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Table of Contents
BSA Policy: http://www.meritbadge.com/info/policy4.htm
Location: Contact BOR coordinator
Date & Time: Board of Review for Scout, Tenderfoot Scout and Second Class Scout rank can be held at the time of Regular Troop Meeting for other ranks they need be held at a scheduled date, as noted on the Calendar.
Uniform: Class A
This document was written Ray Klaus when he was District Advancement Chairman for Saddleback District, Orange County Council, BSA (1994-1995). It has been combined with document from scouting.org//
Note this is only a guide; modify it as per each board. This guide aimed to assist board members and others in the purposes of the board of review, offering suggestions for the types of questions that can or should be asked.
At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:
#. State the purpose of the board of review and how it is used to further the Boy Scout program.
#. Plan a board of review with an eye to the individual Scout.
- Conduct a board of review.
Purpose of BOR
The members of a Board of Review should have the following objectives in mind:
- To make sure the Scout has completed the requirements for the rank.
- To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.
- To encourage the Scout to progress further.
- Additionally, the Board of Review provides "quality control" on advancement within the unit, it provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in a interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.
- The Board of Review is NOT a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been "signed off" in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.
- The Board of Review is an opportunity to review of the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals.
For all ranks (except Eagle) and Eagle palms, the Board of Review consists of three to six members of the Troop Committee. The Troop Advancement Chairperson typically acts as the chairperson of the Board of Review. Relatives or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's Board of Review. Unit leaders (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Varsity Coach, Post Advisor, etc.) should not participate in a Board of Review unless absolutely necessary.
For the rank of Eagle the Board of Review consists of three to six members drawn from Scouting and the community. The members of the Board of Review are selected by the District Advancement Committee; at least one member of the District Advancement Committee must be a member of the Board of Review for Eagle, and serves as chairperson of the Board of Review. Unit leaders from the Scout's unit, relatives, or guardians may not serve as members of a Scout's Board of Review for Eagle. A Board of Review for Eagle may contain members of the community who are not registered Scouters; however, they should be knowledgeable of the principles of Scouting. For example, a representative from a chartering organization, an adult Eagle Scout (even if not currently registered), or a religious leader are frequently asked to assist with an Eagle Board of Review. The Scout may request an individual to be a member of his Board of Review. As a general rule, no more than one member of an Eagle Board should be associated with the Scout's unit.
When and Where
A board of review should be held where the board members and the Scout are the only ones aware of what is going on. There should be no possibility for embarrassing the Scout in front of others. And a Scout should be comfortable speaking his mind to the board.
Some possibilities may include a room in the chartered organization's facility or a conference room at the office of a board member. A campout or summer camp can be an ideal place for a board of review, assuming your committee members can assemble, since the relaxed atmosphere of the out-of-doors can go a long way toward making a Scout comfortable.
A board should be set up to review accomplishment and lack of accomplishment. The board can counsel with Scouts who are not advancing to determine reasons for lack of progress and to stimulate these Scouts to greater participation in the program. This function is of equal importance to the function of reviewing boys who present themselves for advancement.
- The Scout is introduced to the board by the Chairperson of the board.
- The Scout should be in full uniform (local or unit custom may dictate regarding neckerchief and badge sash).
- The chairman of the Board of Review should ask the Scout to come to attention, and recite one or more of the following:
- The Scout Law
- The Scout Oath
- The Scout Motto
- The Scout Slogan
- The Outdoor Code
For the lower ranks, one or two (usually the Law and Oath) should be sufficient. For higher ranks, more may be expected. One or two re-tries are appropriate, especially for younger Scouts, or if the Scout appears nervous.
The board members are invited to ask questions of the Scout (see the sections appropriate to each rank). The questions should be open-ended, offering an opportunity for the Scout to speak about his opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments. Avoid questions which only require a simple one or two word answer. If an answers is too brief, follow up with a, "Why?" or, "How can that be done?" to expand the answer. The questions need not be restricted to Scouting topics; questions regarding home, church, school, work, athletics, etc. are all appropriate. The Chairperson should be made aware of any "out-of-bounds" areas; these should be communicated to the board before the Board of Review begins (e.g., if a Scout is experiencing family difficulties due to a divorce, it would be prudent to avoid family issues.)
As has been said, the board of review is not an interrogation, not a retesting of a Scout's competence. It is not an examination; rather, it attempts to see that the examinations that went into getting the Scout signed off were up to standard. It is a checkup to see that what should have been done actually was done. It is a friendly growth experience. All this should be accomplished in 15 minutes, though an Eagle Scout board of review may take up to half an hour.
This can be accomplished by simple questions like "What did you cook for your First Class meal?" Questions like Where and When or How will soon tell the board whether achievements were properly accomplished without actually retesting. It is sufficient to know what a Scout's "camp gadget" was in order to understand whether he had been properly tested on his lashings.
But be aware that a Scout who is poorly prepared for the board, one who clearly has not achieved what his book says that he has, is a product, as much of his own merits as of the merits of those who have brought him the board, to those who have signed off his accomplishments without actually having them properly achieved. Thus, a Scout may not be as responsible for his lack of preparation as might be thought. This does not grant carte blanche to the ill-prepared Scout, but it does give the board a way to understand what must be done and to assist the Scout in doing it.
A board can expect a Scout to be neat in appearance and properly uniformed.
The actual meeting should be a give and take, an informal conversation between the Scout and a group of adults who are interested in his welfare and are supportive of his efforts. In all cases, open-ended questions are good to prompt comments by the Scout. You should encourage the Scout to come to conclusions on his own, not simply tell him what you think.
When the Scout has not advanced, the board of review may be focused on a problem, either with the Scout or with the troop. In these cases, you will be counseling the Scout, helping him form his own conclusions on the problem at hand. In a good board of review, you may listen more than you speak.
