on who you are.
If you are a Western Australian wine exporter, it is a very good thing indeed. Last year, exports of Australian wine saw a 10 percent increase with much of that growth attributable to the Chinese marketplace. This at a time when the U.S. market is starting to re-emerge after a long downturn. Daily, there are deals being made between Aussie winemakers and Chinese business alliances that call for both sales and partnerships in Chinese-based vineyards.
This past spring, in London at VinExpo, predictions were made that, if current trends continued, China would be on pace to become be the world's No. 2 wine market in 36 months. By 2020, the country is expected to trail just the United States in overall sales volumes for wine and become the leader in the consumption of non-sparkling wines. This is a country that ranks 36th in per capita consumption.
Of course, there is a lot of capita in China. Nearly 1 of every 5 people on the planet live in China. According to the latest United Nations estimates, as of July 27, China's population was 1.39 billion people, give or take a birth or two. That is a lot of drinkers and satiating their ever-growing thirst for wine will take some doing.
If you are grower or winemaker, you have to be pretty happy about the numbers. That is, if you have the capacity and infrastructure to sell and export your product to the Chinese market.
The growing affinity for wine by the Chinese also is a good thing if you happen to be an "agent immobilier," or real estate agent, in France, particularly one who represents the wine-growing Chateauxs of Bordeaux. Last month, a wine estate and 15th-century chateau, called Chateau Fauchey, in Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux, sold to a group of Chinese investors called Profitsun Holdings. Their strategy for the property calls for the production of Bordeaux-branded wines that can be brought back to high-end luxury clubs and hotels they own in China.
This is just the latest in a continuing string of purchases made over the past decade. Over 100 properties in Bordeaux, many of them on the fringes of the grand cru vineyards but nonetheless outstanding properties, have been sold to Chinese investors. Many not only see the purchases as good investments, but also enjoy the prestige associated with owning the spectacularly beautiful properties.
But the real growth area for the future for China is in wines that are grown and produced within its borders. China is now the No. 2 nation in the world, trailing just Spain in terms of area planted to vines. Though it still lags behind Spain, Italy, France and the U.S. in terms of wine production, it is just a matter of time before their overall production ramps up.
In an indication of just how serious the Chinese wine industry is about their future, they have begun the process of "classification" of their wines. This is much like the way that the United States uses the AVA system, or France, the AOC, to designate certain wines and certain regions as being of higher quality. An understandable classification system can allow consumers to differentiate between various wines and also establish tiers of pricing for those wines designated as superior.
Perhaps the most famous face and name in Chinese wine belongs to a man who stands tall in any vineyard. Yao Ming, who found fortune and fame as an NBA star for eight years, has created a Napa Valley wine label, called Yao Family Wines, that focuses on the production of cabernet sauvignon from fruit sourced in a series of Napa vineyards.
Ming's success on the court was unprecedented for a Chinese-born hoopster, and now his success in wines is also approaching that pinnacle. Highly regarded and always sold out, about a third of the wineries' production goes to China. Yao Ming may one day be regarded as the Chinese Mondavi or Antinori.


Last night the Wiley family had their annual sauerkraut making party. Good food, good people, and lots of fun.
It was an extra exciting year, as the Moore boys all came home with trophies. Dan's trophy was for being the M.V.P. of the night...he helped peel the outer layer off of 800 lbs. of cabbage, and cut the heads into 1/4 's . Chris and Nate were acknowledged for their hard work with both taking home the 'Mini Kraut Masters' award. These boys happily worked and helped throughout the entire party. While all the other kids were down tearing up the Wiley's basement, Chris and Nate were glad to be lifting, hauling, and pounding cabbage.
Finally, the bottom of the box that the 800 lbs. of cabbage came in. Time to take a break!
And the best part....we just roll the wagon home for the night with our new batch of Kraut.
We've got sauerkraut coming out our ears, but how could we not partake in this fun tradition? We're happy to share our bounty. Just ask.


