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Gold Coast students shine at Red Cross Moot
Published July 28, 2014 AuthorDeborah Marshall
Griffith Law School students Paul Weaver and Marieanne Golubinski accept their award from the Red Cross's Heath McCallum.
Talented Gold Coast law students Marieanne Golubinsky and Paul Weaver have taken second place in the highly contested Australian Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot competition.
More than 20 teams took part in the competition at the Australian Law Students Association Conference in July. The conference attracts students from Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific.
The talented third-year students acted as prosecutors and defenders of a fictional president accused of killing civilians and the destruction of cultural property.
They had just one round of experience before the national moot and were excited by the challenge.
"International Humanitarian Law challenges us because it is so different from domestic law which we study at Griffith,'' Marieanne said.
"There are so many more considerations."
While other universities offer electives in humanitarian law, Paul and Marieanne didn't have that luxury, so had to research and review their material from scratch.
They were, however, able to benefit from Griffith Law School's focus on mooting both through its curriculum and through student competitions.
To add to the pressure, they had to prepare while studying for their exams.
But their preparation and determination paid off – undergoing three preliminary rounds before winning the quarter and semi finals. In the final round, they were narrowly edged out by the University of Sydney team.
"While we already had a wealth of knowledge, the learning curve from experiencing a national competition was substantial and more beneficial than participating in internal events only,'' Paul said.
"Feedback from the judges was immensely rewarding."
Griffith Law School Deputy Head Dr Therese Wilson said the Griffith team's effort was outstanding.
"The calibre of these students is testimony to their talent, knowledge and determination. These are qualities that will stand them in good stead throughout their careers. Griffith Law School is very proud of them."
Indeed, Paul and Marianne are intent on pursuing a career in law – Paul as a barrister and Marieanne in international law.
In the meantime, they're looking forward to challenging next year's Moot competition.
Categories Arts Education Law, Griffith Law School, home, Inside Griffith, News articlesTagged Australian Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Moot, International humanitarian law
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Ballet Hispánico's Joyce season presents a response to the international moment that avoids the two most common traps of "timely performance"–self-obsoleting specificity and one-note range. The program's two premieres concern themselves with the diasporas of Latinx and Asian populations in a way that maintains a way in for spectators unfamiliar or unaware of issues that, in driving the process, ultimately craft pieces of contemporary ballet that harness virtuosity in the service of an identifiably human sort of expression.
When hearing of Ballet Hispánico, an assumption of classical ballet could be the first thing you would expect to see if you've never seen their work. I was pleasantly surprised to see an hour full of visually captivating, diverse. and incredibly unique contemporary works in my first time sitting in the capacity booked house of their full length concert at The Joyce Theater.
Originally created for male dancers, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's "Sobrerísimo" is now being performed by the company's women.
When Ballet Hispánico takes the stage this month at The Joyce Theater in New York City, audiences will experience new works from Asian-American choreographers—a first for the 50-year old company and legendary Latino dance organization.
Rehearsing for Ballet Hispánico's upcoming run at The Joyce (March 26-31), seven-year company veteran Melissa Verdecia moves without a fingertip of superfluous effort.
El coreógrafo cubanoamericano Eduardo Vilaro, director artístico del Ballet Hispánico (BH) de New York, regresó recientemente a Miami para ensayar una obra con el grupo de estudiantes de danza de la New World School of the Arts (NWSA) cuyo estreno mundial promete ser la carta de triunfo del acostumbrado Spring Dance Concert de la institución programado para fines de abril.
Dance Magazine goes live at Ballet Hispánico for a sneak peek at Edwaard Liang's newest work, El Viaje.
In white, minimal costumes that accentuated their muscles, the dancers of Ballet Hispánico opened the evening with Con Brazos Abiertos, a piece that showcased their athleticism and commented on the often contradicting cultures Mexican Americans inhabit.
As a special education teacher for Northeast Lauderdale High School, Jennifer Moore knows the value of exposing her students to new experiences...New York City-based dance company, Ballet Hispánico, delivered that exposure on Monday with a small assembly for students in the special education programs at Lauderdale County schools.
Rarely does the American mainstream media accurately represent the Latinx community. Aware of society's limited exposure to Latinx culture, Ballet Hispánico has committed to showing this community's many facets by blending traditional dances with contemporary interpretations.
Ballet Hispánico, America's leading Latino dance organization, brings its bold and eclectic brand of contemporary dance to The Joyce Theater with two world premieres from March 26-31, 2019.
Are we in a post-racial era? Of course we are not. When Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, many hoped and some cultural pundits projected that a post-racial society had arrived. Well, we all know that was not true...And when you take a glance at the arts, though more diversity has been noted in recent years, there is still much more to be done.
Una de las Instituciones de Danza más prestigiosas a nivel mundial. Como generalmente sucede en todas las historias, el Ballet Hispánico es fruto de la inspiración de una persona: Tina Ramírez. Nacida en Venezuela, de padre mexicano y madre puertorriqueña, Tina emigró a Estados Unidos cuando tenía sólo 7 años, y desde entonces sabía lo que quería hacer en su vida: bailar.
Ballet Hispánico returns to the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem with its full-length ballet, CARMEN.maquia. Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramirez Sansano has reenvisioned the story of Carmen to emphasize Don José, the man who falls in love with Carmen, suffers because of her infidelity, then murders her in a "fit of passion."
It's official, the 2018 holiday season is upon us. Christmas Day is 26 days away and 2019 is just around the corner.
Erik and Eduardo talk about how the company's emphasis on Latinx culture manifests throughout the organization—from what's on stage to the staff and board. They also discuss the politics of being a Latinx dance company in America today.
Drenched in red light, the company members of Ballet Hispánico gracefully made their way onto the Northrop Auditorium Stage on Thursday, October 4th. The audience fell completely silent, captivated by the elegant and powerful movement.
In 1875, Bizet brought Prosper Mérimée's novella to life in his intoxicating opera "Carmen." One hundred and thirty-seven years later, Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano's "CARMEN.maquia" spun the beloved Gypsy tale into another realm.
For Ballet Hispánico's Michelle Manzanales, dance is more than an art form. As she explained during a telephone interview, "Dance is my language; I always think of it as my first language. It's the one that I feel most fluent in and most comfortable expressing things through."
Melissa Fernandez is one of the lead company dancers in Ballet Hispánico. Ballet Hispánico was founded by Tina Ramirez in 1970. From its grassroots origins as a dance school and community-based performing arts troupe, the organization has grown into a world-class institution. Ballet Hispánico's New York City headquarters house a School of Dance and state-of-the-art dance studios for its programs and the arts community.
92Y Harkness Dance Center's Fridays@Noon series regularly offers audiences up-close-and-personal views of dance. Yesterday, New York's Ballet Hispánico delivered a presentation so masterful and charged that it was a wonder the relatively small space could contain its energy.
En su temporada para este otoño, el Ballet Hispánico presentará en Nueva York una serie de piezas que muestran su compromiso con explorar la cultura latina a través del baile.
Eduardo Vilaro, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico, discusses the company's embrace of cultural diversity on all levels and why, as dancers, they don't make political statements in their work. Read the full transcript from our Under a Minute video below.
Of all the touring modern dance companies based New York, none has consistently introduced talented new choreographers (or new-to-me choreographers) like Ballet Hispánico.
For the last several summers, the magical music festival in Mt. Gretna has embraced a dance show each season. This year's offering was New York-based Ballet Hispánico, "the nation's premier Latino dance organization," according to a program note.
These dancers mix bold colors into their studio looks -- whether contemporary or classical.
Interested in attending an event that has the ambiance of New York City's flamenco scene? You're in luck.
On Friday, May 18, 2018, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) presents the Ballet Hispánico dance company.
Eduardo Vilaro and Ballet Hispánico embrace the unconventional as we'll have a chance to see at White Bird on Wednesday.
Ballet Hispánico performs as part of Society for the Performing Arts Dance Series on May 18 at University of Houston's Cullen Performance Hall.
"Gorgeous!!"This is the first word we hear when the curtain rises on the opening piece of Ballet Hispánico at the Joyce Theater.
Ballet Hispánico has been a gem of the New York dance scene for years, and, in their season premiere at the Joyce Theater last night,the company proved as strong as ever.
Ballet Hispánico dancer Gabrielle Sprauve understands firsthand the major impact teachers of color can have on a young black dancer's career.
Northern School of Contemporary Dance graduate Carlos Pons Guerra has been commissioned by Ballet Hispanico to create a new work for the company, premiering on 10 April 2018 at The Joyce Theatre on Broadway.
When Eduardo Vilaro, the artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico, greets us outside of his cozy office on Manhattan's Upper West Side, he's filling a large mug with coffee. "Sorry! Can I get you anything? This is the first of many I need to get me through the day!" he says with a laugh.
Theatre Development Fund: How Do You Dance to Federico García Lorca?
"I'm trying to branch out the awareness of what it is to be Latino in all its fabulousness -- not just from iconic representations or stereotypes from the past," says Eduardo Vilaro, the artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico.
The upside for Eduardo Vilaro of Ballet Hispánico is working for a company that checks several boxes. Creativity with a conscience — that's an ideal scenario, according to the Cuban-born dancer and administrator.
tragedy: as soon as you say 'Carmen', this is what you expect will come centre-stage whether it's Bizet's opera or, as here, a dance response to both his music and Prosper Mérimée's original novel.
Ballet Hispanico, the much acclaimed American company that brings a unique Latino spin to ballet, brings its take on Bizet's classic Carmen to Europe for its debut. Inspired by Picasso, this electrifying piece is sure to stun audiences with its sensual nature and the talent displayed on stage.
In CARMEN.maquia, Ballet Hispánico present two contrasting performances; first 'Línea Recta', then the titular piece 'CARMEN.maquia' which tells the story of Bizet's opera with his own dramatic music.
For its first ever UK performance, nearly 50 years since this grassroots Latino dance school was set up in New York, the curtain rises on a very stereotypical Flamenco scene.
Priding itself with a connection to its roots, the Ballet Hispánico company stitches the grandeur of ballet with the accessibility of Latin movement. Exploring Latino culture, seeking to educate whilst also entertain, Ballet Hispánico talents lie not just in dance, but in identity and awareness.
While The Sarasota Ballet prepares for one of its more ambitious programs of the year — the premiere of Frederick Ashton's "The Dream" and David Bintley's "'Still Life' at the Penguin Café" — it continued a recent tradition of presenting a guest company by bringing in Ballet Hispanico for the fifth program of its season.


