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Aid & Development|
Australia in the World|
Australian Foreign Aid
The state of Australian aid
Australia's aid program has been the disproportionate victim of the Coalition government budget savings measures since forming government in 2013. As Fairfax's Matt Wade reports, while only about 1% of budget expenditure it has made up around 25% of all budget cuts announced by the government for the period 2013-14 to 2018-19. The Lowy Institute's Jonathan Pryke reports that these cuts have seen Australia tumble in international rankings and left Australia at our an all-time low when it comes to its aid generosity as measured by aid as a proportion of Gross National Income.
A historical low point for Australian aid generosity
In May 2016 the government handed down the 2016/17 federal budget which confirmed the final round of Australian aid cuts, $224 million or 7.4% of the Australian aid program. As Jonathan Pryke notes, this is the sixth-largest cut in any one year of the aid program's history, and affirms the trend of Australian aid to the least generous in its history. Increases to the aid program over the forward estimates (the next four years) have been pegged to the rate of inflation, which will result in aid generosity continuing to decline as the economy is forecast to grow. The Labor party has confirmed that it will reverse the latest round of cuts, and committed to contributing $800 million more to the Australian aid program over the next four years. But, as Jonathan Pryke discusses, this adjustment is so minor that it will still leave the Australian aid budget at its least generous levels in history. The Australian Greens, meanwhile, remain committed to a 0.7% aid/GNI target by 2025, a level that has never been achieved in Australia's history but was recently achieved by the United Kingdom while it was the depths of austerity.
Changing aid management
Soon after coming to power in September 2013, the Abbott Government announced the integration of AusAID, Australia's stand-alone aid agency with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – to enable the closer alignment of the aid and diplomatic arms of Australia's international policy agenda.
The merger was effected in November 2013 and fully implemented by June 2014. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced a new paradigm for the Australian foreign aid program in June 2014. She said that expanding opportunities for people, businesses and communities is the key to both promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The aid program would now provide a sharper focus on investing in drivers of economic growth, including trade, infrastructure; education and health; and empowering women and girls to create new jobs and opportunities that lift people out of poverty. A recent major stakeholder survey of the Australian aid program shows that the transition has not been as smooth as hoped, with staff continuity, staff expertise and predictability of funding all performing particularly poorly.The Lowy Institute's Jonathan Pryke notes that the way in which the 2016/17 aid budget was delivered provides some hope for the aid program finding its feet within the new merged architecture.
On Monday 21 September 2015, following a cabinet reshuffle by Australia's new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a new Ministerial position was created that covers management of Australia's aid program. Steven Ciobo, formerly Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and to the Minister for Trade and Investment, was promoted to become Australia's first Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Less than six months into his tenure Mr Ciobo was promoted to Trade Minister, with NSW Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells stepping into the role. More direct oversight of Australia's aid program, as well as the Pacific, by Australian politicians is a welcome development, but continuity is now needed to ensure that they are effective
Climate change financing through Australian aid
The COP21 Climate Change talks concluded in Paris in December 2015 with a deal that has been heralded by world leaders as 'the best chance we have to save the one planet we have', while the expert consensus is that it 'has landed more or less where expected'. Australia, however, has made only limited financial commitments to adaptation and mitigation efforts. At the summit Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pledged A$1 billion over the next five years, to be drawn from 'our existing aid program'. That equates to roughly 5% of Australia's total aid spending over that period. It is not clear if this funding will be redirected from other areas of the aid program or will come out of existing aid funding already going to adaptation and mitigation projects in the region. Robin Davies from the Development Policy Centre argues that this is about half the amount one would consider a credible, let alone fair, contribution to the global financing effort and puts Australia squarely at the bottom of the rankings of countries contributing to the fight against climate change.
Australian aid in the Pacific
There are a number of reasons Foreign Minister Julie Bishop would have quarantined the Pacific from the largest cuts ever to Australia's aid program, including the fact that unlike countries in Southeast Asia, which are moving away from reliance on aid, a number of Pacific Island countries will be aid dependent for the foreseeable future.
Australia also still remains by far the largest donor in the Pacific Islands region. The latest data from the OECD Development Assistance Committee shows that Australia has a 60% share of total aid from OECD countries to the Pacific Islands region. Between 2006 and 2013, Australia provided US$7 billion in bilateral aid to the region to 16 countries. The US was the next-largest donor, providing US$1.65 billion in bilateral aid to nine countries. China is also emerging as a prominent donor in the region, but still falls far behind Australia's level of investment.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is committed to ensuring that Australia remains the 'partner of choice' for Pacific Island countries. Shoring up current levels of aid is important to maintaining Australia's dominance as a donor in the face of increasing interest in the region from China and other emerging donors.
Australian aid cuts
In December 2014 the Abbott government announced significant cuts to Australia's foreign aid program as a part of general budget savings in its Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said that savings of $3.7 billion in the foreign aid program over the next four years would offset new commitments in Defence and national security. These cuts, reflected in the 2015-16 Budget, mean Australia's aid budget has now fallen to $4 billion, down from a peak of $5.6 billion in 2012-13.
According to calculations by the Development Policy Centre at ANU, the government's budget cuts mark both the largest ever multi-year aid cuts (33%) and largest ever single year cut (20% and $1 billion in 2015-16). This will see Australian aid fall to 0.22% of Gross National Income (a global measure of donor generosity) in 2017-18, the lowest level in Australia's history.
The 2015-16 Budget indicates how Australia will achieve the 20% cut. The decisions seem to have been made from a geographical and political viewpoint rather than through an assessment of the development effectiveness of each country and program. With the exception of Cambodia, Nepal and Timor-Leste, aid to countries in Asia was cut by 40%. The Pacific and Papua New Guinea were largely spared (only a 5% cut to PNG and 10% cut to Pacific Regional funding). Sub-Saharan Africa was slashed by 70%, and aid to the Middle East was cut by 43%. As a result, Papua New Guinea replaces Indonesia as the largest recipient of Australian aid, receiving $477.4 million in 2015-16. The 2015-16 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which in the past has been used to announce major cuts to Australia's aid budget, this time left the aid program untouched aside from marginal initial investments into the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The investment, totalling $3.4 million over the forward estimates period, means the remaining $5.2 billion capital subscription will be required in 2019-20, which hardly seems credible if it is to be financed out of the Australian aid budget.
According to research conducted by the Development Policy Centre at ANU, Australia's declining aid expenditure puts it at odds with the aid budget trajectories that many other OECD countries are following. In 2013, the Conservative government in the UK became the first G7 donor to reach the OECD's 0.7% of GNI target, increasing its official development assistance (ODA) by 27.8% on 2012 levels. It has since passed a bill enshrining the 0.7% commitment into law.
Emerging donors are also increasing their aid expenditure. China now has a larger program than Australia, spending US$6.4 billion in 2013. While China's budgeting and delivery is not completely compatible with OECD conventions, it is clear that its aid spending is on an upward trajectory, with an estimated average annual increase of almost 10% over the last five years. India has also been rapidly scaling up its aid program to a point where it now, on Purchasing Power Parity, rivals Australia's in size.
The United Arab Emirates is another example of a non-traditional donor scaling up its aid program. In 2013 it provided US$5.2 billion of ODA in 2013 (bigger than Australia's A$5.03 billion in 2014-15), a 375% increase on its 2012 ODA levels. This equates to 1.25% of its GNI. While much of this is attributed to its support for Egypt, the UAE has grand ambitions to be a significant global aid donor.
Australia's decision to reduce its expenditure on foreign aid means it will drop out of the club of top ten OECD donors and also fall in the global donor generosity rankings. This will likely see Australia lose influence with some development partners and with its peers in framing the global debate on development.
WHAT THE LOWY INSTITUTE DOES
The Lowy Institute's 2014 Poll asked Australians whether 'promoting Australia's foreign policy objectives' or 'helping reduce poverty in poor countries' was the most important objective of Australia's foreign aid program. A significant majority of Australians (75%) say 'helping reduce poverty in poor countries' is the most important objective. Only 20% of Australians identify 'promoting Australia's foreign policy objectives' as the most important objective of the program.
Nonresident Fellow Jenny Hayward-Jones published a Lowy Institute Analysis in 2013, Big enough for all of us: geo-strategic competition in the Pacific Islands, which highlighted Australia's dominance as an aid partner for the Pacific Islands region. This Analysis, drawing on research on Chinese aid by former Lowy Institute Research Associate Philippa Brant, found that concerns about China seeking geo-strategic advantage through its aid program in the Pacific Islands were misplaced. The Institute has also published an interactive map of China's aid activities in the Pacific, which demonstrates how China compares with Australia and other traditional partners.
The Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program has convened a number of conferences and roundtable events on the Australian foreign aid program. Nonresident Fellows Annmaree O'Keeffe, and Jenny Hayward-Jones and former Research Associate Philippa Brant have all published and convened debate on aid and development issues at the Lowy Institute. Jonathan Pryke, the Pacific Island Program's Research Fellow, has an extensive background reporting on Australian aid and development issues from his four and a half years at the Development Policy Centre.
Telstra's Digicel Pacific challenge
The deal with the government insulates the telco from financial risk. But accepting the role of Australia's lead business ambassador in the region makes it no set-and-forget investment. This article was first published in the Australian Financial Review on 29 October 2021
By Mihai Sora, Jonathan Pryke
Australian Development Assistance
China and the Pacific
Australia and the Pacific
Lowy Institute Conversations: Richard Marles on Australia in the Pacific
In this episode of Conversations, Jonathan Pryke speaks with Richard Marles
By Jonathan Pryke
Australian Diplomacy
Australian aid: How low can it go?
In Australia's budget last year, delayed until October responding to the unprecedented global health and economic crisis brought on by Covid-19, the Coalition government increased spending on foreign aid from $4 billion to $4.417 billion for the financial year 2020–21. The release this week of
Timor-Leste's floods and Covid lockdown aggravate political rifts
The recent floods in Timor-Leste have now caused 45 deaths and some 10,000 people to be displaced, including 7000 in the capital, with widespread damage to roads and bridges, and around 4500 dwellings destroyed. The government has called for international assistance, as a number of local non-
By Michael Leach
Dili floods a costly consequence of poor urban planning
Heavy rains from 29 March to 4 April caused floods and landslides in many parts of Timor-Leste, claiming more than 40 lives, displacing thousands of people and destroying critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Dili, the capital, has been the worst affected, as more than 12 hours of
By Joao da Cruz Cardoso
Avoiding a Pacific Lost Decade: Financing the Pacific's COVID-19 Recovery
The Pacific's post-pandemic economic revival will rely on an internationalmulti-year recovery package of grants and loans led by Australia
By Roland Rajah, Alexandre Dayant
Chinese Foreign Aid
Multilateral Development Banks
The UK's unwelcome foreign aid cut
The recent move to cut billions of pounds from the United Kingdom's foreign aid budget was long feared by advocates. As result, one minister has flagged her resignation, and others have made threats to cross the floor. The reduction of the UK's aid spend from 0.7% to 0.5% of gross national
By Philip Citowicki
Australia's Security and the Rules-Based Order: Tracking a Decade of Policy Evolution
In this feature, we identify ten recurring propositions about the rules-based order and show it's evolution through national debate and government policy. Explore how the rules-based order has developed over time and in meaning with experts offering inside commentary along the way
By Ben Scott, Madeleine Nyst, Sam Roggeveen
Asia Pacific Security
Australia in the Asian Century
China-Australia Relations
Australia's Defence Challenges
Australia-United States Relations
Australian Defence Intelligence and Security
A budget of skewed priorities
It's been a few years since my once-regular annual budget analysis for the foreign affairs, defence and trade portfolio. But of course, this is not just any budget. This is a big-spending budget to address the most significant national and international crisis of a century. Before the
By Alex Oliver
Submission to the UK Foreign Affairs Committee Inquiry into the contribution of the FCO to the Integrated Review of UK foreign policy strategy
The UK government's 'Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence, security and development', announced in February 2020, has been described as the largest foreign-policy review since the Cold War. The UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee is inquiring into the FCO's contribution
