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Category Archives: Cambodia
Cambodia–On what basis will there be reconciliation?
April 1, 2019 by dinobeano
Cambodia–-On what basis will there be reconciliation?
by Thomas Fowler
https://www.khmertimeskh.com
A few days ago, former parliamentarians of the late CNRP launched a call for national reconciliation, mentioning in particular the very short episode of the culture of dialogue. We can only rejoice at this state of mind that seems to mimic the CPP's opponents.
Above all, Cambodia needs a form of democracy that is based on a desire for dialogue and a spirit of conciliation. The democracy of confrontation, with its winners and losers, so dear to Westerners – even if it offers for the moment rather puzzling examples as in Europe – is absolutely not what Cambodia needs.
Although today a very large majority of its population did not experience the extreme horrors of the 70s, Cambodia still keeps track of the traumas suffered and a collective memory forever marked by this dramatic past. All specialists of mass crimes agree that the victims' children are also not immune to the shocks suffered by their parents.
The Cambodian human and social fabric is still fragile. The extraordinary erasure of knowledge inflicted by the men of Pol Pot, but also the propaganda of his movement that lasted until 1998 are not without consequences. The Cambodian population is a fertile ground for those who conceive politics as a call to passions, lies and radical behaviors. The conditions are in place to allow the demagogues to prosper and sow the seeds of division.
This is what we have known since the day Sam Rainsy began to poison the political life of this country. The only candidate, in 1993, to be blamed by UNTAC for his calls for racial hatred, he built his entire political career on the most hateful form of demagoguery – the one that made the success of a Hitler or a Le Pen in Europe both of whom designated a popular scapegoat for all the problems of the country.
Using ignorance of historical realities, neglecting no opportunity to falsify the past as the present, resorting to opposition to power that create a climate of civil war, insulting, slandering, Sam Rainsy is rapidly hysterical when it comes to political debate.
Don't BULLY US– We are a sovereign Nation
With the support of Westerners, at all times careless of Cambodian realities, he has had considerable financial means to prosper in his political adventure. After unsuccessfully igniting the streets of Phnom Penh in 2013, he deigned to accept the prime minister's proposal to practice a culture of dialogue. He sabotaged it, once obtained a reform of the electoral law he wished.
Everyone knows what followed. Today, some of those who have supported Sam Rainsy's hateful practices speak of national reconciliation and a culture of dialogue. Very well! If there is in the opposition, including the former CNRP, women and men of goodwill, all the better. We can only rejoice. But we must glean from a quarter of a century of lessons why the attempt to establish a peaceful democracy failed.
What has been lacking in the Cambodian people and their political class since 1993 is a national consensus on a number of fundamental issues. The lack of unity of views on these issues has allowed demagogy to flourish. Cambodia offers the spectacle of a country that is not reconciled with itself on essential issues. This is the lesson of the past 25 years: a democracy cannot work if there is no agreement among all political sensitivities on a common denominator.
The Kingdom needs a national consensus on its past, on the territorial configuration of the country before and after colonization, on the reality of the March 18, 1970 coup, on all the crimes committed by Pol Pot's gang, on the role of Vietnam in the liberation of the country, and on the true pacification of the country.
To question the borders resulting from colonisation is to deny not only the historical facts (Cambodia lost Kampuchea Krom before the arrival of the French and Koh Trâl because of the French), but also the international law and its principle of uti possidetis, however successfully invoked when it comes to the border with Thailand. This is the first essential consensus: to accept the borders of November 9, 1953, and to take into account the consequences of 30 years of war that require modest and balanced adjustments.
This is a historical fact: it was the 1970 coup that plunged the country into a civil, regional and international war in the end of which Polpotism triumphed. To recognize and accept this fact must help to turn the painful page of divisions between Cambodians who survived these events. It is a second constituent element of a necessary national consensus.
The Khmer Rouge regime of Pol Pot was the one who systematically organized the physical elimination of more than two million Khmers. Evidence has been gathered of the responsibility of this regime and its leaders for the innumerable crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated against the Cambodian people, between April 17, 1975 and January 7, 1979. To deny it, to attribute it to other than to the Pol potists, is to insult the victims and the survivors and to rewrite history. The third consensus that Cambodian democracy needs is to recognize that fanatical Khmer people blinded by a mortifying ideology have massacred their own people.
The Pol potists launched in 1975 a war of aggression against the Vietnamese neighbor. For reasons of national security of its own and to answer the call for help from tens of thousands of Cambodians who fled to Vietnam, after failed negotiations during two and an half years followed by the rupture of diplomatic relations and the intensification of fighting, it ended Pol Pot's regime by entering Phnom Penh on January 7, 1979.
Even though people may have a different opinion about what followed, there is no doubt that January 7, 1979 symbolizes the end of a regime of terror and massacres. Recognizing this fact is the fourth component of a necessary national consensus.
What followed was probably, for those who lived it, still too present to agree on a common appreciation and should therefore be restrained in political debates. As a fifth element of the common ground, it should not be difficult to unite all to recognize that the real pacification of the country took place at the end of December 1998.
And finally, to secure the future, an endorsement and commitment by all to give up the anti-democratic practices used by Sam Rainsy should be the sixth element of the political agreement sealing reconciliation.
How can national reconciliation and peaceful democracy be envisioned if those who govern and those who do not want a dialogue respecting mutual values do not agree on these six elements which constitute the historical and political heritage of Cambodia? Will the whole Cambodian political class have the wisdom to conclude a pact that recognizes these six elements of a national consensus and thus open a new era, looking to the future?
Thomas Fowler is a Cambodia watcher based in Phnom Penh.
Posted in ASEAN, Cambodia, Character and Integrity, Democracy, Hun Sen, Khmer Times.
The TOP Universities in CAMBODIA, 2019
THE University of CAMBODIA, founded 15 years ago, is ranked NO.2 in 2019. We aspire to take the totem pole a few years forward. The Techo Sen School of Government and International Relations, established in 2014, the first public policy school of its kind in the Kingdom, bears the name of His Excellency Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen–Din Merican
Posted in Cambodia, Education, Intellectual Development, Uncategorized.
Linking BRI with Cambodia's rectangular development
Khmer times:
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Beijing, capital of China, May 17, 2017. Xinhua/Rao Aimin
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious international cooperation and connectivity project initiated by China in 2013. Cambodia is one of the staunchest supporters of the initiative with the expectation that BRI will contribute to peace and shared prosperity. As a small and open economy, Cambodia is committed to building an open and inclusive international system.
The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will take place in late April this year to further expand and deepen international collaborations and partnerships based on the spirit of peace, cooperation, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, equality, mutual learning, mutual benefit and mutual respect by strengthening cooperation on the basis of extensive consultation and the rule of law, joint efforts, shared benefits and equal opportunities for all.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will lead a big delegate consisting of deputy prime ministers, ministers and other senior leaders to attend the forum in Beijing. Cambodian leaders will also have a number of bilateral meetings with some key Chinese business leaders who are interested in investing in Cambodia. BRI is a key framework, or even a catalyst, to encourage and facilitate the investment inflow from China to the Kingdom.
In the joint statement of the first forum, the leaders stressed of forging joint endeavour on BRI and urged to build synergy between BRI with other connectivity initiatives. From the Cambodian perspective, building synergy between BRI with the five-year development plan, called Rectangular Development Strategy, is the priority of bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and China.
The Rectangular Development Strategy Phase IV prioritises four pillars namely human resource development, economic diversification, private sector and job development, and inclusive and sustainable development. At the core of the four pillars is the acceleration of the governance reform, which refers to institutional reform and capacity building, strengthening accountability and integrity in the public administration, strengthening of work effectiveness, and strengthening of private sector governance.
Under the BRI cooperation framework, China should further align BRI with key development areas of Cambodia. So far, Chinese development assistance and investment projects concentrate on hard infrastructure and labour-intensive industry. Both countries need to expand their areas of cooperation to include human resource development, digital economy and sustainable development.
The Chinese companies and factories should build vocational training centres or schools to build and transfer skills to local workers. Due to lack of local skilled labour forces, most of Chinese companies choose to bring Chinese workers, which costs more than hiring local workers. Chinese companies should also provide on-the-job training to build the capacity of local workers in order to improve productivity. In this regards, Chinese companies can learn a great deal from Japanese companies in terms of skills development and knowledge transfer.
Digital economy is the future economic sector of Cambodia. The key challenges facing Cambodia to realise a full-fledged digital economy are the lack of human resources and digital infrastructure, and the lack of public and private investment in innovation and entrepreneurship. Mega Chinese private companies like Huawei and Alibaba could help Cambodia to build the necessary infrastructure and human capital to help the Kingdom fully harness digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In terms of inclusive and sustainable development, China and Cambodia should work closely together to link BRI with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the National Sustainable Development Goals. Chinese investments need to further link with rural development and poverty reduction. Some investment projects relating to land grabbing, serious environmental degradation, and socio-economic exclusion need to be reviewed. Environmental and social impact assessment needs to be seriously conducted before deciding on investment or development projects.
The success of BRI depends very much on the quality of the projects and the perception and participation of the local community. Both countries still need to double their efforts to ensure that development projects under BRI really benefit the local people. People-centred development approach should be at the core of BRI and Cambodia-China partnership.
Suos Yara is Member of Parliament from Cambodia.
The quintessential UN diplomat-DR. Benny Widyono
When career diplomat Benny Widyono died in his sleep in the United States on March 17, the world lost a beautiful bloke, a distinguished diplomat, a United Nations governor of Siem Reap Province and an Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps as UN Ambassador to Cambodia.
Copyright © 2019 Khmer Times
Posted in Cambodia, China, China -One Belt One One Road Policy, China-Cambodia Relations, Development Diplomacy and Soft Power, Development Planning, Hun Sen, Xi Jinping.
Deepest concerns over EU withdrawal of EBA scheme
Reader's Letter
https://www.phnompenhpost.com
European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom launched the initial process to begin EBA withdrawal on October 4 last year. AFP
Both in my capacities as entrepreneur and as representative of the European business community in Cambodia I reiterate my attachment to European values and engagement to support Cambodia improve its human rights records.
In this regard, jointly with human rights advocates and European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) members, I want to voice once more my deepest concerns in respect to the process to withdraw preferences offered to Cambodia under the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme.
Trade preference is granted to the country as a whole not to individual operators, and suspension should be employed the same way.
The use of trade as leverage to restore human rights raises an ethical question as to whether a negative impact on businesses, workers and their families who are not responsible for the situation leading to the adoption of sanctions is a legitimate means to pursue foreign policy objectives.
Many entrepreneurs like myself, locals and foreigners, have contributed to the progress of human rights by further enhancing economic growth and socio-economic development for people here in Cambodia.
Together we share growing concerns over hard-won gains that could be imperilled, and the condition of the Cambodian people worsened by depriving poor people of jobs and endangering their livelihoods.
A withdrawal of EBA could produce results that run counter to other rights, like the protection of vulnerable groups of people and the promotion of basic human rights embedded in the UN Charter and human rights treaties.
In terms of identities and perceptions, a withdrawal of EBA unnecessarily increases the confusion as to the notion of "human rights" in Asia where there is a need for universal values to be entrenched.
Deepening human suffering comes from the manner in which actors pursue their objectives.
A disregard for impoverished communities is understandably perceived as a worrying feature.
Economic sanctions challenge the basic sense of right and wrong and create ambiguity about human rights.
As seen in the local newspapers, a Cambodian analyst stated: "Those who are happy to see sanctions should be ashamed. They can be protagonists of human rights, they are in fact the enemy of humanity."
Seen as harmful and unjust by affecting ordinary citizens, and driving innocents into poverty, I join openly the ones that demand a refrain from using such measures for human rights, unless the EU can provide sufficient, consistent and coherent guarantees for the protection of the political, economic, social and cultural rights of affected communities.
Shouldn't economic sanctions be proportional and only used in the most extreme cases?
Researchers have estimated the probability of success of such measures by analysing data from past cases.
In general terms, all international sanctions combined, scholars demonstrate a low probability of success in reaching their goals: five, 22 or 30 per cent.
A high probability of failure: between 65-95 per cent of the time.
Looking at the nature of sanctions, as of today, withdrawals of the US GSP scheme and EBA have not recorded a single case of compliance.
When reinstatements have occurred, they have not been driven by the target's compliance.The probability of success is reduced to zero.
Looking at the goal of sanctions, in this case the restoration of a democratic environment, sanctions designed for this purpose are significantly associated with higher levels of democracy.
They rarely manage to instantly create liberal democracies, but more commonly some form of electoral authoritarianism, increasing prospects for future democratisation.
However, authors warn "these findings should not be taken as evidence to justify all types of sanctions in all contexts […] There are several examples of highly unsuccessful democratic sanctions in the past".
In general terms, international sanctions have a counterproductive effect on democracy.
There may be an increase of repression in an effort to stabilise the regime and they can create incentives for the leadership to restrict political liberties and consolidate power.
In addition, target elites might respond by changing their priorities to military spending in order to enhance their coercive capacity.
I urge the EU to carry out an impact assessment of any trade measures to be taken in response to human rights violations and balance any negative impact on the local population and affected workers against its possible effectiveness in Cambodia.
As human rights are the stated primary objective of the process of withdrawal of EBA, coherence and synergy within the EU institutions to negotiate with stakeholders in Cambodia should take place effectively.
There is a need to shift away from a focus on trade to a focus on benefits and achievements in human rights.
I regret that the decision and process are led by the Directorate General for Trade – an increased role of the directorate generals specialising in human rights and development would be more appropriate.
They should play the lead role to address the human rights situation and their expertise can ensure these issues remain the main concern.
I believe the EU's expertise in human rights, and whose approach is to deliver results on the ground by integrating lessons learned, can contribute to attaining the objective of democratisation.
In the present situation, the process to review Cambodia's duty-free access needs to be transparent and based on European values.
In line with the Trade Commissioner's vision of trade as a force for good in the world, I recall any action to promote human rights cannot be justified if it has a negative impact on human rights.
The EU needs to consider as a priority the rights and well-being of ordinary citizens, with particular attention paid to the most vulnerable populations.
They should not be sacrificed.
As the final decision will depend upon the judgement of the EU and in the absence of an impartial and independent body to monitor the progress of dialogue between the EU and the Cambodian government, I urge the EU to define realistic expected results, monitor progress toward the achievement of expected results, integrate lessons learned and report on performance in all transparency. In addition, the EU should not leave itself open to accusations of double standards.
When the EU threatened Cambodia on its failure to meet human rights provisions, the bloc was in a process to conclude the "most ambitious agreement ever made with a developing country" – Vietnam.
According to the 2018 Democracy Index, Cambodia ranks 125th and Vietnam 139th. According to the 2018 press freedom index, Cambodia ranks 142nd and Vietnam 175th.
The use of double standards when it comes to democracy and human rights is counterproductive for the EU, for the credibility of its external action and, most importantly, for the very principles it promotes.
If suspension is not consistently applied, as a result the activation of the withdrawal procedure in Cambodia will be seen as subject to political and economic considerations.
The EU's EBA offers unilateral trade preferences to Cambodia but the EU's FTA with Vietnam removes or reduces customs tariffs in bilateral trade.
It is obvious that EU economic interests are part of the decision to refrain from imposing economic sanctions.
In the past, the EU has also been criticised for being at the forefront of the practice of linking commercial objectives with political interests through the use of conditionality clauses.
A misunderstanding of the motives of decision-making on conditionality clauses with regards to human rights would undermine the government's awareness that Cambodia's steps to improve rights will lead to a positive outcome.
Transparency is mandatory and I contest the use of selective conditionality and the application of double standards.
Questions of human rights need to be dealt with objectively, regardless of any economic or political gain.
In terms of democracy and political rights, in some cases, incentives can be more effective and preferable to sanctions.
As a long-timer actor of the private sector, I acknowledge the negative influence of trade on labour conditions and environmental preservation.
In this regard, a withdrawal of EBA is likely to translate into a deterioration of labour conditions and may unfairly penalise workers, including those employed in European businesses in Cambodia.
Instead, to prevent and remedy against negative impacts of trade on human and labour rights, the EU should conduct a human rights impact assessment before granting trade preferences to a candidate country and during its implementation.
These assessments should be undertaken by independent experts, in consultation with civil society, including with representatives of communities affected by trade preferences.
Arnaud Darc,CEO of Thalias Hospitality Group, Phnom Penh
Send letters to: newsroom@phnompenhpost.com or PO Box 146, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Post reserves the right to edit letters to a shorter length.The views expressed above are solely the author's and do not reflect any positions taken by The Phnom Penh Post.
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/opinion/deepest-concerns-over-eu-withdrawal-eba-scheme?fbclid=IwAR22bhyQeuZYATAd2B08tDj7RKlVu674frzR4raZ_m-ZWevkVlgSdI4NW40
Posted in Cambodia, civil society issues, Democracy, European Union (EU), Human Rights, Trade and Finance, Trade and Investment.
Hun Sen addresses ousting of Prince Norodom Sihanouk in 1970
by Ben Sokhean.www.khmer times.com
Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday said that it was Khmer Republic President Marshal Lon Nol and his allies that ousted Prince Norodom Sihanouk in 1970.
During the height of the US' war in Vietnam, members of the National Assembly voted to remove Prince Sihanouk from power as he was in Moscow, forcing him to create a government in exile in Beijing. They then appointed Marshal Lon Nol as President of the Khmer Republic.
Mr Hun Sen yesterday during a graduation ceremony said the ousting of Prince Sihanouk was a result of Cambodian leaders colluding with foreigners, referring to the United States.
Prime Minister Hun Sen says Lon Nol conspired to oust Prince Sihanouk.
"Even though there was a push from foreigners in 1970, had Lon Nol, Sisowath Sirik Matak […] not conspired to push for war and a takeover, the coup would not have occurred," he said. "Whether the coup would succeed or not depended on internal factors."
Lon Rith, son of Marshal Nol, on Wednesday during a Cross-Talk discussion with Khmer Times said the removal of Prince Sihanouk was a National Assembly decision.
"It was not [my father's] decision, it was the decision of the National Assembly and the Cambodian people," Mr Rith said. "They were no longer confident in Prince Sihanouk."
The US embassy in Phnom Penh has denied ever being involved in a coup in Cambodia and accused China of supporting Pol Pot's brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
The Chinese embassy responded by accusing the CIA of being involved in the removal of Prince Sihanouk from power.
Paul Chambers, lecturer at Naresuan University's College of Asean Community Studies, yesterday said the CIA was very much involved in the ousting of Prince Sihanouk.
"The National Assembly voted to depose Sihanouk, allowing Lon Nol to assume power, but this was a mere post-facto formality," Mr Chambers said, adding that Marshal Nol worked with Prince Sirik Matak to arrest Prince Sihanouk's in-law, Oum Mannorine, on "trumped up charges".
"With Oum Mannorine arrested, Lon Nol and Sirik Matak could control the armed forces," he said. "Ultimately, blame for the coup falls on the feet of the US Central Intelligence Agency which had been plotting for years the overthrow or assassination of Sihanouk. The CIA code name for the 1970 coup operation in Cambodia was 'Operation Sunshine Park'."
Ou Chanrath, a former opposition party lawmaker, yesterday said regardless of who was behind the ousting of the prince, the Kingdom has yet to form a national consensus on the matter.
"It is a historic issue, we cannot say who is right or who is wrong," Mr Chanrath said. "We are not clear whether the US was really behind the coup, but they did strongly support Lon Nol's government later."
Posted in American Politics, Cambodia, Democracy, Geo-Politics, History, Hun Sen, Khmer Times, Uncategorized.