I just got a StreamDeck and started playing with it. Folks have told me that they use whispers or chats to execute commands and do things with PhantomBot. That does work fine, however, what if you could have a small Windows application that does this for you? Well, you can out the PBStreamDeck application.
This is a simple Java application that can be called from StreamDeck to execute commands or chat via your PhantomBot account.
Note that this being a BETA Release means that changes are always happening! The directions below are for the first Beta Release. As you go and get newer versions, please read the release notes, which will be presented to you as part of the installer and can be reviewed again from the Start Menu > PBStreamDeck > View README File, for new instructions!
# and to perform a chat operation.
# along with http or https, depending upon your configuration.
# line option to pass in to execute the command/chat text.
So, since I extracted the files to D:\PBS I pass that same item as the first parameter and the second parameter is my runmods command that I configured.
Then, pushing the button will run the command/send the chat line. You can add any number of commands/chat lines to the properties file to execute.


Massage oil recipes are very easy to make at home, and you can customize them to achieve aromatherapy results, or just choose a mixture of scents that you love!
Natural oils are excellent emollients, with natural properties that can help hydrate and nourish your skin. Oils will not only make more pleasurable massages, but can also be used as a general moisturizer.
A good oil to use in any massage oil recipe is one that will have glide. This will ensure that your hands can glide over skin without sticking or too much friction, creating a smoother massage and avoiding irritation.
This is one of the most commonly used base oils, rich in essential fatty acids, good for all skin types. Sweet Almond Oil is often used in massage therapies, as it is lightweight, mild and easily absorbed into the skin. As a base oil, it has a longer shelf life than some others because it is not easily oxidized.
Refined coconut oil is one of the mildest base oils, and suitable for healing salves as well as sensitive, irritated or inflamed skin. This natural oil is popular for soap making, as well as creams and lotions. It has a high Lauric acid content, and is high in anti-oxidant E. It has a bit higher comedogenic rating, so if you're concerned about that, save this for wonderful body moisturizing!
Jojoba is actually not an oil at all, but rather a wax ester extract of the seed of the jojoba tree that has absorption properties which are very similar to that of human skin, and is highly stable. This is a good, light choice for oily or acne prone skin, because is non-comedogenic, and offers a light sun protection. Often used as a massage oil, Jojoba oil can soften hardened skin, and can help heal wounds and skin diseases.
Anti-inflammatory and great for massage oil blends, but should be used in a low ratio. It has regenerative properties that have allowed it to be used successfully for treating scars, wounds, minor irritations and sunburns.
This oil contains vitamins A and E and is great in a low ratio for massage blends. Sesame Oil also contains light protection from the UV rays of the sun, and is often used in natural skin care formulations for a natural sunscreen with a low SPF.
The fat composition of olive oil is very similar to the fat composition of human skin, so it is absorbed quickly and helps the skin moisture content. Particularly good for dry skin, even those with oily skin can use it in moderation to balance excess sebum production. Very few people have an allergy to topically applied olive oil.
Grape seed is a light oil often used in massage recipes. It is quickly penetrating, nourishing and easily absorbed. Linoleic acid keeps skin supple, and it's non-comedogenic.
Deeply nourishing and conditioning, sunflower oil is highly recommended to treat dry, weathered, aged, and damaged skin. Sunflower oil has a pleasant scent and is easily absorbed and applied.
This oil, light and similar to flax seed oil, is also known as the "gold of pleasure". Slightly nutty, rich in antioxidants, and very soothing to the skin. It has a very stable shelf life.
Other oils are used in massage blends, often at a lower ratio.
These easy-to-make recipes include instruction on making numerous products including facial steams, scrubs, masks, lip balms, massage oils, wraps, hand, nail, and foot treatments, and hair care products. Includes ideas for bathing rituals and massage techniques.
1/8 teaspoon = 12.5 drops = 1/48 oz.
1/4 teaspoon = 25 drops = 1/24 oz.
3/4 teaspoon = 75 drops = 1/8 oz.
1 teaspoon = 100 drops = 1/6 oz.
Massage oil recipes are very open to personal interpretation and the addition of essential oils can be adjusted to preference.
Play with your blends and enjoy!
If you are interested in formulating edible massage oil recipes, get ready for fun experimentation!
In these massage oil recipes, you will NOT use essential oils, since many of them are not suitable for ingestion, but you can use flavor extracts from the grocery store.
Any extract that sounds tasty to you, like vanilla, almond, lemon, coconut, strawberry, orange, chocolate, peppermint, experiment and use it! You can also used flavored coffee syrups.
First, pick your favorite base oil. A good one to use will be one that doesn't have a strong taste by itself. Mild or tasty oils to use include sunflower oil, macadamia nut oil, sesame oil, or grape seed oil. Don't forget, although Jojoba oil is great for massage, it's a wax ester, not an oil. Leave it out of any edible massage oil recipes.
You'll want to heat fuse your flavorings to your oil base, so mix your oil or oil blend in a saucepan with your choice of flavorings and heat gently, mixing and heating for about 5 minutes, then cooling before storage.
Extracts are stronger than the coffee syrups, so use less. For extracts, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon to 2 oz., but you can use a full teaspoon for coffee syrups.
Do a dry skin brushing before your massage for a truly memorable experience!


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For Schools, Communities and Families to Recover from Covid, We Need More Women in Leadership
December 23, 2020 | by Shahana Hanif & Liat Olenick
The men making schools decisions (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayor's Office)
School reopening has been a particular challenge for women in New York City. From lack of communication between the Department of Education, staff, and caregivers, constantly changing schedules, failure to invest in a care economy that values domestic labor and childcare, lack of tech support, and lack of funding to the daily demands of remote learning and the material conditions in schools, women have been hit hardest by the struggles our schools face.
As we think about how our city and school system can begin to recover from this ongoing crisis, one thing is clear: We need to both elect more women and systematically encourage women to lead.
As an early childhood elementary school teacher and an organizer and candidate, we've seen first hand how women in school communities have been disproportionately burdened with adapting to schooling during the pandemic. This disproportionate burden isn't new, but COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequities in schools, the home, and other workplaces.
It's no coincidence that the people making decisions about schools in New York City are men, and mostly white men: Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, schools chancellor Carranza, principals union Cannizzaro, and teachers union president Mulgrew have largely determined every aspect of the city's school reopening plan.
Yet the vast majority of school-based workers — teachers, social workers, service providers, cafeteria staff, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, nurses — are women. These stakeholders have been consistently excluded from decision-making, even as they are being asked to nurture children with inadequate support amid a deadly pandemic and during a traumatic, unjust, emotional rollercoaster.
The Department of Education surveyed employees just once during the last nine months, and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) leadership has not solicited systematic input from members at all. Because the majority of school workers are women, many are teaching or providing services while also caring full-time for their own children and dependent loved ones at home. Many school-based staff have also taken on brand new roles this year with little support, requiring countless hours of unpaid overtime, in stark contrast to city workers in unions dominated by men like the NYPD, where there is no such thing as working without pay.
Likewise, the burden of childcare and navigating hybrid and remote learning has largely fallen on women across the city, exacerbating already existing gaps. Mothers, aunts, and grandmothers are largely the ones supporting their children with remote learning while still balancing work and other responsibilities. This burden has fallen most on Black and/or immigrant families whose children are in remote cohorts at higher rates than white families, whose communities have been hit hardest by COVID-19, and who often have to overcome language barriers with little support from the Department of Education. Inexcusably, the mayor has had no plan to make remote learning better or more accessible to fully-remote families, despite widespread criticism. In the face of increasing agitation from parents and educators, the mayor and the chancellor only recently announced the framework of a new plan.
To make matters worse, many working women who are also caretakers tasked with supporting children through remote and hybrid learning have been relegated to an inequitable and indefinite hardship by the burdens of unemployment or workplace protections that don't prioritize a care-based economy.
Our city's COVID-19 recovery urgently requires a legislative agenda that recognizes women's paid and unpaid work — during this pandemic and beyond — as worthy. Our city must close the gender wage gap; adequately fund childcare and childcare providers; divest from policing and fully fund our public schools so that every school has at least one nurse, counselor, and social worker; compensate family-based and early childcare educators; proactively solicit input from educators, school-based staff, and parents about school reopening, remote learning, and in-person learning on a regular basis; give all educators ample additional planning and collaboration time whether they are remote or in-person; and invest in CUNY campus childcare.
We imagine a city where decisions are made centered on care, in its fullest form, where parents and school staff are at the table and their voices are heard, where the labor of caregivers — whether teachers, parents, service-providers or health workers — is celebrated, funded, loved, and valued.
As we approach the 2021 elections in New York City, we have an opportunity to prioritize childcare, education, and gender equity to ensure our recovery from covid doesn't leave women even further behind. To do so, we can start by making sure our leaders understand the disproportionate impact this pandemic has had on women. It's high time we elect more compassionate, bold women who have been doing the work of caring for communities.
Shahana Hanif is an organizer and candidate for City Council in District 39 in Brooklyn. Liat Olenick is a public school teacher, advocate, and activist leader. On Twitter @ShahanaFromBK & @Liat_RO.
Tags: Department of Education • Education

