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about Get Started Shop AA Plus Log In
aboutGet StartedShopAA PlusLog In
AA Plus
Feel more spiritually, mentally & emotionally connected everyday
and join a community of like-minded Sisters in pursuit of Self Betterment.
Like having your own personal coach
who guides and cheers you on every step of the way + a BFF from every city in the world who believes 100% in your limitless potential.
Give us 15 minutes each day and
we'll show you how to be the best you that you can be!
aa plus is now full, re-opening soon
Salam Curious One,
I'm grateful you are here.
Working on AA Plus for the past 3 years has been a dream come true for me. To be honest, I didn't even know that it will be named 'AA Plus' only till about 6 months ago, but the idea of creating and building an online platform solely dedicated to a community of Sisters who are sincere and serious about their Self-Growth journey has always been in my heart.
Today, I'm so excited to finally be able to share with you all about it.
Over the years, I've had the biggest honor of serving thousands of ladies through my writings, videos & talks. And I've seen first hand through the tens of thousands of emails and comments we receive, just how confusing and daunting it is to turn your life around to a more meaningful, abundant, and God-centred existence.
Which made me think...
Wouldn't it be fantastic if there was an online platform solely dedicated to Sisters who are sincere and serious in bettering their lives Spiritually, Emotionally, Mentally and where there is a wealth of useful and beneficial content being shared in an easily accessible and digestible manner?
Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a platform for busy moms, young students, working professionals and creative independents alike, all united in our pursuit to be better Muslimahs for His sake?
But... there wasn't any.
So we set out to create one.
Introducing AA Plus
A good-for-your-soul, easy-on-the-pocket,
exclusive membership programme for the Constantly Curious.
AA Plus is an online Community for the Curious Seekers in pursuit of Truth, Knowledge and Self-Betterment. Every month, we focus and dive in on one central theme and the topics that we choose to highlight on the platform will be a healthy balance of Spirituality, Self-Development and Skill-Based content + classes. This allows us to cover all bases, so that you can blossom into becoming the best version of you, along with other like-minded Sisters from all around the globe.
Each and every month, In Sha Allah, you'll be able to:
Feel more spiritually connected everyday
Improve the quality of your thoughts and habits
Learn practical skills that's good for your soul
Quench your thirst for knowledge and find what brings you joy
Connect, share and learn from other inspiring soulsisters
"Waiting every week for your Tuesday Love Letters feels way too long for me because I am in love with your writings, and how beautifully you relate everything with Allah. Therefore, I had no doubt at all that I wanted to be in this circle of positivity, which helps me be a better person and a better Muslimah, In Sha Allah."
— Shazlin O.
(aka the kind of awesomeness that's waiting
for you when you join us today)
Members of AA Plus will get exclusive access to content and classes that aren't available anywhere else. This private treasure trove is filled with valuable resources designed to empower you to make better decisions and take necessary actions that will bring you one step closer towards leading your best life.
Here's a small taste of what you'll get:
Advanced Classes by
AA & Friends
Mini Bite Sized, but Major Impact Classes. We've seen first hand how impactful taking an online class can be in the lives of the ladies who have taken the Masterclasses we've launched throughout the years. Because of this, every month, you'll get access to a brand new online video class or webinar from myself and a slew of other inspiring thought-leaders / teachers in the community.
The Advanced Classes are designed to be succinct, short, but highly impactful - perfect for the curious lady on the go!
Love Letters Plus
If you've enjoyed my weekly Tuesday Love Letters, then In Sha Allah, you'll def enjoy the Love Letters Plus! Love Letters Plus is two additional Love Letters each month (out every 10th and 27th of each month), but with a bigger focus on Spirituality and all the things I've learnt in my pursuit of striving to be closer to Him. They will be more raw and a lot more private.
The AA Sisterhood
When you join AA Plus, you'll get access to the kindest, nicest, most supportive Community on the Internet! The AA Sisterhood private FB Group is where you'll forge new friendships and where ladies from all walks of life will have your back and push you to be the best you can be. Connect and share your stories with like-minded ladies, and find the encouragement you need. I guarantee you, when all of us come together, there's absolutely nothing we can't and won't be able to do, In Sha Allah!
The AA Sisterhood is also the place where we will be hosting:
Fortnightly Hangouts (think of it like virtual halaqah sessions)
The AA Book Club (where we'll discover + discuss books that has inspired us)
Feedback & Sharing Sessions for the Monthly Classes
And many, many more!
In Good Company Podcast
'In Good Company' is a Podcast Series where I'll sit down and interview some of the most inspiring people I've ever had the honour of meeting. These podcasts are about an hour long and will give you the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds out there. To date, I've sat down with Mr Ibrahim Tahir (founder of Wardah Books), Nursyazanna Syaira (co-founder of Fluff Bakery), Yana, Farah and Azrina Khairuddin (sisters, and co-founders of Cala Qisya) and many more! Just like everything else on AA Plus, these podcasts are exclusive for AA Plus members only and are not available anywhere else online! New episodes drop every 15th!
The Open Sessions
As much as we love the online community that we've built, there's really nothing like meeting you ladies in person. Over the years we've hosted multiple meetups and open sessions in Singapore, London, Malaysia & Morocco - where we bonded over inspiring life stories and enlightening discussions. Plenty of tears have been shed, but hugs and love are shared in abundance too. As a member of AA Plus, you'll get exclusive access to all Open Sessions at no extra cost to you. (Soooo excited to meeet aaaall of youuuuu in person!)
Secret Discounts That Are Good for the Soul
Everyone loves discounts, but what if the discounts were for products and / or resources that actually benefited your life? That's exactly what we'll be doing with ''Secret Discounts that are Good for the Soul!' Right off the bat, we will be offering all AA Plus members discounts on our MasterClasses (i.e 'The Fatima Zahra Class' and 'The Consistency Class'). We will also be working closely with other brands we personally use, and love, to bring you generous discounts on their offerings every few months, In Sha Allah.
Our Goal Is Simple:
For AA Plus to be your #1 online "home" where you'll be able to soak and immerse
yourself with nothing but goodness, knowledge, support and a whole lot of love.
(Plus you'll make new friends. Plus discounts. Plus so much gooodnesssssssss!)
New Theme Every Month
In addition to this, all of the content, classes and community events will be based on a new theme each month in order to highlight a range of different topics that are pertinent to the Modern Muslimah like yourself.
Above is a glimpse of the themes we will cover during the first six months of AA Plus: *exciiiiiteeeddddd*
And Because We Love You
Here's 4 More Awesome Pawesome Bonuses When You Join Us Today
1 - AA's Top 20 Book List
(A list of my favourite books that has changed my life)
2 - The Daily Reminder
(A collection of 10 beautiful wallpapers designed to make you smile)
3 - The Full Love Letter Archive
(Read hundreds of previous Love Letters that dates back to 2016)
4 - The Woman Up Podcast
(Get access to this fun but contemplative Podcast Series on Self Betterment!)
"I have been looking for something like this for so long: content that balance matters of this world and the Hereafter and Ma Sha Allah, it's just my kind of thing. May Allah bless you all and reward you ten folds more of what I get from you."
— Amna Q. Contreras
Choose the AA Plus plan that's right for you
100% secure & safe checkout
We Pride Ourselves On
Creating World-Class
Resources & Content
At AA, we absolutely and completely love what we do. Which means we never do anything, just because. It's the same with AA Plus - we have nourished and built this platform with love and we only want Sisters who are 100% committed to be in it.
This is because the quality of the community of AA Plus depends solely on the members who are in it, so we only want to attract ladies who are 100% committed — to both benefit and contribute. If you've personally enjoyed any of our work, and you know in your gut that this community will fit and serve you, then join us with a "Bismillah!" and plenty of good feelings, because He would have already reserved your spot in AA Plus before you even made the decision to! *gooooooosebumps*.
Here's what the ladies
are saying about our work:
(I promise we're legit, guys)
"I just realised that it has not been even a year since I subscribed to you. I cannot believe it because, Alhamdulillah, my life has changed so much for the better since then. I am so grateful that Allah continues to bring me closer to Him through your Love Letters, your videos, your classes, basically, everything you do."
— Berta K
"I'm from South Africa and it's an honour to be with you and the other Sisters in this group. Through you, ladies from different countries can connect and you have taught us to be kind and have been a friend to all of us. May Allah reward you in abundance."
— Zaheedah C
"Discovering you has immediately lifted my mood and answered one of my duas to Allah. I made a dua to Allah to surround me with good sisters that will remind me of His beauty and increase my love for Him and Alhamdulillah I stumbled on your website and now I am binge-watching your past videos (rather nuggets of wisdom, masha'Allah)."
— asma v
"I especially look forward to the In Good Company series and love the variety of interviewees you've had so far. I know for sure that doing interviews and crafting questions isn't the easiest so I hope you know you have one appreciative subscriber here. Looking forward to more goodness from the team!"
— Nisya H
"Thank you Aida + Team AA for organising such a beautiful, mindblowing Class. I just love how the whole course is jam-packed with practical, bite-sized, doable tips to begin with. This class deserves 5 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from the bottom of my heart."
— Raihana A
Summing It All Up
Here's everything you'll get as a member of AA Plus
(None of these materials + resources will be available anywhere else)
- Advanced Classes by AA & Friends every month
- Love Letters Plus twice a month
- The AA Sisterhood Community
- In Good Company Podcast Episode every month
- The Open Sessions at least once a year
- Secret Discounts That Are Good for the Soul
Plus all of these bonuses just for you:
The combined value of everything you'll get from AA Plus far exceeds $2,000.
Our classes alone are often sold out at a $300+ price range. By joining AA Plus today,
you'll be paying much, much, much less than that - in fact,
approximately about 50 cents / day.
Your Alternative?
One of our main goals for AA Plus is to make it affordable to everyone without compromising on quality, and I truly believe there's nothing quite like it out there.
The only alternatives at a similar price-point that is close to what we offer would be to:
1 - Attend only 3 lectures a year. The cost of a high quality lecture can cost anywhere between $40 - $100. In comparison to the price of an annual membership to AA Plus, you will get access to at least 12 different classes a year - classes that will be taught by industry thought leaders and accredited Asatizahs.
2 - Sign up for 1 conference. A full access pass to a two - three day conference can cost anywhere between $150 - $300. But when you become a member of AA Plus, you'll get consistent quality content designed to push you further, monthly advanced classes, a community of ladies ready to empower you, The Open Sessions and so much more.
More Value with AA Plus
In simple terms, this means that for the same price as a few lectures or attending just one conference, you'll be getting a whole lot more bang for your buck, and while you're at it, you'll meet and make new friends whilst supporting an independent company on a mission to serve ladies the world over.
Ready to Invest in You?
There's simply no other Muslimah-focused Membership Platform that will be as fun, supportive and purpose-driven as AA Plus that can help you navigate life with grace and positivity, all while gaining beneficial knowledge, important life skills, and a with a whole girl-power crew rooting for you.
Happy to answer!
What is AA Plus?
Seriously? We just went through a whole page, SCROLL UP!
Who exactly is AA Plus for?
Anyone and everyone who is serious and sincere about making a positive change in their lives. It's for ladies who are ready to take their Self-Betterment adventure on a whole other level. So if you are ready to steadily and consistently work on your Self-Growth, your relationship with Allah and yourself, and you are pumped to start living your best life, come join us coz WE WANT YOU, CHAMPION!
What if I want to cancel my membership?
It's ok, boo. Just let us know and we'll even guide you on how to cancel your membership. No hard feelings, just soft squishy hugs and a big thank you for giving us a chance in the first place. If you cancel halfway mid-month, you will still have access to the AA Plus content till the end of your billing period.
How is the AA Plus content delivered?
Straight to your Inbox! On the 1st of every month, we'll send you an Introduction email where we'll share the theme of the month and a printable PDF schedule detailing all the dates for every single content/resource that we have lined up for you that month. (This will help you see what's in store at a glance.) And then, all you gotta do is wait and sit tight as we gradually deliver all of the good stuff as scheduled, directly to your email Inbox. That's it - easy peasy!
So summary:
1st of every month: we'll send you a Theme Introduction email + the Schedule.
The rest of the month: soak in all the good things we've created just for you and then participate, discuss, and/or share your thoughts with the rest of the ladies in the community!
How much of my time will it require each month?
Gurlllll, it's really up to you. This isn't a course or workshop — there is no curriculum, no "homework," no schedule. You can listen to the lectures and podcasts, read the emails and connect in the private FB group whenever you want, as often as you want. If you're super busy over a certain period, don't sweat it. You can't fall behind as an AA Plus member coz all of the content will remain online and In Sha Allah, the community and I are not going anywhere. However, I encourage you to remember that there is much blessings in Consistency, so even if you engage with the content for just 10-15 minutes a day, but you do it consistently, then I promise you, you'll feel the difference. You just gotta' show up.
What if I can't finish all of the content each month?
Issokay hun - it will still be there waiting for you! You can go back to any class, podcast, online trainings, resources etc., at any time and listen/read/watch/ whenever you want. AA Plus is flexible - she's like the super cool friend who is always there for you, but will also give you ample space you need, without judging. :P
What do I need to to access AA Plus?
It's super easy to connect and have access to AA Plus! You just need DA INTERNETTTZZZ, a mobile phone or a laptop - whatever device that suits you! And having a FB Account helps too as that's where we will be hosting the private AA Sisterhood Group.
What if I don't have a FB Account?
You wouldn't be able to get the whole AA Plus experience because that's where the heart of the community is. It's the space where ladies will interact, get to know one another, and discuss certain topics that are relevant to the theme of the month. The AA Sisterhood FB Group is also where I will host live sessions and do a virtual book club so if you can, do get a FB Account! (If you are worried about being on it outside AA Plus, make a new account where you have nothing on FB, except the AA Sisterhood Private group - that might help!)
Do new AA Plus members get access to the previous months content?
YASSSS YOU DOOOOOOOO!!!
What if my card gets declined when signing up?
Check with your bank if your card is activated for online / overseas payment. Also try to sign up with a web browser on your laptop or a desktop instead of a phone. If all else fails…… try getting help from a family member or a friend? In Sha Allah, they will also get the hasanat of helping you sign up to something awesome! :P
Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
(also, you the real mvp for reading all the way through!)
PS: We'll Always Be Here
If you are not ready to invest in yourself with AA Plus, that's totally cool. Feel free to join the Tuesday Love Letters where I serve over 60,000 ladies by sending them a new love letter each and every Tuesday. It's 100% free and I hope you'll join us there by heading over to aidaazlin.com and entering your best email!
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at plus@aidaazlin.com!
hello@aidaazlin.com
Instagram | YOUTUBE | facebook | TWITTER | CONTACT
Aida Azlin International
© 2019 / 1440H


