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20/08/2012 & 21/08/2012 - Cannock - Blue Line UFO & Blue Flashes Sighting
Birmingham UFO Group Report
Usually when a UFO sighting occurs it is an individual incident. It is very rare for sightings to occur in the same location on multiple occasions. However this is precisely what happened in Cannock on the 20th and 21st August 2012, where Daniel Gannon and his friends witnessed some very unusual blue lights in the night sky. While the two sightings were quite different to each other, there are some interesting aspects which suggest they may be linked. This report covers both incidents in depth.
For reasons of anonymity pseudonyms have been used for some witnesses
20/08/2012 – Blue Line
At 11.25pm on the evening of 20th August 2012, Daniel and his friends Simon, Harry and Ben were out walking their dogs, as they tend to do most evenings. It was a clear and still evening, with a temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius. They were walking along Williamson Avenue in Cannock.
Aerial map of Williamson Avenue:
Daniel was looking up at the stars as they walked along the road. After about two minutes, without warning something strange appeared in the sky to the South. Daniel saw what appeared to be a diagonal dark blue glowing line in the sky. At one end of the line was a shorter straight trail glowing a brighter blue colour. It was hard to judge the size or distance of the line, but it was at an angle of about 60 degrees in the sky from his location.
Witness drawing of the blue line:
The object/light moved straight downwards very fast. It then stopped moving and levelled out. As it did so the bright blue trail appeared to vanish. It remained stationary for a further second then suddenly blinked out. Daniel exclaimed "Wow did you see that?!" But his friends had not been looking in the right direction so had not seen it. Daniel explained what he had witnessed. All four men waited a while staring at the sky, but the object did not reappear.
This is a very unusual sighting. What could this strange blue glowing line have been? The most obvious explanation we should first look into would be some kind of blue laser beam. However there are various factors which do not fit with this explanation. Firstly laser beams are rarely blue in colour; they generally tend to be green or red. If it was a laser beam it would have to have been quite strong as it was at a high angle in the sky. So it would have had to have come from somewhere such as a nightclub. However nightclubs are not allowed to use lasers due to the danger of blinding people, they can only use searchlights. Also Cannock is quite a rural area and there are no known nightclubs near to the location where the sighting took place. If it was a laser from the ground it would also have been visible right down to ground level, not just in the sky. Also there would have been no reason for it to have only been activated for a couple of seconds, it would surely have been on for a much longer period of time.
If we disregard this explanation for the above reasons then I find it very hard to explain what was seen using mundane terms. Perhaps it was a glowing strip light attached to a large inflatable which was not visible against the night sky. But surely if this were the case the light would have remained visible not just appeared briefly before vanishing. Whatever it was, it certainly appears to have been unusual.
21/08/2012 – Blue Flashes
The following evening Daniel again left the house to walk the dogs with his friends. When he came outside to meet them on Williamson Avenue, he found them all looking into the sky to the North East. Ben informed him that he had just seen a blue flash in the sky. They talked for a short while about it before starting to walk the dogs along the road.
At 11.10pm the flash occurred again. This time it was Daniel who saw it. It was similar to a camera flash only blue in colour and it remained visible for slightly longer. It was at an angle of 45 degrees and appeared to be coming from up in the air rather than on the ground. It was completely silent. He informed the others and they decided to stop and wait to see if it occurred again.
After a couple of minutes there was another flash, and then another several minutes after that. About five minutes after this there was a final flash. This one appeared to have a darker blue circular centre that was only visible for a brief moment. It also appeared to have come from higher up in the sky.
Witness drawing of the final flash with darker area at the centre:
The men continued to talk about what they had seen, but there were no further flashes. Daniel felt that because of the similarity in colour, the flashes were somehow related to the strange glowing line he had seen on the previous evening. Looking back at the incident he wonders if the circular area was the same object as the glowing line but just viewed from a different angle.
Again this is quite unusual. Could these flashes have been caused by lightning? Firstly there was no thunder heard, but sheet lightning tends to be silent. However it seems unlikely that the flashes were caused by sheet lightning, as it was a clear night with hardly any cloud cover. It cannot have been caused by a strobe on an aircraft as it sounds much too bright, was blue coloured instead of white, and was only intermittent, not regular or constant. It is interesting that the colour of the flashes seemed to match the "object" which was seen the previous evening. This could of course suggest that the two were related, but we cannot say this for sure, this similarity in colour could have just been a coincidence.
This sighting is very reminiscent of something I myself saw while on a skywatch down in Warminster back in Summer 2009. At around 11pm I and many others saw what appeared to be pale blue lightning-like flashes coming from behind a nearby hill. They lit up the sky quite brightly, but appeared to be coming from ground level. Like Daniel's sighting the flashes were intermittent not in a pattern, and continued for about 10 minutes before stopping. Although we were puzzled at the time, it is likely that this had a mundane explanation of some kind. What is more interesting is what was seen half an hour later, which to this day has not been explained and is the most impressive UFO sighting I have had so far. You can read the report on what took place here.
Whatever the cause of the unusual glowing line and the blue flashes that Daniel and his friends witnessed, for Daniel at least they remain a true mystery and the most unexplainable sightings he has ever experienced.
If you have any further information regarding either of these sightings please get in touch with BUFOG.