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The title of this article comes from an interview earlier this year with the distinguished biologist and philosopher Richard Lewontin. Richard has fought for years (often alongside his more famous colleague Stephen J Gould) with scientific absolutists of every stripe, from genetic determinists like Richard Dawkins to the neo-phrenologist pop neuro-"scientists" who would have us believe that we will soon understand what it means to be human (and accordingly understand and be able to modify all human behaviour) by deciphering the patterns of coloured lights in brain scans.
Richard, now in his mid-80s, begins the interview by asserting "You can't be overly humble." We all want to know the truth, to have something we can believe (and believe in) with certainty, but Richard is here to tell us the limitations of science and the dangers of believing we will ever know more than a tiny fraction of the whats, hows and whys of our lives and our world.
Richard's work is steeped in an appreciation of complexity. In his book The Triple Helix he argues that attempts to determine causality in complex systems fail to acknowledge the difficulty of separating causality from agency — stress, for example, is an agent that appears to trigger many auto-immune diseases and other increasingly-prevalent modern chronic illnesses. But stress is not the cause. Determining the possible causes requires a more nuanced, patient and holistic study of the entire system and all its inter-dependent parts.
Richard's appreciation for complexity comes from the realization, as he explains in his book Biology as Ideology, that science's — and notably biology's — modus operandi is to disconnect, separate, and study things "in isolation". When you study biological systems you discover that they are inextricable — there is no clear and functionally distinct boundary between genes, the organisms they seemingly comprise, and the environments within which we imagine them located and moving about as discrete things. Genes, organisms and environments co-evolved. Early living creatures exuded an oxygen-rich environment which then evolved other living creatures (including, unremarkably, humans) that thrived as part of that environment and evolved it further.
Likewise, the study of permaculture teaches you about succession, and that in order to create the most abundant garden you may have to encourage some plants that are ultimately of no use either in our diet or in the "mature" garden that evolves from these intermediary agents. Alas, even many permaculturists lack the patience and humility to spend decades studying and learning about the local ecology before they can understand how to intervene effectively, starting from today's desolated soils, the legacy of ubiquitous catastrophic agriculture and, carefully following nature's own sometimes convoluted and inexplicable pathways, yield an edible forest garden that — surprise! — thrives without further human intervention in precisely those ecological areas humans evolved to thrive within.
What complicates the role of the scientist in the 21st century is that they are tethered to the modern ideology of progress. Just as politicians and economists would have us believe that life is, on the whole and over the long haul, getting better and better, scientists have now been sucked in to believing and asserting that human knowledge, and hence our ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems, is getting better and better.
As Richard's friend and colleague Stephen J Gould spent a lifetime demonstrating, there is no evidence for evolution being a "progressive" process. Evolution, we are learning (slowly) is a process of experimental adaptation and exaptation — full of the emergence of unexpected consequences of random variations that could never have been predicted or even imagined.
Evolution is not from lower to higher, or from less advanced to more advanced, or even from simpler to more complex. There is nothing progressive or intentional or foreordained about it. Humans are not the crown of creation or the culmination of any inevitable and extraordinary evolution — we are just one tiny new branch in the tree of life, a species whose only remarkable feature has been our inability to appreciate the necessity of living in balance with the rest of life on Earth, and our commensurate large-scale destruction of the very environment of which we are a part.
Of course, science doesn't like to acknowledge that. That would require humility. It would require acknowledging that for all our learning the most important thing we've discovered is how staggeringly little we know and how unlikely it is we will ever really understand anything beyond the absurdly simplistic models of reality we have cobbled together so far. It would require admitting that we aren't progressing, and aren't likely to. It would require an admission of necessary ignorance.
What might happen if we were to emulate Richard Lewontin's complex-systems approach to scientific exploration, discovery and appreciation?
How might scientists shift their role from servants of a bankrupt industrial civilization to scenario planners, teachers of complexity, imaginers of possible ways to adapt to extreme and unpredictable change? What if we could put all those minds together, not to plan an escape from the planet or to conduct some reckless adventure in geo-engineering, but rather to look as cultural anthropologists at the collapse of past civilizations, and help us discover how to bravely, intelligently, creatively and even joyfully embrace and adapt to the hard road ahead. As a journey in humility. For our grandchildren.


The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been an increasingly empowering event, growing from as a few as 200 riders, to hundreds of thousands it hosts today. From the ever loved Harley Davidson, to the Kawasaki, Honda, and even a variety of dirt bikes, Sturgis shows off the love of our two-wheeled companions. Sturgis, South Dakota where the event is held, provides the event with unique character. Character that is only demonstrated by those who show this major piece of their lives, that is only shared by a select few. People who ride know the feeling of true adventure, truly feeling your speed, and taking in breathtaking scenery without a glass windshield, or a screen. Here is a list of five amazing events that give the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally its true character.
Over 100 different food vendors will be at this event, providing signature cuisine from all across the world. Fuel up and ride out to your heart's desire. Ladies and gentlemen take note of the new Street Food Throw Down to decide the best vendors of this year's rally. Registered vendors will take part to win the title of People's Choice and Best of the Best. With all the competition, it is only fair that the food competes to find the best dish for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to enjoy. Celebrity judges will judge the signature dishes of the event and crown the best dishes that are served to customers at the rally.
Hate when flashing red and blue lights ruin your ride? Why not be that guy? Get a bike with that capability and a little bit of history. A 2015 Sturgis Police Edition FLHTP motorcycle will be raffled off at the 2017 Sturgis Rally. What makes this bike unique? First off, it's practically brand new at only 3,000 miles. This bike will be a great addition to your collection. Also, it was used in the last two anniversaries of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to catch the people breaking the rules. Grab a piece of history and a few practical jokes by making this bike a part of your collection.
How do you get elected as mayor of Sturgis? On top of of having strong morals and beliefs, sponsoring an amazing pub crawl seems to help. Mark Carstensen, the Mayor of Sturgis, and other select VIPs invite you to tour some of the iconic pubs and bars in Sturgis. What better way is there to knock back a cold one, and tour some of the icons of Sturgis? Participants in this challenge will receive the coveted Sturgis challenge coin. It's an excellent way to explore the local landscape, taste the local food, and best of all drink what the locals drink. Make memories and new friends for your travels.
Who does not like live music? The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a strong reputation of bringing in signature bands to perform for guests. There is no shortage over the scheduled ten days and nights of live music. Bands range anywhere from local gigs making a premiere, to regionally acclaimed bands looking to make the national stage, to established nationally known bands. Bring out your inner party animal and join the thousands in experiencing live, unique music. Scheduled performers include Blink 182, Insane Clown Possee, Kotton Mouth Kings, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ozzy Osbourne, and other big performers. Check out the list of performers for up to date times on these major artists.
Take the road less traveled. Ride with the VIPs in a three hour tour of the Sturgis back roads. Sturgis is the home of the Black Hills, that provide even the most experienced riders with a powerful adventure. Beautiful scenery and mountain air cover the landscape. Untouched beauty and landscape is one reason many riders do ride. See nature with your own eyes. No camera, no filter, no screen, and no windshield. Experience nature in the way it was truly intended. This guided tour will give you the gateway to a unique and one of a kind experience that only the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally can provide.