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Premiers want oilpatch issues on the agenda with PM; US planning to pull out of treaty with Russia
Casey Kenny, staff Tuesday, Dec. 4th, 2018
Premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan want oil patch issues discussed with Trudeau
The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan want oil patch issues on the agenda when the premiers meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Montreal later this week.
Rachel Notley and Scott Moe have written an open letter to the prime minister, pointing out that on a recent visit to Calgary, he called the economic impact of the oil price differential a crisis. They say the agenda doesn't include any discussion of that crisis and they want the agenda revised to include it.
US planning to pull out of treaty with Russia
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Washington will suspend its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 60 days.
That's after NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels concluded that Russia is in violation of the Cold War-era nuclear treaty. Canada's Chrystia Freeland and the other ministers are calling on Russia to urgently return to full and verifiable compliance.
British PM found in contempt of Parliament
It's a first in the history of the British Parliament.
By a vote of 311-to-293, MPs have found Prime Minister Theresa May's government in contempt of Parliament for refusing to publish advice from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox about Brexit, something it will now do. Parliament is set to begin debate on the divorce deal with the European Union, with the final vote set for next Tuesday.
Fredericton man accused of killing two police officers and two others defiant in court
A Fredericton man accused of killing two police officers and two civilians in an August attack was defiant in court Tuesday as he was deemed fit to stand trial.
Matthew Raymond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and he declared his case should be taken to the Supreme Court, and explained his lawyers had failed to enter a plea of not criminally responsible. There is a publication ban on the arguments about his fitness to stand trial.
Food prices on the rise
It's going to cost the average family another 400-dollars to put food on the table next year, and more if they want to eat lots of vegetables.
Researchers are predicting food prices will rise between 1.5 to 3.5 per cent, with the price of vegetables rising an estimated six per cent. As far as which vegetables may see the biggest increases, they say lettuce and tomatoes could be subject to big price fluctuations.
Death toll reaches over 30 in Kyoto building fire; Trudeau getting closer to trade deal with Europe
Greg Higgins, Thursday, Jul. 18th, 2019
Apartment options for minimum earners are few and far between across Canada; Company claims there is no collusion when it comes to gas prices
Ebola outbreak in Congo declared an international health emergency; Search continues for two people lost in Quebec
Casey Kenny, Wednesday, Jul. 17th, 2019
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a series of one-hour radio programs produced, hosted, and edited by Fred Flaxman
"Artur Lemba"
MUSIC: excerpt from the opening of the third movement of Artur Lemba's Symphony in C-Sharp Minor, performed by the Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi [Chandos 241-26, CD-1, Track 4] [under the following]
Hello and welcome to Compact Discoveries. I'm your guide, Fred Flaxman, and I'm going to devote the next hour to the beautiful but relatively unknown music of the Estonian Romantic composer, Artur Lemba. This is the beginning of the third movement of his Symphony in C-Sharp Minor. We'll listen to three movements from that symphony later in the program, as well as a complete performance of his melodious Piano Concerto Number 1.
Artur Lemba was born in Tallinn, Estonia, in 1885. He died there in 1963. He learned to play the piano from his brother and followed in his brother's footsteps to enroll in the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied piano and composition.
Lemba graduated in 1908, receiving a gold medal in piano and a silver medal in composition, as well as the Anton Rubinstein prize, which was a grand piano. Two years later he participated in the Anton Rubinstein Piano Competition, where he placed among the eight finalists. They included Arthur Rubinstein and Edwin Fischer.
Lemba became a piano teacher at the St. Petersburg Conservatory after his graduation. He taught and gave concerts in St. Petersburg until 1920. Then he returned to Estonia, where he worked as a piano teacher, eventually becoming the head of the piano department at the Tallinn Conservatory. He also gave concerts in Estonia, St. Petersburg, Riga, Moscow, Odessa, Budapest, Helsinki, and Stockholm. In addition, Lemba composed music in almost every genre.
Very little of this music seems to be available on CDs, which seems a pity to me considering how beautiful his music is that I have heard. My Parisian friend, Jean Hadas-Lebel, not only introduced me to this music, but was kind enough to supply me with the recording you are about to hear of his first piano concerto. The only recording currently available of this work in the U.S. contains only the second movement, and that is part of a collection of "Piano Adagios" on the Erato label, which I found at ArkivMusic.com.
Let's hear that three-movement concerto now as performed by pianist Lauri Väinmaa with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arvo Volmer.
MUSIC: Lemba: Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Lauri Väinmaa with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arvo Volmer [Finlandia, Track 13]
Artur Lemba's Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Lauri Väinmaa with the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Arvo Volmer.
You are listening to the music of the Romantic Estonian composer Artur Lemba on this hour of Compact Discoveries. I'm your guide, Fred Flaxman.
Artur Lemba's 1905 opera Sabina was the first opera composed by an Estonian. And his Symphony No. 1 in 1908 was the first symphony composed by an Estonian. That symphony is 40 minutes long, so I don't have time to play it all for you. But if you like what you hear, I think you will enjoy the entire symphony, which is available on a superb two-CD Chandos collection of "Music from Estonia."
All the performances on these two compact discs feature the Scottish National Orchestra under the direction of the world-famous Estonian-born conductor Neeme Järvi.
MUSIC: Lemba: the first, third and fourth movements of his Symphony in C-sharp Minor, performed by the Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi [Chandos CHAN 241-26, CD 1, Tracks 2, 4 and 5] [the following is spoken over the ending of the final movement]
The first, third, and final movements of Artur Lemba's 1908 Symphony in C-sharp Minor. Neeme Järvi conducted the Scottish National Orchestra on this Chandos compact disc from ArkivMusic.com.
And that concludes this hour devoted to the music of the Romantic Estonian composer Artur Lemba. Thanks for listening and for supporting your local public broadcasting station. This is your guide, Fred Flaxman, inviting you to join me again next time for more Compact Discoveries!
ANNOUNCER (Steve Jencks): Compact Discoveries is made possible in part by the financial support of Isabel and Marvin Leibowitz, and an anonymous donor from Palm Beach, Florida. And by contributions to local public radio stations by listeners like you. Thank you.


Famed designer Aaron Draplin is making a stop in Charleston this Friday night as part of his Tall Tales from a Large Man roadshow (he calls it a "speaking fiasco").
Draplin is the creator of the popular Field Notes brand notebooks and is known as one of the top designers in the US. If you're looking for some laughs and creative inspiration, you won't want to miss the show.
AIGA of South Carolina is hosting the event at the offices of local creative shop Blue Ion (301 King Street; above the Apple Store) this Friday, April 13.
Doors open at 6pm and the talk starts at 7. The cost is free for AIGA members and $8 for non-members. Admission includes appetizers and drinks.
You can register online here or pay at the door.
Current menu: Pork Rinds, Pimiento Cheese, Boiled Peanuts, Beer, R/C Cola.


Islamic quotes and pictures about Wisdom. Read quotes and verses about the islamic perspective on wisdom. Download high quality photos with islamic quotes.
39 Islamic Quotes in Wisdom.
The stain of ink on clothes is the trademark of scholars.