By Alexandre Dayant, Jonathan Pryke
Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Australia's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Joint submission by Lowy Institute researchers to the JSCFADT inquiry into the implications of the pandemic.
By Ben Bland, Alexandre Dayant, John Edwards, Michael Fullilove, Bonnie S Glaser, Stephen Grenville, Natasha Kassam, Lydia Khalil, Hervé Lemahieu , Richard McGregor, Shane McLeod, Annmaree O'Keeffe, Alex Oliver, Jonathan Pryke, Roland Rajah, Sam Roggeveen, Ben Scott
Australia's Economy
The Beirut explosion and the plight of Syrian refugees
When you have the privilege of working in international relations, there are some experiences that stay with you for life. There are the places you go and the people you meet. Conversations that start at the roundtable, continue into dinner, and often go late into the night. At airports and hotels,
By Erin Watson-Lynn
DFAT cuts show our foreign policy's khaki tinge
Underinvestment in diplomacy suggests Australia is more eager to defend against a disorderly world than to try to reshape it. Originally published in the Australian Financial Review
Emerging From COVID: Policy Responses To The Pandemic
In this new feature, Lowy Institute experts provide policy recommendations for Australia to address issues that are critical to our nation's — and the world's — successful emergence from the pandemic
By Alex Oliver, Natasha Kassam, Richard McGregor, Roland Rajah, Ben Scott, Sam Roggeveen, Hervé Lemahieu , Stephen Grenville, Alyssa Leng, John Edwards, Ben Bland, Alexandre Dayant, Shane McLeod, Jonathan Pryke
US-China
Lowy Institute experts provide policy recommendations for Australia to address issues that are critical to our nation's — and the world's — successful emergence from the pandemic
By Ben Bland, Alexandre Dayant, John Edwards, Stephen Grenville, Natasha Kassam, Hervé Lemahieu , Richard McGregor, Shane McLeod, Alex Oliver, Jonathan Pryke, Roland Rajah, Sam Roggeveen, Ben Scott
Indonesia's Economy
Submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Review of Australia's Development Program
A submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Review of Australian's Development Program
Little to gain from linking Australia's aid with China in the Pacific
The "Australia–China–Papua New Guinea Pilot Cooperation on Malaria Control Project" is one of the most famous aid projects in the Pacific. It is not a large project. Indeed, at $1.3 million per year it represents only about 0.2% of Australia's bilateral aid spending in PNG. Its fame
By Jonathan Pryke, Michael Fullilove
Economic diplomacy: Australia's BRI, aid revamp, and integrating Asia
The big boost When Prime Minister Scott Morrison put the South Pacific at the centre of his foreign policy priorities last year, the relatively low-profile Export Finance Insurance Corporation was suddenly thrust into the strategic limelight. But last week's foray into a form of state
By Greg Earl
Follow the money: how foreign aid spending tells of Pacific priorities
The Pacific, when measured by aid inflows as a proportion of GDP, is the most aid-dependent region in the world. Geographic remoteness, exposure to frequent natural disasters and vulnerability to climate change are several of the causes that make the region vulnerable. Because of this
By Alexandre Dayant
Reset required for DFAT-AusAID integration
"Foreign policy alignment" was the political "abracadabra" used to explain how the late 2013 integration of what was then AusAID into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would deliver better outcomes. DFAT would have direct control over Australian aid and by virtue of that,
By Richard Moore
Reconciling with China in the Pacific
Last month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Wang Yi struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone, expressing the wish to partner with Australia in the development of the Pacific
By Euan Moyle, Alexandre Dayant
Australian aid can secure private investment in frontier markets
Last month in The Interpreter, Clay O'Brien proposed the creation of a Development Finance Institution (DFI) for Australia's aid program. This shift in thinking about the way the government could engage in development is most welcome, particularly in Papua New Guinea. More can be done. PNG
By Stephen Nash
Aid and development links: Nile dams, refugees as investment, teaching salaries, and more
The Davos summit is taking place this week. At the Center for Global Development, Michael Clemens and Kate Gough argue that human mobility and migration solutions should be a central topic of discussion. Egypt and Ethiopia are fighting over the Nile. Damming the Blue Nile tributary
An investment bank for Australia's aid program
In a recent article in the Australian Financial Review, Treasurer Scott Morrison endorsed the use of impact investing: investment with the goal of achieving a social result as well as a financial return. Such a strategy attempts to address problems or needs through market-based, for-
By Clay O'Brien
Aid and development links: Working women, populism, peacekeeping and more
The World Bank's Uzma Quresh and Tanya D'Lima examine the economic and social impact of violence against women in Pakistan, and the role that local governments and media in combatting the issue. Earlier this month Niger welcomed the first 504 people from Libya, honouring agreements
Aid and development links: Yemen blockade, Chinese aid, infectious diseases and more
UN officials have asked the Saudi-led coalition to lift its blockade of Yemen's Red Sea so the country can receive desperately needed humanitarian supplies. A Global Compact on Migration could be a solution for international immigration issues, but it would need to take regional characteristics
The fall and fall of Australia's aid program
Diminished and marginalised sums up the way Australia's development assistance program is treated in the Foreign Policy White Paper. The program represents by far the biggest proportion of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's budget (DFAT's total budget in 2017/2018 is $5.8 billion, of
By Annmaree O'Keeffe
Aid and development links: Technology in Africa, COP23, development research and more
The Economist details what technology can and, critically, can't do to help solve Africa's development challenges. Politico has a fascinating profile on Scott Guggenheim, a development expert and long-time adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The UK aid program is facing
Australia makes a welcome Pacific connection
In a week when same-sex marriage, dual-citizenship and Manus Island dominated the news cycle, Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Peter O'Neill still found time on the sidelines of the APEC summit to strike a deal that should not go overlooked. Turnbull announced that Australia will majority-fund
Aid and development links: Myanmar, China's aid, the challenges of terrorism and more
The UK's International Development Secretary Priti Patel has been sacked from her position. The Prospect details the war she waged with her own department. Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced a public appeal to raise money for the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, matching
Cleaning up the Manus damage
Last Tuesday saw the official closure of the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre, the Australian-funded and managed detention centre for unauthorised boat arrivals in Papua New Guinea. Originally opened in 2001 as part of the Howard government's Pacific Solution, the centre was closed by the
By Anna Kirk
Aid & development links: Female empowerment, OECD ODA, tax havens and more
The OECD Development Assistance Council has refined its definition of 'official development assistance' – in other words, what international transfers can and cannot be deemed foreign aid. Refugee-related spending such as on detention centres, border security and returning failed asylum
Aid and development links: NZ's aid program, transparency, the poverty line and more
New Zealand's new government should redesign its aid program, argues Terence Wood. Jacob Stone and I wrote on the importance of technology in aid transparency. We argue that better and clearer reporting mechanisms, improved coordination, and greater accountability could foster more
Aid and development links: Kenyan elections, the SDGs, aid systems and more
The ABC's latest episode of Foreign Correspondent covers the work of GiveDirectly's basic income trial in Kenya – written story here. United Nations Seretary-General António Guterres has outlined his plan to reposition the UN development system to better help achieve the Sustainable
Aid and development links: Contractors, WHO leadership, aid budgets and more
The Economist reports on the growing role of private contractors in the aid sector, citing many cases from Australia. Senate Estimates recently revealed that close to 20% of Australia's aid program is now being delivered by ten contractors. Michael Kleinman's article in the Guardian
Australian aid budget: It could have been worse
A $300 million cut. That's what the headlines will say about the impact of this year's budget on the Australian aid program. But that cut won't happen for another two years and there will be an election between now and then. In the meantime, this year the Federal government's spend on aid will
Aid and development links: How to sell aid to voters, taxing remittances, edible drones and more
The Guardian documents the increasing difficulty of providing humanitarian assistance to Northern African areas facing famine, due to ongoing conflict and security challenges. On the Washington Post's Monkey Cage blog, Séverine Autesserre discusses three assumptions of effective
Aid and development links: War in Yemen, inequality rankings, cash transfers and more
Two-thirds of the population of Yemen are facing severe food shortages, with the ongoing civil war raising concerns of a potential for widespread famine in the country. Priti Patel, UK Secretary for International Development, is giving a speech today that is expected to provide a robust defence for
Aid & Development links: Kenya tests universal basic income, Salome Karwah, South Sudan famine and more
Nobel Laureate Angus Deaton discusses topics ranging from extreme poverty, opioid addiction, Trump voters, robots, and rent-seeking in this fascinating interview in The Atlantic. The fund to fill the gap left by President Trump's global gag rule on family planning services has reached $190
Aid and Development links: American aid, financial literacy, demonetisation and more
The Trump Administration is gearing up to propose 'dramatic reductions' in foreign aid expenditure. Alex Thier at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) argues that these proposals would make America weaker.The EU and the UK have begun rolling out an $85 million Euro project of cash transfers
Hard-wiring aid and development to foreign policy
The acid test of Australia's new foreign policy will be longevity. As a nation, can we set an approach that endures? 'A dynamism about it that can carry forward over about 10 years', is how Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, described the key ingredient for the new foreign policy white paper.
By Marc Purcell
Aid & development links: Famine in Sudan, universal basic incomes, fighting cholera and more
Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan, with the UN calling for an additional $4.4 billion in humanitarian support in the next month to avert catastrophe. Donations can be made to UNICEF or your international NGO of choice.The Guardian has a photo-essay on how food aid has worked to date
Aid & Development links: Seasonal work, the Gates letter, ADB research and more
The Australasian Aid Conference took place in Canberra last week, with more than 350 participants and 100 speakers in attendance. You can watch a livestream of the plenary sessions from the two days, including Julie Bishop's opening address.Roby Alders has won the inaugural Mitchell Humanitarian
Aid and development links: Smoking costs a trillion, Global Gag Rule, peak global and more
A new report from the WHO has found that smoking costs the global economy more than US$1 trillion in health care costs and lost productivity annually. The UN is calling for an 'immediate and massive' reaction to the very real risk of a widespread famine in Somalia that could impact more than
Aid & Development links: Jin Liquin, vaccine funding, Zika and more
The NY Times has run a profile of Jin Liquin, the inaugural head of the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.A coalition of governments, philanthropists and business have announced $460 million of funding for an initiative that will focus on creating vaccines for infectious diseases that afflict
Aid & Development links: 2016 not so bad, a Lagos holiday, UK frets and more
For many 2016 felt like a punch in the guts. Max Roser helps provide some perspective with his Our World In Data website. Writing for the Washington Post, he discusses why we are programmed to think things are getting worse and tend to ignore or overlook the slow transformations that change our
Aid and development links: South Sudan, cash transfers, philanthropy, and more
World Bank member countries have pledged $75 billion in lending to the world's poorest countries over the next three years. This amount is 50% more than what was committed over the last three years. The increase will be financed through the Bank issuing debt to capital markets, the first time
Aid and development links: The war on poverty, UN apologises, education intervention and more
William Easterly writes for the New York Review of Books about why it is time for the war on poverty to separate itself from the war on terror (ungated version here.) Facebook has released high-resolution population maps for Ghana, Haiti, Malawi, South Africa, and Sri Lanka for their internet
Aid and development links: India's cash chaos, controlled trials under fire and more
The chaos caused by India's sudden ban on high-end bank notes that represent 86% of all cash in circulation continues. The Economist warns that 'it could, in fact, turn out to be the worst mistake of Mr Modi's career', while The Guardian assesses the political ramifications this will have on
Aid & development links: COP 22, trading in cash, Africans on China and more
COP 22 is underway in Marrakech. Carbon Brief provides a primer for what the latest UN Climate Change Conference expects to achieve.Despite concerns that it might back out, Australia announced last week at the summit that it will ratify the Paris climate agreement.Smoking cigarettes still causes
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Barça has a crucial week ahead with must-win games against Atlético Madrid in the CL quarterfinals (Wed. 8.45 pm) and against Granada in La Liga (Sat. 8 pm).
The pressure is piling up on Tata Martino and his squad with two vital clashed in the CL and the Spanish league in the next seven days. The players will train on Monday and Tuesday with the focus very much on Wednesday's CL quarterfinal showdown against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (8.45 pm). Regardless of the outcome, the squad will then have just two days to prepare to take on Granada (Sat. 8 pm) and maintain their challenge for the league title. Sunday will be a rest day.