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SPA 2014 World Tournament Sets Record
24. October 2014 Ho-Hoffman Men's Tournaments, Women's Tournaments (0)
TOURNAMENT CONTINUES TO GROW IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN
DALTON , GEORGIA – It was another banner year for the SPA ORGANIZATION in 2014 as the SPA WORLDS ATTENDANCE hit a new high with 166 teams attending.
The increase in the WORLDS attendance kept pace with SPA'S overall growth for 2014. In the mid-west and east alone, SPA averaged over 40 teams per tournament drawing over 800 teams for the twenty tournaments in that region.
"This has been a very good year for SPA," SPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RIDGE HOOKS said about the 2014 tournament attendance,"The totals and the increase show that SPA is continuing to put on quality well attended tournaments which are drawing teams to our events."
Overall SPA crowned in the 80, 75 GOLD, 75 SILVER, 75 MAJOR, 70 AAA, 70 AA, 70 MAJOR, 65 AAA, 65 AA, 65 MAJOR, 65 MAJOR PLUS, 60 AAA, 60 AA, 60 MAJOR, 60 MAJOR PLUS, 55 AAA, 55 MAJOR, 50 AAA, 50 MAJOR and 50 MAJOR PLUS.
(ARTICLE ON THE 75'S, 80'S , 50'S MAJOR, 50'S MAJOR PLUS, 60 MAJOR, 60 MAJOR PLUS and 75 MAJORS have been covered previously):
50 AAA - 1. TEAM ELITE CC MIKEN (MD), RATED ATHLETES (CAL); 2.DAYTON LEGENDS HITMEN (OH) (13 TEAMS)
50 MAJOR – 1. RATED ATHLETES (CAL), 2. GOOD TIMES (FLA) (15 TEAMS)
50 MAJOR PLUS – 1. DLB SOFTBALL (WIS), 2.MID-ATLANTIC (VA) (8 TEAMS)
55 AAA – 1.DAVID BOWEN SPORTS (FLA), 2. DT EXPRESS (TN) (7 TEAMS)
55 MAJOR – 1. DOCS (OH), 2. SWEET CONSTRUCTION (NJ) (10 TEAMS)
60 AA – 1. CAVCO SPORTS (ONT,CAN); 2. TENNESSEE 60'S (TN) (5 TEAMS)
60 AAA - 1.ELITE 60'S (GA), 2. REALITY CHECK (NC) (23 TEAMS)
60 MAJOR – 1. GONZALES INSULATION (TX), 2. CRYSTAL COBRAS (NC), 2. KC KIDS (KS) (5 TEAMS)
60 MAJOR PLUS – 1. SUPERIOR SR SOFTBALL (VA), 2. MN MASTERS WHITE (MINN) (3 TEAMS)
65 AA – 1. CHICAGO HITMEN (IL). 2. THE FIRM (TENN) (9 TEAMS)
65 AAA - 1. CARRIAGE HOMES (AR), 2. US DOT JOBS (IND) (9 TEAMS)
65 MAJOR – 1. BEACH BOYZ (FL), 2. SW FLORIDA THUNDER (FL) (9 TEAMS)
65 MAJOR PLUS – 1. HAMEL BUILDERS/SUPERIOR (VA), 2. BEEF O'BRADY'S (FL) (3 TEAMS)
70 AA – 1. CHICAGO GRAT SOX (IL), 2. DAYTON LEGENDS 70'S (OH) (4 TEAMS)
70 AAA – 1. SCRAP IRON LEGACY (CO), 2. SENIOR REDBIRDS (IL) (15 TEAMS)
70 MAJOR – 1. FRANKIE BRIN FINANCIAL (FL), 2. SOUTHEAST LEFTOVERS (GA). (2 TEAMS)
75 SILVER – 1. PEACHTREE RESTAURANT (PA), 2. LOUISVILLE THUNDER (KY) (7 TEAMS)
75 GOLD – 1. CHICAGO GEEZERS (IL), 2. NEW JERSEY JAGS (NJ) (6 TEAMS)
75 MAJOR – 1. THE LEFTOVERS (GA), 2. HAMELS 75'S (MD) (4 TEAMS)
80 AAA – 1. PROHEALTH CARE (WIS), 2. TEXAS CLASSICS (TX) (5 TEAMS)
POOL AND BRACKET PLAY SCORES MAY BE FOUND ON THE SPA RESULTS PAGE AND ALSO FRONT PAGE.
TEAM ELITE /CC / MIKEN WINS SPA 2014 50 AAA WORLDS
8. October 2014 Ho-Hoffman Men's Tournaments (0)
MARYLAND TEAM RUNS MARATHON AT TO TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP
DALTON, GEORGIA – TEAM ELITE CC MIKEN got their money's worth at the SPA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS at DALTON, GEORGIA'S HERITAGE POINT PARK, using three pool games and six bracket games to win the SPA 2014 50 AAA TITLE.
The MARYLAND team went 2-1 in pool play and 5-1 in bracket play, winning their last three loser-goes-home games to win the championship.
"Our backs were definitely to the wall," SPA 50 AAA MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR and TEAM ELITE MANAGER RAY 'RINGO" JONES said, " But we went into the tournament with the attitude the tougher it was going to be, the tougher we would play."
Not a real unique strategy but the first-year team was definitely unique in another way. You sure needed a program to know who was playing where. It was almost like the ABBOTT and COSTELLO routine "WHO'S ON FIRST."
Where other teams have names like BOB, BILL, JOHN, etc, TEAM ELITE'S roster was sprinkled with names such as HILLBILLY, POPS, J HOLLYWOOD, BUZZ, 50/50, RAZ and RINGO. And they all were versatile and played different positions from one game to the next.
"Those nicknames are the ones you can print, they also have others you can't print," JONES laughed. "When we put this team together this year our main objective was the players would have versatility and be able to play at least a couple of different positions."
They needed the versatility because only twelve players made the 11-hour trip to DALTON. All 12 played in the pool games but only 11 were used in each of the bracket games with one player being kept in reserve in case of injury.
"The versatility we had played a huge part in us winning the championship," JONES said, "I had to constantly manipulate the line-up in regards to both batting order and defensive positions due to injuries."
"Falling into the loser's bracket and playing all those extra games didn't help us either," he added, "Guys were really wearing down and it was hard to find fresh legs."
After falling in the pool opener to the DAYTON HITMEN 17-12, they ran off four wins in a row beating STILL SWINGING (20-15) and NORTH GEORGIA OUTLAWS (23-15) in pool play and then SOUTHERN HURRICANES (29-23) and FINANCIAL EAGLES (15-11) in bracket playing before losing again.
"We lost to DAYTON again, this time 23-18," assistant coach JIM "50/50" GALLAGHER said, "They just beat us, it looked like we weren't ready to play. We were really inconsistent at bat and in the field."
From there on things changed for the better. What changed them?
"Let's just say we had some good dialogue between everyone," GALLAGHER said, "It wasn't a gripe session, we just discussed what we had to do better so we could really focus in on what we were here to do."
The session worked as TEAM ELITE opened SUNDAY beating FINANCIAL EAGLE 20-15 then forcing an "IF" game with a 26-17 victory over DAYTON and followed that with a 21-14 decision against DAYTON in the title game.
"That was a great feeling," JONES said, "To win a tournament against the competition in this tournament was fantastic. There really were a lot of great teams here and everyone was capable of winning it all, we just got hot on SUNDAY and that carried us through."
Earning MVP TOURNAMENT honors was SAM MANNS. The first baseman hit .861, including nine HR'S and 38 RBI'S. In addition he was involved in several key defensive double plays.
Joining MANNS on the ALL-AMERICAN TEAM were JIM "50/50" GALLAGHER (2B,.722), DARYL (HILLBILLY) BILLINGS (LCF, .727), ROBBIE WINNER (OF, .784), JIM "RAZ" RASNAKE (P,.600) and ROBERT "BUZZ" SMITH (OF, .778)
Other members of TEAM ELITE CC MIKEN are: MIKE BEDELL (DNP), MANAGER-OF-THE-YEAR RAY "RINGO" JONES (OF, .676), RANDY LOTT (DNP), BRIAN (CAVEMAN) WEIMAN ( LF, .677), CLIFF (BIG DOG) CURTAIN (DH,.583), CHRIS "POPS" FLEISCH (SS, .586), HOWARD COHEN (DNP), DANNY PIPER (DNP), BARRY LYNN (3B,.594), JIM "HOLLYWOOD" SMITH (DNP) and KEITH DELANEY (C,EH, .697)
It hasn't been an easy first year for TEAM ELITE despite winning the 50 AAA SPA WORLDS. Injuries have been common, just notice the "DNP'S" on the above roster.
"We started with eighteen players on the roster," GALLAGHER explained, "But we were never able to have more than 12-or-13 at any tournament because of injuries and other commitments. We were lucky to make it here with 12 players."
Besides all the sponsor names listed as TEAM ELITE CC MIKEN, the team is self sponsored except for some help from teammate CLIFF CURTAIN, who has a trucking company in CATONSVILLE, MARYLAND and HARDESTY HEATING AND AIR CONDITIOING plus a few other anonymous sponsors.
"As you can tell by all our nicknames, this team is really loose and has fun together," GALLAGHER said, "We all enjoy traveling and playing ball together. The chemistry is so good and everybody is willing to go that extra mile to help the team win. Playing with these guys makes playing senior softball just a much more enjoyable experience."
GALLAGHER and JONES both had high praise for RIDGE HOOKS and the SPA WORLDS.
"Other organizations can take a lesson from the way RIDGE runs the SPA tournament." they said, 'Having three umpires for the championship game is something we have never seen before and all the umpires who worked the tournament were the very best we have ever had."
"We loved the complex and the opening ceremony was just fantastic," they added, "It was really worth the long drive and it was a great experience, we will always remember."
CHICAGO GRAY SOX 70'S WIN FIRST SPA WORLD TITLE
REBOUND FROM LOSER'S BRACKET TO WIN 70 AA CROWN
DALTON, GEORGIA - The CHICAGO GRAY SOX made their first appearance as a 70's team in the SPA WORLDS a memorable one by winning the 70 AA TITLE at DALTON, GEORGIA'S HERITAGE POINT PARK SEPTEMBER 4-7.
"This wasn't just our first time winning the SPA WORLDS as a 70's team," MANAGER MIKE FOSTER said. "This was also our first ever SPA WORLD title at any age level."
The GRAY SOX, who still have eleven players (CHARLIE BYRUM, RICHIE DOUGLAS, JACK FELVER, FOSTER, GARY HEIFNER, ROY IVERSON, KENNY KIRK, ROGER LENART, WAYNE MARKETT, JERRY SANTERELLI and GARY STONE) from the original 2003 team, had to really work to win the championship.
They started out fine winning both pool games against LEIDEN'S LEGENDS (24-10), DAYTON LEGENDS (20-16), and their first bracket game 11-4 against LEIDEN'S again. But an 18-12 loss to DAYTON in the second round ushered the GRAY SOX into the dreaded losers' bracket.
"We were surprised how strong the 70 AA competition was," FOSTER said. "Nobody was able to run away with the title and every team was capable of winning it all."
After catching their second wind, The GRAY SOX knocked off the INDIANAPOLIS CLASSICS (13-10) and then forced an "IF" game with DAYTON by escaping with a 10-9 win.
"That was a close one," FOSTER said. "Our defense was the difference.
" The GRAY SOX had everything working in the title game beating the OHIO team 20-11 for the championship.
"We were really tired after that championship game," FOSTER said. "It was our fourth game of the day (11:00,12:30, 2:00, 3:30) and third against DAYTON. We were really worried about them coming into the tournament because they handled us pretty well at SYLVANIA, OHIO."
FOSTER said the biggest key to them winning the tournament was the entire roster.
"We play everyone on the roster and rotate them not only every game but even every few innings," he explained. "It keeps everyone fresh and makes a huge difference, especially at age 70. We don't lose anything with the changes because most of us are about even in playing ability."
One player, who did not rotate much was tournament MVP JIM DUCHARME, who led the team in hitting.
Joining DUCHARME on the ALL-AMERICAN team were DOUGLAS, IVERSON, STONE, JACK ZUZAK and JIM MANNING.
Others on the team are: EDDIE ACCOMANDO, ROGER LENART, JACK WATKINS, EDDIE DUNN and JIM HANDLEY.
KIRK Received the SPA 70 AA MANAGE-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD. KIRK, who has been the third base coach and assistant manager all year, ran the team in DALTON.
In addition to the large travel team roster, the GRAY SOX also have a faithful fan base which accompanies them. Serving as cheerleaders, social planners and "nurses" to the team are BARB DOUGLES, CONNIE DUCHARME, RONI WIDRI, KATHLEEN DUNN, BONNIE BYRUM, DIANNE FOSTER, and LINDA HEIFNER
. "The wives have been a great support group to us at all of our tournaments and we really appreciate them," FOSTER said.
Even though the team is self sponsored, they do attend a lot of tournaments.
"DALTON was our EIGHTH this year and the only we one we won," FOSTER said. "We usually try to attend 10 or 11 each year, with most being around our area."
Comparing the SPA WORLDS to others the GRAY SOX have played, FOSTER had this to say,
"The SPA WORLDS are great. It is a tremendous facility, the umpires are outstanding and the competition is excellent.", the manager said, " The OPENING CEREMONIES and the WIVES BREAKFAST are just fantastic. No other organization has anything like that. RIDGE (HOOKS) and SPA really do a great job with their WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. We certainly look forward to attending it again."