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Nov. 10, 2019 / 1:30 PM	/ Updated Nov. 11, 2019 at 4:20 AM
Mercury to pass across middle of sun Monday in rarity
Allen Cone
On May 9, 2016, Mercury passed directly between the Sun and Earth, making a transit of the Sun. Mercury transits happen about 13 times each century. Photo courtesy NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Nov. 10 (UPI) -- For only the third time in 100 years, the planet Mercury will pass across the middle of the sun on Monday morning.
A Mercury transit -- 36 millions from the sun -- won't been seen from North American for another 30 years and anywhere until 2032, according to NASA.
Beginning at 7:35 a.m. EDT, Mercury will pass from one side of the sun to the other. It will last about 5 1/2 hours.
Eastern U.S. viewers will be able to view the entire event. For the central and western U.S., the transit begins before sunrise, but some of the transit can be viewed after sunrise.
RELATED Deep sea vents may have offered prime conditions for first life forms
Australia and most of Asia and Alaska are the few places where the transit won't be seen, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Because you aren't supposed to look directly at the sun, like watching the eclipse, solar filters are advised. Better yet, use a telescope with a certified solar fitter because otherwise it will be just a tiny dot on the sun.
Museum and planetarium viewing parties have listed their events on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory website.
RELATED Ancient microbes are living inside Europe's deepest meteorite crater
In addition, the Solar Dynamics Observatory's website will be showing "near real-time" images of the transit.
The sun, at 864,400 miles wide, dwarfs Mercury -- the smallest planet in our solar system with a diameter of 3,032 miles and approximately 38 percent the size of Earth.
The two planets are 79 million miles from each other.
RELATED Saturn most moon-rich planet in solar system after discovery of 20 new moons
The first observed transit of Mercury was on Nov. 7, 1631, by Pierre Gassendi. It showed that Johannes Kepler's equations of planetary motion could be used to accurately predict positions of planets.
The last transit was May 9, 2016.
Science News // 1 hour ago
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Scientists had expected the levels of HFC-23, a potent greenhouse gas, to drop in the latest global survey of greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, atmospheric concentrations of HFC-23 are rising.
Science News // 4 hours ago
Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The creation of new oil palm plantations causes almost twice as much environmental damage as maintaining mature plantations.
Science News // 2 days ago
SpaceX's abort test succeeds, paving way for flight with astronauts
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- SpaceX blew up a rocket in Florida on Sunday in a final test launch of its Crew Dragon space capsule, proving it can carry astronauts to safety in a launch emergency.
Scientists film chemical bond making, breaking
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Everything depends on chemical bonds. Without chemical bonds, everything would fall apart. And yet, scientists don't entirely understand how chemical bonding works.
Scientists pinpoint release of energy that powered series of solar flares
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Scientists have precisely pinpointed the explosive release of energy that powered a series of solar flares -- a first.
Acoustic communication first emerged nearly 200 million years ago
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- For the first time, scientists took acoustic communication back to its evolutionary roots. Researchers followed acoustic communication's phylogenic path back some 200 million years through evolutionary history.
Neanderthals had the teeth to eat hard plants
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Neanderthals were capable of chomping on hard plants, according to a new study.
SpaceX test Sunday could be final one before firm carries people
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- SpaceX plans a final test launch of its Crew Dragon capsule in Florida on Sunday to prove it can carry astronauts to safety in an emergency -- a fiery demonstration that will destroy a Falcon 9 rocket.
Volcanism didn't play a role in demise of dinosaurs
Jan. 16 (UPI) -- New research suggests the volcanic activity in question occurred well before, and was unrelated to, the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs.
Wolf puppies unexpectedly play fetch with researchers
Jan. 16 (UPI) -- To the surprise of scientists, wolf puppies learned to play fetch in response to verbal cues from a human researcher. Dogs are thought to be unique in their propensity to interpret and respond to human cues.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This small condo property is at the end of the road, so there's no traffic noise. One-bedroom units are only on the ground floor. Some 2/2s have a loft-type master bedroom. Property is tightly packed, but the units are very close to the beach. Some have great views; others are more marginal. Some are well-updated; others are so-so. Free room safes in some. 1/1s (664 sq. ft.) are $120–$200, 2/2s (936–956 sq. ft.) are $160–$345. 3-night minimum. Discounts on longer stays.


Overview: On the surface, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a game about defusing bombs, but at its heart is a game about communication between players. Learn how the team developed and refined puzzles both inside and outside of the "game" to keep players talking in ways that encourage tension, mistakes, hilarity, and occasionally even camaraderie. Hear about our efforts to balance approachability and challenge, how we drew inspiration from board games, and where we stumbled along the way.