Jordyn Woods was born on September 23, 1997, in Los Angeles to Elizabeth and John Woods. She started modeling at age 6 for Ford Modeling Agency and moved to Calabasas, California, at age 13 to continue pursuing her career. She has posed for publications such as Vogue and shot campaigns for brands including Good American, Kylie Cosmetics and Express One. Woods also rose to fame by posting videos on Vine with her famous friends, including Jaden Smith and Kylie Jenner, whom she met through the rapper.
The social media star became fast friends with Jenner and her famous family. She eventually moved in with the makeup maven and Jenner was there for Woods when her father died of cancer in January 2017. The pair have been inseparable ever since, with Woods going on many vacations with Jenner and becoming close to her daughter, Stormi Webster, whom the businesswoman welcomed with Travis Scott in February 2018.
Woods' appearances on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Life of Kylie furthered her career and she launched her clothing line, Secndnture, in August 2018. One month later, she and Jenner launched their own makeup collection through Kylie Cosmetics.
In February 2019, news broke that Woods hooked up with Khloé Kardashian's then-boyfriend, Tristan Thompson. The Kardashian family has since cut ties with Woods.


Provide comfort for the family of Mary Citarella with a meaningful gesture of sympathy.
Mary Theresa Citarella, 92, of Monroe Twp., passed away peacefully at Chelsea at Forsgate, Sunday, January 13, 2019. Born in Jersey City, Mary was a graduate of St. Dominic's Academy. She resided in Presidential Lakes before moving to Monroe 8 years ago.
Mary was a member of St Anthony of Padua RC Church in Hightstown. She retired after many years working as a receptionist for Dr.'s Swiney, Hall and Luna in Jersey City. Before her time working in the doctor's office she cherished her time working as a crossing guard.
Predeceased by her husband, Carmine in 1997 and her sister Bernadette; she is survived by her three sons, Vincent, John and Joseph; one daughter, Bernadette; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary Riley.
Calling hours will be held from 5pm to 8pm, Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, 202 Stockton Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30am Thursday, Jan. 17, at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, 251 Franklin Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. Burial will follow at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers the family has requested for donations to be made in Mary's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
To send flowers in memory of Mary Theresa Citarella, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Love, Laura & Michael Valentino (Sheila & Aidan, t, Dolores and Richard Rutski, and others have sent flowers to the family of Mary Theresa Citarella.
My dad, Frank Radican cherished his god mother Aunt Mary. I loved hearing stories about them in Jersey City back in the day. Aunt Mary was very near and dear to our families hearts and it was with great sadness that I heard that she passed away. I know that she found my dad in heaven and they are laughing and gathering with all of our family up there in heaven. God Bless you Aunt Mary. Thank you for your prayers, smiles and gentle kindness that you always shared with all of us.
Mary's Life and Soul Continues through This Tree and The Entire Forest with Our Love and Gratitude!
You were our Lifeline, Dearest Cuz. You have been and will Always be Missed! God Bless and Rest Your Beautiful Soul!
Walk on through the wind. Walk on through the rain. Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on with hope in your heart; you'll never walk alone.
Love, Laura & Michael Valentino (Sheila & Aidan, t purchased flowers for the family of Mary Citarella.