The new Health Screening & Ultrasound Centre in London serves Central London, East London, South London, West London, Milton Keynes, Reading, Hounslow, Sutton, Croydon and the South of England.
Our London Screening Centre provides Pregnancy scans from 6 – 42 weeks including dedicated 4D Baby Scans, Down's syndrome screening using non-invasive prenatal testing and / or Nuchal scans. We also offer a full range of genetic screens, a fertility monitoring service and general body ultrasound scans.
For Further information please contact us by phone 0113 262 1675 or complete the contact form on the right.


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Home/Streaming/Live Lounge App – Free Streaming for Android
Live Lounge App – Free Streaming for Android
Free app to watch Live TV, Movies, Sports, Series and many more.
NathanApril 12, 2020
Today there are plenty of streaming services that offer Movies, Sports and Live TV over the internet with a well-organized interface. Many of these streaming services are compatible with multi-platforms, including smartphones, browsers, media streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, etc. These services let you free from a monthly cable subscription. These services are considered as a direct replacement for cable TV networks and satellite TV subscriptions. Most streaming services run on a subscription model, and some offer free streaming with ads. Among these, Live Lounge is one such streaming provider who provides its service for free with ads.
What is Live Lounge App?
Live Lounge is a free streaming app to watch live channels, movies, and on-demand contents. The app is developed with a simple and elegant interface which makes it easy to use. It has more than 1000+ TV channels from different countries. You can also find HD contents under separate categories. You may also find some adult contents which are password protected.
Is Live Lounge App free?
Yes, it is a free app to watch Live TV, Movies, Series and many more. The user doesn't have to pay for premium or subscription and also no need to register or sign in to access this app.
Is Live Lounge App Legal?
Yes, Live Lounge is a legal and virus free app mainly developed for Android. But not available on Google Play Store. The users have to download its apk file from its official website or third-party sites. It is a safe and secure app which mainly focused on delivering live sports event as well as movies and TV shows.
Note: Even though the app is legal to use, it may stream some illegal and copyrighted contents. We recommend our users to watch only legal contents.
Features of Live Lounge
Live Lounge is a completely free streaming app, you no need to make any subscription
The app streams media contents in different video qualities (720p & 1080p)
It has an in-built video player called Exo Player
Even though there an in-built media player the app allows some external players like MX Player to access its media files
It also has subtitles in different languages for movies and TV shows
The allows you to add your favourite TV channels, movies and shows to the Favorite section for immediate access
The user doesn't have to register or sign up to access the contents of the app
Availability of seasonal TV shows and to search series option
Recently, the app has been updated with plenty of new sports channels and sports schedule option for easy access
Live Lounge app Supported countries
Live Lounge provides you with plenty of TV channels from a lot of countries like USA, UK, India, Pakistan, Italy, UAE, Bangladesh, France, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Nepal, Philippines, Indonesia, Afghanistan and many more.
Live Lounge Supported Devices
Live Lounge app is mainly developed for Android devices. This app supports all the android devices with android version 4.0 or higher
Android Mobiles and Tablets
Android Smart TV
Android SmartWatch
Amazon Firestick and Fire TV
Kodi Android Box
Fire Cube
Live Lounge Channels
There are a number of TV channels organized under different categories like Live TV, Movies, Sports, Comedy, Music, News, Entertainment, Kids, Cartoons and many more.
USA Networks, SYSF, ABC, AMC, All HBO Channels, Discovery channels, Fox News, Romedy Now, FX channel, Spike, HGTV, Sky Sports, Euro sports and many more.
It also has some adult movies and programs that can be protected or blocked with Password or PIN. It also offers some external links to watch TV shows, series and movies.
How to Install Live Lounge apk on Android?
Step 1: Go to settings and select security
Step 2: Turn on Unknown Sources option
Step 3: Download Live Lounge apk file from any third-party website
Step 4: When the download is finished, select the downloaded apk file from the File manager
Step 5: Click Continue Install
Step 6: Click Install
Step 7: Once the installation is completed, Click Open button to launch Live Longue app on your device.
Live Lounge Alternatives
These are some of the alternatives to the Live Lounge app.
Mobdro
Mobdro is the best alternative for live lounge app because Mobdro allows its, users, to watch live TV channels, movies and other TV shows for free. It is also an android app, but not available in Google Play Store. It can be downloaded from its official or third-party websites.
TV TAP
TV TAP is an online streaming TV channel app which contains dozens of channels from various countries. It is also a free streaming app like Live Lounge. TV Tap is also not available on the Google play store.
MegaTV Player
MegaTV Player is a streaming app developed for android. It offers lot of live TV channels from different countries. MegaTV Player offers both free and subscription-based streaming.
You TV Player
You TV Player is one of the best streaming alternatives of Live Lounge app. Users can watch both free and paid TV channels in this application. This android application allows users to stream TV channel, movies, cartoons, sports and many more.
Live Lounge FAQs
Is Live Lounge Virus Free?
Yes, Live Lounge is a 100% virus-free streaming service. It doesn't contain any virus and malware that corrupt's your device.
Is Live Lounge Ad-free?
No, Live Lounge is a free streaming app with advertisements.
Does Live Lounge available on windows?
Live Lounge is mainly developed for android, but you can install and use the app on Windows using BlueStacks software or any other android emulators like Nox, Multi MEmu, Dolphin, vMac etc.
Live Lounge is one of the best apps for streaming TV channels and live sports events on your android. With Live Lounge, user can watch live TV, Movies, Sports from different channels.
Live Lounge is a free application, so it contains ads, they dont offer a paid subscription to disable ads. Some users might find these ads annoying. If you dont like ads, then the live Lounge is not the right choice for you.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.
Apps Live Lounge App
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Friends from us just had twins and they are boys. We're going to the babyparty sunday, so I had to make a card for them.
I rencently bought some stamps by Stampin' Up including this "Moon Baby" stampset and I thought this was the perfect time to make a card for the twins.
I've started by stamping the rubberstamp with some Memento ink on Neenah cardstock by Crafter's Companion. Then I drew some puffy clouds using C1 and I added some depth with my C3 marker.
Then it's time to fill in the spaces between the clouds using the darkest blue marker B00.
And now fill in the rest of the space using the B000 marker and the background is ready!