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Roberts: Are Civil War memorials tools of terror?
A group of black leaders is calling for the removal of Arizona's six Civil War monuments.
Roberts: Are Civil War memorials tools of terror? A group of black leaders is calling for the removal of Arizona's six Civil War monuments. Check out this story on azcentral.com: http://azc.cc/2rXIuCT
Laurie Roberts, The Republic | azcentral.com Published 3:10 p.m. MT June 5, 2017 | Updated 9:23 a.m. MT June 7, 2017
This memorial to Confederate soldiers is at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park, next to the state Capitol in Phoenix.(Photo: Alia Rau/The Republic)
When I heard that a group of African-American leaders in Arizona are calling for the removal of the state's Confederate monuments, my response was probably about the same as yours.
Arizona has Confederate monuments?
Turns out we do … six of 'em, in fact. This, even though we didn't become a state until 57 years after the end of the Civil War.
The state's black leaders want them gone.
Both sides have a point
"We believe that these monuments have been erected to intimidate, terrorize and strike fear in the hearts of Arizonans, particularly African-Americans, while inspiring and emboldening white supremacists," East Valley NAACP spokeswoman Collette Watson said, during a press conference on Monday.
Commence the fistfight, the one in which one side will rail against glorifying slavery and racism and the other will rail against political correctness and the dangers of erasing history.
Both have a point.
Toppling monuments sounds like something that would happen in Russia or Iran. But monuments that offer no context serve no real purpose other than to exalt the most shameful time of this nation's history.
Before we rush to obliterate Arizona's Civil War monuments, however, it seems to me the reasons why they exist ought to be taken into account.
What's the Jefferson Davis link?
Consider Jefferson Davis Highway. I'm not sure having your name attached to a remote stretch of U.S. 60 southeast of Apache Junction is much of an honor but there it is.
I'm not aware of Jefferson Davis ever setting foot in Arizona. But he did, as secretary of war under President Franklin Pierce, push for the Gadsden Purchase which brought southern Arizona into the United States.
Still, I'm guessing 'ol Jeff didn't rate a highway because of his contributions to U.S. geography. The road was supposed to be part of a transcontinental highway that never was completed. Pushing to name it the Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway: the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Can anyone explain why the state of Arizona, est. 1912, is honoring the president of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865?
Me neither. It should go.
Should we honor the war dead?
Consider the monument to the Battle of Picacho Pass. Granted, the 1862 skirmish wasn't exactly Gettysburg or Vicksburg but it was the westernmost battle in the Civil War and as such it should be marked.
It is neither a "slap in the face" nor a "tool of terror," as the Rev. Reginald Walton of Black Lives Matter Phx described the six monuments during Monday's press conference.
It should stay.
Consider the Memorial to Arizona Confederate Troops at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, across the street from the state Capitol in Phoenix.
The stone marker was built by the United Daughters of the Confederacy 100 years after the start of the Civil War -- right around the time when African Americans were rightfully questioning why, if all men are created equal, they were stuck in the back of the bus. Why, for the crime of being black, they were being chased by lynch mobs.
What statement were the Confederate daughters making, I wonder, by putting up a monument to honor Confederate soldiers at the height the civil rights movement?
It took, what, 100 years to get around to honoring the Confederate dead?
Monuments can show how far we have to go
"A nation that forgets its past has no future," the memorial says.
That's certainly true. But there's a fine line between remembering and promoting. If we truly want to remember the past, shouldn't the sacrifice of both sides be commemorated?
I don't believe that all Civil War memorials are tools of terror that should be wiped away. We shouldn't hide our history, even the dirtiest part of it.
But a memorial should explain where we've been, if only so that we can consider where we are.
And just how very far we still have to go.
MORE FROM ROBERTS:
Quit whining, Kathy Griffin
Worshiping pasta is not a real religion
Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2rXIuCT
Why did Pelosi delay impeachment? It's all about her
McSally doesn't hate 'liberal' press but ALL press
AZ GOP has a sleazy reply to Sen. McSally's media 'troll'
HOA wants to boot teen? It suffers from a whole other kind of blight
How can Sen. McSally claim to be impartial after this?
Sen. McSally's rudeness to CNN was perfectly legit


19 December 2018 — A newly discovered protein could help detect, target, and collect from the environment the rare-earth metals used in smartphones.
29 November 2018 — Corals and the microorganisms they host have evolved together for hundreds of millions of years. Understanding this long-term relationship could add fresh insight to the fight to save the Earth's embattled coral reefs.


While the occasional release of gas from a pet can be funny or even cute, excessive tooting may present more of a problem than just being unpleasant to be around—releasing too much stinky gas could be a sign of a health problem.
Certain diseases, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and inflammatory bowel disease, can cause excessive gas in pets. Because the amount of gas that a dog or cat produces can be quite variable, consult your veterinarian if you notice an increase in the frequency or any signs that your pet may be bloated and uncomfortable.
In addition to diseases, excessive gas can be caused by the food in your pet's diet as well as your pet's eating habits. Dr. Yuri Lawrence, DVM, MA, MS, Diplomate ACVIM, and Ph.D. student in the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained some common causes.
In these cases, changing your pet's diet could help. Lawrence said general ways to reduce gas include feeding a highly digestible diet, removing consumables that include legumes and lactose, and reducing swallowed air by feeding your pet small, frequent meals. However, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any changes in your pet's normal routine.
Your pet may be your best friend, but putting up with flatulence can be annoying. If your pet is experiencing excessive this problem, see your veterinarian for guidance and suggestions.


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Q: Linear Algebra take on Chi-Squared If I have a system where my output is the sum of my input and white Gaussian noise:
$Y=x+w$  and   $w$~$N(0,\sigma^2I)$
now, I want to determine the distribution for $||y/\sigma||^2 = y^Ty/\sigma^2$
I'm fairly certain (not positive) that this distribution is a chi-squared distribution because $y^Ty = \sum_1^ny_i^2$ which is a sum of squared normal R.V.s
I'm just not entirely sure on how to prove this!

A: In general this should actually follow a non-central $\chi^2$ distribution, since your normal random variables are not centered at 0, if x $\neq 0$

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Halton schools invited to name giant bridge building machine on its way to Runcorn
Gigantic device to build elevated approach route to connect bridge to Runcorn road network
Oliver Clay
Pupils have been given the chance to name a huge machine travelling to Runcorn to help build the Mersey Gateway approach road.
Get the latest news from Runcorn & Widnes straight to your inbox
A second movable scaffold system (MSS) is on its way to Halton to complete major works in Runcorn for the Mersey Gateway bridge.
The machine will be used to build the south elevated approach viaduct connecting Runcorn's main road network to the crossing.
The MSS is the same specification as 'Trinity', the colossal device building the elevated northern approach in Widnes, except it will be red rather than orange.
When fully assembled, it will measure 157m long – the length of about one-and-a-half football pitches – and 8m high and 22m across at its widest point.
At 1,700 tonnes, the steel structure will weigh the equivalent of 140 double decker buses.
As no UK companies have the skills and expertise at present to design, build and operate a machine of this specification, construction consortium Merseylink had to look further afield.
The MSS is being manufactured in China and is due to arrive in Runcorn over the next month.
Workers will begin to assemble the MSS on site at Astmoor this summer.
The machine will be assembled around the first pier of the approach viaduct, about 12.5m above the ground.
Merseylink decided to deploy the extra machine to save valuable time dismantling then transporting and reassembling Trinity on the south side of the river.
Halton schools are being invited to take part in a competition to name the machine, which is due to start work on the south approach viaduct in September this year.
Richard Walker, Merseylink project director, said: "On a project of this scale, a degree of flexibility in the programme is always needed so we can make improvements when necessary.
"Bringing in another MSS will provide additional resilience and ensure that we remain on track to open the new bridge in autumn 2017."
Mr Walker added: "It will be incredibly exciting to have two giant machines like this working on the project at the same time.
"The team is really looking forward to hearing the name suggestions that we get from local children here in Halton, so we can launch the new MSS just like we did with Trinity."
Mersey Gateway Bridge