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HOT FRAUD AREAS
The False Claims Act
The False Claims Act allows private citizens to sue those that commit fraud against government programs. The Act provides for treble damages and penalties and also provides awards of 15 to 30 percent of recoveries for those bringing cases. The False Claims Act is the single most important tool U.S. taxpayers have to recover the billions of dollars stolen through fraud by U.S. government contractors every year.
Historical Origins of the False Claims Act
In the United States, the concept of the citizen-initiated lawsuit to address fraud against the Government dates back to the earliest days of the Republic. The First Continental Congress, and later the early Congresses of the United States, passed numerous statutes imposing penalties or fines that relied upon qui tam provisions for enforcement. These enforcement actions came to be known as "Qui Tam" lawsuits, referring to the original English common law that allowed such suits to be brought "on behalf of the King as well as oneself."
In 1863, during the Civil War, Congress passed the first version of the False Claims Act, which at that time was commonly known as "Lincoln's Law." This legislation was enacted to punish and deter military procurement fraud by unethical Civil War contractors who were profiteering by selling sick or lame horses and mules, faulty munitions, spoiled food, and other worthless materials to the Union Army. In President Lincoln's words:
"[W]orse than traitors in arms are the men who pretend loyalty to the flag, feast and fatten on the misfortunes of the nation while patriotic blood is crimsoning the plains of the South and their countrymen are mouldering in the dust."
The Act made it illegal for anyone to submit false claims for payment to the Government for worthless or nonconforming goods. The Act conferred upon any person the right to file a qui tam action against anyone who filed a false claim for payment to the United States Government. Such persons, known as "relators," were essentially bounty hunters who were rewarded or incentivized to pursue such claims by receiving 50% of all monies recovered. As originally enacted, the amounts recoverable under the False Claims Act included twice the damages caused by the fraud as well as a $2,000 penalty for each claim submitted to the United States.
In 1943, Congress drastically curtailed the reach of the False Claims Act, in response to a series of cases that they branded as "parasitic" because they were brought by relators who had no original information, but rather based their cases on information contained in public indictments or related news articles. The 1943 Amendments eliminated the so-called "parasitic lawsuits" by barring a claim if the Government possessed any knowledge of the fraud at the time the action was filed. The Amendments also greatly reduced the award to the relator, from a guaranteed 50% of the recovery to 10% (if the Government prosecuted the case) and 25% (if the Relator proceeded without the Government). As predicted by the opponents of the Amendments, these changes ceded control of the cases to the Government and diminished the incentives to relators sufficient to virtually eliminate qui tam actions for 40 years, until the next set of Amendments in 1986.
The 1986 Amendments - Revitalizing the False Claims Act
The early years of the Reagan Administration witnessed an unprecedented military build-up fueled by significant increases in defense spending. As with any increase in government spending, the inevitable profiteering was not far behind.
In 1986, U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R - IA), and U.S. Representative Howard Berman (D - CA.), joined forces in a bipartisan effort to reinvigorate the False Claims Act with a new round of amendments that greatly enhanced the role of the Relator and the qui tam provisions.
By increasing the incentives, providing anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers, and eliminating the crippling government knowledge defense and replacing it with the public disclosure bar, the 1986 Amendments revitalized the False Claims Act, allowing it to become the Government's most effective tool to fight fraud in government programs.
The Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 (FERA)
In 2009 Congress passed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, again amending the False Claims Act to clarify and strengthen its effectiveness. Over the course of twenty-three years, following the 1986 Amendments, some courts had narrowly interpreted some of provisions, imposing limitations that were inconsistent with Congresses intent to protect all government funds and property. FERA enacted corrective legislation intended to reverse these unacceptable limitations. Modifications included:
Elimination of limiting language suggesting requirement that claim must be submitted directly to federal officer
Addition of materiality as element for false statements made to get claim paid
Expansion of conspiracy liability to a apply to all False Claim Act violations
Expansion of reverse false claims liability
The Basics of a False Claims Act Lawsuit
The False Claims Act requires that – prior to filing his or her lawsuit – the Relator (also called a "whistleblower") must first provide to the Government a "written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses" of the fraud. Thereafter, the False Claims Act lawsuit is filed, under seal, and a copy of the Complaint, along with the Disclosure Statement containing all material evidence of the fraud is then served on the United States Attorney General and on the U.S. Attorney in the judicial district where the case is filed. The defendant is not served with the Complaint or Disclosure Statement and will not be aware that a lawsuit has been instigated against them while the suit is under seal.
Under Seal - Investigation by the Government
The Complaint and Disclosure Statement remain under seal for at least 60 days, and very likely longer, while the Government investigates the allegations of fraud. During the time the case is "under seal," the Government uses investigators, such as agents of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the affected federal agency, FBI agents, DCIS and/or NCIS agents, or state Medicaid investigators (all depending on the type of case and the nature of the fraud), to investigate the allegations of the Complaint. At the end of the initial 60-day "under seal" period, and any additional time extensions, the Government will either choose to proceed with the action and litigate the action itself or choose not to proceed with the action. During this period, the Government may also seek Court approval to unseal, or to partially unseal, the case in order to engage in settlement discussions with the Defendant.
The Relator's Right to Proceed After Government Declination
If the Government chooses not to litigate the action, the Relator then has the right to prosecute the action. The federal Government typically intervenes in only a small number of cases every year (about 20%).
Damages, Penalties, and Relator's Share of the Award
If the Defendant is determined to have violated the False Claims Act by making false or fraudulent claims, the statute mandates that the fraudster pay three (3) times the amount of damages which the Government sustained because of the act of that person, as well as civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false or fraudulent claim. Pursuant to the Federal Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended, the civil penalties under the False Claims Act have been adjusted to a range of $10,957 to $21,916 for each false or fraudulent claim submitted after February 3, 2017.
The Relator is entitled to an award if the Government is able to recover through a settlement or successful judgment at trial. In cases in which the Government chooses to litigate the action, the Relator is entitled to receive 15% to 25% of the amount recovered by the Government. In cases in which the Relator conducts the action, he or she is entitled to receive 25% to 30% of the amount recovered by the Government.
There are several limitations and exceptions in the False Claims Act which may affect the viability of a Relator's case. The False Claims Act has a 6-year statute of limitations, and certain actions are barred altogether. For instance, qui tam lawsuits generally must be based on information that has not been publicly disclosed. Further, the False Claims Act does not apply to claims involving federal tax fraud. Tax fraud whistleblower cases are addressed in a separate federal statute.
It is wise to seek an experienced attorney to evaluate and possibly to pursue your potential False Claims Act case. These cases can be highly complex, and there are critical filing considerations for False Claims Act cases that can create problems for inexperienced counsel. From start to finish, False Claims Act cases typically last for many years. It is therefore essential to seek out an attorney who will best represent your interests for the duration.
For cases that we accept, we thoroughly investigate the fraud, extensively research the law and facts, and prepare a complete and convincing Disclosure Statement and Complaint prior to bringing the claim in federal district court. We have established relationships with federal prosecutors and the Department of Justice, as well as with other members of the qui tam bar across the United States. The Stone Law Firm, LLC, led by Andrew Stone, is well-equipped to handle False Claims Act cases and has been successful in representing whistleblower plaintiffs. We presently are involved in numerous False Claims Act cases of significant size that are pending in several federal districts.
© 2018 Stone Law Firm, LLC
These pages should not be construed to contain legal advice. While we will treat any information provided as privileged and confidential, you should understand that when you provide information about a potential case to Stone Law Firm, LLC we do not become your attorneys. Until we both sign a written agreement, we do not represent you and have not agreed to do so.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