I've started to colour the boys and their umbrella. I always start with the darkest colours and end with the lightest colour.
You can see how I coloured the other boy too. I choosed for orange.
I thought it's more fun when the umbrella's have some dots on them, so I drew them with my Copic Opaque White pot.
When it's finished I've distressed the borders with some blue Distress Ink. So the card stands more on it's own. Ofcourse I've added some sparkly stars.
Here you can see the sparkle of the stars.
Hi everyone, it's Sandra from Portugal. It's Spring already!!!
To celebrate, today I am bringing you a girly, flowery card that I made using a Conie Fong's digistamp: "Braids in my hair".
Before I started colouring, I chose the layout and the paper I would be using on the final card later. This helped me to choose matching colours for my image, and saved me some time later looking for something that would fit nicely with a finished project. I chose one beautiful paper from Bo Bunny's Soirée 6x6 paper pad. And then die cut the image to the size needed using Elizabeth Crafts' Entwine Ovals die.
I started colouring the background using BG0000. I added three layers of colour to make it evenly smooth. You can see the paper is still warped while it's drying.
When it dried I moved to the dress folds, assuming that light came towards her back (left-front light source) and using BV00/01/02/04. From the folds I moved to the sleeves and then to the dress corset.
The next thing I coloured was the bow/belt, using YR01/02/04 to make it pop against the dress (complimentary colours).
The girl was almost dressed by now, so I decided to do her hair, using one of my favourite techniques – colouring each hair strand at a time. It is quite time consuming but I love the end result: the hair appears looser and with more volume. I began with the braid tail moving upwards, and coloured each part at a time. As you know the hair will look darker where it's tied together so I mapped those spots with E49 (only a small millimeter since I wanted to use several markers in tiny, tiny spots). I then extended it towards the middle with E57, then E55 and lastly E53. I repeated those steps until all the hair was coloured.
To colour the hair garland I used YG01/03 for the leaves, Y04/06 for the daisies and R30/32/43 for the rose. When I finished, I thought that the daisies' petals looked a bit monochromatic in yellow, so I picked Y08 to add some dimension. I can't understand how, but Y08 decided to blob and not only did it completely cover one of the daisies but also stained my beautifully light pink rose. Remember colour theory from school? It made one of the rose petals look orangey!
I "saved" the daisy pushing the Y08 towards the middle with Y0000. I couldn't disguise the orangey look on that rose petal, even with the colourless blender, so I decided to turn the pink rose, peach, layering YR61 all over it. I rather liked that tone of pink, but I was not about to lose all the work because of that. I think it didn't turn out that bad in the end, what do you think?
I coloured the skin using E000/00/11/21.
Don't forget the cast shadows: closer to the hair strands when the hair is lying on the face/body and a little separate from the strands if the hair is further away (in the air). I used E11 for this.
I chose to colour the blouse with E40/41 to get a pearly look.
And after I finished my colouring, I added some discreet (I know, I am a coward) cast shadows.
I used BV02 for the shadows the bow casts on the dress; YR02 for the shadows the bow's ribbons cast on each other; and E11 for shadows cast on skin by the sleeves.
Notice how even small and shy cast shadows can help accentuate contrasts and make your colouring appear more realistic.
And colourless blender to push ink inside the lines (I am super messy).
I coloured the sky and background first, using BG000 for the sky and BV20, C0 and C1 for the clouds. For the sand, I chose E50, 51, 53 and for my palm trees E37, B39, BG72, 93, 96, 99.
I then did the rest of the background, the sea first, using B00, 02, 04, 24, 37 and then the sand.
I then coloured Wryn's skin (E000, 00, 11, 13) and most of her outfit (see below for all colours).
I saved the hair for last, using C7, 9, BV04 and 100. To finish off the card, I added some Make it Crafty Chipboard (Alpha Mini Caps), coloured them in acrylic paint to match Wryn's glasses and put a piece of paper coloured with my 100 Copic to make the word pop a little.
I have made another art journalpage using an image by Tanya Bond.
This is the Woodland Guardian from the Inklings 2 colouring book.
I started with adding a quick layer of E50. I do not bother about colouring smoothly in this stage. I will add many more layers which I will blend together in the end.
With BV00 I add some shadows where I think they should be.
After the BV00 I added some E00, E000 and blended all layers together with E0000. For some more depth add some more BV00 and W1 and W3. This will give you a warm shadow. As you can see all layers are blended together now.
For the eyes and hair I used some green, YG11, 13, 17,67 and 99.
I start with the darkest colour first working my way back to the lightest. When you are finished you might want to go back and add some more of the darkest colours. With all the layering and blending the darkest colours might be faded a little. Adding some fresh ink will enchance the colours again.
I used A3 size bristol paper and added a layer of Copic Ink, using the Copic Airbrush and G14, YG07, G85, E57, YR61, YR68 and some stencils.
In the end, because the background still looked a bit pale, I added Pan Pastels to add some more colour. The Pan Pastels are not opaque so the layers underneath, made with the Copic Airbrush and stencils, are still visible.
I also stamped a little in the background (stamps by Studio Light).
This is the finished creation. For the dress and headpiece I used YR 27, 20, 21, 61, 65, 23,24, E29, 35,34, 37, BG10,11 and 13 as well.
I found the quote on the internet, it's by M. Gandhi. I used the Copic Multiliners (brush nib and small nib) to do the lettering.
I am Juanita, the newest member in the Copic Marker Europe team.
Like Diny already told you, I am a dutch girl and live in Switzerland for over 25 years.
I am married and almost 47 years old.
I hope that I will inspire you with my work.
Today I will show you a rose that I have drawn.
I will show you step by step how I coloured it.
First I start with B63 and make the shadow.
I start flicking at the pencil line in the direction to the end of the rose leaf.
You put your point straight down and sweep away quickly.
Then I take V01 and colour the whole rose with it.
Also in the same direction.
With BV29 I do the darkest shadow.
Then I take the B69 and go over the BV29 and a little bit further.
Just take a little bit of B69 and go a little bit further again.
Do the same thing with B63.
As you can see it doesn't blend very well. Start at the beginning again, and it will look better.
The best thing is to do one leaf at the time.
Then I go with V01 over the B63 and a step further again.
Then blend it with V000.
The next photo shows you how I flick the end of the leaf with RV13.
After I have done all the petals, it looks like this.
Then I take a white gel pencil and the Copic glitter pen "Blossom"
After that I take the Copic Gasenfude and doodle some lines.
The circles I did with a Pronty mask.
I made gemstones of it, the same way as the rose, using B66, B63, V01 and V000.
C3, C2, C1, C0 and C00.
I just made a simple card with my rose.
The digi looks like this, I would love it if you coloured it too.
So become a member and write a e-mail!
I hope that I inspired you to get colouring.