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Article Media Additional Info
Rodeo structure
Bareback-bronc riding
Saddle-bronc riding
Steer roping
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Bull riding began in the 1910s as open-arena steer riding. Not until the early 1930s, when arena chutes came into wide use, did the larger Brahman and crossbred bulls make an appearance. This event pits the competitor against a bull of 1,700–2,000 pounds (770–910 kg). To stay on the animal, the rider utilizes only a flat-plaited rope with a handhold and an attached bell; one hand remains free. Most contemporary bull riders wear Kevlar vests for protection, and some also don helmets. For a qualified ride, contestants must stay aboard the animal for eight seconds out of the chute and cannot touch the bull or themselves with their free hand. As in other judged events, the score is a combined tally of up to 50 points each for rider and bull. Competitive scores range above 80 combined points, with 90 or better representing an exceptional ride.
Steer roping, though a rather limited event today, was a time-honoured practice among old-time cowboys. Working the range alone, a hand often had to catch and immobilize an animal weighing 400 to 600 pounds (about 180 to 270 kg) by himself. Referred to at early rodeos as "jerk down" roping, or "fairgrounding," steer roping is a timed event that resembles calf roping—except that the animal is considerably larger and heavier and, after the catch, is thrown in a tripping maneuver. Once the steer frees the start barrier, the contestant must pursue, rope, trip, and tie down the animal against the clock. Time is called when the contestant throws his or her hands in the air, but the steer must remain tied for six seconds after the contestant remounts and slackens the catch rope. As in other timed events, a 10-second penalty is added if the contestant breaks the start barrier. Because of the violent tripping motion of this event, steers are sometimes killed or injured in the arena. Owing to public complaints and the influence of animal rights organizations, steer roping has been outlawed in most states in the western U.S. Today the contest is sharply curtailed, typically being conducted as a singular event or as a match roping between only two contestants.
Richard C. Rattenbury Don Russell
Wyoming: Cultural life
…are held in conjunction with rodeos. The world's largest rodeo is held each summer in Cheyenne during Frontier Days. Frontier Days has been held annually since 1897 and draws visitors from all parts of the world to watch events that include bronco riding, bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing.…
Trevor Brazile
), American rodeo cowboy who dominated the sport in the early 21st century. He set records in lifetime earnings, single-season earnings, and greatest winnings at a single rodeo and became the third cowboy to win more than one triple crown.…
Larry E. Mahan
), professional American rodeo wrangler, the first to win five consecutive Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA; later Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, PRCA) all-around cowboy championships, from 1966 through 1970. His record was later surpassed by Tom R. Ferguson.…