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Pakistan is an Islamic nation. Hence, Eid is the most critical celebration for the residents of the nation. It is recently the same as Christians observe Christmas and Hindus observe Diwali or Holi. The Eid festivities in Pakistan begin a month prior to the eve of Eid amid the sacred month of Ramadan. Commercial centers are embellished with conventional beautiful things and shining with lights.
Regardless of Muslims being occupied in taking after the strict standards of fasting their eagerness does not diminish. It just develops with every agonizing second as Eid is coming. Amid Ramadan, they finish their homes and get ready presents for their friends and family. It is likewise the best time to go for shopping as retailers offer rebates and other alluring alternatives. Everybody purchases new garments to wear on the huge day.
On the propitious day when the sickle moon will be found in the sky, individuals wake up ahead of schedule and prepare in their new garments to go to mosque. They offer broad supplications and tune in to the sermon of Imam. Young men too go with their older folks in the mosque.At home womenfolk get ready flavorful Eid rarities in the wake of offering petitions themselves. Relatives and companions accumulate and praise the celebration throughout the day.
In Pakistan, Eid-Ul-Fitr is likewise called as 'Meethi Eid' (Sweet Eid) and Eid-Ul-Adha is called as 'Bakra Eid' (Sacrifice Eid). On both Eid, Sheer Khurma is an absolute necessity to be the piece of dining experiences at homes.
It is an uncommon dish made by blending dates and drain, which is cooked till one-fourth of the first amount is left in an open skillet. Sheer Khurma is served alongside sweet wheat noodles. Shops too are loaded with different desserts. Numerous sweetshop proprietors offer their exceptional dishes. The majority of these desserts comprise of goat meat blended with Khoya and khurma.
Eid is not just a one day appear in Pakistan. The merriments proceed for around a month. The whole air is loaded with celebrations and each heart is doused into it. In spite of every one of these merriments, Muslims in Pakistan observe Eid in most basic way that could be available. They appreciate however don't exaggerate anything. Rather they give cash for philanthropy purposes. All things considered, the lesson of Eid is to bring a grin on other individuals' countenances and obliterate the underhandedness inside.


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By Amid Amidi | 03/25/2019 10:05 pm | Be the First to Comment!
Vancouver, Canada animation artists who worked on hit cg feature Sausage Party were handed a major victory this week from the Canadian government after the British Columbia Employment Standards Branch ruled that workers were entitled to receive overtime pay for their work on the 2016 film.
Unifor filed the complaint two-and-a-half years ago, following allegations that first surfaced on Cartoon Brew's comments section from animators who claimed they had not been paid overtime for their work on the film.
The B.C. Employment Standards Branch ruling requires Nitrogen (now owned by Cinesite) to open its books and pay any outstanding overtime along with a nominal $500 fine. A PDF of the government ruling can be read HERE.
In response to the complaint, Cinesite had originally claimed that employees were not entitled to the overtime pay specified in the province's Employment Standards Act, because animation artists were high-technology professionals developing information systems. The Employment Standard Branch's investigating officer, however, ruled that the exclusion did not apply to studio workers whose primary job was using commercially available software to create visual effects.
According to Unifor, the high-tech exclusion is used often by animation, vfx, and gaming studios in British Columbia as a loophole to exempt them from the province's rules on work hours, overtime, and statutory holidays.
Currently, not a single animation, vfx, or gaming studio in Vancouver is unionized, but different initiatives by unions like Unifor and IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) are working to change that situation. "If we can do this for non-union workers, imagine what animators could do if they unionized and negotiated their own contract," Moreau said.
On Wednesday, March 27, a townhall is being held for Titmouse Vancouver workers to explain the benefits of unionization. If you work at the studio, you can register to attend HERE. The event is organized by the Art Babbitt Appreciation Society, a group of artists in Vancouver who are working to improve the working conditions at local studios.


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Republican American
WATERBURY - The caucuses of about 20 geese after having been struck by a vehicle near Lakewood Road, across from Lakewood Park earlier this month. The Lakewood Neighborhood Association hosted speakers from Audubon Connecticut this week who discussed ways to prevent similar incidents in the future, as well as ways to support bird populations in the park and neighborhood. Contributed
WATERBURY – The caucuses of about 20 geese after having been struck by a vehicle near Lakewood Road, across from Lakewood Park earlier this month. The Lakewood Neighborhood Association hosted speakers from Audubon Connecticut this week who discussed ways to prevent similar incidents in the future, as well as ways to support bird populations in the park and neighborhood. Contributed
One neighbor called it "premeditated assassination" – a driver's mowing down of 20 Canada geese on Lakewood Road earlier this month.
The neighbor made the comment Monday to two representatives from Connecticut Audubon who spoke at a meeting of the Lakewood Neighborhood Association.
"We basically wanted to know how the Audubon Society felt about this incident and what possibly can we do in the future," said Chuck Bosse, president of the Lakewood Neighborhood Association. "They were really, really touched and upset by what happened."
On June 10, a driver struck a group of about 20 geese crossing Lakewood Road, smearing their remains all over the roadway in a collision so violent it apparently ripped the front bumper off the car.
Police tracked the person to whom the license plate belonged, but the individual claimed not to have been the driver, officials said at the time.
Police did not immediately respond to a request for an update on the investigation's status.
Lisa Palladino, operations manager for Connecticut Audubon and a resident of the Lakewood neighborhood, and Leslie Kane, director of Audubon Center Bent of the River in Southbury, discussed preventing similar incidents and supporting bird life in and around Lakewood Park.
"When Lisa told me what happened to the geese in the neighborhood here, it was really tragic because first of all it just happened, but second of all it happened in a way the person who did it didn't take responsibility for what they did," Kane said. "That really kind of struck me, that someone could do that much and not have any feeling about it."
Kane told the group that the incident, while a tragedy, can serve as motivation for neighbors to protect and encourage the many bird species in Lakewood Park and its surroundings.
Palladino said she's counted 37 species of bird just in her backyard on Farmwood Road.
"You have a lot of opportunities to take care of the birds that you have, to attract other birds that maybe aren't there," Kane said. "There are ways that you guys and your other neighbors can take care of the landscape around your houses, around the park."
For instance, she said, growing native plants in yards and public spaces ensures birds will have the proper insects to feed their young.
Providing cover, and having plenty of water and seed available are also helpful, she said.
It's important, she told the group, because migrating birds need places to stop. By the time they have returned to Connecticut from the south, they've lost most of their body fat and crave fuel to keep going.
"Hummingbirds were really stressed this year because of the cold, wet weather we had," she said. "It is critical that we help feed them because they don't have the flowers that they used to have everywhere."
Equally important, she cautioned is to not feed the Canada geese at all.
Once a migratory bird, many of the geese now spend their winters in Connecticut, and one reason why, she said, is that they are fed by people.
That, in turn, encourages those geese that have been migrating to remain here in the winter, too, because they have friends, food and a warming climate in the state.
It also contributes, she said, to the rise of vermin, which consume the human food and even birdseed left behind by the geese.
During a question-and-answer session, one resident asked if a bridge could be built across Lakewood Road to allow the geese to safely cross the road to the other side of the pond.
"There are a lot of cities and towns that have put in wildlife tunnels, and then the animals get sort of herded in there by fencing," Kane said. "They've done it for turtles, they've done it for deer."
Bosse said he didn't expect a tunnel to be feasible in this case.
In the meanwhile, he said, the group uses Nextdoor.com, an online social network for neighborhoods, to share information that might lead to finding the hit-and-run driver.
"One of the things about this whole situation is that if we keep it in the light that it's happened, and we offer different thoughts, ideas, information," Kane said, "then maybe some good will come out of it."
Contact Mike Patrick at mpatrick@rep-am.com, on Twitter @RA_MikePatrick or on Facebook at RA. Mike. Patrick.
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The Sedona Heritage Museum is a volunteer-run organization that provides all our services and programs through memberships, Museum admissions and Gift Shop sales, gifts and grants.There are many ways you can support our efforts.
If you would appreciate personal assistance or have questions, please contact us at (928) 282-7038. Join today and start taking advantage of the benefits of membership from free admission to discounts in the Museum Gift Shop and more, depending on level of membership. Gifts to the Museum are gratefully received at any time and are often fully-tax deductible. These gifts may support operations or specific programs. Remembering the Society and the Museum with a legacy gift will insure the long-term and on-going care of and access to the artifacts, photos and stories of our history. We have a fund we are currently building for the initiation of an endowment fund. To learn more call us at (928) 282-7038. Show the community and museum visitors from around the world that you appreciate Sedona's unique history by sponsoring an event, exhibition or education program at the Sedona Heritage Museum. We will proudly acknowledge your support through a variety of recognition programs. The Sedona Heritage Museum's object and library collections continue to grow thanks to the generosity of residents and past residents. Do you have artifacts or historic photos, home movies, products by Sedona authors or artists – any item that might contribute to a current or future understanding of Sedona culture?