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Green Building Review
Community, Directory, Events & News, Research, Projects, Products & Technology
Products / Technology
GBCSA 2017
IGBC 2017
Green building ratings are part of the drivers for Australia's green bonds
Posted on November 1, 2018 November 2, 2018 by GBR
Drought-resistant water infrastructure, green residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and waste and recycling initiatives are among the future opportunities for Australia's fledgling green bond market.
Presenting the Climate Bond Initiative's research on the state of the global green bond and climate market on Wednesday morning in Sydney, Climate Bonds' head of markets and report author Bridget Boulle said that the climate bond market was growing globally, including in the Asia Pacific region.
Since Australia's first deals in 2014, the total green bond issuance is now $8.3 billion.
Green residential mortgage-backed securities have been identified as a key growth area for Australia's green bond market. Because the Climate Bonds Criteria for low carbon buildings can piggy back on Australian building codes and energy ratings schemes to achieve certification, this provides a "streamlined process to package potential loans and pave the way for growth in green residential mortgage-backed securities
There are also opportunities in water and waste due to Australia's drought-prone climate and the recycling crisis caused by China's ban on some overseas recyclables.
Despite Australia's unfavourable policy backdrop for financing green projects, UBS Global Asset Management executive director, fixed income Jeff Grow said at the King & Wood Mallesons hosted event on Wednesday that the "low hanging fruit" had been done, with green bond commitments made by all the major banks.
"Two of the state governments have already done one. The development banks have been the big drivers and some of the property funds have come here as well," he said.
He said that "transport is the easy one" in Australia, particularly in the major cities. Although most transport financing is done by government more of this could be done by the private sector.
Mr Grow also said that green mortgages were a "clear area for growth". NAB has been a leader in this area so far.
"A lot of our clients have certainly put pressure on us to talk to Treasury, to talk about a sovereign green bond, in some form.
"With the government about to hit a surplus the impetus for that might be a little less than it was two years ago. But there is certainly potential there for the Commonwealth to step up."
He said that utilities are another big opportunity, but it can be more difficult to determine how green some of these projects are compared to other sectors.
The "climate-aligned bonds universe"
Ms Boulle said that the "climate-aligned bonds universe" was now worth US$1.45 trillion (AU$2.04 trillion) worldwide.
As of this year, the scope of this research had been expanded to include companies that are "strongly climate-aligned", which Ms Boulle said would "give us a much fuller idea about how much investment is going into green bonds".
These strongly climate-aligned companies must derive 75 per cent of their revenues from "green" business lines, which means companies that are "transitioning" to green are more likely to be included.
Is green labelling important?
According to King & Wood Mallesons partner Anne-Marie Neagle green labelling has an important role to play.
"Green labelling is a really good signalling tool and a really good tool to put a bit of objectivity and transparency over what we are doing and why we are doing it."
But the value of green labelling is dependant on maintaining transparency and objectivity standards, she added.
Are green bonds performing financially?
Mr Grow said that although there is a lot of investment and client scepticism about green bonds in that you are forsaking returns to accommodate ethics, this is "not what we are finding".
"The issuers are generally pretty good. You do not have to sacrifice return for green bonds."
When will green bonds have a real impact on sustainable futures?
Ms Boulle said the green and climate bond market will need to reach US$1 trillion a year to have a real impact on driving sustainable outcomes, including the transition to a low carbon economy.
"We're a fair way off that but we are forever optimistic."
Poppy Johnston / The Fifth Estate
Posted in NewsTagged Australia, drought, green bonds, Green building ratings
Australia's green building game changer: World's first sustainable shopping centre gets go-ahead
Singapore's Khoo Teck Puat Wins First Kellert Biophilic Award
Badriya Jum'a Masjid: The First eco friendly 'Green Mosque'
Asean to set up green building codes for the region
Building green, sustainable infrastructure may not help with inequality
CPG, ACC unveil green building in BGC
Log Cabins? No, These Wooden Buildings Are High-Rises
Chandru Raheja led, K Raheja Corp collaborates with GBCI to reinforce commitment for World Green Building Week
The latest revolution in winemaking adds 'green' to red, white and rosé
What's the healthiest insulation?
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Let's just make it clear that this is happening because you don't want to face the consequences of your disparaging comments coming into the open in a way that you're now aware of despite a whole *bleep*load of us being in-the-know about it for some time. I'm not gonna let this cordial goodbye be a nice send-off for everyone to forget what happened with time for forgiveness to return with splendor by next weekend. The reason this place feels foreign and unattached is because you're afraid that some people here are gay and/or trans and you can't deal with it.
I hope you grow from this and become a better person in life, because otherwise this track will lead you straight to darkness.
i already told you what i think you should do but i asked my sister and she said "paris is known for shopping and art museums but he must know that already" and "i really liked the bus tour because you could ride around all day and get on and off wherever you wanted"
We're gonna do some nighttime boat ride on the seine, and shopping is A+++++, I just uhhhhhhh don't know where. There's apparently some hugeass mall that's like the Celadon Department Store, as well as a Monoprix and Carrefour on every block, but I don't know what else to really look for or where. Even specific bakeries and food shops are hard to figure out which one is worthwhile without some kind of direction, as all of the guides online really only point towards the tippity top that I don't really need to go to and are just expensive tourist traps at this point.
This summer I'm going to blow literally ALL of my money going on a trip to Paris because the opportunity presented itself and I don't think I could live with myself if I passed it up. Now, the reason I'm posting this here is because I have limited plans. I need things to try, things to do, things to see, and I will take those suggestions and turn them into a review or two later on down the road. If you have any ideas, such as choking on strange cheeses, being assaulted in a hammam for the sake of beauty, and vending machine baguettes, please let me know!
if you would like to set up a tournament, you can start by checking out how other tournaments in the past were set up and provide us with some rules, guidelines, a timeline for the schedule, etc.
It's been talked about for a while, it's been sort of on the agenda, but now it is finally coming. (...) This means all tokens currently in circulation will be nullified, the prize list will be abolished, and there will no longer be awards-sponsored material incentive given out for participation in awards tournaments.
If you look at the prize list, an overwhelming amount of items are provided by one person, with help from a small number of others. This is not sustainable. We cannot thrust the full weight of supporting this system onto one to a few poor sods who have to pay all of this out of their own pocket, without even getting so much as a thank you. Frankly, it's kind of appalling that we even did this for so long. Only through the generosity of a few select individuals did this system survive until now without collapsing. All attempts to reach out to people to contribute prizes of their own have failed; people like getting them, but not so much giving them. This is not a fair system.
Additionally, Steam has really *bleep*ed up people's ability to hold onto games and gifting them, making the buying of new prizes very inconvenient. We'd have to invest a lot of effort into finding a suitable alternative method, and ultimately it's not really worth it.
Additionally additionally, we waste weeks, if not months each year going through the lists and asking each person for their prize selection, hunting down inactive users, and dealing with Steam's bull*bleep*. It's an ordeal.
tl;dr: It's a huge waste of time, effort, and money (of a select few people who bear all the costs).
We've talked a bit about this possibility during last year's suggestion thread, and the notion has been met with cautious optimism. The general vibe was "we like to play in tournaments to engage with the community, and prizes are just a side thing". This presents us with a good opportunity to continue from that vibe and get this process done smoothly and painlessly. Shift focus to the social aspect.
Will this affect tournament participation?
It's possible. I would like to think that our community is strong enough to want to play games with their fellow users without being promised a reward, but a few people might jump off as a result. However, that's not really something we should concern ourselves with if the alternative comes at an unreasonable cost. I don't think the hit will be that noticable.
And if it's a huge concern, tournament hosts are not prohibited from offering their own prizes if they so wish. But I don't think it will be necessary.
What will this mean for 'Shroom tokens?
With the abolishment of the prize list and awards tokens, the 'Shroom will no longer have a prize pool to draw from. The 'Shroom staff will have to discuss amongst themselves if they want to continue their token system or come up with an alternative. In case of the former they will have to create their own prize pool. But that decision ultiimately lies with the 'Shroom staff, and the awards committee has no influence on it.
If there are any questions, comments, concerns at all please feel free to post here or send me a message about this. Retiring this system will allow for the development of the ceremony to be of much more ease, and that lack of stress trickles down to tournaments hosts who don't have to worry about token rates and me breathing down their necks for numbers. All I'd need to see is an outline for tournament rules and we can help coordinate and schedule it.
Meeting tonight in about 2 hours!
20:26 WikiGuest54 Does anybody knows which mario characters have been fogortton?
The first AC Meeting is planned for March 29, 2019, 08:00:00 PM (Friday, March 29th 8:00pm-10:00pm EDT) in #mwikiawards on irc.darkmyst.org. Do note that European Daylight Savings begins on March 31st, so the first couple of meetings will shift for those east of the Atlantic. If you don't already know how to join that channel, click this link, enter your name, and then type "/join #mwikiawards".
Sign-ups are now closed! There's potential for late joins depending on participation in meetings by non-members, but we'll see you all in a couple weeks! Thanks for your interest!!
Last day to sign up! If you're considering it and not sure, feel free to ask questions and try it out!


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Interview with Sir David Attenborough: 'Collecting Memories Isn't the Same as Collecting Ammonites'
SPIEGEL ONLINE - April 01, 2019
Sir David Attenborough has long been a household name for his landmark nature documentaries for the BBC. Now, his Netflix series "Our Planet" is starting on April 5. In a DER SPIEGEL interview, he speaks of his passion for collecting, joking with the queen and how to approach male gorillas. Interview Conducted by Hauke Goos and Jörg Schindler more... [ Comment ]
The Emergence of Homo Sapiens: 'Those Who Obeyed the Rules Were Favored by Evolution'
SPIEGEL ONLINE - March 22, 2019
British anthropologist Richard Wrangham believes our humanity began with the murder of a tyrant. In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, he explains why homo sapiens are so murderous, while also being among the most peaceful species. Interview Conducted By Johann Grolle more...
Avi Loeb on the Mysterious Interstellar Body 'Oumuamua: 'Thinking About Distant Civilizations Isn't Speculative'
SPIEGEL ONLINE - January 07, 2019
Astronomer Avi Loeb believes that the interstellar object dubbed 'Oumuamua could actually be a probe sent by alien beings. Given the evidence that has so far been gathered, he says, it is a possible conclusion to draw. Interview Conducted by Johann Grolle more... [ Comment ]
Making Space Affordable: The Bargain-Basement Rocket-Launch Bin
SPIEGEL ONLINE - November 09, 2018
In an interview, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck discusses his company's ambitious plans to tap the growing market for transporting satellites into space. He sees a bright future for his company and its launch pad in New Zealand. Interview Conducted by Christoph Seidler more... [ Comment ]
SpaceX Chief Engineer Hans Königsmann: 'I Am Too Old for Mars'
SPIEGEL ONLINE - October 04, 2018
The problems are piling up for Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire behind SpaceX. Could the space exploration company one day jettison its embattled founder? We asked Chief Engineer for Launches Hans Königsmann to weigh in. Interview Conducted by Christoph Seidler more... [ Comment ]
The Power of the Algorithms: Pedro Domingos on the Arms Race in Artificial Intelligence
In an interview, best-selling author and machine-learning expert Pedro Domingos discusses the global competition to take the lead in artificial intelligence, the advance of autocrats and the threats modern technology presents to Western democracies. Interview Conducted by Christoph Scheuermann and Bernhard Zand more... [ Comment ]
USC and Max Planck: The Double Life of a Top Robotics Researcher
A robotics researcher had made it, a top researcher in a field that promised only to grow. But that apparently wasn't enough for him. By Rex Dalton more... [ Comment ]
Separating Siamese Twins: 'It Was the First Time I Cried in the Operating Room'
When pediatric surgeon Allan Goldstein entered the operating room to separate conjoined twins, he did so with the knowledge that one would have to die in order to save the other. He recalls the enormous surgical and ethical challenges. more... [ Comment ]
Interview with Ornithologist Richard Prum: What Duck Sex Reveals about Human Nature
SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 13, 2017
In an interview, Richard Prum, an ornithologist and curator at the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, discusses the violent mechanics of duck sex, the beauty of bird-mating rituals and why human civilization was made possible by love. Interview Conducted By Johann Grolle more... [ Comment ]
Nazis on the Roof of the World: A Bizarre SS Expedition to Tibet
In 1938, an SS expedition led by German zoologist Ernst Schäfer trekked to Tibet, returning with priceless animal specimens. Many believe they had actually been sent to search for a lost Aryan race, but a new book argues that the truth is more complicated. By Matthias Schulz more... [ Comment ]