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Accountants and business advisers, Kingston Smith's annual charity quiz last week raised £1,500 each for Rainbow Trust children's charity, Leatherhead and The Children's Trust, Tadworth.
The quiz, now in its 19th year, attracted 16 teams of five who enjoyed 10 rounds of questions. A winning team from Stevensdrake Solicitors triumphed.


Carrollton office seeking a Recruiter within their HR office. Duties include: Answering phones, ordering supplies, scheduling meetings/lunches, and recruiting for their open positions within their warehouse. Making calls out to possible candidates.
Elderly Lady needs to have a sitter to push her wheel chair and keep her company 4 hours per day 7 days per wk. Nurses and CNA\'s take care of her needs. Call Joe at 626 8162 between 8- 6 pm for more information.


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Bridgestone Senior Players notebook: Fred Couples earns Ambassador of Golf award with world-wide competition, not words
Akron Beacon Journal
Fred Couples joked on Wednesday that it might be time to call his University of Houston teammate and suitemate Jim Nantz to write another speech.Couples received the Ambassador of Golf award Thursday night after first-round play in the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship was suspended by rain. Presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, the honor is given to someone who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the ...
Bridgestone Senior Players Championship: Band of believers helped lift 'golfing genius' Fred Couples to game's heights
Forty years ago, four suitemates at the University of Houston stayed up late listening to radio snippets from the city's professional athletes and unwittingly inspiring one...
Akron Beacon Journal 2019-07-07
Bridgestone Senior Players 2019: Groups, tee times, TV schedule set as Langer, Couples relish return to Firestone
AKRON, Ohio - Firestone Country Club has a special place Bernhard Langer's heart as he prepares to tee off Thursday in the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship. Langer...
Cleveland 2019-07-11
A conversation with Fred Couples: Watching LeBron, his vision issue and the day he switched ...
Rabid sports fan Fred Couples raised the 12th Man flag at the Seattle Seahawks "Monday Night Football" game against the New Orleans Saints in 2013. He has been known to...
Firestone's storied tradition lives on with Bridgestone Senior Players Championship: Don Misheff and Chuck Jones (Opinion)
AKRON, Ohio -- Since the 1954 Rubber City Open, Firestone Country Club has played host to the best golfers in the world. From majors, including three PGA Championships and...
Bridgestone Senior Players golf tournament comes to Akron's Firestone Country Club
AKRON, Ohio – After decades of hosting annual PGA Tour events, Akron is welcoming its first Bridgestone Senior Players Championship golf tournament to Firestone Country Club this week. This year's tournament, scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday at the country club's south course, will feature 78 top senior PGA Tour players, including defending champion Vijay Singh, U.S....
Legendary Golfers Return to Firestone Country Club for Inaugural Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship
Legendary Golfers Return to Firestone Country Club for Inaugural Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship Tokyo (July 2, 2019) -- Legendary players will return to Akron, Ohio, U.S., to take part in the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship at Firestone Country Club. This year's tournament, which is the first in a four-year agreement for Bridgestone Corporation as title...
Bridgestone Senior Players 2019: Rough weather halts play; Steve Stricker leads through 17
AKRON, Ohio — Steve Stricker was one hole away from completion of his first round in Thursday's Bridgestone Senior Players Championship before play was delayed due to lightning. Officials suspended play at Firestone Country Club after a four-hour delay, thanks to just over an inch of rain. First-round will resume at 7 a.m. Friday. Tee times for round 2 will start begin two...
Bridgestone Senior Players Championship notebook: Smaller crowds hurt parking business of Warner Road residents
The Bridgestone Senior Players Championship did not draw the crowds this weekend that the Bridgestone Invitational did in recent years.There were still golf fans walking around the South Course at Firestone Country Club, but there wasn't a buzz surrounding the top senior players.With no Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson or Jordan Spieth in...
Second year of Bridgestone Senior Players will gain cachet as PGA Tour stars turn 50
Perhaps the most gracious compliment about the Senior Players Championship ending its rotation and moving to Firestone Country Club for four years under Bridgestone sponsorship came from Fred Couples."We heard Freddie Couples talk Thursday night how having this event here really elevates the whole tour. Can't get much better than that," tournament executive director Don Padgett...
Bridgestone Senior Players Championship field set, led by Vijay Singh, Berhnard Langer and Steve Stricker
AKRON, Ohio - Now that the 19-year WGC-Bridgestone Invitational run has ended, Firestone Country Club in Akron will begin a new relationship this week with the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship. The first round begins Thursday. Defending champion Vijay Singh will lead a field of 78 that includes Senior Open winner Steve Stricker, three-time Senior Players champ Bernhard...


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Unity Communications Named Honoree In Inc.'s Power Partner Awards
Gilbert, Arizona - Unity Communications, a global IT and business process outsourcing firm, was named one of the recipients of Inc.'s inaugural Power Partner Awards. Announced by Inc. Business Media, the list honors B2B service providers across the globe with a proven track record for supporting entrepreneurs and startups across diverse aspects of the enterprise, allowing founders to focus on their core missions. In partnership with Meltwater, a leading…
Unity Communications Is a Certified Great Place To Work
Gilbert, Arizona - Unity Communications has earned its first Great Place To Work certification for 2022 and 2023. After conducting a month-long employee experience survey, the global authority on workplace culture GPTW recognized the leading business process outsourcing (BPO) provider for setting up an amazing work culture. The company invests in its people by prioritizing employee career growth and well-being despite the pandemic. The 2022 GPTW Trust Index Survey shows…
Unity Communications CEO and Founder Patrick Brown Named to Forbes Next 1000 Lis …
Gilbert, Arizona – Oct 18, 2021 - Unity Communications CEO Patrick Brown has been named an honoree on the Forbes Next 1000 List for 2021. The list highlights inspiring entrepreneurial heroes who transformed the way business operates in the new normal, redefining the American dream. Patrick Brown is the founder of Unity Communications, an award-winning business process outsourcing and technical sales company that provides third-party customer service, sales, technical support,…
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Welcome to Novica's Gold Jewelry Gallery! We hope you enjoy exploring our vibrant gold jewelry collection below.
Millefiori Blossom Watch, "Millefiori Blossom"
Classic and refined, gold has been made into jewelry for centuries. Available in various grades, colors and textures, gold jewelry can go from day to evening seamlessly. Gold is quite flexible and can be manipulated into gold bracelets, earrings and necklaces. The higher the karat number, the higher the percentage of gold in your gold jewelry. Known for gorgeous gold rings, the Jewelry of Minas Gerais is highly sought after. Minas Gerais is a Brazilian state known since colonial times for its abundance of gold and precious stones, especially in its riverbeds and subsoil. Gold jewelry pairs especially well with garnet bracelets, chokers and dangle earrings. We have numerous pieces available, and hope you you enjoy touring Novica's gold jewelry gallery!


Get cheap home insurance in Onemo, VA within minutes. Enter your Zip and we will locate the top-recommended home insurance carriers in your area. Homeowners insurance in Mathews doesn't have to be expensive. If you shop with us, you can compare multiple options and save hundreds of dollars on your annual premium.
With that said, not all insurance policies provide the same level of protection. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when comparing your Onemo home insurance options.
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Create a comprehensive record of the valuables that are in your residence, and provide a duplicate to your insurance agent. Consider photographs of your products, and have them saved somewhere away from your house. Confirm with your agent that all of these products will be covered, and make sure to update your agent on new worthwhile purchases that must be protected.
When you get genuine estate you need to be sure to buy title insurance. It is a sort of insurance policies which insures towards fiscal losses because of to problems in the title. The insurance coverage company will protect the title in a possible lawsuit or reimburse the operator for his monetary reduction. The insurance policy coverage charges a number of hundred bucks but in situation of a lawsuit it can provide you with the safety you require.
Create a comprehensive list of the valuables that are in your residence, and provide a copy to your insurance policies agent. Consider images of your items, and have them stored someplace absent from your property. Verify with your agent that all of these products will be protected, and make certain to update your agent on new worthwhile purchases that must be covered.
If your homeowner's plan has been in result for a few years or much more, it is time to assessment your protection. Owing to shifting market place situations and substitution expenses, you need to have to be specified you have enough insurance coverage in the event of reduction or injury to your property. You should consider the value of probably rebuilding your property and be specific you have sufficient coverage to get treatment of that.
Discovering the greatest insurance policies, with out obtaining to give up on top quality characteristics, is a get-win for each home-owner out there. Make certain you pay interest to these guidelines and use them if you hope to uncover the greatest possible protection for your residence. Bear in mind that you ought to never be without insurance.


Aeroqual is founded on years of gas sensor materials research and measurement excellence. Combining modern surface mount manufacturing technologies, rigorous calibration procedures and in-depth application knowledge, Aeroqual offers products with a true performance edge.
Smart measurement techniques and careful component selection form an integral part of Aeroqual's high quality measurement systems. A key advantage of Aeroqual's microprocessor controlled units is that sophisticated measurement and analysis is applied for specific gas-material-environment interactions.


text:
import hashlib

import scrapy
from scrapy.contrib.pipeline.images import ImagesPipeline, NoimagesDrop

class PhotoImagePipeline(ImagesPipeline):
    def get_media_requests(self, item, info):
        yield scrapy.Request(item['url'])

    def item_completed(self, results, item, info):
        image_paths = [x['path'] for ok, x in results if ok]
        if not image_paths:
            raise NoimagesDrop
        item['path'] = image_paths[0]

        return item

    def file_path(self, request, response=None, info=None):
        image_guid = hashlib.sha1(request.url).hexdigest()
        return 'full/%s.jpg' % image_guid