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Indian Navy Pressed into Action as Gaja Toll Rises to 35
November 17, 2018 November 23, 2018 forceindia 0 Comment
Centre joins state disaster relief as the cyclone intensifies, moves towards interior Tamil Nadu
The Indian Navy has sprung into action in the wake of cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Two naval ships, Chetlat and Cheriyam, arrived at Karaikal in Puducherry this morning carrying relief material and to join the state disaster relief efforts in the state.
While three naval ships – Darshak, Car Nicobar and Cora Divh – are on standby at Chennai, INS Ranvir and Khanjar at Visakhapatnam have been kept ready for deployment if the need arises. A Dornier Detachment has also been deployed at Arakkonam to augment damage assessment and other relief and rescue operations.
The Indian Navy also flew a helicopter sortie from INS Parundu for damage assessment around Ramanathapuram, in the wake of cyclone Gaja, which has reportedly claimed 35 lives so far.
The Indian Navy personnel joined the state authorities and disaster relief teams at Nagapattinam to assess the extent of damage as soon as the weather started clearing post Cyclone Gaja. The personnel joined the civil populace to clear public buildings and roads.
The Indian Coast Guard had already scaled up its operations with pre-emptive and proactive measures to prevent the loss of lives in the seas in the Bay of Bengal, since 9 November 2018. Eight Coast Guard ships and two Dornier aircraft were pressed into action.
Prime Minister Modi, on 16 November, spoke to the Tami Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami regarding the situation and assured full support from the centre. The state government announced a relief of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the severely injured.
The Tamil Nadu disaster management department on 17 November 2018 said 1,27,448 trees had fallen during the deadly cyclone, and 82,000 people were left homeless as Gaja made landfall between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyan in the state, moving from coastal region to the interior parts of the state.
← Coast Guard Initiates a Slew of Measures to Reduce Impact of Cyclone Gaja on Fishermen
Sapta Shakti Command Hosts Jaipur Defence Expo →


Travelling in a foreign nation like Scotland could be a maze, whatever you need is to prepare well for your stay there. There will be a lot of beautiful parks and castles to look at as well as the warmth of those people like Iain Sharpe who's a renown financial adviser will leave you needing to return again and again. Here are some of the items to be aware of during your travel.
You Want to know the Type of food provided and how much they Cost to before easing your stay there. Oats and barley in addition to porridge are included in the diet, beverages, fish and chips and are a few of the meals that are affordable. You could buy groceries and eat out in restaurants is more convenient and costs lesser.
Obviously, when you land in Scotland make it for work purposes Or holiday, you will need to move from one place to another. Movement is by train or by bus but there's also the option of renting bicycles on a daily basis. Taxis are also available at higher costs compared to public ways. Based on your preference and how flexible your budget is, then choose a movement way which works for you.
You may choose to increase by taking a bus into a village and Walk around; there are also national museums which are free but charge for specific exhibitions. The Edinburg castle can be obtained as a tourist attraction. Some festivals majorly occur in August and cause a lot of travel to Scotland. When there are such festivals, you have to make an early booking or you may lose out on lodging.
The time of the year will tell when its high or low season and the kind of climate you are to expect. During a high season, it means the flights are expensive, accommodation rare and costly and tourist attractions busy. Low seasons in winter might also have its challenges whereby most areas tend to shut down.
Travelling is beautiful but it will only be fun if you plan well putting the above considerations in place.