New ventures take courage. The Lord knows this and tells us often in His Word to "be strong and courageous." WMU began a new venture last year and we are excited at the unfolding results.
It took courage for national WMU to welcome Royal Ambassadors and Challengers back to WMU. WMU was thrilled to have these organizations for boys once again, but it took courage to start new publications for them that WMU would be responsible for. National WMU receives no Cooperative Program funds, so subcriptions to missions publications are vital to cover production expenses. Steve Heartsill, a grown up RA, is the managing editor for all RA and Challengers curriculum and products. This includes RA Leader, RA World, and the Challengers Leader Plan Book.
It took courage for Jon Auten to leave his position as a pastor and come to work for Kentucky WMU. Jon has been on our staff for just over a year. He is a brave man to come work in our office. He and his wife, Misty, and their daughters, have become beloved members of the Kentucky WMU family. Misty and the girls are frequent volunteers in our office. Jon has done an outstanding job of getting to know RA and Challenger leaders, relating to pastors and youth ministers, leading training conferences, and planning events. Jon learned quickly that not only was he responsible for a state RA camp out, but we needed his help with the boys activities during our weeks of camp. Jon also helped regional RA Congress events get organized this past spring.
The annual Courage event for Royal Ambassadors, Challengers, dads, and leaders was held August 3-4 at Laurel Lake Baptist Camp in Corbin. Bo Warren and his band provided music. John Bennett talked with the boys about becoming a Christian in the Friday evening session, as did Steve Heartsill during the campfire sharing time. On Saturday, Acts 1:8 team members Caleb Hetrick and Leah Stroupe shared their missions experiences in Haiti. The event also included RA racers, knot tying, sawing and missions shoot out competitions. Archery, horse back riding, walking a rope bridge, using a compass, making a survivor rope wrist band, and swimming were among the other activities.
It takes courage for leaders to bring a group of active boys and spend a weekend with them. There were also two ladies in the group who help with RAs in their church. That took courage for them to come!
It takes courage to reshape something familiar into something new. Thank you to RA and Challenger leaders who have faithfully mentored boys across the years. Thank you for supporting WMU as we launch this new venture. Thanks to WMU leaders who are learning about the new WMU options and resources for boys and are taking courageous steps to start, re-start, or strengthen missions discipleship for boys through RAs and Challengers.