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Inside Global Programs: Liza Cunningham
By Amanda Pruitt May 12, 2021
Liza Cunningham (AD '20) participated in two study abroad programs: the CCI Global Scholars program in Sydney and the Advertising in Rome program during mini-term with Professor Sally McMillan.
Since graduating from UT, Cunningham is now an account executive with iHeartMedia, but we caught up with her to talk about her second time studying abroad in Italy.
Learn more about CCI's Advertising in Rome mini-term program.
What did you learn by taking ADVT 480 abroad?
I was challenged by a bunch of situations that I never thought I'd be challenged with. Before going into this program, when I thought of advertising, I thought of target audiences based on gender, age, interest, but I never really thought of how much a cultural or geographical difference could change the whole game of advertising. So, I gained a lot of intercultural competencies by studying abroad in Rome. I learned about targeting from a different perspective and the differences between Italian advertisement versus American advertisements and how important it was to distinguish that difference.
Besides taking classes abroad, what else did you do as a part of the program?
We'd have walking tours and there were a bunch of different excursions that were built into the program. Like we got to go to a cooking class, which was actually my favorite thing that we did. I got to learn how to make homemade pasta and pesto and tiramisu from a real Italian chef who didn't speak English, which was just such a cool experience. We got to tour the Vatican and I saw the Pope! We also went to the Colosseum and see all these ancient ruins. We also went to Florence and saw world-famous art – like the stuff you read about in textbooks. You really don't have to spend that much to able to see all that you want to see in Rome because you get to do most of that as a group and the cost is included with the program fees.
You have studied abroad twice on faculty-directed programs. Why are CCI's faculty-directed programs such a draw for you?
I think familiarity in a place that seems so unfamiliar can be really, really comforting. Especially because you are pushing your boundaries so much and you're so far away from home and anything that seems remotely comfortable. To be honest, the people I met and became friends with on this program, I don't think that back at UT I would have gone out of my wat to make, but I'm really thankful for the experience to be place with these people because they're some of the coolest people I've ever met. I love them to death.
The other part of faculty-directed programs is having a faculty member from UT with you in country. What was it like having Dr. Sally McMillan there with you in Italy?
Even though we are adults, it's also nice to have an authoritative figure there in case of emergency. But Dr. McMillan also did such a great job of stepping back and making sure that she wasn't like a helicopter over us. She wanted us to be able to explore on our own and feel that sense of independence and learn on our own how Italians do life and how to be a part of that. But she was there if we needed to reach out.
Which memory stands out the most to you from your time in Italy?
I think my favorite memory was when we went to the Amalfi coast one weekend. We kind of split up and me and some other girls stayed in a town called Ravello, which is super remote. It was beautiful and relaxing, and we knew nothing about it before getting there, which was part of the fun. We booked an Airbnb and had fun getting lost in the town where hardly anyone spoke English. It was a challenge, but a fun challenge. One night we spent hours wandering around looking for a place to eat and somehow wound up at this super fancy restaurant where we saw Murr from Impractical Jokers. It was so surreal.
What would you like to say to someone who is considering studying abroad?
This is the second time that I've studied abroad because I realized how much of an impact it can have on me, personally. Because you learn a lot about yourself, your values, and the things that are most important to you while you explore your newfound sense of independence. More importantly, it's fun! If you're considering studying abroad, please do it, do it for yourself! I know so many people that say that their one regret in college is not studying abroad. There are so many resources and scholarships readily available for you and the experiences that you will have while studying abroad will stick with you forever and have a lasting impact on the way you view life. Never settle for not knowing or not leering more about yourself, about your environment, about your career and what you want to do in life.
CCI Global Scholars
Liza Cunningham


Looks like there is a ray of hope for those FolderShare users who've been out in the cold since Microsoft's acquisiton of ByteTaxi back at the end of the 2005. Apart from a partial rebrand to Windows Live, there hasn't been much to get exicted about, but that may be about to change.
A new FolderShare page on feedback.live.com and a public foldershare newsgroup with some activity shows that FolderShare is getting some attention internally, suggesting that it may be a questions of when, not if, there is a new beta build.
So how does this compare to Microsoft's other known storage products?
– Windows Live FolderShare provides remote access to files via a web browser and also synching capabilities similar to that of Messenger's Shared Folders.
– Windows Live Folders is a cloud storage service, allowing you to store your files at a Microsoft datacenter thereby providing access to your files even if your home PC is turned off.
You can try out FolderShare at www.foldershare.com.


Ski holidays Wolkenstein - holiday fun on Sella Ronda!
Wolkenstein is situated at 1,563 m, surrounded by the unique Dolomite mountain backdrop. The resort, dominated by the winter sports, is one of the leading tourism resorts in the alpine region and is the last resort in the popular Val Gardena ski region. Skiers and snowboarders will love the nearby famous ski safari, "Sella Ronda". Cross-country fans will get their money's worth on the trail from Wolkenstein through the secluded Langental. Wolkenstein's unique location allows guests to ski directly to the hotel, in some cases, and let the evening cosily come to an end.
Excellent restaurants ensure complete enjoyment! Those who haven't had enough after a day on the mountains can party in various après ski bars and discos until late at night.
Val Gardena is towered over by one of the most spectacular alpine mountain backdrops. The Sella Massif (3,152 m) and the Langkofel (3,181 m) form the unforgettable Dolomite panorama. Visitors are wowed by sunny valleys and slopes, in addition to steeply sloping cliffs. Val Gardena belongs to the "Dolomiti Superski" network. The lift pass combines 12 ski areas for a total of 1,200 kilometres of piste and guarantees varied fun on the piste.
A highlight is the Sella Ronda, the famous alpine ski safari! Cosy resorts with excellent cuisine and varied leisure time opportunities ensure an unforgettable holiday. Guests with enough stamina after a day of skiing can head out for après ski in the lodges, bars and discos and let themselves be carried away.


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Selaginella serpens is a species of plant in the family Selaginellaceae: found mostly in the Caribbean.

References

serpens

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Without the exemption, everybody is striving to accomplish more satisfaction and true serenity. Truth be told, everything that we do in life is somehow dependent upon expanding our joy and true serenity, despite the fact that we may not generally succeed in accomplishing it. Here are some demonstrated tips to help you build your capacity to purposefully develop more noteworthy levels of bliss and genuine feelings of serenity.
Chuckling is a compelling solution. It offers a plenty of well-being, bliss and inward peace to the individuals who join its enchantment into their lives. Delight physically helps unsusceptibility, brings down anxiety hormones, diminishes torment, ensures the heart and goes about as an issue relaxant. Delight mentally assuages anxiety, upgrades inclination, strengthens a strength and vanquishes troubling feelings like an annoyance, pity, tension, and trepidation.
Chuckling is a standard shifter. It permits one to spontaneously re-outline or change a frightful, genuine or negative experience into one that is sincerely unbiased and all of a sudden safe. Chuckling is a primal type of separation that just exists in the now.
In 2009, a real study with very nearly 5,000 subjects from 83 nations was dispatched to the site. The expressed motivation behind the exploratory study was to figure out what makes life worth living. The results demonstrated that satisfaction is steady with centering one's consideration completely right now while occupied with the action nearby, in spite of the contemplations of how unpalatable or charming the undertaking is.
Analysts have made imperative disclosures that decidedly connect personal satisfaction with a solid life reason. They found that individuals with a steadfast life reason existed longer and had a higher personal satisfaction than those without a plainly characterized reason. A later study took a gander at the ladies of Okinawa, Japan, who have a normal life compass of 86 years and the "longest inability free future on the planet" notwithstanding living in the poorest prefecture in Japan. The specialists reasoned that Okinawans' long life compasses were focused on a solid feeling of reason which supports well-being and bliss.
Dr. Robert Emmons, an educator of brain science at the University of California, Davis, wrote the top rated book. How The New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. He announces that appreciation is the mystery behind a significant life.
He found that review life as an issue and developing a "mentality of appreciation" will inexorably prompt numerous positive advantages, including enhanced physical and passionate wellbeing, more prominent versatility and the capacity to construct and keep up strong connections.
Can for all time rewire the cerebrum to raise levels of joy.
Analysts have officially provided details regarding the rich medical advantages from devouring a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts and seeds, and crisp apples and oranges, vegetables, herbs and flavors with moderate measures of dairy, fish, poultry and red wine.
Presently, scientists are proposing that this eating methodology can enhance our mindset and make us more satisfied also. Generally, research results show that eating regimen without a doubt influences state of mind. If your objective is to be solid and content, diet has a foundational part to play in attaining your objective.
Truth be told, everyday utilization of solid fats offers a conceivable explanation behind. In any event, a portion of the disposition boosting potential that the Mediterranean eating regimen offers. Different studies found that weight control plans plentiful in new soil grown foods, vegetables, and loads of greens. Were likewise correlative with positive mental wellbeing.