Listen carefully to what the Scout is saying, then listen to what he is not saying. Skilled counselors often respond to comments by simply smiling or giving encouraging sounds like "uh-huh" or "OK." Trick questions are not worthwhile. You are attempting to put the Scout at his ease, not interrogate him. Sometimes you can ask the Scout to repeat what he is saying a different way to get a different take on the situation. You can summarize what the Scout is saying so that you can confirm your understanding, but try not to use this device to put the boy in a corner.
If there is a solution to the problem, try to have the Scout come up with it. Perhaps he cannot formulate a solution, but could choose from among several you can think of. In all events, try to have the Scout make the conclusions. If a solution cannot be reached, there is nothing wrong with agreeing to meet in the future to see if circumstances have changed or whether the Scout has found an answer to his problem.
Some Scouts may freeze up at the board of review and become silent or monosyllabic in answers. Or they may forget simple items. Eagle Scout candidates have been known forget the Scout Oath, for example. The board should encourage and support these boys in a friendly, kind, and courteous manner and help them to become more comfortable.
In the board of review, you will certainly be assessing the Scout's achievements and his growth in the ideals of Scouting. Those ideals include patriotism and citizenship and the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law. Have no fear of speaking to those values. Ask a Scout how he is getting along in school. Ask him how he is serving his religious institution, if he has one, or, if not, ask him how he satisfies his duty to God.
You could ask a Scout about leadership opportunities he has taken at school or in his religious institution. It is important to see how the ideals of Scouting have affected him in his daily life.
You can and should ask a Scout how he felt about certain accomplishments, how he felt he handled himself on a service project. Ask a Scout about his leadership position, whether he believes he was successful or whether he had problems. You can discuss those problems, hopefully with an eye toward solving them.
You should always end a board of review by praising the Scout for the positive aspects of his character, his skill level, and/or his accomplishments.
The time for a Board of Review should be from 15 to 30 minutes, with the shorter time for the lower ranks. Once you have interviewed the Scout, the board will ask him to leave the room so that the members may deliberate. As this is often the most stressful part of the process for the Scout, this deliberation should not be long. However, it should be long enough to have a discussion that leads to a unanimous decision. When the meeting is finished, the Scout should be invited back in to hear the board's decision, which, of course, should be delivered in a friendly and supportive manner, regardless of what the decision is.
If the Scout is not advancing, the board should certainly give the Scout the opportunity of learning what he needs to do to advance. He should be given a definite time for a subsequent board of review. Finally he should be given information about appeal procedures. In a good troop, having a Scout deferred for advancement by the board of review is unusual. If there is a problem with a Scout, normally he will not be presented to the board of review.
The Scout holds his new rank as of the date of the board of review. For ranks where a period of tenure is required, that period begins with the date of passing of the board of review for the previous rank.
The following discusses the general nature of specific advancement boards of review. Checklists of questions have been developed for each of the specific ranks, but the Scout's Boy Scout Handbook or your troop's advancement chart can provide the skeleton for questions of that nature. The following are simply guidelines for the specific boards of reviews.
Mechanics for Eagle Rank
The mechanics of a Board of Review for Eagle are similar to all other Boards of Review, except that a Board of Review for Eagle is more in depth, and might last as long as 45 minutes to an hour. Additionally, the Eagle Scout Rank Application, Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 3) and Eagle Project Notebook must be present and reviewed by the board. Questions about these documents are appropriate, but the letters of recommendation are for the board's use only; any comments or questions about them should not reveal who wrote the letters. The letters are retained by the District Advancement Chairperson, and are never given to the Scout. After the application has been approved by National Eagle Board of Review and returned to the local council (typically 4-6 weeks), the letters of recommendation are destroyed.
Nature of the Questions
On the following pages are typical Board of Review questions for each rank. The questions for the lower ranks are simpler and generally deal with factual information about the Scout's participation in his unit, and his approach to applying the skills he has learned toward earning the next rank. The questions for the higher ranks are less factual, and generally seek to aid understanding of how Scouting is becoming an integral part of the Scout's life. Remember: it is not the point of a Board of Review to retest the Scout. However, questions like, "Where did you learn about …" or "Why do you think it is important for a rank Scout to have this skill?" are valid.
If a Scout appears nervous or anxious about the Board of Review, it might be appropriate to ask one or two questions from the list for a lower rank, to help "break the ice" and establish some rapport. In general, within a rank, the questions are arranged from "easiest" to "most difficult".
For each rank, there is a question about advancing to the next rank. The purpose of this question is to encourage advancement, but it should not be asked in a way that pressures the Scout. [Note: If the Board of Review is for the Life rank, and the Scout is at or near his 17th birthday, some pressure towards Eagle may be in order. At the very least, be certain that the Scout realizes that his time is running out.
- For higher ranks, there is a question from The Boy Scout Handbook about basic Scouting history.
- For Order of the Arrow members, there are questions about the role of OA within Scouting.
- More questions are provided than can typically be accommodated in the time suggested. The Board of Review will need to select the questions which are appropriate for the particular Scout and his experiences.
These questions are intended to only serve as a guide. Units should freely add to, or remove from, these lists as they feel appropriate.
What Every Scout Should Know
- Scout Oath
- Scout Law
- Scout Slogan
- Outdoor Code
Tenderfoot Scout
This is the Scout's first experience with a Board of Review. The process may require some explanation on the part of the Board of Review Chairperson. The first few questions in the Board of Review should be simple. The Board of Review should try to gain a sense of how the Scout is fitting in to the Troop, and the Scout's level of enjoyment of the Troop and Patrol activities. Encourage advancement to 2nd Class. Point out that the Scout may have already completed many of the requirements for 2nd Class. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 15-20 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- When did you join our Troop?