text:
Mitchell Kisoor (Paramaribo, 6 november 1989) is een Surinaams voormalig voetballer die speelde als middenvelder.

Carrière
Kisoor begon te spelen bij SV Boma Star en speelde daarna voor SV Robinhood van 2015 tot 2019. Hij won met Robinhood een landstitel en twee landsbekers. Hij speelde van 2014 tot 2017 veertien wedstrijden voor Suriname waarin hij vier doelpunten scoorde. Hij scoorde drie doelpunten op de kwalificatie voor de Caribbean Cup 2017. In 2015 was hij ook actief als waarnemend onder directeur sport en jeugdzaken.

Erelijst
 SVB-Eerste Divisie: 2017/18
 Surinaamse voetbalbeker: 2015/16, 2017/18

Surinaams voetballer

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Download our latest e-book, "Technology with Heart: What HR Wants and Deserves From Benefits Technology and Services Today," to learn the five fears organizations face around today's SaaS solutions and what HR needs today — in this rapidly changing, often uncertain market.
This is the new world of benefits technology and services. Don't you deserve technology with heart?


text:
South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall
Home » Blog » South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall
Plantation, Fla. (September 28, 2018) –South Florida JAZZ, South Florida's premier jazz organization, in partnership with Bailey Hall, announces a powerhouse lineup for its second season at the elegant Broward College venue.
Bailey Hall is located on the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus at 3501 SW Davie Rd. in Davie and offers free parking.
Subscriptions and individual tickets are available by visiting www.baileyhall.org or contacting the Bailey Hall box office at (954) 201-6884. The box office and phone lines are open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 7:00 p.m. until curtain time. All performances commence at 8:00 p.m.
"Based on the musical vocabulary and innovations of its forebears, jazz is always evolving and we have put this season together to feature a dazzling array of modern jazz in all its iterations," said South Florida JAZZ President Ronald B. Weber, M.D. "From veteran stars, such as Randy Brecker and John Scofield, to established, but still rising stars Donny McCaslin and Stefon Harris and international sensation Lionel Loueke, our 2019 season is a snapshot of where jazz is today and the artists that are creating its future."
"We are excited to present the evolution of the "South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall" concert series and to welcome these acclaimed artists to our stage," said Dr. Dan Barnard, associate dean of cultural affairs and director of Bailey Hall.
Here are brief sketches of the artists that will appear in 2019's South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall:
RANDY BRECKER QUINTET
Jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker was born in Philadelphia to a musical family that included his brother Michael, a remarkably influential tenor saxophone innovator, until his death from leukemia in 2007, that stunned the jazz world. The brothers had created individually successful careers, but they shared a very special bond, often working together, from 1975 on, as the Brecker Brothers Band, which garnered five GRAMMY Awards with their final two recordings. Cumulatively, the brothers tallied 21 GRAMMYs and 46 nominations.
Randy is a supremely gifted player who adds a solid dimension to every musical situation and configuration. He is most comfortable in his own band, a hard-swinging quintet with Randy's wife, Ada Rovatti, sharing the frontline. The group often gives more than a nod to the treasured Brecker Brothers repertoire.
DONNY McCASLIN QUARTET
Three-time GRAMMY® nominee Donny McCaslin is the leading saxophonist, composer, and musical pioneer of his generation, receiving wide commercial and critical acclaim in jazz, and even rock and electronica circles alike. McCaslin attended Berklee College of Music, where in his senior year he would join NEA Jazz Master Gary Burton's quintet. Moving to New York in 1991, he quickly made a name for himself as a first-call soloist and touring musician,
Named "one of the hottest jazz tickets in the world" for 2017-18, the Donny McCaslin Group has performed over 80 shows on 5 continents each of the past two seasons in support of his hit recording, Beyond Now. He also has a GRAMMY® for his appearance on David Bowie's "Black Star" album.
JOHN SCOFIELD QUARTET
John Scofield is one of the most influential and innovative guitarists of his generation. He has spent the last 40+ years blazing a trail through the post-fusion wilderness, bringing his singular voice to a variety of different projects. His hallmark is his masterful improvising, and his music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk-edged jazz, and R&B. The Gary Burton and Miles Davis stints were pivotal in his career. Along the way he has garnered nine nominations and three GRAMMY Awards.
Scofield has led his own bands with a variety of flavors, including jam bands, funk with a host of great sidemen. He arrives in South Florida with a straightahead jazz configuration of piano, bass and joined-at-the-hip drummer Bill Stewart.
Stefon Harris & Blackout
Passionate artistry and astonishing virtuosity have propelled mallet player, Stefon Harris, to the forefront of the invigorated jazz scene. He has been heralded as one of the most important artists in jazz. In addition to his four GRAMMY® nominations, has been named Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalists Association. He also has fared extremely well in the polls that have been dominated reflexively for so long by now-retired Gary Burton.