This is my First for COD4, my second in mapping world. Is a combination of open streets areas with urban alleys ways, set in a middle east town like, is the location where a F-177 has crashed. I called 'The main event', hope to deliver good balance of close combat and snipping shoot out.
Can't get it to run. It keeps crashing.
1. The way to point C is open. More cover would be nice, or alternatively, more opening to higher ground, for covering fire.
2. The souk in point B is really good for street fight, just a bit too regular, too square.
3. The point A offers too much sniping spots (read camping here :p); maybe cutting down on the floor accessible could resolve the issue.
Thank you guys, Im happy to see that most people like it.


Odia girl Mandakini Majhi became first Kho Kho player from Odisha, who has been selected in Indian Women's Kho Kho team to participate in the 12th South Asian Federation (SAF) Games 2016 in Guwahati.
She is a +3 1st year commerce student of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar. She has come from a very poor Kondh family from Ludhipada village of Bolangir district of Odisha. Father Rajiv Majhi and mother Rama Majhi are very poor. They depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Mandakini Majhi has achieved many successes to her credit including 2nd place in 19th East Zone National Kho-Kho Championship 2014 held at Bihar, participated in 59th National School Games 2013-14 held at Delhi, represented the State in 46th Senior National Kho-Kho Championship 2012-13 held at Baramati, Maharashtra and bagged the 3rd position in Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2014 held at Rajasthan.
Founder of KIIT and KISS, Achyuta Samanta congratulated Mandakini and wished her success in SAF Games. It is a matter of pride not only for KISS, it is good news for Odisha and entire tribal community opined intellectuals.


If you are a software development professional and you hold a PMI designation (including the new PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP℠), this event is an outstanding resource to help you adhere to PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program.
Agile + DevOps conferences are a Global Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) for the PMI. The designation as a PMI R.E.P. indicates that an organization has met PMI's rigorous quality standards and can deliver world-class, effective project management training and education. PMI is the world's leading not-for-profit membership association for the project management profession, with more than half a million members and credential holders in more than 185 countries.
The program for Agile + DevOps conferences includes many courses offering the PDUs you need to maintain your credential. Keep track of all presentations attended throughout the week, and report all PDUs earned by searching for the title in the PMI's Continuing Certification Requirements System (CCRS). You can download an instructional PDF, or you can also pick up a copy at the registration desk during the conference. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Client Support at 888.268.8770, 904.278.0524, or [email protected].
PMI, PMI-ACP, and the Registered Education Provider logo are registered markings of the Project Management Institute, Inc..


Water + Oak Outdoor Co.
Water and Oak is committed to bringing a superior collection of outdoor and active brands to provide customers with the finest assortment from premium vendors. The Water and Oak assortment consists of the best brands and products to enhance customers' active outdoor lifestyles. Available brands include Filson, Frye, Sorel, Patagonia, Southern Marsh, YETI, Chaco, Lucy Activewear, Marmot, Black Diamond, The North Face, Osprey, Vineyard Vines, and many more.


text:
Miami Redhawks mourn death of tennis player
Erin Rodriguez dies of natural causes, university says
WLWT Digital Staff
Erin Rodriguez, a student-athlete at Miami University, has died, the university announced Wednesday. Rodriguez, 20, a junior, died of natural causes. School officials did not provide information on the circumstances surrounding her death. "As I look back at the years I have known Erin, I can definitely say I knew a real fighter. She was kind and compassionate and always worked hard in everything she did," said head tennis coach Yana Carollo. Rodriguez was from Highland Beach, Florida. She was studying political science and business legal studies. Details about services will be forthcoming.
OXFORD, Ohio —
Erin Rodriguez, a student-athlete at Miami University, has died, the university announced Wednesday.
Rodriguez, 20, a junior, died of natural causes. School officials did not provide information on the circumstances surrounding her death.
"As I look back at the years I have known Erin, I can definitely say I knew a real fighter. She was kind and compassionate and always worked hard in everything she did," said head tennis coach Yana Carollo.
Rodriguez was from Highland Beach, Florida. She was studying political science and business legal studies.
Details about services will be forthcoming.


text:
select l.life_event_id, l.headline, l.text, count(m.memento_id), concat(m.type)
from Life_Event l
	left outer join Memento m on m.life_event_id=l.life_event_id
	join Participant p on p.life_event_id = l.life_event_id
where
	p.person_id = 66
group by l.life_event_id, l.headline;

# Files by User
select * from File where user_id = 65 order by creation_date desc;

# Life Events of a Person
select *
from Life_Event l
where life_event_id in
(select life_event_id from Participant
where
person_id = 66);

# Select an specific Fuzzy-Date to fix
select * from Fuzzy_Date where fuzzy_date_id=15655;

# FIXING QUERIES

# Select an specific Memento to fix
update Memento set type = "audio" WHERE memento_id = 486;

# Life stories of a person for his BOOK
select l.life_event_id,l.headline, l.text, m.memento_id, m.file_name, m.url,
	m.file_hashcode, f.uri
from Life_Event l
	left outer join Memento m on m.life_event_id=l.life_event_id
	join Participant p on p.life_event_id = l.life_event_id
	join File f on f.hashcode = m.file_hashcode
where
#	m.url =""
#	m.file_hashcode is not null;
person_id=66
;

# query to fix mementos without url that cause an error in tablet app
update Life_Event l
	left outer join Memento m on m.life_event_id=l.life_event_id
	join Participant p on p.life_event_id = l.life_event_id
	join File f on f.hashcode = m.file_hashcode
set m.url = f.uri,m.thumbnail_url=f.thumbnail_uri,m.file_name=f.filename
where
#	m.url=""
	m.file_name is null
	and m.file_hashcode is not null;

select * from File where user_id=75;

# life stories of a person
select l.life_event_id,l.headline, l.text, m.memento_id, m.file_name, m.url,
	m.file_hashcode, f.uri
from Life_Event l
	left outer join Memento m on m.life_event_id=l.life_event_id
	join Participant p on p.life_event_id = l.life_event_id
	join File f on f.hashcode = m.file_hashcode
where
#	m.url =""
	m.file_hashcode is not null
and p.person_id=76;

select * from Memento where file_name like 'http%';

select * from Memento where url like '%localhost%';

update Memento set url = replace(url,"http://localhost/","http://test.reminiscens.me/") where url like '%localhost%';
update File set large_uri = replace(large_uri,"http://localhost/","http://test.reminiscens.me/") where large_uri like '%localhost%';

select * from Memento where file_name is null and file_hashcode is not null;

# query to fix mementos without url that cause an error in tablet app
update Life_Event l
	left outer join Memento m on m.life_event_id=l.life_event_id
	join Participant p on p.life_event_id = l.life_event_id
	join File f on f.hashcode = m.file_hashcode
set l.contributor_id = 75
where
#	m.url=""
	p.person_id = 76;

select * from File where user_id=75;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: I don't understand how v.voronoi GRASS module works with flag -a I'm trying to use v.voronoi with flag -a. An example in the manual shows Voronoi diagram for urban areas but each try returns:
v.voronoi -a --overwrite --verbose input=FdT_fromSIE_int_parcelle_culturale_L93_nettoyee@PERMANENT output=test_voonoi_flaga

Reading features... Maximum segment length: 3.26421
ERROR: Found 0 vertices in <FdT_fromSIE_int_parcelle_culturale_L93_nettoyee@PERMANENT>, but at least 2 are needed

My input shapefile is type polygon.

A: Did you run "g.region" beforehand? The v.voronoi manual manual states
"The bounds of the output map are limited by the current region (see g.region)."
For an example, see:
https://grass.osgeo.org/grass72/manuals/v.voronoi.html#voronoi-diagram-for-areas

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Bella Hadid is expertly trying to distract the world from her sister's breakup by unleashing her secret weapons.
The model headed to a private party at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood on Tuesday wearing a Dior suit … and not much underneath. It was also the same day news of her sister Gigi's split with Zayn Malik made headlines.
It'd be a smart move on Bella's part to run a smoke screen from the breakup in an attention-grabbing sheer top, but we can't be sure that's the motive here.
Zayn has wasted no time working to erase the Hadid's from his life. He's already unfollowed Gigi and the girl's mom, Yolanda, from social. He doesn't follow Bella … however that may change after seeing these pics.


text:
Wilson Bill to Make Defacing Historic Buildings in NJ a Third Degree Crime Released by Assembly Committee
Law and Public Safety News & Releases
(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman Gilbert "Whip" Wilson sponsored to make the defacement of a historic building a third degree crime was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
"New Jersey is cloaked in history and we have a responsibility to preserve it," said Wilson. "Our historic buildings and structures are not only a testament to our past, but attractive destinations for heritage tourism enthusiasts. This bill can help preserve these structures for the enjoyment of residents and visitors by making the deliberate damage of a historical structure a third degree crime."
The bill (A-1969) clarifies that criminal mischief is a crime of the third degree if the actor knowingly damages, interferes, or tampers with a "historic building, monument or structure." The penalty for a third degree crime is 3 to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.
The bill defines "historic building, monument or structure" as a structure that has been determined to be potentially eligible for inclusion in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, has been recognized as a place of historic interest in a county or municipal master plan, or meets any other criteria adopted by the State Agriculture Development Committee for recognizing the historical value or significance of a building or structure on farmland.
The bill was released by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.