I put my hair up into a ponytail this morning and I saw what I'm convinced will give me nightmares for weeks on end: a bald spot.
OK, so it's not a bald spot, exactly. It's just a small spot close to my hairline that has a particularly thin crop of hair, thus making it appear "balder" than the rest of my head. Needless to say, I panicked.
I immediately took out my hair tie and tried to fluff up my locks, making sure they were as "Real Housewives"-worthy as possible. By the end, I had so much mousse in my hair I looked like Marge Simpson's evil, short-haired twin.
I'm not alone in my misery. According to the American Hair Loss Association, 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are women. Female Pattern Hair Loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, affects 30 million American women. Clearly I have some sisters in my quest to de-baldify.
On top of that, my hairline is weird. It's lower on the sides of my face and higher in the center, so it comes off as a very chic receding hair line. Basically, my micro-bald spot, coupled with a forehead so large it'll make Tyra Banks cry, is the bane of my existence.
Seeing as I'm not on the market for wigs, nor do I particularly feel the need to shave all my hair off and be a fab baldie, I needed insight on how to make my hair look full and fabulous. To help me out, I got in touch with Jonathan De Paca, Stylist at Fekkai Palm Beach.
Here's how to get your scalp in check.
Thinning hair can stem from a myriad of reasons.
Believe it or not, your hair isn't thinning because you're getting old and bald. In fact, it's probably thinning because you're stressed about being old and bald.
"The most common factors are stress, hormone, vitamin deficiency, medication and heredity," De Paca explains.
Stress, specifically, can cause excessive shedding. Stress can manifest itself in many forms, such as a breakup, new job, family drama, dramatic weight loss or surgery. It is, however, usually only temporary.
The heredity factor can come into play, too. If your mama had thinning hair around your age, that could be the reason your hair doesn't flow like Chrissy Teigen's mane.
If you're seriously concerned, hit up a doc. But, it's usually just a temporary nuisance.
If you're thinking about just chopping all your hair off because you're convinced it's past the point of saving, drop the scissors. All your hair needs is a bit of movement and body. The best cut for thinning hair is one with considerable layers.
"The hair has to be able to move and reach a natural volume to cover the flatness," he suggests.
If you're not down with layers, try teasing your hair over the bald patch to give it more texture and the illusion of thickness.
Personally, I love parting my hair on the opposite side of my weird bald patch, and flip my bangs and hair over to cover it. Be sure to play with volumizing products. I personally like Verb Volumizing Spray because it's super lightweight. I also avoid pulling my hair back so that my hair isn't flat against the bald spot.
Bangs only make things worse.
As the owner of a proudly large forehead and what I'm convinced is a receding hair line, I'm always looking for ways to hide that sh*t. Two weeks ago, I got a heavy fringe in hopes to detract attention from my five-finger situation. Obviously, that dream lasted about three days before I got too lazy to bother styling them.
I needn't have bothered. De Paca warns a blunt bang actually attracts the eyes even more to a forehead, which kind of defeats the purpose of getting bangs in the first place.
Instead, opt to soften the forehead with wispy layers around the face. De Paca recommends a long side bang to draw the focus to the cheekbones as opposed to the forehead. Layers and angles around your face also create movement, which helps with detracting attention from that forehead.
Dry shampoo will save your soul.
Looks like your good 'ol dry shampoo isn't just for hiding that gigantic oil slick on your head.
"A great trick for thinning hair is to use dry shampoo on clean and freshly styled hair," explains De Paca. "The dry shampoo will give the roots more texture and volume."
Also, be sure to use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner for optimal va-va-voom.
At the end of the day, your seemingly scary shedding situation is most likely a temporary side effect from a change in lifestyle. If it's really freaking you out, ask a professional. Chances are, it's nothing to worry your perfectly wonderful head of hair over.