Educator, musician and entrepreneur, Stefon Harris receive the 2018 Doris Duke Artist Awards. His talent has propelled him for performances around the world. Now with his pet project Blackout, the band that will appear at South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall, we hear what has been percolating in the souls of Stefon and bandmates for more than 14 years. And it is impressive.
KURT ELLING QUINTET
Chicago native Kurt Elling is the greatest male jazz singer – or just jazz singer – of our time. In a career spanning 23 years, Elling has risen to international prominence as a jazz artist and creative singer. An intellectual superman, he is a master of "vocalese" and scatting, having been influenced by singer Mark Murphy, trumpeter Chet Baker, and poet Jack Kerouac. Remarkably, each of his twelve albums was nominated for a GRAMMY® Award and Dedicated to You won in 2010 and a 13th nomination in 2017 for Upward Spiral with Branford Marsalis. He is a perennial critics poll-winner and his quintet tours the world. This will be Mr. Elling's sixth performance for South Florida JAZZ. His last appearance in South Florida was a collaboration with saxophonist Branford Marsalis with whom he was awarded another GRAMMY® for Upward Spiral. In addition, Kurt, bright, inquisitive and eloquent, is an especially gifted writer, both of lyrics and prose
"AN EVENING WITH RAUL MIDÓN AND THE LIONEL LOUEKE TRIO"
The genre-bending icons join forces to present a special night of song and guitar wizardry as they perform sets of original material in an evening that will culminate in an unforgettable jam backed by Loueke's dynamic trio. Midón delivers a signature combination of silky tenor voice and percussive guitar style that is a syncopated, flamenco- and jazz-infused wonder.
From the small West African nation of Benin, Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past ten years since he was picked, in 2008 and 2009, as top "Rising Star" guitarist in DownBeat magazine's annual Critics Poll, appearing on Herbie Hancock's double-GRAMMY-winning album, The Joni Letters. He combines harmonic sophistication, soaring melody and a deep knowledge of African music to create a warm and evocative personal sound.
Funding for South Florida JAZZ is provided in part by grant from the Broward County
Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Division
Previous post Previous post: Season 26 (2018)
Next post Next post: Randy Brecker Quintet
Monty Alexander 2020
South Florida JAZZ at Bailey Hall – 2020 Season


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text:
Everything we know after student flats evacuated over fire death risk
Students were given three hours to leave Kingfisher Court in Manchester Road
Martin Shaw
David Himelfield
Firefighters outside Kingfisher Court after it was evacuated over fire safety fears
Dozens of students have been ordered to leave a block of flats in Huddersfield over fire safety fears.
West Yorkshire Fire Service has issued a prohibition notice over Kingfisher Court in Manchester Road, Chapel Hill.
Fire chiefs have sent letters to residents telling them they must move out. As many as 80 residents could be affected.
One mother said her son was given just three hours to leave his flat.
A letter, seen by the Examiner, says the prohibition notice has been issued under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Article 31, a notice under the Environment & Safety Information Act 1988.
The letter says: "The enclosed Prohibition Notice served on your premises on 6 August 2019 requires your immediate attention.
"The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority is of the opinion that the risk to people in case of fire in the premises is so high that the use of the premises must be prohibited or restricted."
Then the letter warns: "Failure to comply with a prohibition notice is an offence."
The letter sent to residents at Kingfisher Court, right
Firefighters were on the scene today and residents told ExaminerLive that they had been ordered to get out by 7pm. Gabriela Mroz, 22, from Poland, who is studying for an MA in forensic anthropology, said: "Friends from work have said I can stay with them." She said she hopes the university will provide alternative accommodation.
One student from near Beijing, China, said she had three hours to leave Kingfisher Court. The language student, 28, said: "I feel insecure about it. We don't know where we will be staying."
ExaminerLive was told that the University of Huddersfield had opened an emergency advice room for those affected.
It was understood vacant halls of residence were going to be opened up and other temporary accommodation offered overnight.
Hudslets Housing, which helps students find accommodation, stayed open tonight for "students affected by the closure of Kingfisher Court."
In April this year the Examiner reported how the company behind Kingfisher Court and Kingfisher House, Mederco Block A Limited and Mederco (Huddersfield) Limited, had called in administrators.
Back in February 2018 the Examiner reported on fire safety concerns over cladding used on Kingfisher House.
No-one from West Yorkshire Fire Service was available to comment.
Firms behind two Huddersfield student flat buildings goes bust
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
LinthwaiteFirst photo of innocent man killed after confronting gang of drunken youths at Thornton and Ross
Tributes have been paid to Robert Wilson who remonstrated with the gang when they went on to the site