Fiction comes in the form of seriousness and sometimes humour with some of the best authors giving their all for their readers.
"I, Arachnobot," by Brian Trent concentrates on the Arachnobot of Sheldon Springs Retirement Home. His sole purpose is to spin webs to keep the flies at bay, and keep Mildred happy by spinning his webs that are different from the normal webs spiders usually make. After a while, the Arachnobot grows to like Millie very much, but when Nurse Janet and her accomplice porter David plan to kill her for her money, the Arachnobot has to consider the three laws of robotics before taking action. It doesn't take long for the Arachnobot to become sentient and be able to differentiate a good person from a bad one in the story. What is truly endearing is the dedication to Isaac Asimov at the end.
"Star Light, Star Bright," by Robert J. Sawyer is of a future where humans live in domed structures. Dalt can see lights in the sky where there are none, and ever though he defies his father, he thinks he should see the doctor to get his eyes checked out of sure. The story takes readers from Dalt being a young boy to becoming a man and having a child of his own with the love of his life, but there is much more of a discovery to make when they journey to a place that so far had been out of bounds for them.
"Eine Kleine Nachtfilm," by Alvaro Zinos-Amaro is about Doug and Jenn who have movies they want to show to an open and welcoming audience. These are not ordinary films, these are moments in time that the pair has seen throughout their lives, wonders, amazements. They want to show the world if they can, and the world almost comes to see them. Although this is an unusual story with a fleeting quality to it, it also has a lasting effect on the memory you don't expect.
"God Walks into a Bar (A Draco Tavern Story)," by Larry Niven has Rich the bartender washing the glasses when aliens of every shape and size spill through the doors -- and are claiming to be God. Everyone likes a humourous story with an interesting ending, and some ideas on the theme of gods and existence, war and peace. Known for his Ringworld novels, the Man-Kzin series, the Known Space series and The Mote in God's Eye (with Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven is a great writer who has written some of the most enlightening novels and short stories available today.
"Living Rooms," by Laurie Tom watches Rill return to her home, but instead of it letting her inside automatically, she has to use her key. What follows is the account of what Rill experiences while in her home and the fact she believes she might not be welcome there. The rooms, as the title suggests are alive with the people who have lived there before and everyone seems to have different opinions about the occupants. A short story, this won her the Gold Prize for the Writers of the Future Contest in 2010.
"Neep," by KC Norton is one where we discover the life of a Neep, Pluto who is a root born person kept by a man called Mads Pouslson. He isn't the sort of man anyone would want to cross as he would have no qualms about killing, not even Pluto whom he already intends to cut, cook and eat when the times comes. Pluto has a friend, Sissel Peals who washes the clothes. Mads thinks the Neep don't have feelings or even feel pain, but Pluto does, yet she refuses to tell him. It seems cruel letting the Neep grow, only to later kill them for food when they are ready to flower, but Mads is much more sinister and that can make rather uneasy reading.
"The Rydr Express," by Tobias S. Buckell has a science-fiction feel to it with it being written like a D & D interactive story. The Rydr Express is a train that goes through wormholes to forty eight worlds, some at risk of terrorism while there are others who are assigned to help them from the perpetrators. Vee is sent to take a man called Pepper out on Rydr's world, but Pepper is a living legend, a piece of history he can't ignore. He has questions even though he holds a gun. Vee has a set of choices; he can kill him, talk to him, or never get involved as a volunteer. The story at first doesn't follow a set pattern, yet anything could happen. Tobias Buckell is a New York Times bestselling novelist nominated for the Hugo, Nebular and Campbell awards. I liked the ending to this one that makes the story an endless continuation.
"Wourism," by Ian Whates is after a time when storms had ravaged Serna and what followed were food shortages and power outages. Humans have a need to see what life was like years ago, and have the interest in a Jasna Petrovic seen on a screen telling about the siege at the heart of the war. Serna ends up being the first warzone theme park encouraging what is known as Wourism. Unlike standard tourism, this destination is full of memories of the places where the people died -- everything had been kept from those days and it isn't hard to understand how some would see Wourism in bad taste, as Yoda from Star Wars said: "wars not make one great," and this is as good an example as any of not glorifying it.
In "Exemplar: A Secret World Chronicles Prequel Story," by Mercedes Lackey, Vickie Nagy has gone to the St Rhiannon's School for Exceptional Students in up-state New York, feeling a stranger out of place in a new world full of beautiful people. She is bored with her magic classes, wishing they would send her into more advanced classes due to her abilities. Her father thinks she should give them a chance as he believes they are still evaluating her abilities rather than counting on her parent's rumours. As she has to fit in, she also discovers she is the victim of prejudice she can't understand. The question is no matter how good she is, will she make any friends, even one? Mercedes Lackey is a writer of bestsellers and has collaborated with Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton and Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Part 4 of Lest Darkness Fall is the serialization by L. Sprague de Camp, Eric Flint's "The Thief and the Roller Derby Queen: An Essay on the Importance of Formal Education" shows what happens if you steal from Satan. If only Loretta (the witch) and her boyfriend she asked to go to Hell to steal a piece of brimstone had more knowledge. Most folk would not be that foolish to venture there and steal anything from the guy of darkness, but as you have noticed, these two had no formal education (Loretta didn't know what a pentangle was) and her boyfriend couldn't resist her charms. You know it's going to be a comedy of errors in the sort of place you might not expect -- Hell. This is the right length fof a comical story and funny enough to work so well.
The interview in this issue is with George R.R. Martin who is considered "one of the most prolific fantasy writers of our time." Joy Ward asks the questions about how he got started in the writing business, what other writers he is interested in reading, his early struggles and of course the success of being published simultaneously in Analog, Amazing and F&SF. It is an interview that yields a lot of interesting results. There are other delights in this issue, columns from Gregory Benford, "Sunshine Technopolis: Southern California's Utopian Futures" and Barry Malzberg's From the Heart's Basement, "Counting Coup." Gregory Benford's column enlightens readers about Southern California's technical scientific complex and what drew him to get a doctorate in physics at UCSD in 1963. His driving force was the question of the future of science fiction. Barry Malzberg's From the Heart's Basement discusses the early science fiction greats; Moorcock, Ballard, Bova, Pohl who all wrote at a time when Vietnam and Nixon was on everyone's minds, so there wasn't a shortage of influence for the stories that got published. His column this time around acts as a review of the books mentioned, sort of. Paul Cook's Book Reviews column takes a look at The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirteenth Annual Collection edited by Gardner Dozois, The Year's Best SF 18 edited by David G. Hartwell, Nebula Awards Showcase 2014 edited by Kij Johnson, Shovel Ready by Adam Sternbergh, The Aethers of Mars by Eric Flint and The Time Trap by Henry Kuttner. Part 4 of the serialisation of Lest Darkness Fall by L.Sprague de Camp continues the story from issue #9.
Galaxy's Edge #10 has proved how impressive it is through the issues, this being one of the finest with the George R.R. Martin interview. It is obvious that the editor has been careful to select the best stories from award winning authors.
Sandra over the past eight years has been published in many magazines and on various websites such as; Hellnotes, Albedo One, The British Fantasy Society, Diverse Japan, The London Vampyre Group's newsletter, Rainbow Book Reviews and Active Anime.