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Publication - FOI/EIR release
COVID-19 pandemic funding received from Westminster: FOI release
Published: 9 Dec 2020
Coronavirus in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
FOI reference: FOI/202000108809
Date received: 5 Nov 2020
Date responded: 4 Dec 2020
Since 1st March 2020
How much money has been received from Westminster to help Scotland deal with the Covid pandemic
How much has been spent and on what
How much has been allocated but not yet spent and on what
How much has yet to be spent
How much money has been promised but not yet received from Westminster to help Scotland deal with the Covid pandemic
What are these monies allocated to.
What is the current estimate of further funding needed to deal with the pandemic
What is the current estimate of the benefit to Scotland of the furlough scheme
Taking each of your questions in turn:
To date, the UK Government has indicated that it will allocate £8.2 billion of additional funding to the Scottish Government in respect of the Covid pandemic.
The Scottish Government has, so far, revised its budget at 2 points during the year. Firstly, the Summer Budget Revision https://www.gov.scot/publications/2020-21-summer-budgetrevision/.
This budget revision was exceptionally introduced this year, on 27 May, to provide the Scottish Parliament with the opportunity to scrutinise the spending decisions made to that point in time. It included the allocation of just over £4 billion in funding for the Covid response:-
· This total included a comprehensive £2.3 billion package of support for business, a £620 million boost for health services and £350 million funds for communities
· The spending was largely funded by a consequential rise in the block grant of more than £3.5 billion resulting from extra UK Government COVID-19 spending, and £112 million of consequentials received following the last UK Budget.
· A further £255 million was reprioritised from within existing departmental budgets, including where Covid-19 has had an unavoidable impact on planned spending.
A further Autumn Budget Revision was published on 24 September
https://www.gov.scot/publications/2020-21-autumn-budget-revision/. This revision, allocated a further £2.5 billion to Covid related measures:-
· An additional £1.8 billion in funding was allocated to Health and Social Care. This is on top of the £620 million additional Health funding which was allocated at Summer Budget Revision, meaning over £2.4 billion of financial support has been provided to the NHS to support its ongoing Covid-19 support.
· £222 million of additional resource funding was allocated to support our bus, rail and local transport operators.
· £190 million in additional support was provided for business and the arts.
· £119 million was added to the Education and Skills budget as part of the Education Recovery package and also ensured free school meals were continued over the course of the Summer Holidays.
· The budget revision also allocated capital expenditure for the economic recovery stimulus package announced by the Cabinet Secretary of Finance in June.
· This is being funded through £2.4 billion of Barnett consequentials, £142 million of reprioritisation of existing expenditure, and £30m of Scotland Reserve drawdowns.
Both of these budget revisions have been approved by the Scottish Parliament following a full scrutiny process by the Finance and Constitution Committee..
As you will appreciate Budget Revisions are necessarily a snapshot of the position at that time and this is a continually evolving picture. Additional details on the ongoing allocation of funding for the response to the Covid-19 emergency will be set out in the Spring Budget Revision on 4 February 2021. You should also be aware that while we aim to provide information wherever possible, in this instance, as different mechanisms will have been used to provide support or for support to be accessed, for example, through third parties such as councils or Health Boards, a lot of the detail of actual spend are not held centrally and the costs of locating, retrieving and providing the information on when payments were made to recipients would exceed the upper cost limit of £600.
At present the Scottish Government has been allocated £8.2 billion and is not aware of any further funding from the UK Government in respect of Covid-19. Physical cash transfers are made between UK Government and the Scottish Government at set points during the financial year. Not all of the £8.2 billion has been transferred as cash to the Scottish Government bank account at this point. £3.063 billion has been formally allocated at the UK Main Estimate, the remaining is expected to be allocated at Supplementary Estimate later this financial year. The funding allocation confers the right to drawdown cash in line with the Scottish Government's expenditure against budgets.
What are these monies allocated to
Please see detail above; funds have been allocated through the Summer and Autumn Budget Revisions, and will be set out in the upcoming Spring Budget Revision.
As noted above, the Scottish Government has to date formally allocated £6.568 billion of expenditure to dealing with Covid, through the 2020-21 Summer and Autumn Budget Revisions; further funding will next be formally allocated at the Spring Budget Revision.
The furlough scheme (Job Retention Scheme) is the responsibility of the UK Government, and its published statistics (including in respect of Scotland) can be accessed via the following weblink:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-coronavirus-covid-19-statistics.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Enquiry Unit
Email: ceu@gov.scot
The Scottish Government
St Andrews House
EH1 3DG


University of the Cape of Good Hope Council: Minutes, 1873-1891, volume 1.
Minutes and annexures of the University of the Cape of Good Hope Council, volume 1. Dated 1873-1891.
Minute book consisting of 720 pages plus covers, front and back marbled pages. Contains handwritten minutes and annexures and a printed note on the Jamison Scholarship.


text:
You are here: 10 Questions - Engineering Quiz Questions
Welcome to our Engineering Quiz Page
Ten questions on engineering. Questions that nearly made the quiz include 'who is the inventor of a product which works on the principle of cyclonic separation', and 'who is founder and Chief Engineer at SpaceX'. The answers, James Dyson and Elon Musk, respectively.
Ferdinand de Lesseps is best known for the development of which massive engineering project, completed in 1869?
What common term is used for a system of pulleys and a rope threaded between them, used to pull or lift heavy loads?
Elisha Graves Otis was the inventor of a safety device for what?
George Stephenson's first passenger locomotive, called 'Locomotion', travelled 25 miles between Stockton and which town?
Which British inventor and engineer, with both a deaf mother and wife, sought to integrate the deaf and hard of hearing with the hearing world?
Who discovered that there is a direct proportionality between the voltage applied across a conductor and the resultant electric current?
Built between 1931 and 1935, which Art Deco-detailed project was the most expensive engineering project in America at that time?
Which Serbian born engineer made dozens of breakthroughs in the production, application and transmission of electric power and invented the first AC motor?
There are two plaques outside the Midland Hotel, Manchester, bearing the date Wednesday 4 May 1904, commemorating the first ever meeting between which two gentlemen?
Which American magazine sometimes known as PM, is a magazine of science, engineering and technology, founded in 1902 by Henry Haven Windsor?
Suez Canal
Elevators or lifts (the device prevents lifts from falling if the hoisting cable fails)
Georg Ohm
Rolls and Royce (Frederick Henry Royce first met Charles Stewart Rolls)
Popular Mechanics


I didn't manage to get much sleep last night too but you know the oft repeated phrase "Small world, huh?" Yup, I bumped into Alex and Sharon in London! I asked them about a bus route and later we bumped into each other while waiting for the coach and he asked if I was sixthseal.com coz my face looks familiar. See you both in Amsterdam!
I have a very good first impression of this city though. I got a little lost on my way to the hostel where I'm backpacking and asked a hurried looking woman on the street the way. I expected her to walk on saying she didn't know but she stopped, rummaged around in her handbag for a book and patiently consulted it and told me where to go. She said that book/map is the only way she manages to find the way around the city. Good first encounter with the locals – willing to help despite being in a hurry.
Went to the local and bought some essentials and this creamy milk – it's unhomogenized fresh milk from Jersey cows and it tastes awesome!
I made a huge mistake by exchanging the bulk of my currency at the airport. I got a 5.8 exchange rate instead of a 5.1 exchange rate in KL, resulting in a loss of GBP 80 (around RM 400). I saw that the exchange rates are more favorable in town so it's still okay to change your money here, just not at airports.
Anyway, I decided to take matters into my own hands and get back the GBP 80 by stepping into one of the many betting places over here. They operate kinda like the Aussie betting spots – horses etc with a couple of pokies machines thrown in. However this one offers Bacarrat!
I inserted GBP 100 and bet GBP 40 on Red – and won! I bet another GBP 40 and lost, and the losing streak continued till I finished my GBP 100. I put in another GBP 200 (swearing that if I lost this, I'm going to go) and started betting consistantly GBP 100 (about RM 500) per spin. I kept on losing and winning and lost the GBP 200.
I damn won't give up lor and put in another GBP 200 (for total buy in of GBP 500). I bet GBP 100 each round again and kept on losing and winning and was about to give up and just write off the GBP 500 (RM 2,500) loss until I went on a winning streak.
It was a tough battle but in the end I managed to get GBP 600. w00t!
I'm heading down to Stonehenge and the Roman Baths tomorrow. Catch you on the flipside!


Are you a Lowe's employee? If your answer to that question is 'yes', then please read on: as we will shortly explain to you how you can go about accessing your Lowe's employment information online. The Lowe's employment information we are making reference to here includes payroll information (pay stubs), your work schedule information, your benefits information… and so on. As it turns out, there is a website known as the My Lowe's Life website, which is Lowe's Single Sign On (SSO) website, and through which you can access such employment information online.
Accessing your Lowe's employment information online mainly entails going to the 'My Lowe's Life' website, and logging in by entering your sales number alongside your password. Once you are logged in, you will find various self-explanatory links that you can click on to access the various resources online. Like, for instance, there is a self-explanatory link you can click on if you wish to access your work schedule information. Then there is another one you can click on if you wish to access your payroll information, yet another one you can click on if you wish to access your benefits information… and so on.
To access your Lowe's employment information online, you need to have the necessary login credentials to sign on to 'My Lowe's Life' website: the required credentials being your sales number and your password. You also need to have access to a computing device that is connected to the Internet, if at all you are to be able to access your Lowe's employment information online.
To access your Lowe's employment information online, you need to visit Lowe's Single Sign On (SSO) website, which is known as the My Lowe's Life website. The address you can use to get to the said My Lowe's Life website is indicated below, in the 'links to help you' section.
Power up your computing device. Then launch the browser application. And then enter the address for the My Lowe's Life website into your browser, so as to have your browser load that particular website. The address in question, for the 'My Lowe's Life' website is indicated below, in the 'links to help you' section.
When you get to the My Lowe's Life website, focus your attention towards the top left hand side: where you will notice a login box. Enter your sales number and your password in the respective spaces in the login box. Then click on the 'Login' button.
Having thus logged into the My Lowe's Life website, navigate around by clicking on the various self-explanatory links (depending on what you wish to access). Like if you wish to access your Lowe's work schedule information or your Lowe's payroll information (pay stub), click on the link for that, and you will be able to access the resource almost instantly.