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Listing provided courtesy of Engel & Volkers Snowmass. Listing information © 2019 Aspen/Glenwood MLS. All Rights Reserved. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.


text:
Q: Data grouped in 12 month period I have 2 tables
Create table t (
  employee varchar2(10),
  job varchar2(5),
  start_date date,
  end_date date,
  amt number
);

With the following data
insert into t values (1111,1,19-May-2008,20-May-2008,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,19-May-2010,19-May-2010,7);
insert into t values (1111,1,01-Jul-2010,01-Jul-2010,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,13-Feb-2012,13-Feb-2012,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,27-Nov-2013,27-Nov-2013,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,28-Nov-2013,28-Nov-2013,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,24-Aug-2014,24-Aug-2014,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,25-Aug-2014,25-Aug-2014,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,24-Aug-2015,25-Aug-2015,14);

insert into t values (1111,1,14-Nov-2015,14-Nov-2015,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,15-Nov-2015,16-Nov-2015,14);

insert into t values (1111,1,11-Sep-2016,11-Sep-2016,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,29-Sep-2016,29-Sep-2016,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,10-Nov-2016,10-Nov-2016,7);

insert into t values (1111,1,14-Nov-2016,15-Nov-2016,14);

Create table t1 (
  employee varchar2(10),
  job varchar2(5),
  start_date date,
  commence_date date,
);

With the following data
Insert into t values (1111, 1, 14-Nov-2007, 19-May-2007);

I am trying to list amt to be displayed grouped by 12 month period, starting from commence_date. Result should return EMPLOYEE, JOB, PERIOD_START, PERIOD_END, AMT. If there are no amt to display in an year, then "AMT" column will display "0". The result should look like below.
1111 1 19/05/2007 17/05/2008 0