text:
Home / IoT Library / News / Connected Health News / GE scientists research smartphone sensor to detect Covid-19
GE scientists research smartphone sensor to detect Covid-19
Steve Rogerson
Scientists at GE Research are working on a tiny smartphone sensor to detect Covid-19 and other pathogens.
Led by Radislav Potyrailo, a principal scientist at GE Research in Niskayuna, New York, the team received a two-year research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to build a device that could fit on the end of a fingertip.
The group's success could mean that in the future smartphones and smartwatches equipped with such sensors could help users detect not only Sars-Cov-2, but potentially other pathogens and irritants.
"One of the first lines of defence against any virus is avoiding exposure, which is easier said than done when you can't see it," Potyrailo said. "Through our project with the NIH, we are developing a sensor small enough to embed in a mobile device that could detect the presence of the Covid-19 virus."
One of the most daunting aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic involves tracking the spread of the microscopic, airborne coronavirus causing the disease. The GE researchers are working on a sensor smaller than a fingertip that could find viruses and pathogens in the air.
The project will draw on GE's years of experience with developing industrial sensors that can detect minute amounts of gasses and chemicals in the environment in the presence of dust and other common chemical and biological contaminants. Like a digital bloodhound, the technology is programmed to isolate and identify a specific pathogen while excluding the interference of other particles.
"The holy grail is to detect a single virus particle," Potyrailo said.
The finished project will produce a microchip smaller than a dime with nanowells, or tiny pores, that can only be activated by a particular molecule, in this case, a molecule from the coronavirus causing Covid-19.
"In each of those nanowells there are bioreceptors that are designed to recognise only the virus particle they were designed for," said Potyrailo. "If some flu particle or pollen or bacterium appears, it won't be recognised. It's like a lock and key."
The team's goal is to build a chip able to determine the amount of the Sars-Cov-2 virus in the sample. This is important because this so-called viral load can affect the severity of the illness and its outcome. While the goal of this project is to make a small sensor, the technology could also be applied in larger machines to detect the presence of germs and viruses in expansive settings, such as factories, classrooms and food processing facilities.
Potyrailo came to the USA in 1993 from Ukraine to study analytical chemistry at Indiana University in Bloomington. He has visited scientific libraries from Moscow to Manhattan and corresponded with scientists all over the world, all in the name of curiosity.
"It's all about finding the knowledge that is out there and then building a bridge to the future," he said. "A day in the library is worth a year in the lab."
He likes to pore over the footnotes of scientific journal articles looking for details about how others have tried and failed – or succeeded – and the nuances of their experiments.
Potyrailo, whose background is in optoelectronic engineering, also finds inspiration in nature. In an earlier project, he and his research team studied the ridges on the wings of iridescent Morpho butterflies to understand how they absorb and bend light. They used the observations to make a special film for homeland security that detected toxic chemicals.
His most recent achievement is an improvement on gas sensors, which alert people to the presence of dangerous chemicals for industrial safety. Small as a grain of rice and impervious to changes in temperature, these gas sensors could be used someday in drones or in wearable applications to help keep people, labs and factories safe.
The inspiration for his coronavirus sensor came from the extent of the pandemic's impact on the world.
"Societal need for me was the biggest driver," Potyrailo said. He added that other global crises, such as World Wars I and II, led to advancements in analytical instruments such as mustard gas detectors as scientists have sought to meet new needs brought on by the fighting.
"It's the beginning of the journey," he said. "We are grateful that we have this opportunity."


Has anyone talked to Pete?
Ping can drive the car competently.
Byron and Les walked for a moment in silence.
Roxie never had any problems at school.
Mario could probably help you with that.
Patrick didn't know the reason why Pontus was crying.
Sundaresan was bored with his job.
Ritchey couldn't believe his good fortune.
Please add Nathan's name to the list.
Paul was bullied at school because her mother was grossly overweight.
I got paid to show Himawan around town.
How long has Hui lived in Boston?
We still don't know why Sofoklis isn't here.
Sean and Pontus were talking about the weather.
Rodger doesn't like spinach, so he didn't eat any.
Come on, Heinrich. Talk to me.
I could tell that Vick liked Dimetry.
We should ask Vick which one he thinks we should buy.
Jin didn't tell me this.
Even Brian thinks that the price is too high.
Do you know Rich personally?


2 Bedroom Semi Detached House For Sale in Bromley for £450,000.
This delightful two double bedroom Victorian semi-detached house is situated in a great location for commuters and excellent local schooling. The accommodation comprises; hallway with understairs cupboard, lounge with feature fireplace opening through to the dining room, fitted kitchen with side access to the garden. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with floor to ceiling wardrobes, a further double bedroom and a newly fitted modern four piece bathroom. Additional benefits include beautiful solid engineered wood flooring, front and rear garden, loft access which has the potential to be converted (subject to the usual planning permission) and front and rear gardens.
Warner Road is conveniently located for Sundridge Park, Bromley North and South stations offering access into central London as well as being within close proximity of Bromley town centre with its array of shops, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities.


Acting as lead manager Talanx is financing a further offshore wind farm.
Hamburg. Already in May 2017, ONP Management GmbH was mandated by Talanx as Lenders Technical Advisor for the project Borkum Riffgrund 2. Borkum Riffgrund 2 comprises the construction of 56 wind turbines with a combined output of 450 megawatts. As lead manager of the transaction, Talanx has successfully coordinated a double-digit group of institutional investors ranging from six countries across Europe. Supported by ONP acting as the Lenders Technical Advisor Talanx has coordinated EUR 832 million of senior bond financing to the Borkum Riffgrund 2 offshore wind farm which enabled Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) to acquire a 50 percent share in the wind farm owned by Danish energy supplier Ørsted (formerly DONG Energy), with a transaction volume of EUR 1,170 million. The bond has a maturity of 10 years.
In addition to German insurance companies and asset managers, further institutional partners include banks and European institutional investors, amongst them: DekaBank, Edmond de Rothschild AM's BRIDGE platform, La Banque Postale Asset Management, NN Investment Partners and Wiener Städtische Versicherung.
Headquartered in Denmark, Orsted employs more than 5,600 people worldwide. Orsted shares are listed in Nasdaq-Copenhagen (Orsted). In 2016, the company generated sales of 8.2 billion Euros. In Orsted's offshore wind farm Borkum Riffgrund 1, an innovative foundation technology using a three-legged "Suction Bucket Jacket" was tested which is now being used at Borkum Riffgrund 2 on a larger scale in addition to the proven monopile foundation technology. GIP is a leading global, independent infrastructure investor that invests in energy, transportation and water / wastewater and currently manages approximately $ 43.4 billion for its investors. GIP's portfolio includes companies with annual revenues of over $ 35.1 billion and approximately 47,100 employees.
Taiwan Green Power is participating in the first round of grid allocation in Taiwan.
Hamburg/Taipei Taiwan Green Power (TGP) has assigned ONP Management GmbH as Owner's Engineer for their 600MW Offshore Wind Farm Haixia (Zone #28) off the west coast of Taiwan. Recently, TGP has reached EIA-approval by Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency and, hence, is allowed to participate in next year's grid allocation round, which is run by the Bureau of Energy (BoE). The assignment was concluded after the parties had signed a general Framework Agreement for consulting services in October this year.
As a first task, ONP will execute a FEED-study, including an Energy Yield Assessment, concept designs and financial evaluation of the windfarm to determine the optimum technical setup and layout for the project. Subsequently, ONP's interdisciplinary team of Offshore Wind Experts, located in Taiwan and Germany, will prepare the technical input for the required BoE-report, which has to be handed in by TGP as part of their request for grid connection. Further, ONP will support the other local project partners with its expertise and experience.
After and in case the project has received grid allocation, ONP will be responsible for the project management, will execute the technical development and bring OWF Haixia to Financial Close.
Zone #28 is located 14 km of the coast of Changhua County, a central region on the west coast of Taiwan. The project area is about 55 km² with water depths varying between 22m and 38m.
General Framework Agreement signed with Taiwan Green Power (TGP) in October 2018.
Completed BoE-Report for TGP's 600MW Offshore Wind Farm Haixia (Zone #28).
Taiwan Green Power is a domestic developer of green and clean power.
The company focuses on developing energies for wind power generation and any renewable energy sources in Taiwan and improving the sustainable utilization and development potential of green power, in order to establish a friendly environment with the contribution to the society and the economic prosperity in Taiwan.
In 4th Quarter of 2017 ONP provided consultancy services to Chu Feng Power Corporation for its offshore project "Offshore Windfarm Chu Feng".
The services included technical and commercial evaluation of the 450MW windfarm in the Taiwan Strait and a FEED-study serving as a basis for the further development of the windfarm.
Please refer to the letter of reference of Chu Feng Power Corporation.
Hamburg. Since April 2016 during development of one of the most technically demanding offshore wind projects in the Baltic Sea, the 350 MW Arcadis Ost 1 offshore wind farm project, the experienced ONP team has been supporting the project developer KNK Wind GmbH while gearing up for the first German auction.
With its market-penetrating network ONP has also successfully initiated and conducted negotiations with investors, thereby preparing the business case for a KNK guided participation in the 1st German auction for offshore wind projects.
Finally KNK was in a position to win an investment partner providing the necessary funds for the submission of an offer based on the technical foundation concepts developed by ONP.
The construction phase of the offshore wind farm project "Gode Wind 1" has been successfully completed.
ONP congratulates all project participants on the recent completion of the construction works and the Final Taking Over on 03.02.2017. With a capacity of 355 MW, the wind farm developed by the Danish utility DONG will be among the largest in the German North Sea. The offshore windfarm is equipped with modern 6 MW Siemens wind turbines, type SWP-6.0-150.
The "Final Taking Over Date" has occurred on February 3rd, 2017.
In the early phase of the project end of 2015 ONP Management GmbH has been mandated by a group of institutional investors led by Talanx Asset Management GmbH as the Lenders Technical Advisor (LTA).
After the successful Taking-Over ONP will continue to independently advise the lenders' group on all technical matters during the operation of the offshore wind farm over a period of about ten years. Our team is strongly focused on the relevant technical, commercial, environmental and operational aspects of the project.
08.09.2016 - Further Milestone for realization of offshore windfarm "Merkur Offshore"
Hamburg. ONP Management GmbH (ONP) congratulates the shareholders of Merkur Offshore GmbH for the recently achieved final confirmation of financing its 396 MW Merkur offshore wind development project. The Merkur Offshore wind farm will be one of Germany's largest wind farms utilizing 66 state of the art Haliade 150-6MW offshore turbines from GE, installed by GeoSea, member of the DEME Group.
L'Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'énergie (ADEME).
The achieved commitment of approximately EUR 1.2 billion of senior secured debt to the project by a group of nine leading international and local banks, marks the latest step for a total capital investment of ca. EUR 1.7 billion into the development of Offshore Wind in Germany.
Mr. Martin Rahtge, Managing Partner of ONP, said: "ONP is very proud to have contributed to this milestone with its staff of engineers over the last 1.5 years. To have finally reached this milestone is a great success for the complete project team and all parties involved. After having accompanied and fostered the projects development over a long time, it is a satisfying proof, that with enthusiasm and commitment to Offshore Wind, we can achieve the transition to clean energy production which is bankable, payable and creates a solid heritage for generations to come."
ONP is part of the Zech Group, with its headquarters in Hamburg. The company was founded in 2014 and is delivering technical advisory and consulting services for Offshore Wind projects. ONP has more than 35 employees, who have been involved throughout their professional career in the development and installation of more than 4.500 MW of offshore wind power. Its senior experts have more than 12 years of individual practical experience in the area of project development and realization of such projects.
Mr. Arjen Schampers, project director of Merkur Offshore, added: ONP Management and its experienced and devoted staff have been a great asset for the project team in the successful technical development of Merkur Offshore. The main tasks such as handling time critical major design changes, negotiation and finalization of major contracts for Balance of Plant and Wind turbines, as well as the development of a detailed project plan where performed to our full satisfaction. We are looking forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with ONP Management in the further development of Merkur Offshore and we can highly recommend ONP Management.
Hamburg. In one of the largest German research projects ONP Management being one of a total of 17 alliance partners initiated first development activities. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF) and was formally started in November 2016 with a term of three years.
The innovation-alliance "OWS-MV Offshore Wind Solutions Mecklenburg-Vorpommern" consists of 17 partners, including 15 industrial and engineering companies as well as 2 public research facilities. The alliance has clearly defined its goal of providing a substantial contribution to the future energy mix by developing innovations for renewable offshore wind energy in Germany and Europe. In particular the alliance faces those many challenges that have to be overcome economically developing sites for offshore wind parks with great coastal distance and water depths of more than 40 meters combined with difficult soil conditions.
A major share of the funding is coming from the federal support program "Unternehmen Region", the innovation initiative for the "New Federal States" of Germany. For 2016 the federal government plans an increase of the annual funds by 10 million euro to a total of 159 million euro. The Alliance is well positioned in the attractive growth market for renewable energy, in particular offshore wind energy and is pursuing the goal of ensuring long-term sustainable economic development by leveraging innovation potential and strengthening cooperation between the alliance partners.
For more information please refer to the federal website "Innovative regionale Wachstumskerne" of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung - BMBF).
Hamburg. ONP Management GmbH was appointed Lenders Technical Advisor for Talanx Asset Management GmbH, acting as the leader of a group of institutional investors. Talanx has co-ordinated the project financing for the construction and operation of the offshore wind farm Gode Wind 1 winning the "Europe Renewables Deal of the Year 2015" award as a result. The prize for the best financing transaction in renewable energies is awarded annually by trade magazine Project Finance International (PFI).
By co-ordinating a structured bond of EUR 556 million to finance Global Infrastructure Partners' fifty percent acquisition of DONG Energy's Gode Wind 1 offshore wind farm, Talanx acquired a new role on the market. This is the first time that a group of institutional investors under the leadership of an insurer has financed an offshore wind power project. The bond has a maturity of 10 years. For the first time an institutional consortium led by an insurer is financing an offshore wind energy project.
ONP is member of the Zech Group, with its headquarters in Hamburg. The company was founded in 2014 and is delivering technical advisory and consulting services for Offshore Wind projects. ONP has more than 35 employees, who have been involved throughout their professional career in the development and installation of more than 4.500 MW of offshore wind power. Its senior experts have more than 12 years of individual practical experience in the area of project development and realization of such projects.