- How many Troop meetings have you attended in the last two months?
- What did you do at your last patrol meeting?
- Tell us about your last Troop campout.
- How would the first aid skills you must know for Tenderfoot help on a campout?
- Where did you learn how to fold the American flag? Tell us about your first experience with this skill.
- How would you avoid poison oak (poison ivy, sumac)?
- Where did you go on your hike? How did you choose the location?
- If you were on a hike and got lost, what would you do?
- Why do we whip or fuse the ends of a rope?
- What is the "Buddy System" that we use in Scouting? When do we use it?
- Why do you think there are physical fitness requirements (push-ups, pull-ups, etc.), and a retest after 30 days, for the Tenderfoot rank?
- What does it mean to a Tenderfoot Scout to "Be Prepared"?
- Do you feel that you have done your best to complete the requirements for Tenderfoot? Why?
- What "good turn" have you done today?
- Please give us an example of how you obey the Scout Law at home (school, church)?
- What do you like best about our Troop?
- What does it mean for a Scout to be "Kind"?
- Do you have any special plans for this summer? The Holidays?
- When do you plan to have the requirements completed for 2nd Class?
Second Class Scout
This is the Scout's second Board of Review. The process should be familiar, unless it has been some time since the Board of Review for Tenderfoot.Questions should focus on the use of the Scout skills learned for this rank, without retesting these skills. The Board of Review should try to perceive how the Scout's patrol is functioning, and how this Scout is functioning within his patrol. Encourage work on the remaining requirements for 1st Class; many of the easier ones may have already been completed. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 15-20 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- How many patrol meetings have you attended in the last 3 months?
- What did your patrol do at its last meeting?
- Tell us about a service project in which you participated.
- Where did you go on your last Troop campout? Did you have a good time? Why?
- Why is it important to be able to identify animals found in your community?
- Tell us about the flag ceremony in which you participated.
- What is in your personal first aid kit?
- What have you learned about handling woods tools (axes, saws, etc.)?
- How are a map of the area and a compass useful on a campout?
- Have you ever done more than one "good turn" in a day? Ask for details.
- Have you earned any merit badges?
- If "Yes": Which ones? Why did you choose them? Who was your counselor?
- If "No": Encourage getting started, and suggest one or two of the easier ones.
- Did you attend summer camp with our Troop last summer?
- If "Yes": What was your best (worst) experience at summer camp?
- If "No": Why not?
- Do you plan to attend summer camp with our Troop next summer?
- If "Yes": What are you looking forward to doing at summer camp?
- If "No": Why not?
- What suggestions do you have for improving our Troop?
- How do you help out at home, church, school?
- What class in school is most challenging for you? Why?
- One of the requirements for Tenderfoot is to participate in a program regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tell us about the program in which you participated.
- How is it possible to live the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life?
- What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Trustworthy"?
- When do you expect to complete the requirements for 1st Class?
First Class Scout
By this point the Scout should be comfortable with the Board of Review process. The Scout should be praised for his accomplishment in achieving 1st Class (particularly if he joined Boy Scouts less than a year ago). In achieving the rank of 1st Class, the Scout should feel an additional sense of responsibility to the troop and to his patrol. The 1st Class rank will produce additional opportunities for the Scout (Order of the Arrow, leadership, etc.). Merit badges will begin to play a role in future advancement to the Star and Life ranks. Encourage merit badge work if it has not already begun. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- On average, how many Troop meetings do you attend each month?
- What part of Troop meetings are most rewarding to you?
- What is the Scout Slogan? What does it mean for a 1st Class Scout?
- Tell us about your last campout with the Troop. Where did you go? How did you help with meal preparation? Did you have a good time? (If "No", why not?)
- If you were in charge of planning and preparing a dinner for your next campout, what would you select?
- As a 1st Class Scout, what do you think the Star, Life, and Eagle Scouts will expect from you on an outing?
- Does your family do any camping? What have you learned in Scouts, that you have been able to share with your family to improve their camping experiences?
- Why do you think that swimming is emphasized in Scouting?
- Why is it important for you to know how to transport a person who has a broken leg?
- Why is it important for you to be able to recognize local plant life?
- What did you learn about using a compass while completing the orienteering requirement?
- What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Courteous"?
- Why are merit badges a part of Scouting?
- How frequently do you attend religious services? Does your whole family attend?
- What is your most favorite part of Scouting? Least favorite?
- How does a Scout fulfill his "Duty to Country"?
- How do you define "Scout Spirit"?
- What is the Order of the Arrow? What is the primary function of OA?
- Who was Lord Baden-Powell?
- When do you think you might be ready for Star Scout?
Star Scout
With the Star rank, emphasis is placed upon service to others, merit badges, and leadership. Scout skills remain an important element for the Star Scout; however, the emphasis should be on teaching other Scouts these skills. Explore how the Star scout can assist with leading his patrol and troop. Attempt to understand how the Scouting philosophy is becoming part of the Scout's life. Often the Star rank is a place where Scouts "stall out". Encourage the Scout to remain active, and participate fully in his patrol and troop. If the Scout appears to be looking for additional opportunities, suggest leadership positions such as Den Chief or Troop Guide. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- How many Troop outings have you attended in the last three months?
- Tell us about the last service project in which you participated.
- What does it mean for a Star Scout to "Be Prepared" on a daily basis?
- How have the Scout skills that you have learned helped you in a non-Scouting activity?
- How many merit badges have you earned? What was the most difficult (fun, challenging, expensive, etc.)?
- Which is more important: Becoming a Star Scout, or learning the skills prescribed for a Star Scout?
- Why do you think a Scoutmaster's Conference is required for advancement in rank?