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Arctic Yearbook
China & the Arctic
Briefing Note
Governance of Sustainable Mining in Arctic Countries: Finland, Sweden, Greenland & Russia
Heidi Tiainen, Rauno Sairinen & Olga Sidorenko
Finland, Sweden, Greenland and Russia are all partly or fully Arctic countries that are seeking to develop new possibilities for mining and for promoting the regional economy in their respective northern territories. Even though mining can spur economic development and create new wealth within previously undeveloped regions, there is also the potential for causing negative environmental effects and irrevocably shaping the social dynamics of Arctic communities and indigenous ways of life. In this article, we will compare the national policy strategies, regulation and tools for sustainable Arctic mining. In addition, we will also review questions related to social acceptance, coexistence with indigenous people and traditional livelihoods as well as the state of corporate social responsibility. The four countries share the goal of sustainable mining at a strategic level and are influenced, to some extent, by global trends in mining, but the concrete governance of sustainable mining has evolved very differently in each country-specific context.
At the Margins: Political Change and Indigenous Self-Determination in Post-Soviet Chukotka
Gary N. Wilson & Jeffrey J. Kormos
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian North has undergone a profound process of political, economic and social change. Nowhere is this change more evident than in the Chukotskii Autonomous Okrug (Chukotka), one of the most remote regions in the Russian Federation. During the Soviet period, Chukotka was the recipient of considerable state support which, in turn, led to the economic development of the region and an influx of settlers from other parts of the Soviet Union. These developments, however, quickly overwhelmed the indigenous peoples of Chukotka, who became marginalized economically, politically and demographically.
The post-Soviet period has brought new and unprecedented changes to Chukotka and its inhabitants. In the 1990s, the decline in state support triggered an economic collapse and an out-migration of non-indigenous settlers. Although the economic situation stabilized in the 2000s under the governorship of Roman Abramovich, a powerful oligarch with links to the upper echelons of Russian state authority, the region still struggles to cope with the challenges facing northern regions in Russia and throughout the circumpolar world: remoteness, harsh environments, underdevelopment, size and a dependency on government support. The fate of Chukotka's indigenous peoples in this changing context has been mixed. Developments during the earlier stages of the transition rebalanced the demographic profile of the region, increasing the proportion of indigenous inhabitants in relation to the settler population, and provided some avenues for greater political autonomy, cultural regeneration and international collaboration. However, more recent changes, both at the federal and regional levels, have curtailed the activities of indigenous organizations, bringing them under the increasing control of the state.
Towards Arctic Resource Governance of Marine Invasive Species
Melina Kourantidou, Brooks A. Kaiser, & Linda M. Fernandez
Scientific and policy-oriented publications highlighting the magnitude of uncertainty in the changing Arctic and the possibilities for effective regional governance are proliferating, yet it remains a challenging task to examine Arctic marine biodiversity. Limited scientific data are currently available. Through analysis of marine invasions in the Arctic, we work to identify and assess patterns in the knowledge gaps regarding invasive species in the Arctic that affect the ability to generate improved governance outcomes. These patterns are expected to depend on multiple aspects of scientific research into invasive species threats in the Arctic, including the ways in which known marine invasions are related to different stakeholder groups and existing disparate national and international experiences with invasive species. Stakeholder groups include dominant industries (fishing, shipping, tourism, resource exploration) and indigenous communities (regarded as resource users, citizen scientists, and recipients of goods shipped from other locations). Governance gaps are examined in the context of applied national policies (such as promoting or intercepting intentional introductions), international agreements (regarding introductions and mitigations) and existing prevention programs (regional, national and international). We intend to help focus domestic and international governance and research initiatives regarding introduced species on the most valuable, cost effective options, given the knowledge gaps derived from systematic research limitations and opportunities in the Arctic environment.
Inter-Parliamentary Institutions & Arctic Governance
Michał Łuszczuk
The participation of inter-parliamentary institutions in the processes of international cooperation, especially in the processes of regional governance in almost all parts of the world, has been expanding in the last few decades. The Arctic region too can be praised for the existence of a number of such entities, such as the Conference of Arctic Parliamentarians, the Barents Parliamentary Conference, the Nordic Council and the West-Nordic Council. This paper aims to provide, for the first time, a comparative analysis of the activities of these bodies in regards to their participation in the Arctic governance system, focusing in particular on the relations and links between the inter-parliamentary institutions and the Arctic Council. The paper ends with a reflection on the forthcoming role of such institutions in the future development of multidimensional cooperation among Arctic and non-Arctic nations as well as the threat of a possible democratic deficit in the Arctic.
Governance of Arctic Offshore Oil & Gas Activities: Multilevel Governance & Legal Pluralism at Stake
Cécile Pelaudeix
This article analyses the governance process of offshore oil and gas activities in the Arctic with the concept of multilevel governance and legal pluralism to address both issues of management of the environment and public participation. The analysis goes beyond the single issue of fragmentation pertaining to the international and supranational levels, to encompass national and regional levels and evaluate how the interactions between those levels structure the policy process and impact the efficiency of environmental management and public participation.
Four paths of reflection arise from the analysis. First it is unlikely that a dualistic vision opposing a normative option and an enabling option opens new avenues for solutions but the evolution of international law and customary international law deserves attention and a certain level of harmonisation may be welcome, for instance to cooperate efficiently on the prevention of an oil spill and the response to it. A second path relates to the institutional settings and proposes considering the stress lines pertaining to the entanglement of public and indigenous rights and authorities and the consequences at the local level. A third path suggests options pertaining to contract law to not only optimise the operator-regulator interface, but also more generally to offer a stable framework for inclusive dialogue between actors. In the end, the analysis of the rationale for engaging in offshore activities in the Arctic region, from a state perspective and from regional government, indigenous shareholders and corporation perspectives, could be helpful in providing relevant actors with arguments to weigh the decision on seismic and drilling activities in relation to risk acceptance.
Large-Scale Disaster Response in the Arctic: Are We Ready? Lessons from the Literature on Wicked Policy Problems
Rebecca Pincus
The cruise liner Crystal Serenity plans to conduct a cruise from Alaska to New York in August 2016. This will be, by far, the largest commercial cruise transit of the Northwest Passage ever attempted. The journey raises questions about the capacity of governments to respond to a large-scale environmental or human disaster in the Arctic maritime realm. Mass rescue operations in the Arctic are technically complicated by the extreme cold and enormous distances present in the region, and operationally complicated by governance challenges, including multiple and overlapping jurisdictions, networks of responders, and state-to-state variations in capacity, commitment, and funding schemes for disaster response.
The challenges of disaster response policy in the Arctic make this issue a "wicked" policy problem. Wicked policy problems pose special challenges to policymakers. This class of public policy problems involves a diversity of stakeholders holding varying interpretations of causes and solutions, and is closely interconnected with many other problems. The theory and literature that have developed around wicked problems offer a number of lessons about how actors and networks address these complex governance challenges.
This paper will address the challenge of effective disaster response in the Arctic, using the analytic framework of wicked problems. First, the wicked aspects of disaster response in the Arctic will be analyzed, using the Crystal Serenity as a case study; second, lessons from the literature that identify strategies for managing wicked problems will be identified; finally, the paper will draw practical conclusions about readiness in the Arctic.
Designed & hosted by Arctic Portal