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Tale of the secret Army tape
After a soldier taped a psychologist saying he'd been pressured not to diagnose PTSD, the Army launched an investigation. Read the details of how the Army declared itself innocent.
By Mark Benjamin - Michael de Yoanna
Published April 9, 2009 10:45AM (EDT)
In a story published yesterday, Salon reported on a surreptitious tape recording of an Army psychologist telling a patient last June that he had been pressured not to diagnose soldiers as having post-traumatic stress disorder. The soldier, whom Salon dubbed Sgt. X to protect his identity, recorded the Fort Carson, Colo., psychologist, Douglas McNinch, twice describing pressure to label soldiers with "anxiety disorder" instead of PTSD. The diagnosis of anxiety disorder could result in improper treatment and lower disability payments if the Army discharges a soldier from the military. "It's not fair," McNinch said on the tape. "I think it's a horrible way to treat soldiers."
But neither the U.S. Senate nor the Army apparently agrees with McNinch's assessment of the treatment that returning soldiers are receiving. By early July, news of the tape recording had made its way to both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the upper reaches of the Pentagon. Despite prodding from Sen. Kit Bond, the Senate Armed Services Committee declined to investigate the tape's implications. A veterans' advocacy group then had a combative July 14 meeting at the Pentagon with the Army's vice chief of staff, at which the vice chief was reportedly dismissive. Two weeks later, the Army issued the results of an internal investigation and absolved itself of any wrongdoing.
Today's article describes the contentious meeting at the Pentagon, how the tape got to the Senate and the secretary of the Army in the first place, and which Senate aide determined it was not worth investigating. It also details how the individuals assigned by the Army to investigate the tape were connected both to the individual who had allegedly pressured McNinch not to diagnose soldiers as having PTSD and to earlier questionable in-house investigations of Army medical care.
Salon dubbed the soldier who made the tape "Sgt. X" because he is still in the process of being put out of the Army and he fears that if he is identified, it might affect the process meant to gauge his disability. He made the tape during a visit to McNinch's office in June so he could remember what the psychologist told him -- a traumatic brain injury suffered in Iraq has affected his short-term memory. When she heard what McNinch said about PTSD diagnoses on the tape, Sgt. X's wife handed the tape over to Georg-Andreas Pogany, an investigator with a group called the National Veterans Legal Services Program. The NVLSP is a group of lawyers who take on difficult medical entitlement cases for soldiers, free of charge.
Pogany told Salon that he found the tape shocking. On July 2, he handed it over to the Fort Carson's post commander, Maj. Gen. Mark Graham.
In a telephone interview, Graham refused to name Pogany as the man who gave him the tape, but confirmed that he had received it and that it set off alarms. "Anytime anyone brings me information regarding the health and welfare of our soldiers, I take it very seriously, as I did this," Graham said, adding that he has not yet seen the results of Army's internal investigation.
After receiving the tape, Graham forwarded it up the Army chain of command, where it ultimately wound up in the hands of Gen. Richard Cody, then the Army's vice chief of staff.
At about this same time, Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., a longtime champion of veterans' issues, also became aware of the tape. Bond's staff attempted to prod the Senate Armed Services Committee into an independent investigation of the implications of the tape, but were ignored.
Salon has learned that Gerald Leeling, a majority counsel to the Senate Armed Services Committee, was informed of the tape and its contents. Leeling reports to Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the chairman of the committee. However, there is no evidence that Levin's committee ever launched an investigation or did anything to check whether the Army's investigation was thorough and unbiased.
Leeling did not respond to a request for an interview. A committee spokeswoman released a statement, essentially deferring to the official Army line: "The Army conducted an investigation into whether mental health providers at Fort Carson were being pressured by the Command to change diagnoses from PTSD to Anxiety Disorder. The investigation found that that there was no command pressure to influence diagnoses."
While the Senate was declining to act last July, there was building pressure within the Army to do something about the tape. (Heat would come from the outside as well -- though the timing of the contact is unclear, a spokeswoman for Sen. Bond confirms that the senator personally contacted Army Secretary Pete Geren to express alarm about the implications of the recording.)
On July 10, the Army initiated an investigation. In addition, Gen. Cody, the Army's second-most-powerful officer, contacted the NVLSP to arrange a meeting at the Pentagon.
The Pentagon's sprawling parking lot shimmered with heat as Bart Stichman, a co-executive director for the NVLSP, arrived for a face-to-face meeting with Cody last July 14, flanked by fellow co-executive director Ron Abrams and investigator Andreas Pogany.
It was already halfway through a year that would mark the highest suicide rate in Army history. And Stichman, Abrams and Pogany were aware of the Army's apparent pattern of misdiagnosing troops, often leaving them without access to the best care for their war-related mental injuries and possibly no care at all. "We have seen other cases like this, where diagnoses are changing over a short time frame," Stichman's investigator, Pogany, said in a recent telephone interview. "We are seeing what is described on the tape."
The three were hopeful, however. If anybody had the power to recognize the real problems and start fixing things, it would be Cody.
The three entered a conference room deep inside the Pentagon to meet with Cody and an A-list of Army power players: Lt. Gen. David Huntoon, director of the Army staff; Maj. Gen. Bernard Champoux, chief legislative liaison; Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, director of the Army's wounded warrior transition program; Cheek's chief of staff, Col. Jimmie Keenan; Lt. Gen. Scott Black, the Army's top lawyer; Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips, deputy chief of public affairs; and Col. James Polo, assistant deputy for health policy.
Stichman and his colleagues felt somewhat optimistic simply because Cody was the one who had called the meeting. But in person, Cody set a cold, browbeating tone early. "Are we tape-recording this meeting?" Cody joked icily. "Do you advise your clients to tape-record meetings?" To Stichman, it seemed Cody was trying to imply that Sgt. X and his tape were part of a setup and that the NVLSP was involved.
Stichman started with a discussion of some of the problems identified by his organization. "We were going to go over what the problems we saw were and what could be done about it," Stichman recalled to Salon. He hoped the tape might spur the Army to launch an independent probe to see whether Army doctors elsewhere also felt pressured to issue misdiagnoses for combat veterans.
But when the discussion came to the subject of the tape, Cody cut Stichman off. The tape should stay private, Cody argued, citing a "moral obligation to protect this soldier." Cody then suggested that the psychologist, McNinch, might have felt "pressure" to make timely disability payment decisions for soldiers, rather than pressure to misdiagnose soldiers, although on the tape the psychologist clearly stated he was pressured "to not diagnose PTSD and diagnose anxiety disorder."
Stichman was stunned. "Look, we can understand English," Stichman said to Cody. "I don't know if you heard the same thing we heard, but the guy clearly says he's pressured not to give diagnoses of PTSD."
Cody seemed unconcerned, Stichman recalled. "To our surprise, when we came into that meeting, he no longer seemed to be disturbed by that tape. He said there was going to be an investigation, but that he didn't see anything wrong and felt that the Army is doing well by soldiers. It was clear that they weren't taking it seriously. It was very disheartening. I was in disbelief."
Stichman's NVLSP counterpart, Abrams, recalled that Cody avoided talking about the specifics of the tape or discussing how a thorough investigation of the tape might ultimately improve Army mental health care. Instead, Abrams remembered Cody describing Army initiatives to improve mental health care, including efforts to deal proactively with suicide risk through "chain teaching" -- commanders supporting commanders to get soldiers help. In other words, Abrams said, Cody seemed reluctant to explore whether the tape was a representation of specific abuse and possibly wider problems. Instead, Cody merely spoke in broad terms about how the Army's existing healthcare system operates. Cody's tone, Abrams said, was "insulting."
Cody told Stichman and his associates that an internal investigation of the tape would be conducted. To Stichman's surprise, Cody then suggested what the not-yet-completed investigation would reveal.
Cody denied that the Army was pressuring doctors not to diagnose PTSD in soldiers. "There is no one in leadership telling doctors to do this," stated Cody. "This is not Army policy." Cody called the evidence on the tape "anecdotal."
After the meeting was concluded, Stichman never heard from Cody again. None of the other officers in the room contacted Stichman, either. Just three weeks after the meeting, Cody retired from the Army. Last September, the former general joined L-3 Communications, a defense contractor, as corporate vice president. Salon described this article to an L-3 spokeswoman and requested an interview with Cody, but was told Cody was "not interested" in talking. "He has retired and moved on," the spokeswoman said.
On July 28, a week before Cody's retirement, the Army completed its internal investigation, an informal review known as an "AR 15-6."
Salon requested a copy of the investigation in November through the Freedom of Information Act. The Army finally produced a copy in March, after it became apparent that Salon had obtained the recording and planned to write about it. Large portions of the report are blacked out, including several entire pages of the "analysis of evidence" and the explanation of the conclusions. The Army even blacked out some references to "PTSD."
What is not blacked out is that the Army Medical Command, which investigated itself, determined that none of the medical workers under its watch did anything wrong. "This investigation," it states, "does not find that any level of [the Army Medical Command] staff and leadership have attempted to coerce or otherwise influence the outcome of clinical evaluations."
What also escaped the black pen was the name of the man who presided over the review: Brig. Gen. James Gilman, who commands Great Plains Regional Medical Command, which oversees several Army hospitals, including the one under scrutiny at Fort Carson. Gilman assigned Col. Bruce Crow, the clinical psychology consultant to the Army surgeon general, to supervise the actual investigation.
Almost the entire investigation consists of questionnaires handed out to a handful of healthcare providers. There is no interview of Sgt. X, the soldier who made the tape, or any review of his case.
The copy of the investigation ultimately obtained by Salon shows that the Army reached almost exactly those conclusions that Cody had predicted it would reach: "This investigation does not find that any level of [the Army Medical Command] staff and leadership have attempted to coerce or otherwise influence the outcome of clinical evaluations."
Yet the investigation found "potential systemic pressures" that could cause a misdiagnosis. Those pressures "may lead providers to avoid making a diagnosis of PTSD ... contrary to their clinical judgment." The Army says it fixed those problems last December by removing a requirement that soldiers produce "credible supporting evidence" that they faced trauma in war in order to receive benefits.
In addition to relying almost exclusively on questionnaires to a handful of Army healthcare officials and failing to interview Sgt. X or scrutinize his medical records, the Army also did not interview the NVLSP's Pogany, who has documented several cases that support what was said on Sgt. X's tape. And there is no evidence the Army went back to see how many soldiers might have been refused benefits to which they were entitled during the years since the nation began its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gilman, the general who ordered the Army's investigation, defended the Army's response to the tape. "We were very, very concerned about what we heard on the tape," he said in an interview. "We felt that an investigation was warranted and we moved out on that as expeditiously as we could." He also supported the idea of limiting the investigation mostly to questionnaires sent to healthcare providers. "The thing that concerned me was that internal to the hospital … somehow people were getting the word that people should use something other than good clinical practice and clinical judgment to assign diagnoses," Gilman said. To investigate that, he added, "you go talk to the people who are involved in those processes."
It appears, however, that investigators did not question the Army officer who Douglas McNinch said had pressured him not to diagnose PTSD. In an interview with Salon, McNinch said the pressure to misdiagnose soldiers came from the psychiatrist who used to head the Department of Behavioral Health at Fort Carson. "His name was Steve Knorr," McNinch said. When asked if he told Army investigators this information, McNinch responded, "Yes, I did." Though the extensive redaction makes it difficult to say for certain, there is no sign in the report that Knorr was contacted or interviewed by Army investigators.
McNinch also said he was afraid to talk. He himself suffers from medical issues and, as a civilian employee of the Army, is going through the process of getting government benefits. "I am going through a disability process right now," he said, "and quite frankly, I would not put it past the Army to, you know, fuck me over, to be blunt."
McNinch's naming of Knorr is particularly intriguing, given that Knorr's name has come up before in connection with internal investigations of possibly questionable Army medical care. In a 2007 article for the Nation, journalist Joshua Kors documented a shocking coverup of Army misdiagnoses. The Army was apparently diagnosing soldiers as having "personality disorders" instead of combat-related stress. Since "personality disorders" supposedly preexist military service, they cannot be attributed to combat, meaning veterans are potentially ineligible for proper benefits. Kors reported that Knorr conducted a review of cases on behalf of the Army's acting surgeon general and determined that no one in the Army had done anything wrong. Within a year, in response to the Nation article, the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, released a report questioning why 2,800 war veterans had been diagnosed as having "personality disorders."
Contacted by Salon, Knorr said, "I don't talk with media. Good day," and hung up.
Salon has learned that one of the officers conducting the investigation of the tape is a junior officer to Knorr at their shared Army post. Lt. Col. Kris Peterson, chief psychiatrist at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Wash., assisted Col. Bruce Crow in the investigation of the tape. Knorr is now a health consultant at Madigan.
Crow, meanwhile, was also implicated in the "personality disorder" scandal. As Knorr was writing up his review back in 2007, the Army dispatched Crow to Congress to "set the record straight," as he told the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on July 25, 2007. Crow said the Army would study soldiers dismissed with personality disorders but suggested the Army was doing nothing wrong. He said soldiers with a diagnosis of personality disorder only "feel" they have been wrongly separated from the Army. "I want to assure the Congress that the Army Medical Department's highest priority is caring for our warriors and their families," he told the panel.
In a statement to Salon, Col. Catherine Abbott, an Army spokeswoman, reiterated Gilman's defense of the Army's internal investigation of Sgt. X's tape. "They did do an investigation into it," said Abbott in a phone interview. "There was indeed no pressure and no coercion to make any diagnosis other than the correct ones,."
"This story," Abbott said, "is over and done with."
Tomorrow: Salon explores the possible motivations for the Army to avoid recognizing the size and scope of psychiatric injuries among American ground troops, and examines the case of one soldier the Army seems to have misdiagnosed.
By Mark Benjamin
Mark Benjamin is a national correspondent for Salon based in Washington, D.C. Read his other articles here.
MORE FROM Mark Benjamin
By Michael de Yoanna
Michael de Yoanna is a journalist and documentary filmmaker who won an Edward R. Murrow award for investigative radio journalism in 2011. You can view his past work at Salon here, visit his personal website here, and follow him on Twitter @mdy1.
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Coming Home: The Army's Fatal Neglect Mental Illness Suicide U.s. Military