- What is the most important part of a Troop Court of Honor? Why?
- What leadership positions have you held outside of your patrol? What challenges did they present? What are your personal leadership goals and objectives?
- How would you get a Scout to do an unpleasant task?
- What extracurricular activities do you participate in at school?
- What responsibilities do you have at home?
- What is our "Duty to God"?
- What does it mean to say "A Scout is Loyal"?
- How are the Scout Oath and Law part of your daily life?
- What is the Outdoor Code? Why is it important?
- If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow:
- When did you complete your "Ordeal", "Brotherhood"?
- What does membership in the OA signify?
- Have you received any special awards or accomplishments in school, athletics, or church?
- Baden-Powell's first Scout outing was located on an island off the coast of Great Britain; what was the name of that island? [Answer: Brownsea Island]
- When do you plan on achieving the Life rank?
Life Scout
The Life rank is the final rank before Eagle. The Life Scout should be fully participating in the Troop, with emphasis being placed on leadership in the unit, as well as teaching skills and leadership to the younger Scouts. Merit Badge work should be a regular part of the Scout's career. Scouting values and concepts should be an integral part of the Scout's daily life. At this point, the Scout is starting to "give back to Scouting" through leadership, training of other Scouts, recruiting, keeping Scouts active in the program, etc. Explore suggestions for improving the program. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 20 - 30 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- What is the most ambitious pioneering project with which you have assisted? Where?
- What has been your worst camping experience in Scouting?
- How many patrol meetings has your patrol held in the last three months? How many of them have you attended?
- Have any of the merit badges you have earned lead to hobbies or possible careers?
- What are your hobbies?
- Of the merit badges you have earned, which one do you think will be of greatest value to you as an adult? Why?
- Why do you think that the three "Citizenship" merit badges are required for the Eagle Rank?
- What is your current (most recent) leadership position within the Troop? How long have you held that position? What particular challenges does it present? What is Leadership?
- Do you have any brothers or sisters who are in Scouts (any level)? What can you do to encourage them to continue with Scouts, and to move forward along the Scouting Trail?
- How do you choose between a school activity, a Scout activity, and a family activity?
- Why do you think that Star and Life Scouts are required to contribute so much time to service projects? What service projects are most rewarding to you? Why?
- Why do you think that a Board of Review is required for rank advancement?
- How has Scouting prepared you for the future?
- What does it mean to say, "A Scout is Reverent"?
- What does "Scout Spirit" mean to a Life Scout?
- Why do you think that Scouting for Food is referred to as a "National Good Turn".
- The Scout Oath refers to "Duty to Self"; what duty do we have to ourselves?
- If the Scout is a member of OA:
- What role does OA play in Scouting?
- What honor do you hold in OA?
- What is the difference between Scout "ranks" and OA "honors"?
- In what year was Boy Scouts of America founded? [Answer: February 8, 1910 - BSA Birthday]
- Have you begun to think about an Eagle Service Project? What are you thinking about doing? When?
Eagle Scout
The Board of Review for the Eagle Rank is different from the other Boards of Review in which the Scout has participated. The members of the Board of Review are not all from his Troop Committee. Introductions are essential, and a few "break in" questions may be appropriate. At this point, the goal is to understand the Scout's full Scouting experience, and how others can have similar meaningful Scouting experiences. Scouting principles and goals should be central to the Scout's life; look for evidence of this. Although this is the final rank, this is not the end of the Scouting trail; "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle". Explore how this Eagle Scout will continue with Scouting activities, and continued service to his home, church, and community. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 30 - 50 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- What would you suggest adding to the Scout Law (a thirteenth point)? Why?
- What one point could be removed from the Scout Law? Why?
- Why is it important to learn how to tie knots, and lash together poles and logs?
- What is the difference between a "Hollywood hero" and a real hero?
- Can you give me an example of someone who is a hero to you? (A real person, not a character in a book or movie.)
- Why do you think that the Family Life merit badge was recently added to the list of required merit badges?
- What camping experience have you had, that you wish every Scout could have?
- Have you been to Philmont or a National (International) Jamboree? What was your most memorable experience there?
- What is the role of the Senior Patrol Leader at a troop meeting (campout, summer camp)?
- If you could change one thing to improve Scouting, what would you change?
- What do you believe our society expects from an Eagle Scout?
- The charge to the Eagle requires that you give back to Scouting more than Scouting has given to you. How do you propose to do that?
- As an Eagle Scout, what can you personally do to improve your unit?
- What will you be doing in your unit, after receiving your Eagle Rank?
- Tell us how you selected your Eagle Service Project.
- From your Eagle Service Project, what did you learn about managing or leading people? What are the qualities of a good leader?
- What part of your Eagle Service Project was the most challenging? Why?
- If you were to manage another project similar to your Eagle Service Project, what would you do differently to make the project better or easier?
- What are your future plans (high school, college, trade school, military, career, etc.)?
- Tell us about your family (parents, siblings, etc.). How do you help out at home?
- What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Scouting in the future?
- How do your friends outside of Scouting react when they learn that you are a Boy Scout? How do you think they will react when they learn that you have become an Eagle Scout?
- Why do you think that belief in God (a supreme being) is part of the Scouting requirements?
- How do you know when a Scout is "active" in his unit?
- You have been in Scouting for many years, sum up all of those experiences in one word. Why?
- What one thing have you gained from your Scoutmaster's conferences over the years?
- How does an Eagle Scout continue to show Scout Spirit?
- If the Scout is a member of the Order of the Arrow:
- What does OA membership mean to you?
- How does OA help Scouting and your unit?
- Who brought Scouting from England to the United States? [Answer: William D. Boyce]
- [Traditional last questions] Why should this Board of Review approve your request for the Eagle Rank? or Why should you be an Eagle Scout?