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Q: How to find max value and its associated field values of each type in SQL? class sid sname mark
 1A   1   Pete  330
 1A   2   Pet   150
 1B   3   Pe    100
 1B   4   Pe    20
 1C   5   Peter 30

how to select the student information from each class who has the highest mark?
I can only do this
SELECT MAX(mark), class FROM student GROUP BY class

A: Please try:
 select * from(
 select
    *,
    row_number() over (partition by class order by mark desc) RNum
 From YourTable a
 )x where RNum=1

A: select t1.*
from your_table t1
inner join
(
  select class, max(mark) as maxmark
  from your_table
  group by class
) t2 on t1.class = t2.class and t1.mark = t2.maxmark


Forget the same old places. Blackstone Steakhouse is a refreshing change of pace – a new and exciting venue that offers exceptional food, atmosphere and service for your next celebration, function or private event.
Have your next party or social event in one of our spacious, beautifully appointed dining rooms that can comfortably accommodate from 15 to 225 people. We promise to make it an affair to remember!


With a fun upstairs porch to relax on and cheap beer in the cooler, Chew House has a chilled out vibe. Set back from the noise of Ari, Chew House is a small, wooden guesthouse with six rooms and a lot of charm. The doubles aren't a bad deal for the neighbourhood, but the dorm beds are a bit expensive. Bathrooms are clean and have warm water, breakfast and Wi-fi are included. Close to all the action around Ari and not far from Chatuchak market, Chew House is a nice change of pace.


text:
China and Brazil Agree on $30bn Currency Swap Deal
June 22, 2012• Emerging Markets• by EW News Desk Team
Two major BRIC countries, Brazil and China, have announced that they will swap as much as $30 billion in their respective currencies, a move that symbolises deeper economic cooperation and closer ties between the two emerging markets.
The currency swap, worth 60 billion reais or 190 billion yuan, was at the centre of a wide-ranging trade agreements aimed at boosting investment and trade flows for the coming decade.
The announcement was made yesterday by the Brazilian finance minister Guido Mantega on the sidelines of the UN Rio+20 Summit.
The deal will be the first step in a boarder agreement with the BRICS countries to pool resources together to weather the global financial crisis, as well as reduce their reliance on major trading currencies such as the dollar.
The BRICS group of nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are also discussing the feasibility of a joint development bank, similar to the World Bank or the regional Asian Development Bank, which would allow countries access to funding outside of the global financial system as well as reduce their economic dependency on Europe and the United States.
Related News: BRICS Nations to Explore Possibility of a Common Development Bank
According to Mantega, the currency swap agreement will also "allow the countries to boost financial reserves, which is useful at a time of financial stress."
He added that the other BRICS countries have expressed interest in a reciprocal swap fund, which together holds $4 trillion of foreign exchange reserves.
In a series of bilateral accords aimed at creating a "global strategic partnership", both Brazil and China also pledged to boost research and investment in aerospace and to increase cooperation in the field of oil and gas.
Mantega said:
There is no limit on how much trade can grow.
The deal is the latest in a series of similar agreements between China and its trading partners.
China is on an aggressive "currency swap diplomacy" campaign and has signed about 20 such agreements over the past four years with countries ranging from Argentina to Australia and Japan.
While most of such agreements have been largely symbolic, most analysts agree that they are a boost towards China's bid to internationalise the yuan.
Related News: China Inks $31 Billion Currency Swap Deal with Australia
Related News: Japan and China Agree On Currency Pact, U.S. Criticises the Currencies
Related News: Geithner: US Not Worried By China's Attempts to Internationalise Renminbi
Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom from 1992 to 2007. Prime Minister of the UK between 2007 and 2010. Inaugural 'Distinguished Leader in Residence' at New York University. Advisor at World Economic Forum
Gordon Brown, EconomyWatch Contributor
The G-20 Must Get Its Act Together: Gordon Brown
What Will Make the Great Financial Crisis Look Like Child's Play? The Next One: Gordon Brown
Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a finance professor at Peking University's Guanghua School of Management.
Michael Pettis, EconomyWatch Contributor
China Reforms: Why Maintaining High Economic Growth Is Impossible
When Are Markets Rational?
China's Hidden Debt Problem: An Unavoidable Crisis In The Making?
Analysis of economics, politics and public policy in East Asia and the Pacific.
East Asia Forum, EconomyWatch Contributor
Asia Pathways is a blog of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI). ADBI welcomes contributions to Asia Pathways. Information on how to contribute to the blog is available at our guidelines for authors.
Located in Tokyo, Japan, ADBI is the think tank of the Asian Development Bank. Its mission is to identify effective development strategies and improve development management in ADB's developing members countries. ADBI has an extensive network of partners in the Asia and Pacific region and beyond. ADBI's activities are guided by its three strategic priority themes of inclusive and sustainable growth, regional cooperation and integration, and governance for policies and institutions.
Asia Pathways,
If Solar is the Way Forward, Projects will need Financing
Can Negative Interest Rates be Beneficial?
Mixed Results in the Rest of Asia over the BOJ's Policy Decisions
Independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community.
The Conversation, Economy Watch Contributor
Did the Fed Make the Right No-Call?
Hanjin's Ships are Stranded, but Why?
Making vs. Keeping G20 Globalization Gains
Dr. Handfield serves as Executive Director of the SCRC.
Dr. Robert Handfield, SCRC Executive Director
Can the Price of a Big Mac in Denmark Explain the Living Wage?
Luxury Brand's Supply Chains are Customized and Global


FixIce.com provide the best repair, installation & maintenance services of machines including ice makers, soft serve ice cream, frozen & yogurt machines at a reliable and affordable price. We have a professional hand in machines. Our Client satisfaction is our first priority.