text:
Lockdown as Northern Ireland prison is searched
Prison service denies any connection to reports of three guns in wing housing republican dissidents
Maghaberry prison, outside Belfast, houses republican and loyalist paramilitaries. Photograph: PA
Henry McDonald, Ireland correspondent
Thu 12 Nov 2009 13.22 EST
Searches are continuing inside Maghaberry jail in Northern Ireland as part of a security operation.
The searches began around 9.30am at the Country Antrim jail, the Northern Ireland Prison Service confirmed. Legal and family visits were cancelled.
The Prison Service has denied the lockdown is linked to reports that three guns were smuggled into a wing of the jail housing republican dissident prisoners. The prison's governor, Steve Rodford, said it was in the interests of prisoner and staff safety and the operation may last throughout the weekend. "Maghaberry is a high security prison. It is normal for searches to be undertaken within the prison and there are occasions when they will, unfortunately, as in this instance, lead to restrictions in the regime offered to prisoners. Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum and I hope to be in a position to return to normal regime levels as soon as is practically possible.
"The safety and security of prisons are of paramount importance and this does require searches, both localised and extensive, to be carried out. I have commissioned such searches in my previous career in England and see this as an integral element of managing a high security prison."
Up to 30 Irish republican dissident republican prisoners are held inside in the Roe House wing of Maghaberry, while a similar number of loyalist inmates are housed in a separate area known as Bush House.
Since the closure of the Maze prison all prisoners found guilty of terrorism related offences in Northern Ireland have been sent to Maghaberry, which is on the outskirts of Belfast.
Twelve years ago there was a major security breach at Maghaberry when an INLA prisoner, Christopher "Crip" McWilliams, used a smuggled gun to try to shoot a rival republican. After McWilliams was transferred to the Maze jail the INLA smuggled two other guns to him, one of which he used to shoot dead the loyalist hardliner Billy "King Rat" Wright.


Q. The Fios box in our house is once again beeping every 15 minutes because the backup battery needs to be replaced. Is there any way to silence that thing?
A. There is, and it's a little counterintuitive: If you disconnect the battery, the Fios "battery backup unit" should stop nagging you about replacing it.
I did just that with the 2010-vintage box in our basement, and the result was silence.
If you get a different result and your Fios installation is as old or as older as mine, you should try asking Verizon for a replacement battery-backup unit. Mitchell said Verizon will replace "early-generation" backup devices at no charge.
This situation results from Verizon's decision early on to ensure that subscribers to its fiber-optic broadband service could still use corded phones for the first several hours of a power outage. With Fios, as with cable-based phone service, your calling service no longer comes over a copper wire to the nearest "central office" and so can't get electricity from it.
Ours made it through four years in a cool, dry corner of the basement, and then I needed a day or two to pin down the mysterious beep we kept hearing every 15 minutes. Not wanting to pay Verizon's $39.99 list price for a replacement, I bought a $24 battery off Amazon--which did not last a year.
It's not only that smartphones and tablets can let you keep communicating during a power outage. They will also last for a lot longer than eight hours on battery, and the wireless networks that connect them have grown far more resilient--as I realized firsthand during 40 or so hours without power after Hurricane Sandy.
In late 2013, the company made the battery backup unit an extra-cost option on new installs. Fios subscribers who do want to ensure their phone line stays on for a while in a blackout now have a backup option that doesn't require buying an expensive lead-acid battery every few years: a $40 PowerReserve box that uses 12 standard D-cells to lend up to 20 hours of phone use.
I've written before about how the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Map can serve as a rough guide to who provides high-speed Internet access at a particular address. But its lack of price data kept it from earning my unqualified endorsement even before I started finding cases where the map's data did not match what people could actually get in their homes.
A different broadband-mapping site, Go2Broadband, can deliver more precise results--but only for some providers. This site is run by CableLabs, a cable-industry research-and-development group, and as such it does an excellent job of displaying what kind of service you can get at what cost from the incumbent cable operator at any given address. It also includes price data, although not fine-print costs like rental fees for a DVR or a cable modem (you should buy your own modem anyway).
And because this site plugs into the databases of the major cable operators, it can even tell you what services are currently active at an address. But it won't show DSL or fiber-optic broadband, and some smaller cable operators don't appear in its results either. For example, Go2Broadband reported that a Washington, D.C., address where RCN offers cable Internet could only get service from Comcast.


3D printing technologies have helped to make significant advancements within the field of healthcare, in terms of more efficiently producing custom prosthetics, creating custom surgical guides, creating assistive devices for patients, and even in better understanding certain conditions and diseases. In seeing the impact the technology has made in so many areas of the healthcare field, we at 3Ders asked ourselves what the potentials of 3D printing could be in regards to a poorly understood, but quite common disease: Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Disease, a chronic neurodegenerative condition that accounts for up to 70% of dementia cases, has to this day remained one of the most enigmatic diseases in terms of its causes, and still has no real treatments. While no explicit use of 3D printing has been used to help treat or prevent the disease, we have investigated various possible benefits of the technology for patients of Alzheimer's as well as for doctors and scientists to better understand the disease.
As Alzheimer's Disease manifests in the brain, effectively causing parts of the brain to atrophy, understanding the brain's growth and structure could play an important role in eventually finding a treatment for the disease. Recently, an international team of researchers actually used 3D modeling and printing technologies to recreate a growing brain to better understand how the folds of the human brain's cortex are formed. The 3D printed brain model was created based off of MRI images of a fetal brain—which does not possess folds—and was made to mimic how a real brain grows. The process revealed that the brain's growth is not only a biological, but also a physical process. According to the team of scientists coming from Harvard University, and Universities in Finland and France, the findings gathered from their 3D printed brain model could potentially help them understand and make early diagnoses for neurological disorders, such as Alzheimers, through the identification of certain topological markers.
While 3D printing could prove beneficial in Alzheimer's Disease research, whether by creating brain models to be studied, or by physically rendering bio-data sets, it could also make a difference in the lives of people already suffering from the disease. For anyone who has had a friend or family member suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, you are aware of how hard it can be to see your loved ones lose their memories and their faculties, and are equally aware of the responsibilities you have to keep your loved ones safe. To help not only Alzheimer's patients, but also their families, maker Logan Prasser developed an affordable and pocketable 3D printed GPS device to help prevent patient's from getting lost. The DIY GPS device, posted on Instructables, consists of a micro controller, a GPS module, cell module, and batteries, all contained within a small 3D printed case. While a range of GPS trackers exist, Prasser wanted to make a simple, and affordable model that he hopes will alleviate some stress for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
Other efforts have also been made to help Alzheimer's patients with 3D printing technology, such as using additive manufacturing to create physical models to help stimulate Alzheimer's patients' memories. Photographs and memory aids can be an important part in the life of an Alzheimer's patient, as they can keep them not only in tune with their current time and location, but also help them to remember distinguishable moments from their pasts. With the capability to recreate virtually any object on a 3D printer, one can imagine the impact of placing a miniature model of an Alzheimer patient's favorite childhood toy or their family's car, in their hand.
While it remains to be seen what quantifiable differences 3D printing can make in understanding and treating Alzheimer's Disease, there seems to be significant indication that the technology could potentially aid Alzheimer's researchers in their task, as well as help Alzheimer's patients.


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan threatened on Wednesday to launch a mass movement if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz tried to create hurdles in the implementation of the decision of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing money laundering charges against the Sharif family.
Talking to reporters after presiding over a party meeting at his Banigala residence, the PTI chief took exception to last week's press conference of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London in which he had reportedly stated that the people of Pakistan would not accept any adverse decision of the JIT.
"I am challenging you today. I will give just one call… people are ready to come out on to the streets," Mr Khan said.
"If you try to repeat what you did in 1997 by attacking the Supreme Court, or if you try to intimidate the judiciary, or if you try to do anything in case of a decision against you, I will give just one call and then you will see," the cricketer-turned-politician went on saying.
He alleged that the PML-N was making all-out efforts to discredit the Supreme Court-appointed JIT as the Sharifs knew that the verdict was coming against them because they had failed to give replies to the questions put before them by the JIT members.
"His (PM's) London news conference proves that they (Sharifs) know that the decision will not come in their favour. That's why they are applying pressure tactics (on the judiciary)," he added.
Talking to reporters upon his arrival in London last week, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had raised questions about the proceedings of the JIT about his family's financial affairs in the wake of the Panama Papers revelations and stated that he would "bravely face conspiracies" and would not let them succeed.
The prime minister had said that the JIT's history started with a WhatsApp call [by the Supreme Court registrar]... and even before that", adding that the nation was heading in one direction and the JIT in another.
Flanked by party members, the PTI chairman alleged that the Sharifs had failed to show the money trail in the JIT and that was why they were raising fingers at the JIT and the Supreme Court.
He claimed that an amount of $1,000bn was flown abroad from the country every year due to money laundering. He also lashed out at the prime minister for spending Eid abroad as the country faced tragedies one after the other. He also criticised the prime minister and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for visiting only Bahawalpur to express solidarity with the victims of oil tanker tragedy while totally ignoring the victims of terrorism in Parachinar and Quetta.
Mr Khan also castigated the prime minister for visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah by using the taxpayers' money.
"Who does Umrahs (pilgrimage) on government expenses and arranges Umrah visits for 60 people from taxpayers' money and then spend holidays abroad? Have you ever heard about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any other democratic leader doing such things?" he asked.
He was of the view that the Sharifs had visited only Bahawalpur as they knew that their party could only secure seats in the elections from the province. He said the prime minister should realise that he was chief executive of the whole country and not only Punjab.
While referring to the JIT's decision to summon the prime minister's daughter Maryam Nawaz, the PTI chief said Nawaz Sharif himself was responsible for dragging his children before the JIT and the Supreme Court as he wanted to hide his corruption and money laundering.
"Look, now the children of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif are making money. The children of Ishaq Dar are billionaire. Where they had got this money from?" he asked.
Mr Khan criticised the prime minister for not visiting Parachinar, but when asked as to why he himself had not visited the area, he said that he could not go there due to bad weather and lack of security clearance. "Since the area is under the army's control, I will visit the place after seeking permission from the military," he said.
In response to another question, he said that he had come to know that some of the injured persons had been shifted to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar from Parachinar and that he would soon visit them.
What a hypocrisy by this so called leader asking others to visit this and that place and himself taking refuge in cold and cosy places NATHIA GALLI on the expense of KPK government. He has been now fully exposed and people don't heed on his any call .
SC knows very well what they are supposed to do. IK is not supposed to worry about but should face and concluded legal proceeding against him. What JIT and SC doing is none of his business, we all are witness of your 1 call and public response on them as well, please do not attempt against to waste public time.