Eagle Palm
Eagle Palms are awarded for continued leadership and skills development (merit badges) after the Eagle Rank has been earned. The purpose of this Board of Review is to ensure that the Eagle Scout remains active within the unit, contributes to the leadership of the unit, and assists with the growth of the other Scouts within the unit. The approximate time for this Board of Review should be 15 minutes.
Sample Questions:
- As an Eagle, have the Scout Oath and Law gained new meaning for you? How?
- Why is it important to developing and identify leadership? How do you do this?
- Since earning your Eagle,what merit badges have you earned?
- Since earning your Eagle (last Palm), in what service projects have you participated?
- How do you plan to continue your involvement with Scouting?
- What would you say to a Life Scout who is only minimally active within his unit, and who does not seem motivated to continue along the Scouting Trail?
- If a Life Scout was having difficulty selecting an Eagle Service Project, what would you suggest to him?
- What is the primary role of the Scoutmaster?
- How have you begun to "… give back to Scouting more than Scouting has given to you".
- In what year was the first World Jamboree held? [Answer: 1920]
Appeal Procedures
In the ordinary course, appeals of board-of-review decisions will not be made, principally because the Scout believes in the justice of the decision. Generally, appeals are sought only when a Scout sees his opportunity to achieve Eagle diminishing.
First, if the troop leader or troop committee does not recommend a Scout for a board of review or fails to sign an Eagle rank application, the Scout (or other interested party) may appeal that decision to the next highest level.
Second, if a board of review does not find favorably for the candidate, the Scout may also appeal to the next highest level. This appeal can be taken by the Scout, his leader, or the Scout's parents. An appeal from a local board of review would be taken to the district advancement committee, and from there to the council advancement committee, and finally to the National Boy Scout Committee.
When an appeal is made, the committee to whom the appeal is addressed will promptly review the facts. All parties must be interviewed by the committee, hopefully without confrontation. A written report with all details will be prepared by the reviewing committee and forwarded to the National Boy Scout Committee.
Appeals to the National Boy Scout Committee are made only through the local council. There is no direct appeal. In Eagle matters, a copy of the Scout's Eagle Scout Rank Application must accompany the national appeal.
The Board of Review and the Healthy Troop
Thinking about the questions we have been discussing should give you an appreciation for how the board of review can contribute to maintaining a healthy troop. It is the ideal place to encourage leadership, to check on problems the Scoutmaster sees arising, to head off future problems, and to make sure the Scout is on track to accomplish the goals and methods of Scouting.
There should never be a heavy-handed approach to a board of review; this is no attempt at disciplining a wayward Scout. Rather it should be thought of as a way to make it easier for a Scout to do the things that contribute to the health of the troop. Perhaps a Scout can be encouraged to work with younger Scouts, or to let other Scouts perform their roles in the troop without badgering—this may be especially necessary for a first-time patrol leader or even senior patrol leader.
The Board of Review and the Healthy Scout
Most importantly, the board of review should be a way of encouraging the individual Scout. The Board of Review is the most personal method in Scouting to assess the needs and desires of a Scout, to encourage and support him, to learn of his fears and hopes, to help him to see himself in the greater context of Scouting, and to encourage his personal growth, both in skills and in living up to the ideals of Scouting.
We are, after all, a values-based organization with a goal of developing in young people and adults a life of service to God and to country, to others, and to self. We do this by holding up the Scout Law as a guide for personal conduct in all contexts. Our world can be a better place if we succeed in this process.
Duty to God
Scouting maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God. In the first part of the Scout Oath or Promise, the member declares, "On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law." The recognition of God as the ruling and leading power in the universe and the grateful acknowledgement of his favors and blessings are necessary to the best type of citizenship and are wholesome precepts in the education of the growing members. No matter what religious faith a Scout might be, this fundamental need of good citizenship should be kept before him. The Boy Scouts of America, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and the organization of the group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
In practical terms, this means that the Scout is expected to subscribe to these principles. Bear in mind that a Scout is trustworthy and further that he and his parents have subscribed to these principles when he joined Boy Scouting and that he has pledged his duty to God each time he recites or pledges the Scout Oath and Law.
The Boy Scouts of America does not define God for a Scout, nor does it interpret God's rules. Those are matters, as said above, left to home and to the religious body to which the Scout belongs. The board of review does not serve as an inquisition into the correctness of a Scout's perceptions, rather it seeks to determine whether the Scout has fulfilled his duty in a way he sees fit, keeping in mind his profession of a particular faith.
Discussion of a Scout's religion is very appropriate at a board of review, but it should be done with respect and appreciation for the variety of faiths and beliefs in the United States. An open-ended question like "How do you honor the 12th point of the Scout Law?" will allow the boy to discuss his religious beliefs. A blunt "Do you believe in God?" should be avoided as there are some religions that do not use the name "God" for their supreme being or higher power.
A Scout may fulfill this duty without being a member of a particular denomination or religion. In these cases, a board will want to understand, through informal discussion, what a Scout feels about this particular duty, how he sees himself in relation to his beliefs, and how he fulfills them. It is very common for adolescent boys to question religion, particularly formal religion. If a candidate indicates that he is not certain about religion, the board should ask how he is trying address his uncertainty and to fulfill his duty to God.
As in many questions asked at boards of review, the older the Scout, the more sophisticated the board may expect the answer to be. For a very young Scout, going to religious services regularly may be a complete answer to the question. For an older Scout, you may expect a description of service to his fellow man or the community. You may even find that a Scout will state his inability to meet his own expectations of duty, but that he strives nevertheless to do so. It may be that this humble answer is a sign of the greatest devotion.