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The Benchwright Square Coffee Table the price of which has been reduced to $800, is one of the smallest tables offered at the store. The model is made of kiln-dried solid poplar and veneers whilst the multi-step antique finish stands for the moisture resistance of the table. Even though this coffee table is perfect for small spaces it has an ample storage drawer and a large shelf underneath for additional storage. This table is very rich in its unique character and can easily create a fantastic statement in any room it is placed in.
Another fabulous model within coffee tables for small spaces is the Lucille Coffee Table offered at the Pottery Barn. This steel crafted table has a tempered glass top that adds a contemporary touch to the model. The upper two shelves are swiveling for extra versatility and style. The unique feel and texture of the table are provided with the hand distressed look. With its 30″ diameter and 20″ height the coffee table will suit into small living spaces providing vertical versatility. Like all glass tables, the maintenance of this model is not difficult. You just need to wipe clean with a damp soft cloth.


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package org.pentaho.di.ui.spoon;

import java.util.Locale;

import org.pentaho.di.core.EngineMetaInterface;
import org.w3c.dom.Node;

public interface FileListener {

  public boolean open(Node transNode, String fname, boolean importfile);

  public boolean save(EngineMetaInterface meta, String fname,boolean isExport);

  public void syncMetaName(EngineMetaInterface meta,String name);

  public boolean accepts(String fileName);

  public boolean acceptsXml(String nodeName);

  public String[] getSupportedExtensions();

  public String[] getFileTypeDisplayNames(Locale locale);