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Q: how to run a pygame projects on a github codespace When i try to do any graphics projects on a codespace, the window does not popup, how to tackle this problem
I tried looking through the codespace guide but couldnt find anything

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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The Recoco Property Search
The 'Seven Oaks' in question in this charming town's name derive from seven oak trees which were situated near a chapel at what is now The Vine, one of the oldest cricket grounds in the UK and still such a focal point of the area. Many replacements for the original trees have been planted over the centuries since they were originally recorded.
Charming, characterful and historic, Sevenoaks is, unsurprisingly given its proximity to the capital and yet having an abundance of green spaces, prime commuter belt territory. If that means plenty of folk can be seen on the railway platforms during the weekdays, it also means it is a busy and thriving centre of retail and leisure opportunities at weekends and during the holidays. In short, Sevenoaks is a lovely town to call home.
What a property buying agent can purchase
£1m buys: A four-bedroom detached period property in the town, or a spacious three-bedroom detached property.
£2m buys: A six-bedroom detached house with grounds in a sought after location.
£3m buys: A five-bedroom detached house with grounds on an exclusive estate.
Best hotels in Sevenoaks
Donnington Manor Hotel (www.donningtonmanorhotel.co.uk) is a deluxe, four star hotel situated in a 15th Century manor house just ten minutes from the town centre. The Bakery Restaurant and Rooms (www.thebakeryrestaurant.com) does what it says on the tin – offering modern cuisine with a place to stay for the night too. A little further afield, Brandshatch Place (www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/brandshatchplace) is a sophisticated country house hotel with excellent spa facilities.
Best restaurants in Sevenoaks
With a fun and funky name and a menu of Thai classics mixed with innovative takes on Asian fusion dishes, the Giggling Squid (www.gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/sevenoaks/) is a great spot. The Vine (www.vinerestaurant.co.uk) has a fabulous menu of contemporary classics served in a relaxed setting. The Little Garden (www.littlegardensevenoaks.com) is a restaurant, bar and grill which is always a popular spot and deservedly so for its atmosphere, great menu and lovely interior.
Best schools in Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks School (www.sevenoaksschool.org) is a co-educational day and boarding school for 11 to 18-year-olds which has an excellent academic record. Walthamstow Hall (www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk) is an independent girls' school which offers places from 3 to 18 years old on two separate sites in the town. The New Beacon School (www.newbeacon.org.uk) is a boys' preparatory school with a clear mission an excellent teaching record and consequently a first class academic record.
Buying Agents Sevenoaks Fact
The village of Chiddingstone, near Sevenoaks, is entirely owned by the National Trust – with the exception of its church and its castle. It is the most accurate example of a surviving Tudor village in the county.
How to get to Sevenoaks from central London
Train: 35 mins to London Charing Cross
Car: Just over one hour to central London
Helicopter: approximately 35 minutes from Battersea Heliport


WILL MY STYLE SESSION BE CANCELLED IF I'M LATE?
StyleSesh understands that you may run behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, we have a 15-minute grace period for late clients. If you are going to be late, please contact StyleSesh with a written notice via email at info@stylesesh.com. Any time past this grace period results in the possibility of a cancellation of the style session based on the stylist's schedule for that day and the full amount being charged for your style session.
WHAT IS STYLESESH'S CANCELLATION POLICY?
For wedding style sessions, once we have received the 50% deposit to secure the date and time, the client will not be refunded this amount. After receiving the remainder 50%, as required seven days before the event, the client will not be refunded any amount. If the client pays 100% upfront, the client will not be refunded any amount. Transfers are not permitted.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE PROCESS FOR BOOKING A WEDDING STYLE SESSION, ON-DEMAND STYLE SESSION, CORPORATE STYLE SESSION AND GROUP STYLE SESSION?
StyleSesh understands that weddings are intimate and consist of detailed requirements. Therefore, we offer a user-friendly contact form here that provides us with majority of the information for your event(s) so we can follow up with a personal consultation regarding details of wedding services required, a quote and confirmation of the style session.
On-demand style sessions target the last minute client or someone who has an event in the near future and wishes to hire from our talented stylist base. The booking can be completed within minutes at the click of a button for a single person using our form here.
Corporate style sessions are handled similarly to on-demand style sessions, with the same form used here.
For group bookings, this form here can be used that provides us with majority of the information for your event so we can follow up with a personal consultation regarding details, a discounted quote and confirmation of the style session.
WHAT DO I REQUIRE FOR MY STYLE SESSION?
StyleSesh will be in touch with you via email before your style session regarding what to know in advance and your stylist will inform you of instructions to follow after your style session, as well.
If the style session is at your location, you must have an area with adequate space to set up the tools and/or makeup with outlets nearby and lighting available.
Please ensure that your skin is free of any open wounds, sores and/or infections, as the stylist will not conduct any style sessions if presented.
For hair style sessions: For blowouts, it is preferred that your hair is washed right before your stylist arrives, by at least 20 minutes. If you are at work prior to the appointment, please at least dampen your hair using water. The stylists will utilize products and tools to give you first-class blowout results. For dry styles and updos, your hair must be dry. It is recommended to wash your hair the day before for the greatest results.
For makeup style sessions: Please ensure your face is makeup-free prior to the stylist arriving.
For henna style sessions: Please ensure your hands are clean and exfoliated.
AM I LIMITED TO WHAT LOOK I CAN GO FOR?
Absolutely not! Our stylists at StyleSesh care about what the client wants, and will always make the client the first priority, as well as offer their educated advice. We provide the option of the client filling out exactly what look they are going for while uploading a reference photo(s) so the stylist can prepare the best tools and/or products in advance. We love to hear from you!
WHAT DOES THE STYLE SESSION ENTAIL AND HOW LONG IS IT?
Please refer to the Book Now form and hover over the question mark in "Desired Service".
CAN I REQUEST FOR A STYLIST TO BE BOOKED?
StyleSesh understands that tastes vary significantly across the industry so we give the power to you to choose your preferred stylist if you are a repeat or referral client. We will do our best to accommodate you based on the stylist's schedule, otherwise, an alternative stylist will be found that has the same style, level and type of service available. If you do not choose a preferred stylist, StyleSesh will choose a stylist for you based on your location and proximity to the client. It is important to note that all of our stylists are talented and will do a remarkable job!
WHAT IS THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUNIOR AND SENIOR STYLISTS?
Each stylist hired has undergone a strict recruitment process to align with our mission, has been verified, met and chosen explicitly by the Founder. Levels are assigned for Hair and Makeup only.
Expert stylists are up-and-coming beauty pros and are skilled in their line of work. This is meant for the budget-friendly consumer who desires high-quality service.
Master stylists are seasoned beauty pros and are highly knowledgeable based on many years of experience. This is meant for the luxurious consumer who desires high-quality service.
FOR ON-DEMAND BEAUTY SERVICES, HOW IN ADVANCE DO I HAVE TO BOOK A SAME DAY STYLE SESSION?
StyleSesh has your back for all your last minute appointments! Style sessions must be booked at least 3 hours before the appointment on the same day, between the hours of 7 a.m.-12 a.m.. For an urgent inquiry that does not fit the 3 hour time frame, please call us at (226) 789-8528 and we will do everything we can to get you booked in.
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE USED BY THE STYLISTS?
StyleSesh uses high-quality beauty products that are trending in the beauty industry and recommended by renowned artists. The stylist will ask if you have any allergies or skin sensitivities prior to the style session. Furthermore, StyleSesh offers organic makeup and henna options that can be booked and discussed thoroughly via email prior to your style session. If you are very particular on what goes on your skin, please have your choice of products on hand for the stylist to use.
I WANT TO ESCALATE A PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED DURING MY STYLE SESSION. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR THIS?
StyleSesh takes any situation that occurs during a style session very seriously and we apologize for any issues in advance. Please call us at (226) 789-8528 or email us at info@stylesesh.com and the Founder will immediately address any concerns.
DOES STYLESESH CHARGE ANY TRAVEL FEES?
StyleSesh currently serves the Greater Toronto Area only. However, for weddings, we are available to be booked within Ontario or for destination weddings. For bookings within Ontario, standard travel fees will be applied beyond a 15 km radius from the stylist's location and will be handled via email or you can choose to travel to the stylist instead to avoid any travel expenses. Please inquire about any other booking types that are out of town and we will outline all detailed travel expenses (i.e., airfare, hotel, etc.).
DOES STYLESESH ACCEPT CASH AT ALL?
StyleSesh provides a more efficient way of booking beauty services by offering cashless transactions. Thus, payments for style sessions on the platform are accepted via card only. You will be able to securely checkout after inputting your debit/credit card information. Any additional payments (i.e., travel, parking) will be handled via email separately. For bridal and group bookings, due to a different contact form and process, you will have the option of primarily e-transfer or PayPal. If you would prefer to pay for bridal and group bookings using an alternative method (i.e., cash or cheque), we will coordinate a date, time and place to meet up with you.
DOES STYLESESH HAVE AN APP?
Currently, StyleSesh only has a website, however, our online platform is mobile responsive, as well. If you would like to book a style session via a StyleSesh representative instead, please contact (226) 789-8528 or email info@stylesesh.com.
CAN I BOOK MULTIPLE STYLE SESSIONS AT ONCE?
For sure! We offer hair, makeup and henna art that can be booked for the same date, time and location. We will send one stylist that can do two services simultaneously (i.e., hair and makeup) or we will send separate stylists, depending on what level you requested and what time you need to be ready for.
Typically, for wedding bookings requiring both hair and makeup, we send 2 stylists onsite for a wedding party of up to 6 individuals (including the bride). For 7+ people, we will send 3-4 stylists onsite based on availability.
WHAT TIME CAN I BOOK STYLE SESSIONS UNTIL?
Anytime! We don't lie when we say we are here for you when you need us the most. We are a 24/7 platform. Restrictions do apply for last minute style sessions, and can only be booked at least 3 hours before the appointment time required, between the hours of 7 a.m.-12 a.m.. However, you can call us at (226) 789-8528 and we will do our best to accommodate you at any time.
WHAT IF I WANT TO ADD ADDITIONAL SERVICES DURING OR BEFORE MY STYLE SESSION?
You can book additional services (i.e., change your dry style to an updo, false lashes, etc.) that the stylist is able to accommodate during the style session. We encourage you to fulfill your desired look! However, you will be expected to send the difference to info@stylesesh.com before the style session concludes, as the stylist will advise you.
If you wish to add an additional service prior to your style session, please fill out the on-demand form once again for an individual booking and complete your payment or contact us in the case of a wedding or group booking so we can provide a revised quote.