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Kids get a real charge of seeing these fruit and vegetable windsocks blowing in the wind, so would make a great classroom decoration too!
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Wes Anderson has been known to make the occasional short film masquerading as a commercial for various companies. Back in 2013 he made a short film for Prada starring Jason Schwartzman. But before that he made one for Stella Artois, another one for Prada, and at least a few more for SoftBank (starring Brad Pitt), ATT, Ikea, and perhaps the one that started them all, the self parody for American Express.
His latest, titled "Come Together," is a beautiful little Christmas themed short that casts Adrien Brody as a train conductor on the H&M Lines Winter Express railroad responsible for informing the passengers that they should expect a delay in arrival to their destination. That delay will ultimately ruin Christmas plans for most of them. So he takes it upon himself to throw an impromptu Christmas party for all the travelers at the rear of the train.
He quickly makes arrangements and we see the end result, a party mostly intended to lift the spirits of a young unaccompanied minor who might not have had a Christmas otherwise. And of course the nearly 4 minute short film is full of Wes Anderson's trademark camera movements and staging. There are shades of The Darjeeling Limited here, which seems to make Adrien Brody a natural fit. No one films on a train quite like Wes Anderson. He has a keen eye for finding a way to make even the most cramped of spaces visually appealing. His elaborate production design shows each passenger initially confined in their own space in a similar fashion to the tour we're given of the Belafonte in The Life Aquatic. And of course the train itself looks like it may have come from Moonrise Kingdom with its aged technology. But the heartwarming short story is the real star. If this doesn't put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will!


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Basketball Betting
Sports Betting Section
2005 Georgetown Hoyas Basketball Preview
2005 Georgetown Hoyas Team Preview
Last year in his first season as Georgetown coach John Thompson III went 19 and 13 and brought excitement back to the Hoya basketball program. It wasn't just his basketball pedigree— in 27 years his father John Thompson led the Hoyas to 20 NCAA Tournaments, three Final Fours, and one National Championship—it was also his ability to make his young team over-perform. The Hoyas were a big surprise last year and if it weren't for a five-game losing streak at the end of the season, they probably would have been in the tournament.
If last season was filled with good times and good news for the Hoyas and their fans, this season should be the same but better, Thompson has all five starters returning, including senior forward Brandon Bowman and sophomore forward Jeff Green. They are a scary tandem—Bowman's stats last season were 15.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 50.1 FG%, 71.4 FT% and 36.5- 3PT%, while Green's stats were almost identical with 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 50.2 FG%, 69.9 FT%, and 40.0- 3PT%. Green, who most feel will just get better, shared Big East Rookie of the Year honors with Rudy Gay of UConn. Senior Bowman and sophomore Green can be an amazing combo this season!
At guard senior Ashanti Cook offers a reliable outside shot and, last season, almost 11 points a contest. Teaming up once again with guard Jonathan Wallace, another steady force in the backcourt, the Hoyas should have a solid if unspectacular backcourt.
At center stands seven-foot, two-inch, 272-pound Roy Hibbert, who everyone agrees is a "project." The massive Hibbert showed promise in his first year but will have to make amazing progress to be a real factor this year.
Swingman senior Darrel Owens adds depth and reliability at guard and forward, while three promising first-years players—Jesse Sapp (G), Octavius Spann (F), and Josh Thornton (G)—are the finest group of new players in the Big East.
This season John Thompson III and the Hoyas are expected to be and do even better than they did last year. If they don't make it to the Tournament there will be a lot of surprised Hoya fans and college basketball experts.
For more info on the 2005 Hoyas check out the official Georgetown athletic site.
2005 Big East Hoops Previews
Listed below are all 16 teams of the big east conference. If you click on any of the team links you will be taken to the individual teams team preview. You may click on the Big East Preview link to return to the Big East conference main page anytime.
05 Big East Team Previews
- Cincinnati
- Connecticut
- DePaul
- Georgetown
- Louisville
- Marquette
- Notre Dame
- Pittsburgh
- Providence
- Rutgers
- Seton Hall
- South Florida
- St Johns
- Syracuse
- Villanova
- West Virginia
Return to Maddux's NCAA Basketball Picks home page!


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Angela Levesque is an Inspiration & Empowerment Coach, intuitive, mind/body educator, and energy healer. She knows that our level of awareness governs every aspect of our lives. So in her work, she bridges science, health, intuition and spirituality to assist her clients in understanding why they make the choices they make, the importance of the mind/body relationship and how to connect to their potential again. Angela has a clinical background as an exercise physiologist, as well as training in Reiki, Healing Touch, Reconnective Healing, hypnosis, and meditation. This allows her to take an integrative approach to her coaching and teaching work.
Angela also hosts a popular weekly radio program called Entanglement Radio on iOM.fm. Every week she interviews leaders and visionaries in the fields of consciousness, spiritual science, and conscious healing. Angela is not afraid to challenge the status quo and believes in the importance of spiritual activism - aligning the heart with one's actions to create a better world. She is one of the founders of a local non-profit organization that offers non-medical support services to anyone touched by cancer in Idaho. There she teaches weekly classes in mind/body awareness and meditation for people living with cancer. She also instructs classes and workshops both on and offline in conscious weight loss, mindfulness, intuition development, and self-care.
Her first book entitled Healing Environment: The Conscious Creation of Health outlines the individual, spiritual and environmental roots of our health crisis. Through her teaching, writing, healing and volunteer work she strives to get others excited about their lives. It is her passion to help people connect with their purpose and potential and assist them in making meaningful change. For more information visit www.hestiahealth.com.