The Practice has produced several varying schemes for educational establishments ranging from courtyard designs to wildlife areas and outdoor teaching areas, in these projects consultation with various involved parties was key to a successful scheme.
ISL Associates Ltd were commissioned to improve the setting and attractiveness of the existing conference centre. The practice design and oversaw the creation of design proposals for the rear and the front of the centre.
ISL Associates Ltd were commissioned to create a network of footpaths & cycle ways to link various parts of the University Campus. The design made clever use of land form and structural planting to blend the footprints into the landscape and minimise visual impact on adjacent sensitive receptors. Swales and open channels were created to control and store rain water in a sustainable way.
ISL Associates Ltd were commissioned to design and oversee the installation of various environmental improvements at two London schools. These included the creation of new boundary walling & fencing, a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and outdoor teaching and wildlife garden.


Police aren't searching for suspects in Sunday's unexpected deaths of a 39-year-old man and his 11-year-old son.
The man's common-law wife called police around 12:45 Sunday afternoon, after she couldn't reach him.
Police discovered the bodies in the basement of the family home, a Northmount bungalow at 8403 – 138 Ave., shortly thereafter.
The case is not being investigated as a homicide, and detectives are not looking for any suspects .
Autopsies for both the father and son are scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m. Though, EPS spokeswoman Patrycia Thenu said yesterday at the medical examiner's office, backlog may delay the examinations.
The names of the deceased will not be released or published at the request of the family, and to protect the identities of the family's other children.
The details surrounding the deaths and manner will likely not be released publicly out of respect for the family, Thenu said.


Atorvastatin Lipvas 10mg belongs to a family of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or 'statins'. Atorvastatin lowers levels of low density lipoprotein or LDL (considered as the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of high density lipoprotein or HDL (considered as the good cholesterol). High levels of LDL can result in stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. This drug is primarily used for the treatment of Dyslipidemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
When should you avoid Lipvas 10mg?
Who is the manufacturer of Lipvas 10 mg?
The Lipvas10mg manufactured by well known pharmaceutical giants like Atorlip F by Cipla, Tonact EZ by Lupin, Atorva by Zydus Cadila and Lipvas by Cipla. These are all available in packs of 30, 60 and 90 tablets.
How to take Lipvas 10 mg?
When to take Lipvas 10 mg?
What are the side effects of Lipvas 10mg?


New AKA Press Release! Check it out!
Over the last several months, experiences started to surface of many kratom businesses and consumers having their credit card transactions restricted.
"The AKA is hopeful this will be a major step in restoring the freedom of access to kratom for consumers from legitimate businesses," Herman continued.
Stay tuned to our e-mail newsletters for more updates on what's going on with kratom!


Samantha Baines (30), is a British comedian, actress and broadcaster who despite having tinnitus for most of her life has only recently been diagnosed. Here, Samantha, who is about to embark on a UK tour with her science comedy stand up show and has also appeared in hit programmes such as Silent Witness, Call the Midwife and The Crown, explains how tinnitus has impacted on her life and why she is supporting the British Tinnitus Association's work during Tinnitus Week (5-11 February 2018) to raise awareness of how children and young people are affected by the condition.
I've only just realised that I've actually had tinnitus for years and years. It's been quite a revelation! I'd always been very aware of a high pitched beep that I heard from being a young child but just got on with it and at that stage it was not too troublesome. But, after attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015, I started to experience another sound – like a wavering air noise, that was brought on by being in loud environments.
It became more and more prominent so last year I went to the doctor. I had heard of tinnitus but because I wouldn't describe my noises as ringing in my ear I just dismissed that as a possibility and wondered if I had a lingering ear infection or something else. I watch too many Youtube videos and the idea that I might have a family of spiders living in my ear was also quite a worry!
I was, therefore, really shocked to discover that I had hearing loss in one ear, enough to need a hearing aid, and tinnitus.
Despite being a bit apprehensive about my diagnosis, it was really helpful to finally put a name to what I have had all these years and understand a bit more about what I have been experiencing. I also no longer feel alone as I've discovered just how many people out there also have the condition.
My new tinnitus sound is definitely brought on by loud environments so I am much more conscious of that. I have just bought some new moulded ear plugs which I carry with me at all times and I find the tube particularly loud so I know I need to be prepared when travelling. My hearing aid has also helped me manage the condition and I am a bit pickier about where I go so if I walk into a restaurant and it is too loud I leave and find somewhere else.
I was really interested to discover that Tinnitus Week this year is focused on children and young people because I have vivid memories as a child asking people if they could hear the beep that I was hearing and just being told no.
I didn't even realise children could have tinnitus so to be able to support the work of the BTA, encourage conversations about tinnitus and raise awareness of the new resources for parents and teachers is great. As I am newly diagnosed, speaking to others with the condition as well as organisations like the BTA is helping me come to terms with it all and learn more about tinnitus in general.
My main advice to a child or young person with tinnitus is to understand your sounds, some people have more than one, and each is brought on by something different so it could be helpful to know what the triggers are. Talking about it and getting involved can also be useful so people around you can better understand how to support you when you need it. Also, finding your own strategies to cope is important – different things work for different people. I have my ear plugs and also find playing low-level classical music during quiet times can really help relax me and distract my mind from my tinnitus.
I wish I'd had more information like this when I was younger as I may have got a diagnosis and relevant support earlier.