text:
HR Home Page > Box Scores > LAK at WPG, October 9, 2018
Los Angeles Kings Schedule
Los Angeles Kings at Winnipeg Jets Box Score — October 9, 2018
06:26 LAK Ilya Kovalchuk (1) Drew Doughty and Alex Iafallo
10:59 WPG Mark Scheifele (1) Brandon Tanev and Josh Morrissey
10:21 WPG PP — Kyle Connor (3) Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien
15:38 LAK Derek Forbort: Slashing — 2 min
06:53 LAK Michael Amadio: Tripping — 2 min
09:09 LAK Jake Muzzin: Tripping — 2 min
07:42 WPG Mark Scheifele: Delay of game — 2 min
16:58 WPG Tyler Myers: High sticking — 2 min
Los Angeles Kings Table
Michael Amadio 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 6:22
Jeff Carter 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 21 19:26
Kyle Clifford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 7:55
Drew Doughty 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 32 27:18
Derek Forbort 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 19:49
Alex Iafallo 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 25 17:26
Adrian Kempe 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 19 13:15
Anze Kopitar 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0.0 29 24:19
Ilya Kovalchuk 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 33.3 26 23:03
Paul Ladue 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 10:07
Trevor Lewis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 20 12:29
Alec Martinez 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 28 22:44
Jake Muzzin 0 0 0 -1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 29 23:22
Tanner Pearson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 19 15:49
Dion Phaneuf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 16:44
Nate Thompson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 10:01
Tyler Toffoli 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 21 19:02
Austin Wagner 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 13 7:16
Jack Campbell L 2 39 37 .949 0 0 58:21
Ben Chiarot 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 19 18:30
Joseph Morrow 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 12:43
Tyler Myers 0 0 0 -1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 19 15:29
Mathieu Perreault 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 10 7:30
Jack Roslovic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 10 7:16
Kristian Vesalainen 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 4:52
Blake Wheeler 0 1 1 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0.0 24 22:53
You are here: HR Home Page > Box Scores > LAK at WPG, October 9, 2018


Over time I have encountered several sellers who are evaluating real estate agents to hire. Unfortunately, few know what to look for, and there's tons of bad advice online. Here are the top mistakes when selecting a listing agent.
Unethical agents know that sellers want to make as much money as possible and deliberately throw out a high price to secure your business. Supply and demand are the primary mechanisms that determine the price you will get for your home. Yes, a bad agent costs you money. It's because they drop the ball and let buyers walk away or can't negotiate deals. An overly optimistic agent also costs you money. Realistic and pessimistic agents value price listings which incite bidding wars. The key to getting a great price for your home is making buyers fight with each other rather than with you, the seller.
Part of what makes a real estate agent so efficient at selling a home is they give away half of their commission to any cooperating agent that brings a buyer. Remember, buyers don't pay commission. This way they crowdsource the networks of every agent in the area and attract the maximum number of buyers to your home. If a listing agent charges less commission, there's less to go around for the buyer's agent. This disincentive is multiplied by the size of the buyer agent network and can cost you the buyer who is willing to pay full price for your home.
One real estate company likes to boast that their agents are salaried and paid a bonus based on your satisfaction. They pay their employees a low fixed wage and pass the "savings" onto you. The bonus these agents earn for going above and beyond maxes out at $1,000. Who do you think is more motivated to delight you, someone who earns a mostly fixed paycheck, or someone who gets their business through word of mouth from clients who are truly impressed by the service they get?
My advice to you is to look at how much time the agent is spending on selling themselves and compare it to how much time they spend on serving their clients. Yes, you should work with an agent that's professional and knows what they're doing. You also want an agent that pays attention to you. Agents that serve a huge number of clients will be passing you along to their assistant who does all the real work while the agent is busy promoting themselves. The agent that spends more time with their clients than finding new ones will outperform the agents who spend most of their time generating business for themselves.
The one thing in common all great agents have is that they work hard to serve you as a client. They research your property and neighborhood, present you facts to help you make informed decisions, and make time to work with you and answer questions. A good agent takes time to understand your needs and customizes what they do to best serve you. They take pride and find joy in what they do and are truly interested in achieving the best outcome for you.


Our helmet lenses are made from poly-carbonate material and are custom made to fit the BSI helmet. Lenses are a safety feature of the helmets.
This product is the replacement lens for the Model 2000 and 5000 helmets.


This trip is currently in the planning stages by our Great Outdoors San Diego (GO-SD) Chapter. As with all trips, dates may change or the trip might be cancelled due to inability to secure site reservations. Please contact the Vice President of Outings (VPO) via email at VPO-SD@GreatOutdoors.org for further details about this overnight event.


Hours: We are currently recruiting for team members to support in the provision of our meals service which operates 365 days of the year between the hours of 11am until 2.30pm.
Contract type: We have a range of contracts available. Please outline your availability in your application.
Description: Are you a caring, compassionate individual? Would you like to make a difference in your local community? If so, come and join our team! Aspect Living Foundation are recruiting. We are a not-for-profit charity organisation which delivers meals on wheels and other independent living support to vulnerable people in their own homes.
You will be provided with a free uniform and use of a work vehicle for the delivery period.
Our Community Meals on Wheels Drivers are responsible for delivering hot meals to vulnerable, disabled, and elderly clients across Suffolk. We are looking for our drivers to be reliable team players, who are caring and able to communicate easily with vulnerable clients.
To apply for any role, please download our job description and application and e-mail your completed versions to hr@aspectliving.org.uk, or post to: Human Resources, Aspect Living Foundation, 11D Farthing road, Sproughton Ind Est, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5AP.
View and download job description.
View and download the application form.