Areas of Expertise:
~ Inspiration/Empowerment Coaching
~ Intuitive Readings
~ Conscious Weight Loss
~ Energy Healing
~ Meditation/Mindfulness Instruction
~ Soul Purpose Work
Views: 81


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Eliza Burton "Lyda" Conley, Helena "Lena" Conley, and Ida Conley were Native Americans of the Wyandot tribe, who lived in the Kansas City area in the late 19th and early 20th century. Lyda Conley was the first woman admitted to the bar in Kansas, and the first Native American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United States.
This in and of itself is pretty remarkable, but it is the case that Lyda argued that makes all three sisters remarkable. The Wyandot Nation are the descendants of the related Wendat (Huron) and the Tionontati (Petun) peoples of what is now Ontario. After the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) drove them out of their respective homelands on the shores of Georgian Bay in 1649, some of the survivors of each group joined up and fled eventually settling in Ohio. In the 1840's, they were relocated from Ohio to Kansas. A cemetery was established within the boundaries of modern day Kansas City. Later, after the Civil War, Wyandot who had not become American citizens were moved again, this time to Oklahoma, where they formed the Wyandotte Nation. However, the Oklahoma group claimed rights to land owned by the tribe back in Kansas, and in 1906 started the process to sell the land.
The Conley sisters would not stand for this. Their mother and sister and countless other relatives were buried in the Cemetery, and they announced their intention to defend it. With help from other Wyandot people, they built a structure on the grounds, which was dubbed Fort Conley, and pledged to protect the land with weapons if necessary. They also put a fence around the property, which was repeatedly pulled down and rebuilt, in the course of the dispute.
They also pursued a legal remedy, with Lyda arguing for an injunction against the government's authorization to sell the property. When that failed she argued all the way to the Supreme Court in 1909. The Court found against the sisters, but even then, they did not give up and they managed to garner enough public support that in 1916, Senator Charles Curtis (later Vice President Curtis under President Hoover), himself of Native American descent, won passage of a bill that protected the land as a national park.
Lyda Conley remained devoted to protecting the site for the rest of her life, and was known to bring nuts and water to the squirrels living in the park, now known as the Wyandot National Burying Ground. In 1937, at the age of 68, she was arrested after chasing some people from the park, and was given the choice of a $10 fine or 10 days in jail. She took the jail time. In 1946 she passed away and was buried on the land she had fought so hard to protect.
In 2008, Sir Ben Kingsley announced his intention to produce a film based on the life of Lyda Conley called "Whispers Like Thunder", though near as I can tell, it's lost in development hell. I don't know about the rest of you, but I would watch the hell out of a movie about these women.


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"Some even believe [the Rockefellers] are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterising my family and me as 'internationalists' conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure – one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I'm proud of it."
-David Rockefeller
Rockefeller died in his sleep at home in Pocantico Hills, New York, on Monday morning as a result of congestive heart failure, according to a family spokesperson Fraser P. Seitel.
The businessman, who had an estimated fortune of $3 billion, retired as head of Chase Manhattan in 1981 after a 35-year car…
Read the rest of the story at Keep and Bear
The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by EagleRising.com


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Get the most out of your plan. Register
for a MyHumana account today.
Get the most out of your plan. Register for a MyHumana
account today.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the country's leading health and well-being companies, has launched Goal Guru, an iOS and Android-compatible mobile app and web experience designed to help employers take a holistic approach to improving the overall health of employees.
Goal Guru, which gathers data from a multitude of trackers and mobile apps, allows users to participate in competitions and engage each other through wellness tracking, challenges and 24/7 interaction with a digital coach. Through the app, employers provide an easy-to-use resource conducive to improving the activity level of their employees through the monitoring of steps, weight and sleep. Users receive personalized news feeds throughout the day and can increase engagement by messaging a team or individuals to initiate a challenge.
"Humana is happy to provide employers with resources, like Goal Guru, that focus on the importance of employees' physical, financial, mental and social health," said Kristine Mullen, Vice President of Wellness for Humana. "The app allows users to socially motivate or 'nudge' each other to influence positive behaviors and healthy habits. Services like this give us valuable information on employees, their health care costs and overall employer satisfaction so that we can ensure they are receiving the best resources possible."
Research finds that employees in organizations that support a culture of wellness tend to derive greater benefit from participation in wellness programs. This is particularly the case in terms of increased engagement in employer mission and goals, stress and overall happiness or well-being. For example, a joint Humana/University of Michigan study found that 67 percent of employees found participation in wellness programs increased their engagement in their employer's mission and goals.
In a separate study with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Humana found that employers who establish a defined workplace culture of wellness can achieve widespread positive impact on the health and productivity of their employees while increasing engagement in company mission and goals. The study surveyed more than 200 U.S.-based human resources (HR) executives and managers and 500 full-time employees from organizations with employer-provided wellness programs.
Goal Guru aims to take a broader approach to meeting the need for wellness programs and improving overall well-being by focusing on a holistic perspective on health, including physical, social, emotional and financial components.
Key features of Goal Guru include:
In addition to businesses, Goal Guru can provide optimal health benefits for schools, conferences or special events. The app, which is not exclusively tied to any health plans, is available for 30-day, 90-day or one-year contracts to accommodate individual business needs. Goal Guru adds to Humana's robust solutions to improving company well-being by offering additional choices for clients.
For more information about this app, contact your Humana representative or visit www.humana.com/goalguru.
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company's strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
Multimedia Files:
Humana complies with all applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
religion. We also provide free language interpreter services. See our full accessibility rights
information and language options.


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Don't be fooled by the Jewish Journal's spin. ADL and the Journal should not be supported as long as they honor Ed Asner!
April 25, 2017
Because of actions initiated and furthered by The Israel Group, the Jewish Journal ran an article (below) announcing that Ed Asner does "not support BDS." On the surface it seems nice, and I'm sure that the Journal and the Anti-Defamation League and all the donors will undoubtedly sigh in relief. They can proceed with an uneventful Gala in peace.