Listen to "Your Island Music Station" KWXX 94.7FM radio broadcasting from Hilo, Hawaii playing today's top music.
HAWAII POLICE DEPT: AVOID Highway 19/Laupahoehoe Gulch due to landslide and debris on roadway.
Earthquake update: Magnitude 5.5 located near Kalaoa in West Hawai'i. CD says there are reports of landslides and urge motorist to exercise caution on the roads. There is also a power outage impacting customers between Waikoloa and Waimea.
@KWXX Felt it jolt in Hilo.


High Definition Ear Buds With Mic HS1303 is rated 3.0 out of 5 by 6.
Spend longer listening to your favourite albums. The soft, simple earbuds let you enjoy all of your favourite tracks in complete comfort. And with perfectly balanced sound, you get richer, purer sound.
Express yourself, and choose from five vibrant colour options.
With a handy built-in control, you can enjoy greater control over your music. Play tracks, up the volume and use a mic without ever removing your device from your pocket.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ironpen from Good features and fairly comfortable. Not as good as the more expensive brands but I like the features of being able to control music volume, play and answer a call, features that I struggled to find with other brands. Only concern is the wire is a bit flimsy so might not last. Had them for 7 months so will see.
Rated 3 out of 5 by Fiza from Good sound, doesn't last long I have brought 2 pairs in the last 4 months and now buying my 3rd. Sound quality is excellent but unfortunately they don't last very long.
Rated 2 out of 5 by Newman from Terrible Headphones The Music Quality is great but wires are weak and the in-ear pieces are weak and dont fit in ears. im constantly holding piece in my ear. when they do stay all it takes is minor movement and the earpieces come out. would recommend them and would go for over ear headphones.
Rated 1 out of 5 by Babyji's mother from Didn't last I'm a huge fan of Samsung, however these earphones have been a complete and utter waste of money. I bought them for my 12 year old who uses them with her Tab S2. They didn't last a month before the remote stopped working and the sound went (completely) in one ear. It's a real shame, because I expected them to be of high quality like all the other Samsung products I own. Really disappointed.


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San Jose: Assemblywoman Campos, Darcie Green…
San Jose: Assemblywoman Campos, Darcie Green take aim at senators
Darcie Green, Santa Clara County Board of Education president, attends a press conference at Walden West Center in Saratoga, Calif., on Friday, June 19, 2015. (Jim Gensheimer/Bay Area News Group)
Assembly member Nora Campos (27th District) participates in a hearing for the Assembly Select Committee on Campus Climate, held at San Jose State University's Morris Daily Auditorium in San Jose, Calif. on Friday, March 21, 2014. (LiPo Ching/Bay Area News Group)
By Ramona Giwargis | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: May 17, 2016 at 9:50 am | UPDATED: September 22, 2016 at 12:23 am
SAN JOSE — Joined by a woman vying to succeed her at the State Capitol, Assemblywoman Nora Campos on Tuesday delivered a punch to state lawmakers she says are "bullying" and "harassing" her and other women in politics.
"I call on all women in elected office in our region to publicly condemn the emotional terror these men have put these women beside me through," Campos said. "Ladies, this is your moment. If you do not stand up for these women today, then who do you stand up for?"
The two men at the center of the accusations are State Senator Jim Beall, a fellow Democrat whose re-election termed-out Campos is challenging, and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, who helped San Jose Councilwoman Magdalena Carrasco unseat Campos' brother, Xavier Campos.
Beall called the charges "entirely baseless" and said Campos is just desperate to win the election.
De León couldn't be reached, but his political spokesman called the claims against the two senators "irrational" and "outrageous."
"Voters in the South Bay deserve elected leaders of high integrity and reliable character, and this shockingly reckless behavior by the Assemblywoman should raise serious questions whether she is the kind of leader they want representing them in Sacramento," said Jason Kinney, a spokesman for Senate Democrats.
Campos accused Beall of using "intimidation tactics" against herself and other females running for office, including Darcie Green.
Green, who joined Campos on Tuesday, is running for her seat in Assembly District 27, and said Beall used influence to get her removed from her job.
The issue stems from a fight last month between Campos' husband, Neil Struthers, and union leader Enrique Arguello, the business manager for Laborers' Local 270.
Arguello claims Struthers called him a gay slur, threatened to beat him up and made racist remarks during a union fundraiser at the Fairmont Hotel.
Struthers, who used to head the Santa Clara Building Trades Council, called the accusations "a lie" and countered by saying Arguello's guys assaulted him by kicking him in the crotch, a claim supported by a police report.
How does this all tie back to Beall? The senator and Arguello are from the same political camp, Campos said, and Beall supported Arguello as a delegate for the Democratic Central Committee.
Following the fight last month, Campos said two labor-affiliated men — one with a checkered past — showed up at her home to intimidate her while her 7-year-old son was inside.
"When you bring family, especially your child, into dirty politics, you've crossed the line," Campos said. Campos also said Tuesday one of Beall's political allies, de León, warned her not to run against him. De León allegedly sent another senator to Campos' office to talk her out of challenging Beall because he was "concerned about her safety."
Beall said many people discouraged him from running for certain offices over the years, and there's no proof it was done in a threatening manner.
"What evidence do they have that I was involved in any of these things?" Beall said. "Her motive is to win the election."
Green, meanwhile, claimed Beall pulled his weight to affect her employment at Kaiser Permanente, an allegation first reported by this newspaper. Beall has endorsed Green's opponent in the Assembly race, San Jose Councilman Ash Kalra.
Beall, who frequently speaks with Kaiser on mental health issues, denied the claim. "I was not involved in that at all," he said.
But Green says she has verbal and written documentation from Kaiser management confirming that Beall was behind the organization's decision to place her on an unpaid "leave of absence" to run her campaign. Green said she's sought political office twice in seven years working for Kaiser, and it was never a conflict.
"Under the pressure of Sen. Beall, Kaiser Permanente was willing to leave me without a way to feed my family, without health insurance while I'm pregnant with my first child," Green said Tuesday. "All because I'm a woman who had the audacity to run against the senator's favorite male candidate."
Kaiser officials in January denied the claim, but declined to discuss the terms of Green's leave.
Also on Tuesday, Arguello's longtime secretary said he was verbally abusive, including calling her "incompetent" to others. She left the job after 14 years due to stress.
"No women should be subjected to such unacceptable behavior," said Maribel Moreno, 40.
Arguello said that Moreno was incompetent and "made a lot of mistakes." But he denied harassing her and said he moved her to another department.
"This is another attempt to attack me," Arguello said Tuesday.
Contact Ramona Giwargis at 408-920-5705. Follow her at Twitter.com/ramonagiwargis.
Letter: Measure C doesn't reject the need for change
Fair elections can be run in many ways -- some innovative or disruptive, others conservative and tested.
Letter: Sanders unlikely to garner the most crossover votes
Democrats want to defeat Trump in 2020, yet they foolishly back yet another weak candidate?
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh's MuslimGirl.com site is an online magazine with a global audience writing Islam in a Millennial voice.
Andrew Yang tells San Francisco supporters he can make it through early state 'dogfight'
Despite his absence at this week's Democratic debate, Yang declared that "this campaign has been growing while other campaigns have been dropping out."