text:
War Horse Presentation.
by admin | 22/02/2012 | News
Bliss of London are holding a very special by invitation only launch party for the announcemment of our support for The Brooke Charity.
On Friday January 13th 2012 we will be hosting one of the first showings in the UK of the spectacular new movie 'War Horse' directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie which has won so much critical aclaim is set spanning four years during the 1st Wold War. The story is of Joey's journey; from becoming the mount for a brave English officer (Tom Hiddleston), to a German workhorse, to a gift from God for a dying little girl. Spielberg gives us a glimpse of the waste of war – and of all the soldiers, both young and old, who never deserved to die.
The film is genuine in its emotion, unflinching in its reality, epic in its grandiosity, effective in its performances, and imaginative in its storytelling.
Charity Registration Number 1085760
http://www.thebrooke.org/
Bliss of London is delighted to be announcing its support for The Brooke over the coming years. The event is our way to pay a fitting tribute to Dorothy Brooke who founded the charity in 1934 by establishing a hospital for ex-war horses in a dusty Cairo street. The Brooke has become the leading international welfare charity for working equine welfare. There are currently around 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world, transporting people and goods. All of them play an essential role in the livelihoods of an estimated 600 million people. During the course of their working lives, more than half of these animals suffer malnutrition, exhaustion, disease and injury, often compounded by a lack of accessible and affordable animal health services. These problems can be avoided. The Brooke is an international charity dedicated to improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules through direct veterinary treatment and community programmes to improve animal health and well-being. The Brooke also work with individuals, institutions and governments to encourage changes to policy, benefiting the welfare of working equine animals. The Brooke's goal is to improve the welfare of two million working horses, donkeys and mules every year, by 2016.
The Venue.
The Odeon IMax Swiss Cottage.
96 Finchley Road, London. NW3 5EL
Directions and Hotel Accomodation for any of our guests that are planning on staying in London.
Best Western, £70-£160 0.1 miles 59 rooms, parking, outside congestion zone
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/stayinfo/stay-details.php?show=119450
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
4.8 miles 11 minutes from end off the M1
Marriot £139 twin room, £178 with breakfast up to £335 0.2 miles 304 rooms parking, outside congestion zone
http://www.allinlondon.co.uk/stayinfo/stay-details.php?show=36975
Dawson Guest House £54 – £179, 15 rooms 0.4 miles, parking on road?
Helping to make a difference with custom made saddles
Saddle fitting for RoR's with the Paramour Dressage
Ralph Lauren – Spring and Summer 2014 Collection
The Art of Saddle Fitting


Shopping for an incense burner? With the holiday season coming up, what a great gift idea for that special someone on your Christmas wish list. The best part of all is that an incense burner can usually be found for a very cheap price and whether you are looking specifically for a hanging incense burner, brass incense burner or any other type, there are a few companies in particular that you are going to want to check out.
This is definitely one of the first places that anyone shopping for an incense burner will want to check out. They offer a wide selection of incense burners, and of all different materials. They have incense burners, oil burners, brass and incense censors and the coolest Aladdin's lamps as well.
They are known for their eclectic collection and you are definitely not ever going to be lacking in terms of choice when you do your shopping here.
For a top quality incense burner you will definitely want to become more familiar with this company, and they are a full service store that is truly dedicated towards providing customers with the best and most unique items and spiritual goods. They are a wholesale distributor as well and so you will be able to get some very competitive prices when you shop here.
This is another great company, one well worth checking out for anyone shopping for an incense burner. They feature the Nurturing Goddess Incense Burner, which measures 12 inches long and 4.5 inches tall. It is stunning and a great Christmas gift for anyone on your list.
You can check out their website to get the full details on this and other products they have available, and to see what the prices are and where their items are available.
This is just the most basic idea of what is out there in the incense world, and there is a tremendous lineup of incense burner and accessory stores out there that are worth checking out. Just be careful when you are purchasing these items, because you want to watch out for a few things. Of course you want one that you like the look of, but as well you want one that is going to be safe to use.
Now if you are shopping for an antique incense burner, make sure that you are getting one that is actually unique and not just, well, old.


If I get a ticket in NJ that carries points, should I plea to Unsafe Operation (a no point ticket)?
Should I Plead to a NJ No Point Ticket (Unsafe Operation)? Many people contact my office with a speeding ticket or other New Jersey traffic offense that carries motor vehicle points looking to avoid them, if possible.
Many people contact my office with a speeding ticket or other traffic offense that they received in Southern New Jersey, looking to avoid the points, if possible. The solution is often the "unsafe operation" statute, but ironically, that is not the only (or necessarily best) course of action. Believe it or not, sometimes taking the hit on the points is a better way to go.
court costs of about $33.
With a minimum fine, that comes to $333, instead of $83. If you have plead to this once before in the past five (5) years and are a second offender, then the fine is $100 to $250, so with minimums, it would be $383. Obviously, that speeding ticket would be a cheaper way to go, depending on your driving record.
If you get six or more points within three (3) years, you will be assessed a surcharge.
If you amass 12 or more points within a 2 year period, your license will be suspended.
If you are close to either of these thresholds, a plea to Unsafe Operation would most likely be the best way to go. You should also check with your insurance agent to see if the points would have any negative effect on your auto premiums.Bear in mind also that points can also be removed from your driving record.
The bottom line here is that in most instances a couple points on your license is not the end of the world. If you received a ticket in Camden, Gloucester, or Salem County, New Jersey, and are looking for an attorney to represent you, feel free to give me a call at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site to schedule an appointment in my Woodbury office to discuss what course of action is best for you before making any decisions.
If you are looking for more information on New Jersey's traffic laws, then download my free book, A Guide to Driving Legally in NJ, and Surviving Traffic Court If You Don't.
What is a NJ no point ticket for unsafe operation?
How do I get rid of points from my NJ driving record?
?What Are the Restrictions on a NJ Probationary License?
?What Are the Restrictions on a NJ Student Learner's Permit?
?What Are the Penalties If I am Convicted of Careless Driving in NJ?