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Potapov.dev Blog
Effective Remote Team Management: Tools, Tips, Practices
"Why did development team have to get a new office?
Their old one was too small to 'zoom' in on their meetings."
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, and it's likely that many companies will continue to embrace this model even after the pandemic ends. Remote work offers several benefits, such as greater flexibility, reduced overhead costs, and the ability to tap into a wider pool of talent. However, it also has its own set of challenges that need to be addressed in order to be successful.
One of the main challenges of remote work is the lack of face-to-face communication. It can be difficult to build and maintain team cohesion and to stay informed and connected when team members are not physically present. Another challenge is the potential for distractions and reduced productivity, as team members may be working from home and may be more likely to be interrupted by household chores, family responsibilities, or other distractions.
To overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of remote work, it's important to have effective strategies in place for communication, collaboration, and productivity. By properly managing your remote team, you can ensure that team members are able to stay connected and aligned, and that they are able to work effectively and efficiently. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies and tips for effective remote team management.
Clear and frequent communication is essential for effective remote team management. In a remote work environment, it's especially important to keep team members informed and connected, as there may be less opportunity for informal, face-to-face communication. This can help to reduce misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
There are several strategies and tools that can help to maintain good communication in a remote work environment. One of the most effective ways to replicate the experience of in-person meetings is to use video conferencing software, such as Zoom. This allows for real-time discussions and collaboration, and can help to build and maintain team cohesion. Regular check-ins with team members can also be helpful, as they can provide an opportunity to discuss progress, address any issues or concerns, and stay aligned on tasks and deadlines.
Slack is a popular communication tool that can be used for real-time messaging and collaboration. It allows team members to communicate in channels or direct messages, and provides features such as file sharing and integration with other tools.
Notion and GitHub Projects are project management tools that can be useful for communication and organization. Notion provides a platform for creating documents, wikis, and databases, and can be used for tasks such as project planning, notes, and team communication. GitHub Projects provides a platform for tracking and managing tasks and projects, and is particularly useful for software development teams. These tools can provide a central location for storing and accessing project-related documents and information, and can help to keep team members organized and on track.
In summary, maintaining good communication in a remote work environment requires clear and frequent communication, and the use of tools such as video conferencing software, real-time messaging platforms, and project management tools. By staying connected and informed, team members can work more effectively and efficiently.
Effective collaboration is essential for successful remote work, as it helps to ensure that team members are able to work together and achieve common goals. To promote collaboration among team members, it's important to encourage open communication and feedback, and to provide the necessary tools and resources to facilitate collaboration.
One useful tool for collaboration is a code versioning system such as GitHub or GitLab. These tools allow team members to work on code in a collaborative manner, and provide features such as branching, merging, and code review. In addition to code versioning, these tools also provide a wide array of tools for project management, such as issue tracking, project planning, and team communication.
Another way to facilitate collaboration is to use shared document and task management tools. These tools allow team members to work on documents and tasks in real-time, and provide a central location for storing and accessing project-related documents and information. Some popular tools for this purpose include Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Notion.
Another way to facilitate collaboration is to set up online workspaces where team members can work together and share ideas. This could be as simple as setting up a dedicated chat channel or using a virtual whiteboard tool such as Miro.
To ensure that collaboration is effective, it's important to set clear goals and objectives, and to provide support and resources for team members. By having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, team members can better understand how their work fits into the overall project and can work towards common goals. Providing necessary resources, tools, support and feedback is crucial for the team members to do their jobs effectively.
In summary, effective collaboration in a remote work environment requires open communication and feedback, the use of code versioning systems and other collaboration tools, and the setting of clear goals and objectives. By facilitating collaboration and teamwork, team members can work together effectively and achieve common goals.
Maintaining productivity in a remote work environment can be a challenge, as team members may be working from home and may be more likely to be interrupted by household chores, family responsibilities, or other distractions. To maintain productivity, it's important to have strategies in place for setting expectations, establishing a consistent work schedule, and using productivity tools to help stay organized and focused.
One way to maintain productivity is to set clear expectations for team members. This can include setting deadlines, establishing clear roles and responsibilities, and defining the level of engagement expected from team members. By setting clear expectations, team members will know what is expected of them and will be able to plan and prioritize their work accordingly.
Establishing a consistent work schedule can also be helpful for maintaining productivity. This can help to create a sense of routine and structure, which can be important for maintaining focus and productivity. It's important to be flexible and allow for some flexibility in work schedules, but it's also important to have a consistent routine that team members can follow.
Productivity tools such as Jira and GitHub Issues can be useful for maintaining focus and organization. These tools can help team members to track their progress, manage tasks and deadlines, and block out distractions. Automation tools that support Scrum routines, such as daily stand-ups and sprint planning, can also be helpful for maintaining productivity and organization.
Monitoring team productivity is also important, as it can help to identify areas where productivity may be lagging and allow for corrective action to be taken. There are several approaches to monitoring team productivity, including tracking progress against milestones, measuring output, and collecting feedback from team members. Feedback is particularly important, as it can provide insight into the team's strengths and areas for improvement, and can help to identify any issues or challenges that may be impacting productivity.
In summary, maintaining productivity in a remote work environment requires setting clear expectations, establishing a consistent work schedule, and using productivity tools to stay organized and focused. Monitoring team productivity and collecting feedback can also be helpful for identifying and addressing any issues that may be impacting productivity. By adopting these strategies, team members can work more effectively and efficiently.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important for the well-being and overall satisfaction of team members, and it can be especially challenging in a remote work environment. Without the boundaries of a physical office, it can be easier to blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to increased stress and burnout. To help team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, it's important to have strategies in place to encourage and support healthy habits.
One way to encourage a healthy work-life balance is to set clear boundaries around work hours. This can include establishing standard work hours and encouraging team members to take breaks and unplug when they are not working. Providing flexibility in work schedules can also be helpful, as it can allow team members to balance their work and personal commitments.
Encouraging team members to take breaks and engage in self-care activities can also be beneficial. This could include activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with family and friends. By taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities, team members can recharge and return to work feeling more energized and productive.
Another way to support a healthy work-life balance is to provide resources and support for team members. This could include offering resources such as counseling or stress management services, or providing tools and resources to help team members manage their time and prioritize their tasks. By providing support and resources, team members can better manage their workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In summary, maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a remote work environment requires setting clear boundaries, encouraging breaks and self-care activities, and providing resources and support for team members. By adopting these strategies, team members can work more effectively and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
Tools and practices
To effectively manage a remote team, it's important to have the right tools and practices in place. These tools and practices can help to facilitate communication, collaboration, and productivity, and can make it easier for team members to work together effectively. Some tools and practices to consider include:
Video conferencing tools: To facilitate face-to-face communication, it's important to have a reliable video conferencing tool. Some popular options include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.
Collaboration tools: Collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Notion can help team members to work on projects together in real-time, and provide a central location for storing and accessing project-related documents and information.
Task management tools: Task management tools such as Trello, GitHub Issues, and Jira can help team members to organize and prioritize their tasks, and track their progress.
Distractions under control: There are solutions that allow users to customize their notification preferences and prioritize their work by silencing or delaying non-essential notifications. This can help to increase focus and productivity by reducing distractions. For example: Focus feature on macOS, Freedom, StayFocusd, and SelfControl.
Time tracking tools: Time tracking tools such as Toggl and Time Doctor can help team members to track their time and identify areas where they may be able to be more efficient.
Communication tools: Communication tools such as Slack, email, and team chat channels can help team members to stay connected and communicate in real-time.
By using the right tools and practices, team members can work more effectively and efficiently, and collaborate more effectively.
Clearly communicate expectations and goals: Make sure that team members have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and the project goals. Regularly check in with team members to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to meet their objectives.
Use collaboration tools effectively: Collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Notion can help team members to work on projects together in real-time, and provide a central location for storing and accessing project-related documents and information.
Utilize video conferencing: Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet can help to facilitate face-to-face communication and build team cohesion. Schedule regular video meetings to stay connected and foster a sense of community.
Encourage regular breaks and self-care: Encourage team members to take breaks and engage in self-care activities to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Provide resources and support: Offer resources such as counseling or stress management services, or provide tools and resources to help team members manage their time and prioritize their tasks.
Foster open communication: Encourage team members to communicate openly and honestly, and provide multiple channels for communication such as Slack, email, and team chat channels.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can effectively manage a distributed team of developers and create a productive and successful work environment.
In conclusion, managing a remote team effectively requires careful planning and the right tools and practices. By choosing the right technology stack, using collaboration and productivity tools, setting clear expectations, establishing a consistent work schedule, and providing resources and support for team members, you can help your team to work effectively and efficiently, even when working remotely. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important for the well-being and overall satisfaction of team members, and can help to prevent burnout and increase productivity. By adopting these strategies and tools, you can create a successful and productive remote work environment that allows your team to thrive.
Written by Arseniy Potapov
Software engineer, python & database expert, problem solver, builder
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Spice Girl Emma Bunton is the new presenter of the US version of The Great British Bake Off.
Bunton revealed on her Heart Radio show that she has already started filming for the show – and was very excited.
"Just being in the famous tent – honestly it took me a week to get used to being in the tent," she said.
Bunton added that working with Hollywood was "great fun".
The Great American Baking Show was pulled off air last year after allegations of sexual harassment surrounding judge Johnny Iuzzini.