text:
Sohard finds scalability easy with Web-based networking
German company plans expansion into full PACSWeb-based distribution has long been viewed as a convenient, cost-effective means of widening access to digital images hospital-wide. As integration becomes the watchword in PACS, and
German company plans expansion into full PACS
Web-based distribution has long been viewed as a convenient, cost-effective means of widening access to digital images hospital-wide. As integration becomes the watchword in PACS, and increasing emphasis is placed on sharing medical information, interest in such systems seems likely to rise. But would a Web-based solution be sufficient to cope with multi-user demands in a large-scale institution? No problem, according to Oliver Lehner, vice president of marketing for medical products at the German IT firm Sohard. There is just one prerequisite. The hospital must have installed Sohard's Radin Web-based communication system.
Radin software is marketed and sold through the Radin Group, a subsidiary of Sohard. Founded in 1988 to offer software and hardware solutions (hence the name), Sohard has interests in three fields: medical products, industrial IT applications, and embedded software. The split weighs heavily in favor of the medical products division, which accounts for 40% to 50% of annual turnover at present.
"The plan is to increase this figure to 60% to 70%, because we think we have a good product," Lehner said. "For the next few years, we plan to grow by 35% to 50% each year."
The Radin Web-based software is sold as a part-PACS solution through 15 partner companies, some of whom repackage it as an OEM version within their own product portfolio. Key partners include Siemens Medical Solutions, Rogan-Delft, Ferrania, IMCO, and Integrated Modular Systems. Radin version 2.0, and the equivalent OEM versions, are currently running in more than 500 institutions worldwide, providing radiology and cardiology departments, hospital wards, and external medical practices with access to medical images.
A key selling point of the software is its scalability. The product is installed in clinics where PACS access is limited to as few as three concurrent users. It also serves users at institutions where as many as 500 medical staff are logged on at once. This large-scale simultaneous usability relies on a cluster-server approach, whereby individual servers have responsibility for different functions. The servers are divided into an interface layer for DICOM interfacing, a computing layer for data compression, a persistency layer for data storage, and a Web layer for data distribution.
"Typically, if there were 30 to 40 DICOM connections inputting to Web servers, and 500 concurrent users, the workload would be too much for one server or even two mirrored servers," Lehner said. "But we have come up with a way to handle this."
Radin is the only IT solution able to provide PACS access to this number of users at once, Lehner said. He suggests that it could be another two years before competing products catch up. In the meantime, Lehner is keen to capitalize on this advantage and market Radin as a viable tool for HIS, where images are displayed as part of an electronic patient record.
"When you talk about HIS, you are talking about adding more users," he said. "One university in Germany, for example, has more than 1000 PCs connected to the HIS. Everybody wants to see images, so this cluster-server approach is really key."
With version 3.0, scheduled to launch in summer 2003, the Radin Group hopes to reposition itself as a full PACS provider. The new system will comprise three modules: Radin.online (data storage for instant access and communication with modalities/IT systems), Radin.archive (long-term storage on optical and magnetic media), and Radin.Web (Web-based image communication). Radin version 3.0 will be displayed as a work-in-progress at the European Congress of Radiology next month.


Not only will you stay warm with these new 37.5 technology fleeces, Snickers says, you'll look and feel cool too. With styles for both professional tradesmen and women, they are said to excel at ventilation and moisture transport to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site.
The 37.5 technology fabric in the fleece is a reportedly quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour, like sweat, for superior coolness and dry working comfort, the company says.
The company concludes: 'So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the new Snickers Workwear 37.5® technology fleeces, to fit your workday'.


My singing teacher, Becki, is the co-organiser of this annual charity event (alongside being a singer, and a singing teacher, and a performing arts school director!), and so, when she invited me to sing at the dinner, I was ecstatic. Of course, I said yes right away. The event was being held this year in order to raise money for blind veterans, and I naturally wanted to do my part.
Well, of course, right away we got practising. The first thing we had to do was devise a set list. I decided I wanted to perform on Christmas-themed songs, since the event would be held only a week before Christmas Day. As I had already recently sang "Silent Night", I decided to put that in there, and I thought that no Christmas performance was complete without the beautiful "O Holy Night"; that would be my opening song, and "Silent Night" would be my closer.
Now, I just needed a few more songs to pad out my set; we began searching for more upbeat Christmas songs, to give it a little bit of variety. One of them was "It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year", which is my Mum's favourite Christmas song. Another one was "Let it Snow". I love this song, because that's what I wish would happen; living in the south of England, I have seen proper snow only three or four times, and I have never seen a white Christmas, so "Let it Snow" is my like my own personal wishing song.
I also wanted to put in "Ding Dong Merrily on High," as it's a very fun song to sing, and I rarely hear it played anymore, so I set about finding a backing track, which turned out to be surprisingly difficult, but we managed to find one in the end.
Finally, my last song in the set was "Walking in the Air," from "The Snowman." I found a really nice backing track backed up by a choir; I liked imagining that I really was singing with a choir, haha!
Now that the set list had been arranged, we got to practising, and finally, the day arrived. My Nan and my Granddad took me to the venue. I had my new red-and-white dress with me. It looks so Christmassy, that I had to wear it for that night. I arrived early to help set up; one of the things I helped to do was to set the tables with crockery. Because the name of the charity was called the Mad Hatter Tea Party, everything was deliberately mismatched, for someone so neat and organised as myself, I had to really think in order to mix the plates, cups and saucers up. It ended up turning out wonderful looking.
When everything had been set up, and after a quick sound check, Becki gathered the performers around the piano and we warmed up together, and then it was show time!
1940's music played in the background as the guests filed in and took their seats, and then Becki, along with one of her students, Seb, opened the show with "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast." A very appropriate song. After they had finished, all of the performers, plus Becki, gathered on stage to sing an acapella Christmas-themed medley. Originally, there were supposed to be four sopranos and four altos, but two of the sopranos couldn't make it, so Becki and I had to really work hard to make ourselves heard. You can tell how difficult it was from the serious expression on my face. I've never sang a medley before, but I really enjoyed it.
After that, it was Seb's turn to perform. He sang some musical theatre songs, including a very nice "Bring Him Home." He has great stage presence, and interacted with the audience really well.
Up after him were a cello quartet consisting of four lovely ladies, who played very nice arrangements of pieces like "Memory" from "Cats," "The Entertainer," and the like.
After the quartet, it was my turn. I stepped onto the stage, and introduced myself. The guests were tucking into a delicious three-course dinner while us acts were performing, but I didn't mind. I felt like I wasn't under pressure, which felt good, and it was a very nice, relaxed atmosphere. Of course, it did mean that I had to really listen to my backing tracks, but that was true of all of the performers. My first song was "O Holy Night," and I performed with the microphone in the stand. Unfortunately, I had sound checked with a wireless microphone, but before the show could start, it had run out of battery, and there was no time to do another sound check; but the show must go on, as they say.
For my second song, "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," I walked around the stage a bit, trying to convey the happy mood of the song with my voice. I'm very glad to say that I did not trip over either my dress or the cord, so I was very happy about that.
My third song was going to be "Let it Snow," but at the last minute, we changed it to "Panis Angelicus," because I had only recently received medication for my allergies (turns out that I'm allergic to grass pollen and house dust mites) and I couldn't pronounce 'snow' with an 'N', for it would come out as 's-dow," so we changed it.
After that came "Ding Dong Merrily On High," the backing track that we found also had a choir singing along with it.
After that, I again took the microphone out of the stand for "Walking in the Air." I found it ironic that just a few blog posts ago I was talking about how technical problems happen to every singer, and how, when it would eventually happen to me, I hoped that I would be able to remain calm and carry on. Well, that's exactly what happened. My microphone cut out, but I carried on singing. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging, but I am quite pleased for carrying on; my grandparents told me afterwards that they could still hear me, which was good to hear. Now that that little technical difficulty is out of the way, hopefully I won't have any more microphone mishaps!
After the song had ended, Becki quickly gave me a different microphone, and I launched into my final song for the night, "Silent Night." I was originally going to have the microphone in the stand, but the petticoat of my dress kept making the stand wobble! It was very funny, so I thought it would be better to hold the microphone.
After I had finished, I went to sit with my grandparents, and watched the rest of the acts. As a few of them couldn't make it, Becki herself entertained us with songs from the 40's and 50's.
After her set, the lovely cello quartet came back on, and played some more beautiful music.
We were sat at the same table as one of the performers, a young man called Ernesto.
After the quartet, Becki sang another set, including "Que Sera Sera;" everyone sang along to the chorus, it was amazing; I love it when the audience does that.
After Becki, it was Ernesto's turn; he sang a few songs, including some Mumford and Sons, whilst playing his guitar. He has a very good voice, and he plays the guitar well.
After him came the final act of the night, Rohan. She sang some songs with a microphone, and some while playing the piano. She's only young, and yet she can play the piano really well!
After that, it was time for the raffle. My Nan and Granddad had purchased some tickets, and the best thing about this raffle is, when your number was called, you could take any prize you wanted, which was amazing.
Well, we were lucky enough to have our number called, and I ran up there ("go on! You've got young legs!" joked my Granddad) and I saw a voucher for a free recording session! As you can imagine, I grabbed that right away. There were more prizes such as free guitar lesson (Ernesto got that, of course. Not that I think he needs it), and a pet photography session, but we have four cats, and I can only imagine trying to get them all to sit still for the camera!
That concluded the events of the evening. I milled around for a little while, chatting to people, before we headed home. As soon as I got in my Mum made me a nice hot cup of tea; she knew I needed it!
I'm very glad to have been asked to be part of such a great event.
I did decide against posting my whole performance on YouTube, as I wasn't really happy with the way it sounded, but I did upload my performance of Panis Angelicus; please excuse the weird way my voice sounds; as I mentioned, I was having new medication, but I hope you enjoy it just the same.


The Chateau Bar Stool. Our metal bar stools from Trica Furniture are built to last. Welded at all joints, the stool frames hold up for generations. Choose your favorite color combination that best fits your décor.
Please fill out the form below to request a quote on the Chateau Bar Stool. A King Dinettes sales consultant will contact you as soon as your inquiry is received.
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