  public String getRootNodeName();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Illinois Matrimonial & Family Law
Deviation from Child Support
by Wes Cowell; updated 11 April 2017 -- suggest a correction
The percentage guidelines for Illinois child supportare only guidelines — courts deviate from the guidelinesall the time as long as there is a good reason for doing so. Need advice? Call, leave your info, or schedulescheduleschedule a consult.
Background: The percentage guidelines in Illinois law (750 ILCS 5/505(a)(1)) are mandated by federal law and are based on a lot of research into the expenditures families make for, and the cost of, rearing children. See, 45 C.F.R. 300, et seq. Not every family fits into the statistical pattern, however, so Illinois law gives judges the leeway to deviate from the guidelines when circumstances warrant. The law says the guidelines must be used unless the court finds a reason for deviating from the guidelines:
(2) The above guidelines shall be applied in each case unless the court finds that a deviation from the guidelines is appropriate after considering the best interest of the child in light of the evidence . . . .
750 ILCS 5/505(a)(2)
In the granddaddy of all "deviation" cases William Blaisdell argued his assumption that under Section 505(a), courts are mandated to follow literally the schedule for child support. The Illinois Appellate Court handed him a quick loss, saying:
"If this reading is correct, the function of the court is reduced to that of a computer or robot. In this case, the sole function of the court would be to determine the net income of the noncustodial parent, determine the number of children, and calculate the amount of child support by applying the percentage of net income stated in the schedule. However, respondent has failed to show that the statute can or should be read to effectively prohibit judicial discretion."
Boris v. Blaisdell, 142 Ill.App.3d 1034, 97 Ill.Dec. 186, 492 N.E.2d 622, (Ill. App. 1 Dist., 1986).
Blaisdell is a good "lawyer's case" in part because it became a battle of titans -- William had an amicus breif filed by "Men International, Inc.," and his former wife had one filed by the Women's Legal Defense Fund out of Washington, DC. -- but also because it lays out the legislative history of Illinois' child support laws and includes bits of legislative testimony and explains the pre-legislative de facto guidelines used by local circuit courts.
Any deviation must serve the "best interest of the child," must be supported by one or more of the law's proscribed "deviation factors," and must be spelled out in detail in the resulting child support order.
That means first we must calculate what child support would be using the guidelines and then we may argue about whether the support award should deviate upwards or downwards (those are the terms lawyers and judges use: "upward deviations" and "downward deviations") from the guidelines.
The Illinois Appellate Court has said "[T]he trial court cannot blindly apply the statutory guidelines. Where the relevant factors call for variance from the guidelines, variances should be made." In re: Marriage of Carnes and Dressen, 215 Ill.App.3d 166, 574 N.E.2d 845, 158 Ill.Dec. 732) (4th Dist., 1991), citing In re: Marriage of Tatham, 173 Ill.App.3d 1072, 1093, 123 Ill.Dec. 576, 588, 527 N.E.2d 1351, 1363 (5th Dist.,1988).
If you agree to a deviation from the guidelines, you still must convince the judge that the deviation is warranted. Judges nix such agreements all the time.
The Statutory Factors: Illinois' child support law (750 ILCS 5/505(a)(2)) lays out six factors that the court may consider when weighing whether to allow a support award that deviates from the statutory guidelines. The list is not exclusive; that is, the law means "including but not limited to . . . ." The six factors are:
(a) the financial resources and needs of the child: Children sometimes receive Social Security or other benefits and sometimes are the beneficiaries of inheritances and bequests. In In re: Marriage of Newberry, 346 Ill.App.3d 556, 805 N.E.2d 640 (3d Dist., 2004), the couple had two biological children and three adopted children. They received State subsidies for the three adopted children. The mother obtained custody upon the divorce and received the monthly $1700 State subsidy. The mother sought 45% of father net income as child support for five children. The appellate court affirmed the award of only 25% – for the two biological children of the parties – reasoning that the mother already received adequate support for the three adopted children.
(b) the financial resources and needs of the parents: Sometimes application of the percentage guidelines results in an award that would be unfair to the obligor (the parent paying support), insufficient to the recipient, or a windfall to the recipient.
The needs of the obligor: This factor comes into play mostly when a husband fathers a child outside the marriage. Consider the case where a husband has a wife and three kids and then fathers a child with a woman not his wife. The child support calculation for that child born outside the marriage would result in a 20% child support award. That would severely impact the children born to the marriage. This factor allows the court to deviate from the statutory percentage guidelines to work fairness for all of the parties, including the children. See my article: New Family / Second Divorce
Recipient's Windfall / Affluent Parents / The Prodigious Non-Custodial Parent: In determining child support the "utility of the statutory guidelines decreases as incomes of the parties increase." Department of Public Aid ex rel. Nale v. Nale, 294 Ill.App.3d 747, 754, 229 Ill.Dec. 5, 10, 690 N.E.2d 1052, 1057 ($th Dist., 1998). A reduction in child support from the guidelines is warranted where the guideline support amount would result in a windfall to the receiving parent. In re: Marriage of Ackerley, 333 Ill.App.3d 382, 775 N.E.2d 1045 (2d Dist., 2002). Marriage of Bush v. Turner, 191 Ill.App.3d 249, 138 Ill.Dec. 423, 547 N.E.2d 590 (4th Dist., 1989). When an award based on the guidelines seems far in excess of the reasonable needs of the child, variance from the guidelines is warranted. Marriage of Bush v. Turner, 191 Ill.App.3d 249, 138 Ill.Dec. 423, 547 N.E.2d 590 (4th Dist., 1989), In re: Marriage of Lee, 246 Ill.App.3d 628, 186 Ill.Dec. 257, 615 N.E.2d 1314 (4th Dist., 1993).
In re: Marriage of Scafuri, 203 Ill.App.3d 385, 149 Ill.Dec. 124, 561 N.E.2d 402 (2d Dist., 1990) is the seminal case dealing with high-income parents. The Second District Appellate court said:
One commentator has expressed the view that the support schedules contained in the statute have less utility as the net income of the parties increases because the schedules are premised upon percentages related to average child-rearing expenses. (See K. Levin, The Use (and Abuse) of Child Support Schedules in Illinois, 71 Ill.B.J. 314 (1983).) We agree with this assessment. When dealing with above-average incomes, the specific facts of each case become more critical in determining whether the guidelines should be adhered to.
While we cannot be certain from this passage that the court intended a portion of the child support award to be ersatz maintenance for Pamela, we note that any such practice would be improper. Child support is for the support of the children, and maintenance is for the support of the spouse. While the two concepts are related, one should not be substituted for the other.
In re: Marriage of Scafuri, 203 Ill.App.3d 385, 392-93 149 Ill.Dec. 124, 128-29, 561 N.E.2d 402, 406-07 (2d Dist., 1990).
(c) the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved: Also referred to as "Lifestyle Factor" it comes into play most often in cases with a non-custodial, high-income parent (think, professional athlete). On the one hand, application of the percentage guidelines would result in a bare windfall for the custodial parent far in excess of the needs of the child. On the other hand, the court should consider the lifestyle the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not dissolved.
A deviation in child support from the guidelines is warranted where the guideline support amount would result in a windfall to the receiving parent. On the other hand, child support is not limited merely to the needs of the child and the court may consider the standard of living that the child would have enjoyed had the parents not divorced. In re: Marriage of Bussey, 108 Ill.2d 286, 91 Ill.Dec.594, 483 N.E.2d 1229 (1995) (". . . children are not expected to live in a minimum level of comfort while the non-custodial parent is living a life of luxury"), In re: Marriage of Singletary, 293 Ill.App.3d 25, 227 Ill.Dec. 598, 687 N.E.2d 1080 (1st Dist., 1997); In re: Marriage of Osborne, 206 Ill.App.3d 588, 151 Ill.Dec. 663, 564 N.E.2d 1325 (5th Dist., 1990).
(d) the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the child: Illness, developmental delays, disabilities, and other factors make some kids' needs more costly than others. In such cases the court may deviate from the statutory percentage guidelines
(d-5) the educational needs of the child: Sometimes parents agree to send kids to private school and to have the obligor pay the tuition and other expenses and, in consideration of those payments, the obligor receives a downward deviation from the percentage guideline award. There are also cases where a child needs extra help and attention and the educational expenses are greater. Illinois judges are specifically authorized to consider these costs and payments and to deviate from the percentage guidelines.
The Prodigious Custodial Parent: The court may consider the situation where a custodial parent with a relatively large income would receive an amount of support from the non-custodial parent that would result in a financial unfairness for the children. In In re: Marriage of Berberet, 2012 IL App (4th) 110749, 362 Ill.Dec. 869, 974 N.E.2d 417, the percentage guideline child support award from father to mother would have left the father with less than half of the monthly income realized by the mother. That would have negatively impacted his relationship with the kids and that would not be in the children's best interest. Thus, the downward deviation was allowed.
Robust Parnting Schedule: See my article: Robust Parenting Schedule Lowers Support.
Specific Findings Required: The Illinois child support law says
(2) The above guidelines shall be applied in each case unless the court finds that a deviation from the guidelines is appropriate after considering the best interest of the child in light of the evidence, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following relevant factors:
(a) the financial resources and needs of the child;
(b) the financial resources and needs of the parents;
(c) the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved;
(d) the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the child; and
(d-5) the educational needs of the child.
If the court deviates from the guidelines, the court's finding shall state the amount of support that would have been required under the guidelines, if determinable. The court shall include the reason or reasons for the variance from the guidelines.
Failure to include specific findings justifying a deviation from the guidelines warrants reversal. In re: Marriage of Charles, 284 Ill. App. 3d 339, 672 N.E.2d 57, 219 Ill.Dec. 742, (4th Dist., 1996). If findings are left out, or if your findings lack specificity, the order is susceptible to being vacated if a motion is timely filed or reversed if an appeal is filed.
Court Not Required to Make Specific Findings on Each Factor: In In re: Marriage of Melamed (2016 IL App (1st) 141453) the court deviated from guidelines (from $400 to $5,912 / month) and made specific findings supporting its decision. THe court, however, did not not make a specific finding on EACH factor. The obligor appealed arguing that hte ruling was fatally deficient. The appellate court, affirming, said:
Noticeably, when deviating from the guidelines, the word "shall" is absent from the factors the trial court considers. The lack of the word "shall" here, while present in other parts of subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) indicates that the legislature does not specifically require the court to consider each factor located at subsections (a)(2)(a) to (e) when determining the best interest of the child. 750 ILCS 5/505(a)(2)(a)-(e) (West 2012).
In In re: Marriage of Melamed (2016 IL App (1st) 141453 @ P34)
Split Custody: In cases of "split custody" (one child lives with Mom and one with Dad), Illinois precedent suggests that the court may disregard the guidelines entirely. "In split custody cases a trial court may disregard the statutory guidelines in the Act and may instead consider the factors in section 505 of the Act." In re: Marriage of Steadman, 283 Ill.App.3d 703, 708 , 670 N.E.2d 1146, 1150 (3d Dist., 1996). "A strict mathematical application of the guidelines where there is split custody of the children is not contemplated by the Statute." In re: Marriage of Keown, 225 Ill.App. 3d at 812, 167 Ill.Dec. at 378, 587 N.E.2d at 647.
Burden of Proof: The party seeking the deviation -- whether up or down -- bears the burden of proving that the deviation is warranted. In re: Marriage of Maczko, 263 Ill. App. 3d 991, 636 N.E.2d 559, 201 Ill. Dec. 127 (1st. Dist., 1992); In re: Marriage of Olsen, 223 Ill. App. 3d 636, 585 N.E.2d 1082, 166 Ill. Dec. 60 (2d Dist., 1990); In re: Marriage of DeGironomo, 206 Ill. App. 3d 1019, 565 N.E.2d 189, 151 Ill. Dec. 918 (1990), citing Ivany v. Granoff, 171 Ill. App. 3d, 411, 526 N.E.2d 189, 122 Ill. Dec. 49 (1988).
Standard of Proof: To win a deviation from the guidelines, the movant must present the court with compelling evidence justifying the deviation.
Section 505 of the Act creates a rebuttable presumption the specified percentage of a noncustodial parent's income represents an appropriate child support award. (citation omitted) See, In re Marriage of Charles, 284 Ill.App.3d 339, 346-47, 219 Ill.Dec. 742, 672 N.E.2d 57, 63 (4th Dist., 1996). This presumption cannot be negated unless compelling evidence shows reason for the deviation.
In re: Marriage of Demattia, 302 Ill.App.3d 390, 235 Ill.Dec. 807, 706 N.E.2d 67 (Ill. App. 4 Dist., 1999), citing In re Marriage of Stanley, 279 Ill.App.3d 1083 1085, 216 Ill.Dec. 890, 666 N.E.2d 340, 341 (4th 1996)
"Compelling reasons must be presented to overcome the presumption that child support guidelines will be applied."
Department of Public Aid ex rel. Nale v. Nale, 294 Ill. App. 3d. 747, 690 N.E.2d 1052 229 Ill. Dec. 5 (1998)
Ignore those pre-1992 cases for "Upward Deviations:" The percentage guidelines set the minimum amount of support. The court may deviate downward from the guidelines but it must make specific findings as to the reason for doing so. It used to be that the guidelines could be exceeded without specific findings or by agreement of the parties -- you'll find plenty of cases out there from the 80's and early 90's that say that, but that sentence of the law was changed in 1992. The old law:
"If the court orders a lower award, based on consideration of the factors in paragraphs (2)(a) through (2)(e) of subsection (a) of this Section, it shall make express findings as to its reason for doing so. The guidelines may be exceeded by the court without express findings, or by agreement of the parties." or by agreement of the parties." Ill.Rev.Stat.1987, ch. 40, pars. 505(a)(2).
"If the court deviates from the guidelines, the court's finding shall state the amount of support that would have been required under the guidelines, if determinable. The court shall include the reason or reasons for the variance from the guidelines." 750 ILCS 5/505 (a)(2)
The Takeaway: Ultimately, in determining child support, the court must consider and weigh the relative financial needs and resources of the parties and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not dissolved. The general gist is to work equity between the parties to serve the childrens' best interest.
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Q: How to add count (count+1) in cell B1 if A1 criterion is matched on a daily base for Google Sheets? A1: =IF(ABS(D2)>6, "hi", "no")
what should be the formula to accumulate the COUNT in cell B1 on a daily base?
I had tried B1: =IF(A1="hi", COUNTIF(A1,"hi"),"") but seems not what I need.
note: related to this - https://stackoverflow.com/a/25292163/5632629

A:
There are complicated ways which use Scripts to perform such a task.
  Those ways are much efficient and robust.

Important Note! This works only if the only changing variable is A1
The solution I came up with is a quick fix.
You need to first enable Iterative Calculation and set the Max iteration value to 1.