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May 28, 1954: Kirk Douglas marries Anne Buydens at the Sahara...
May 28, 1954: Kirk Douglas marries Anne Buydens at the Sahara to begin one of Hollywood's most enduring unions. They have two children (Michael was from Kirk's first marriage) and renew their vows 50 years later at a star-studded reception in Los Angeles.
May 29, 1994: Frank Sinatra plays his final Las Vegas show at the MGM Grand, 42 years after his Vegas debut. When he dies four years later, the lights on the Strip are dimmed in his honor.
May 30, 2008: Lady Gaga makes her Las Vegas debut, performing just a few songs with only two backup dancers at Krave, a popular gay nightclub. Three months later her breakthrough album The Fame is released, and she soon upgrades to over-the-top extravaganzas in giant arenas.
May 31, 1999: At a bawdy dinner party at the Venetian's Delmonico Steakhouse, Robin Leach's female guests doff their clothes. He gets ejected and county authorities – who could have revoked the Delmonico's liquor license – issue a stern reprimand. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse apologizes.
June 1, 2007: Pamela Anderson makes her debut as the comely assistant in Hans Klok's Beauty of Magic Show at Planet Hollywood. "She really trusts me because I saw her in half every night," he says. The reported $1 million-a-month gig lasts six months.
June 2, 2012: Glen Campbell, who honeymooned in Las Vegas in 1959, plays his final concert in the city before an emotional, enthusiastic crowd at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Hilton). His farewell tour followed the announcement that the singer is battling Alzheimer's Disease.
June 3, 2001: Rocker Tom Petty marries longtime girlfriend Dana York in a low-key Vegas ceremony after two sold-out shows at the Hard Rock Hotel. Three weeks later they repeat the ceremony in front of family and friends in Malibu, with Little Richard officiating.
(Thanks to Mike Precker for the research)
Las Vegas FlashbacksNorm Clarke May 30, 2018 Kirk DouglasComment
JUNE 3, 2001: ROCKER TOM PETTY MARRIES LONGTIME GIRLFRIEND DANA YORK...
Scooter Service June 5, 2018
May 20, 1964: Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley as a race-car driver...
Las Vegas FlashbacksNorm Clarke May 21, 2018


JERICHO (Ma'an) -- Palestinian Authority police said Saturday that around 27,000 travelers crossed the Allenby Bridge between the West Bank and Jordan during the week.
A police report added that 21 Palestinians "wanted for various criminal acts" were apprehended at the border crossing, and were transferred to prosecution to commence legal proceedings. Israeli forces also barred 68 Palestinians from traveling.
Entering the West Bank were 11,917, including 158 foreign nationals and 110 holders of Israeli ID cards, while 15,058 left for Jordan, of whom 120 were foreign nationals and 48 holders of Israeli ID cards. Meanwhile, 19 patients traveled in Palestinian ambulances for treatment in Jordan, police said.
The police statement highlighted that the number of travelers decreased this week compared to the week before.


COOKSTOWN, Ont. — Ontario Provincial Police say at least three people have died in a 14-vehicle pileup that sent a wave of flames down a highway north of Toronto and saw motorists run for their lives.
Officers are continuing to comb through the wreckage in search of possible victims, a task they say is proving difficult given the extent of the damage.
Police say the Tuesday night crash, which involved at least two fuel tankers, spilled thousands of litres of fuel on Highway 400 south of Barrie, Ont., and triggered a massive fireball.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released and police have said the highway will remain closed until all have been identified and their next of kin has been notified.
Police have also said the highway may need to be repaired before traffic can resume.
"There are cars everywhere, twisted transport trucks, destroyed vehicles, metal that is unrecognizable as to whether or not it is a vehicle at all or not. And that's why we're still looking to determine any other victims that may be inside the vehicles, which we haven't been able to ascertain at this point," Schmidt told reporters at the scene.


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SautiTech
Beyonic: Facilitating a shift to a cashless Uganda
By SautiTech Editor
While Uganda started efforts to boost a cashless economy over a decade ago, majority of Ugandans still prefer cash. Available statistics indicate that about 99 per cent of the economy is cash-based and only 1 per cent is cashless.
However, over the years, several Financial Technology Companies (FinTechs) have heavily invested in helping Ugandans shift from a cash to a cashless economy. Among them is Beyonic, one of the leading fintech integrators in Africa that aims to eliminate dependency on cash by helping businesses quickly set up and manage digital payments.
The software company entered the Uganda market at the end of 2005 but started operations at the beginning of 2006.
Seeking to answer the question of accountability for organizations and donor bodies, the software company thought of ways of further supporting companies better manage their finances – income and expenditures by setting up a mobile payments platform in 2012 thus unlocking clean, safe, transparent cashless management of project and enterprise budgets.
"There are challenges for use of cash by organizations. Beyonic came to help institutions reduce the use of cash in all their systems. We are here to support and promote a cashless efficient economy," Ian Mubiru, the Beyonic Country Director said.
He added: "As the fintech space matured, the contrast between the simplicity promised by a digital ecosystem and the cost, complexity, and risk of cash payments became increasingly stark. Payments are hard; especially in emerging markets, and particularly in the last mile. Thus, Beyonic set out to make them easy."
According to Mubiru, Beyonic is helping free its clients from non-core roles so as to focus on making their businesses and communities thrive.
Its solutions include access, data house and pricing services.
Under Beyonic access, it enables instructions to access over 26 telecoms from across nine countries in Africa. This means that once one connects to the Beyonic platform, they will have access to over 26 networks in the nine countries including Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, among others, from a single sign-on.
In 2018, Beyonic processed close to 10 million mobile money transactions across its system.
Beyonic was also selected as the Instant Payment Notification (IPN) Hub successor entity, effective May 1, 2020, and it is responsible for all ongoing operational aspects of the IPN Hub including future growth.
The IPN Hub was developed by the GSMA in partnership with the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and MasterCard Foundation, to provide a single point of integration between mobile money networks and PAYG service providers in Sub-Saharan Africa, accelerating reliable access to utility services at the last mile.
Following the successful piloting and scaling of the IPN Hub, the GSMA elected to transition it to an entity that would continue to scale it sustainability and after a rigorous selection process, it was awarded to Beyonic.
The Data House solution on the other hand is used to store data that can be used for planning purposes by their different clients.
Mubiru said that a lot of data is out there but it is not well organised, thus Beyonic helps companies store and make sense of such data.
Under the pricing services, Mubiru said: "Payments and pricing continues to change over time. At the beginning of our journey, we were just supporting organizations but with time we found out that there was need to support fintechs and other players."
"We had already developed a lot of application program interfaces (APIs) so we decided to open them up for anyone that needed to use them. We made sure that our APIs integration is as short as possible," he said.
While others take three months to integrate, Mubiru said they ensured that theirs takes less than a month. He said their APIs are being used by multiple partners including fintechs, e-commerce players, among others.
While they currently operate in nine countries, Mubiru said the plan is to cover over 20 countries by 2023. Majority of its clients are women, mostly in agriculture. It is also working with a number of Saccos that offer loans to farmers.
Beyonic is among the firms taking part in the 40-days-40-FinTech initiative, organised by HiPipo under its Include EveryOne programme, in partnership with Crosslake Tech, ModusBox and Mojaloop.
The initiative seeks to enable FinTechs to innovate solutions that facilitate cross-network financial transactions at minimal risks to enhance access to financial services.
The initiative will see the participating 40 FinTechs acquire interoperable development skills to improve access to financial services, using the Mojaloop open source software.
Mubiru applauded HiPipo for the 40-days-40-fintechs initiative, saying the discussion of interoperability with Mojaloop is timely, as the market needs as much solutions as possible.
The HiPipo CEO – Innocent Kawooya said that Beyonic has played a great financial inclusion role in the markets where it operates.
"We are glad that the Beyonic products and services are impacting thousands of people at the last mile. It fits well in the 40-days- 40-fintechs initiative because theirs is a prime story that is transforming the financial sector," Kawooya said.
He added: "Going forward, as stakeholders we must collaborate and together develop products and services that serve our people. Alone, we may fail, but as a group, we shall overcome all road blocks and collectively serve our people."
In addition to the 40-days-40-fintechs initiative, HiPipo is also organizing a Fintechs Landscape Exhibition in mid July 2020.
Read About: Alpteq ICT solutions
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Secrets of Sun's 'Coronal Rain' Revealed (Video)
By Miriam Kramer 2014-06-25T13:52:06Z
This image shows the waterfall of hot plasma streaking back toward the surface of the sun from the star's corona.
(Image: © E. Scullion/SST)
Earth's nearest star has bad weather, too.
The sun's squalls, however, involve more than just a little rain and lightning. Huge droplets of hot plasma about the size of Maine fall from the sun's outer atmosphere (the corona) down toward its surface going 124,274 mph (200,000 km/h). Now scientists have come up with an explanation for how this "coronal rain" forms. (You can also watch a video of the coronal rain.)
The mechanisms driving coronal rain are similar to the way rain forms on Earth, according to a statement released by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) in the United Kingdom. Scientists found that clouds of plasma in the corona cool, condense and fall back to the sun's surface in a waterfall-like arch if solar conditions are just right.
This image shows the waterfall of hot plasma streaking back toward the surface of the sun from the star's corona. (Image credit: E. Scullion/SST)
"Showers of 'rain' and waterfalls on the sun are quite something, though I wouldn't recommend taking a stroll there anytime soon," Eamon Scullion of Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, who led the solar physics research, said in a statement. "But the parallels with weather on Earth are both striking and surprising."
Scullion and his team also think that clouds of hot plasma reach the corona much the same way Earth's clouds form — through evaporation. In the sun's case, however, solar flares cause the evaporation, spewing material into the sun's corona, where it cools and rains back down.
"The torrential rain storms, driven by solar flares, may play a fundamental role in controlling the mass cycling of the solar atmosphere and act as a kind of 'solar-scale' thermostat in regulating the temperature fluctuations of the solar corona," RAS officials wrote in a news release.
Scullion and his team found that material in the corona changes from gas to huge plasma rain droplets, "where an exceptionally rapid fall in temperature causes material to change from rarefied coronal gas to 'raindrops,'" RAS representatives said.
Follow Miriam Kramer @mirikramer and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.