1111 1 19/05/2008 18/05/2009 7

1111 1 19/05/2009 18/05/2010 0

1111 1 19/05/2010 18/05/2011 7

1111 1 19/05/2011 18/05/2012 14

1111 1 19/05/2012 18/05/2013 0

1111 1 19/05/2013 18/05/2014 14

1111 1 19/05/2014 18/05/2015 14

1111 1 19/05/2015 18/05/2016 35

1111 1 19/05/2016 18/05/2017 35

I have tried to do this. However I am not been able to display the rows where there were no amt. example row 1 in expected result. Any help or suggestions will be much appreciated.
following is the query I was using
SELECT DISTINCT
ss.EMPLOYEE,
ss.JOB,
ss.start_date commence,
ss.Year_frm_start Year,
SUM(ss.AMT) Over (Partition BY ss.EMPLOYEE, ss.JOB, ss.Year_frm_start) amt,
  ss.start_date +numtoyminterval(ss.Year_frm_start,'Year') period_start,
  (ss.start_date -1)+numtoyminterval(ss.Year_frm_start+1,'Year') period_end
FROM
(
SELECT
  t.EMPLOYEE,
  t.JOB,
  t.AMT,
  t1.start_date,
  floor((t.start_DATE - t1.start_date) / 365) Year_frm_start
 FROM
  t,t1
WHERE
t.employee=t1.employee and t.job=t1.job
  ORDER BY
  t.start_date
 )
 ss
where ss.EMPLOYEE = '1111'
ORDER BY
ss.EMPLOYEE,
ss.Year_frm_start
;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Non-Proliferation Lobby Analysts Seek to Corner India on CTBT
Home Defence And Strategic Affairs Blog Non-Proliferation Lobby Analysts Seek to Corner India on CTBT
By USINPAC Defence And Strategic Affairs Blog June 10, 2011
By Rajiv Nayan
The international community is discussing how to bring India into the multilateral export control regimes. During his November 2010 visit to India, United States president Barack Obama made a few speeches and issued a joint statement with prime minister Manmohan Singh, which contained a number of significant policy pronouncements. The further accommodation of India in the U.S. and multilateral export control regimes was a notable feature of these pronouncements.
President Obama announced that the U.S. would support India's candidature in the four multilateral export control regimes—the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement. India meets all the criteria for the membership of the MTCR. India may have to add a few items to its dual use technology control list called Special Chemical Organisms, Material, Equipment and Technology (SCOMET) to meet the membership criteria for the Australia Group. For membership in the NSG and Wassenaar Arrangement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) puzzle needs to be solved. For India, the membership of the NSG is strategically relevant.
After Obama's announcement supporting India's membership, the French and the Russians also gave their support, and the idea gained ground that India may be given the membership incrementally. It was generally believed that the Australia Group would come first, followed by the MTCR and the NSG and the Wassenaar Arrangement in that order. However, the Indian establishment wants membership to come as a package. The incremental approach has an inherent danger: the membership of the strategically less relevant regimes would become possible but the membership of the strategically more relevant regime, namely, the NSG, would be problematic because of the NPT issue. The Wassenaar Arrangement's NPT criteria would also have to be amended to enable Indian membership. As for the MTCR, politics, instead of criteria, may be used to delay or block India's membership.
The Indian government's position, by and large, seems to have the support of the Indian strategic community. Now the package approach is seen as being preferable to the incremental approach. As this message has been sent across the world, the concerned players may have two options: either deny India the membership of all the regimes or prepare to give it the membership of all the regimes. India's new profile as a significant economy that is performing well even during difficult global financial times and as an equally important producer, client and consumer of advanced technology may force these actors to accommodate India in the regimes. Indeed, India's entry would only enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the regimes.
The process of the accommodation seems to have begun. Indian officials and those of relevant regimes countries have started interacting to facilitate India's membership. Quite expectedly, analysts and non-governmental experts are being consulted over the way(s) to include India in the regimes. Although there is very little information about the official-level interactions, the non-governmental community has however begun to write about this. A good example is the short essay "NSG Membership: A Criteria-based Approach for Non-NPT States" by Pierre Goldschmidt for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Although the essay maintains a semblance of objectivity, the piece unfortunately reflects the prejudice prevalent in a section of the U.S. nonproliferation community. The very first paragraph opens with the cliché: 'The nuclear policy community widely believes this [the 2008 NSG guidelines] exemption undermines the credibility of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.'
Other non-proliferation writers cite the China-Pakistan deal for building additional reactors at the Chashma complex and Pakistan's prevention of negotiations for the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the Conference on Disarmament (CD). Even a novice in the field would know that Pakistan and China would have cut the deal irrespective of the India-specific exemptions. The Pakistan-China deal has been cut on the basis of some grandfatherly clause of a previous unseen agreement. Similarly, Pakistan would have found some excuse or the other to block FMCT negotiations. For example, this year, it has included U.S. support for India's membership in multilateral export control regimes as another reason for blocking FMCT negotiations.
In fact, Pierre Goldschmidt has proposed a set of fourteen criteria for membership of the NSG for the non-NPT countries. He claims that these fourteen conditions can 'correct the inequality created by the Indian exception'. Eleven of the criteria are part of the Indian policy while the other three look unrealistic and may not be taken seriously in India. In reality, these additional conditions are designed to constrain India. The old agenda of the anti-Indian non-proliferation lobby is being pushed through such new arguments. The argument is based on the grievance as to why India was allowed to get away so easily during the September 2008 special plenary session of the NSG. It is a case of sour grapes.
The argument in the Goldschmidt essay is to persist with the unfinished agenda of the July 2005 agreement of the anti-India non-proliferation lobby. Thus, the second criteria proposes that: "To become a full member of the NSG, a non-NPT state must…have in force a Voluntary Offer Agreement (VOA) with the IAEA whereby the non-NPT State undertakes to place all new nuclear facilities located outside existing military nuclear sites on the list of facilities to be safeguarded by the IAEA… ." This amounts to a reopening of the separation plan. This is unacceptable to India.
Goldschmidt's essay claims that the India-US nuclear deal gave India some 'guarantees' that were not granted to other non-nuclear weapons states. Elsewhere in the essay, the author expects India to take up the obligations of other nuclear weapons states as defined by the NPT. This contradictory position dominates the article. The author, in fact, expects India to take on obligations which have not been assumed by members of the NSG. It is beyond comprehension as to why India should not have been allowed to develop nuclear weapons for its security. Has any other nuclear weapon country given this assurance to gain NSG membership?
Similarly, has the United States ratified the CTBT to retain its membership of the NSG? Did China give this undertaking before joining the NSG? When China was made a member, it was in the news for supplying nuclear and missile items to non-NPT and Non-Nuclear Weapons States. Interestingly, afterwards, not only the U.S. government but also a predominant section of the U.S. non-proliferation community went mute, Chinese proliferation was downplayed and China was declared to be an important stakeholder of the non-proliferation system. Any signature without ratification basically means nothing. So, criteria 8 and 9 are meaningless. Actually, the CTBT is a dead issue. The U.S. nonproliferation community has failed to revive the treaty. Flogging the dead horse only spreads dirt and stink. The treaty and related phenomena need a quiet burial.
To resolve the challenge posed by the NPT criteria, the best solution would be to amend the NPT and accommodate India as a nuclear weapon state. However, this does not appear likely in the near future. Pending membership of the NPT, India's good standing with the treaty may be factored in. India, after becoming a nuclear weapons state, declared its intention to unilaterally follow articles I, III and VI of the NPT. Targeting India seems to be the only motive of this essay; the set of criteria is not relevant for Israel because it is a different case. For NSG membership, it will not modify its strategy of ambiguous nuclear weapon status. The non-proliferation community should avoid recommending any steps which would benefit a rabid proliferator like Pakistan. Continuing to do so will further undermine the credibility of the non-proliferation community.
(This article originally appeared at www.idsa.in . IDSA and USINPAC are content partners.)
Australia GroupchinaChina-PakistanConference on DisarmamentEquipment and TechnologyIndia-US nuclear dealMaterialMissile Technology Control RegimeNSG membershipNuclear Non-Proliferation Treatynuclear partnershipNuclear Suppliers GroupObama's India visitPakistan's arsenalPierre GoldschmidtPresident ObamaPrime Minister Manmohan SinghSouth AsiaSpecial Chemical OrganismsUnited States president Barack ObamaVoluntary Offer AgreementWassenaar Arrangement
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