File > Spreadsheet Settings > Calculations

Then you can use =IF(A1 ="hi", SUM(B1,1),SUM(B1,0)) at B1.
Check the Google Sheets in which I tried this one
Again, this is not a perfect solution. For better results, consider writing a script to automate the process.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Tag Ugir Chotskie
November 24, 2015 Grant	Leave a comment
Ugir strolled through the streets of the city with hands stuffed in his pockets and his tattered jacket drawn tight against the cold evening air. Around his neck hung a necklace with a single clear crystal and compared to the rest of his attire, the necklace was the only valuable thing he had. A few people looked at him briefly as they strutted by. He could almost hear their laughter at him. They might not laugh out loud, but he knew they were snickering under their breath.
They were all so stupid, so annoying. So…small minded. Always laughing at him, always shouting at him for being different. What had he ever done to deserve such treatment? Nothing. Not one damn thing and yet, they still did.
But things were different now. Ever since he had found the book everything had changed. Now he knew that he wasn't alone. The things that he could do did not make him different. They had always made him better, made him stronger. At first he could only do simple things, but now, with the crystal, he was so much better.
Ugir kicked viciously at a rock on the sidewalk, watching it skitter away into the distance sliding to a stop at the foot of a sandy colored building. A government building no less. He strode up to the bottom and looked up one of the carved columns holding up the roof. Some Latin was carved into edge of the stone roof. He scowled at it, people always thought that a dead language made them look smarter. He scoffed at it and went on his way. While he despised the government this was not the proper spot, it didn't have the right feel to it.
It was close though, he could sense the direction he needed to go. Not long now. Not long till the laughing stopped, till the mocking ended.
Finally he was there. The massive buildings stretched up into the sky. A monument to the rich, to the privileged. They were the ones that laughed the loudest, mocking his rags and his depravity. They thought they were safe in their fancy cars and their fancy buildings. They had all the money in the world and they thought they were safe.
Dead men. The lot of them. Fuck the rules of the book. He had power now, power to do away with the world. Nothing could stop him.
Ugir planted himself in the center of the crossroads and started to draw the power to him. Its exhilarating feel drew a wicked smile across his face. Oh how they laughed at him when they found out what he could do. What threat was a man in rags?
He called more power to him, channeling it through his crystal necklace before wrapping it tighter around his fist. The rags of his jacket fluttered slightly on his skinny frame as he drew himself up. Enough of this place, he thought, he was a master of his form, not some street beggar to be pitied. Fuck the rules, fuck this life. He had enough.
The drab colors of the city began to waver around him, furthering his twisted smile. They would finally know exactly what it was he could do. The whole world would know.
When he could barely contain the power whirling around him he bent down and released it all into the ground. A deafening explosion rocked the city. A few of the oldest buildings crumbled in a plume of dust. For a moment he wondered if he had done it wrong. Ugir saw red. The book had been wrong!
The ground shuddered slightly before it thrust upwards with an angry roar. Like waves on water, the earth shook up and down violently, spreading outwards from him in a destructive path. Entire buildings collapsed, vehicles were tossed about like toys. Wave after wave of rock spread outwards from him, turning the city to dust.
All the while, Ugir stood at the epicenter, chuckling softly to himself as silence began to fall on the now lifeless city. Finally, he had the last laugh.


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The "Potsdam" Worker Houses
The Potsdam Cottages built for Colt's Willow Ware Factory employees. (Photo taken in 2020)
Photo Credit: Nick Caito
Industrialist, Samuel Colt, and his successors pioneered the development of the revolver which had cultural, historical, and geographic impacts on the City of Hartford. Samuel was a paternalistic employer and the Potsdam Cottages were an integral part of his industrial village.
The Potsdam Cottages are contributing buildings to the Coltsville Historic District which is registered as a National Historic Landmark District.
2 listed
Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot
The "Potsdam" Worker Houses, or "Potsdam Cottages, were built in 1858 to house Samuel Colt's Willow Ware factory employees.
The Colt Willow Ware factory was one of Samuel Colt's enterprising ideas meant to make use of the resources around him. To hold back the periodic flooding's of the Connecticut River, Samuel built a two mile dyke in 1855, to ensure that South Meadows would remain dry. To stabilize the dyke, French Osier Willow Trees were planted. In 1858, Samuel saw the opportunity for a new business adventure in the making of wicker furniture, by collecting the branches from the willow trees.
Colt, wanting to ensure that his wicker work was top quality, looked to hire the best craftsmen who lived in Prussia. To entice the workers to move to Hartford, Colt had the houses and factory built to resemble houses found in Potsdam, Germany and were built in a 'Swiss Chalet' style. Frederick Kunkle, one of Samuel's trusted aids, traveled across Europe recruiting German workers to work at the Colt Willow Ware Factory and move into the new Potsdam Village.
The Potsdam Cottages were built of brick and set in a wooden frame with long overhanging cornices, exaggerated scallops and outdoor staircases leading to the second level. Each Cottage was built to house two families.
To help ease the new immigrants into their life in Hartford and to retain them as workers, Samuel not only built houses but he also opened an area for gardening and a raising livestock, built a beer hall and vineyard. The workers were encouraged to maintain their traditional lifestyle and ethnic heritage.
The Colt Willow Ware Manufacturing Company opened in 1859 and for 14 years, the company produced top quality wicker items including baskets, chairs, wagons, and cradles. By 1863, the Colt Willow Ware Factory employed over one hundred workers and the products were being marketed not only across the United States, but in Cuba and South America as well. In 1873, the factory was destroyed in a fire and was never rebuilt.
Twelve cottages were originally built, with nine remaining today, all under private ownership. In 1976 they were designated a part of the Colt Industrial District in the National Register of Historic Places and in 2008 they became contributing buildings to the Coltsville Historic District which is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
While all of the cottages have undergone various modifications, but they serve as a reminder to the immigrant culture that Samuel Colt celebrated.
Please be respectful of those who currently reside in these properties.
Coltsville National Historical Park
samuel colt
connecticut history
elizabeth hart colt
industrial america
Last updated: April 7, 2021


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Can innovation help fix the world's overwhelmed humanitarian system?
Can innovation help fix the world's overwhelmed humanitarian system? https://v3.aid.technology/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Innovation.jpg 580 290 AID:Tech AID:Tech https://v3.aid.technology/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Innovation.jpg May 22, 2016 August 14, 2017
Antipathy towards working with the military and the private sector may have to make way if the buzz surrounding innovation is to result in real change
This article was originally published by Clár Ní Chonghaile on The Guardian
"If necessity is the mother of invention, then the aid industry should be frothing with ideas and gearing up to showcase new products and processes when humanitarians gather to start work on redesigning the overwhelmed and outdated system this month.
Innovation is a key theme for the world humanitarian summit in Istanbul and it dovetails with the rather dispiriting rationale for this first-of-its-kind meeting: that the aid system is failing and needs to be reformed if it is to cope with protracted, increasingly frequent, manmade and natural crises.
But while innovation is becoming a buzzword, and #ReShapeAid and#TalkInnovation are gaining traction on Twitter, an April report found that little is known about how to flick the innovation switch in organisations bound by red tape.
The report, More Than Just Luck, was produced by the Humanitarian Innovation Fund (Hif) and Alnap, a humanitarian action learning network. Together, they analysed 11 case studies over two years to see which new ideas worked and why.
"Humanitarian innovation has never been so popular and yet, when we look at the amount of attention given, there seems to be a lack of clarity," said Alice Obrecht, one of the co-authors.
Innovation has become more mainstream, according to Kim Scriven, manager of the Hif, because there is an ever greater need to do more with less, and a growing role for the private sector in development. But if processes do not speed up, enthusiasm could sour, and the innovation agenda could be hijacked.
"If the mainstream doesn't act, more radical actors will step in. This will change the nature of the system," Scriven said.
Dr Jemilah Mahmood, under secretary general for partnerships at theInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said there has been an "explosion of discussion around innovation" in the past five years. But Mahmood, head of the world humanitarian summit secretariat until she stepped down last year, cautioned that there are still hurdles.
One stems from traditional antipathy towards the private sector. "Sometimes I can't understand [this resistance], because it is like it is taboo," she said. "It's slowly changing … why not have a kind of Dragon's Den for the humanitarian sector, where you pitch ideas?"
A catch-all term, innovation can range from using 3D printers in the field to reaching communities by translating information into local languages. Other innovations touched on in the report include employing technology to track aid in insecure environments, for instance through simulated field visits in central Somalia (pdf), and using disaster microinsurance for small businesses in India.
"That's really promising," said Scriven of the last of these ideas, "because it will totally change the dynamics of the system. Instead of going to an international agency for a handout, you go to your insurance provider and say, 'This contract says you need to pay me in that event' – and that's what people will use to get back on their feet."
In Istanbul, the UN hopes to launch a global alliance for humanitarian innovation(pdf), which is meant to break down barriers by bringing people from different sectors together to tackle the main humanitarian challenges.
Scriven says coordination is fundamental, citing efforts to tackle drainage problems in refugee camps as an example.
"You get these huge puddles that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and diseases, but nobody owns that problem. So we brought together people from business, the humanitarian sector and academia. We did research to see who is doing flood management in the UK, who is doing drainage in cities like Amsterdam, who has that real expertise and how can we get them to sit down with humanitarians to look at those specific questions. That's where there is real scope for the private sector to get involved," he said.
Using military knowledge in natural disasters has also long been taboo.
Josiah Kaplan and Evan Easton-Calabria are researching what humanitarians can learn from the military in fields such as ICT, drones and robotics. Kaplan, a research associate with the University of Oxford humanitarian innovation project, acknowledged that aid workers still fear they could be associated with military agendas.
"This isn't to discount the very serious potential dangers posed by diffusion of military innovations into humanitarian practice … Nonetheless, we believe innovation is an important area for learning and a valuable space for constructive engagement and dialogue between two communities long known for their strong mutual distrust," Kaplan said.
Sometimes, good ideas get locked in one organisation and are never shared. An institutional fear of failure, among donors and NGOs, can also hinder innovation.
Rebecca Petras, of Translators without Borders, which launched Words of Relief – described as the first crisis relief translation network – in west Africa during the Ebola crisis, said funding flexibility was critical to allow her organisation to try ideas and accept failures. The Ebola emergency propelled their core message – that communication is key – into the mainstream.
"It was a transformative moment for us … It wasn't until the Ebola crisis, and far into the Ebola crisis, that that message was resonating with responders," she said.
For Mahmood, the Istanbul summit is just the beginning, a view echoed by many observers. "It's what happens after the summit that is important. How do we keep the discussion on innovation going? I think we've got the ball rolling."
Even those who advocate change warn that innovation is not a panacea and that addressing the aid industry's systemic problems – bureaucracy, lack of accountability and inflexible funding – is still critical.
"It would be naive to think [technology and innovation] will deliver wider change in the humanitarian system," said Scriven. "It is imperative [for us] not to gloss over that."