It's not that simple. Although Asner may have declared that he personally doesn't support the boycott of Israel, he did not resign from his advisory role with Jewish Voice for Peace, a leading organization in the BDS campaign. In fact, on Sunday, JVP's executive director presented the Gandhi Peace Award at Yale to Omar Barghouti, the founder of the BDS campaign.
As long as Asner continues as an advisor to JVP, he should be shunned by the entire pro-Israel community, regardless of how many Emmy's he has won. All donors and supporters of Israel should immediately contact and pull their support from the ADL and the Jewish Journal, as long as they honor Ed Asner.
Also, the entire community should pay heed to all of the "pro-Israel activist" organizations and news sources that stayed silent throughout this process. Some will take credit for working "behind the scenes," but they can't be fighters against BDS and stay silent when it maters most. Where are all of the news articles about what is going on? (Are you protecting colleagues?)
It is urgent to reach out to all pro-Israel friends and colleagues, urging them to contact ADL leadership and the Jewish Journal, and to pull all of their support as long as they honor Ed Asner (unless he resigns from Jewish Voice for Peace).
(NOTICE in the Journals article below, how the Journal' writes that "Left of center groups like J Street and New Israel Fund have gone on record as being against BDS," but they purposely leave out one of the most egregious and virulently anti-Israel and pro-BDS organization: Jewish Voice for Peace. Why? Because the Jewish Journal does not want to connect Asner to Jewish Voice for Peace. It is spin and it is the Journal trying to cover up.)
Jack Saltzberg
Ed Asner: 'I do not support BDS'
Originally posted by the Jewish Journal
Legendary television actor Ed Asner made clear Tuesday morning that he no longer supports the movement to Boycott, Sanction and Divest from Israel, known as the BDS movement.
"I have a deep commitment to Jewish life, the Jewish people and the unity of the Jewish people worldwide," Asner said in the statement, released through a publicist. "I do not support BDS. I just want peace."
The 87-year-old actor sought to clarify his position after a handful of critics took issue with his receiving an Award from the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Asner is set to receive the award at the Festival's opening Wednesday evening. (The LAJFF is a program of TRIBE Media, which also publishes the Jewish Journal).
The BDS movement has been criticized by a broad segment of the Jewish community as being anti-Israel because it promotes the boycotting of all of Israel and not just the disputed territories. Left of center groups like J Street and New Israel Fund have gone on record as being against BDS.
After Asner viewed information LAJFF provided him about BDS, he released the statement.
In an interview with the Jewish Journal's Avishay Artsy earlier this month, Asner had already distanced himself from supporters of BDS.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2017, the Jewish Journal's Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival is honoring Ed Asner, a board advisor for Jewish Voice for Peace, among the most anti-Israel organizations that promote the BDS campaign, which includes the total cultural, education, and economic boycott of Israel.
On Sunday, April 23, 2017, BDS co-founder, Omar Barghouti, received the Gandhi Peace Award at Yale University. The presenter of the award was Rebecca Vilkomerson, Jewish Voice for Peace's executive director.
Rob Eshman, the Jewish Journal's Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, responded (below) to The Israel Group's letter initial letter (below).
Several significant donors have withdrawn their sponsorship of the film festival. (Most have done it silently.)
The Anti-Defamation League has not responded to a request for comment. We are unsure if they are continuing with their support of the festival.
Many highly respected individuals globally have urged The Israel Group to continue its opposition to Ed Asner being honored
Virtually all pro-Israel advocacy organizations have been silent.
The Jewish Journal runs a spin piece that Ed Asner does not support BDS. He does not include that he is resigning from his role with JVP and the Journal mentions other "Left" organizations that support BDS, but do not mention JVP.
[NOTE: This is not in any way connected with the Israel Film Festival.]
Initial letter to Rob Eshman and David Suissa at the Jewish Journal
Rob Eshman
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
David Suissa
The Jewish Journal
It is unconscionable that the Jewish Journal's Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival is honoring Ed Asner at your upcoming Gala in Beverly Hills.
I can only believe that you were unaware of Ed Asner's role as an advisory board member of Jewish Voice for Peace, the virulently anti-Israel organization that fully supports the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. This includes a cultural and artistic boycott of Israel, and everything under that umbrella.
In case you weren't aware, Jewish Voice for Peace:
- led a boycott against the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema;
- successfully urged Oscar-nominated actors to boycott a packaged trip to Israel [ironically, this was my op-ed published in the Jewish Journal];
- brought a Palestinian terrorist convicted of murdering two students as a guest speaker at their national convention;
- aggressively tried to disrupt and shut down pro-Israel events such as a talk by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a Taglit Birthright reunion, and an AIPAC conference; and
- is an internationally recognized leading organization within the BDS movement.
As you both know, BDS was responsible for, among other things,:
- the Oslo Film Festival rejection of a film about disabled children in Tel Aviv because the filmmaker is Israeli;
- Mira Nair boycotting the Haifa Film Festival;
- Emma Thompson calling for the boycott of Israel's Habima Theater;
- the boycott of Israel's DocAviv Film Festival; and
- artists boycotting the Toronto Film Festival because it included an Israeli film.
Additionally, Asner believes that global anti-Semitism is caused because of Israel's refusal to establish peace with Palestinians. Did you ever wonder what he thinks caused global anti-Semitism pre-1948? (Rob, maybe you can ask him when you moderate the planned Q&A with Asner at your Gala.)
With this background, Ed Asner should be shunned, not honored.
You may have inadvertently been aware of Asner's advisory role with Jewish Voice for Peace. However, now that you know, an important question is, Do your Festival and Jewish Journal donors know? Have the Israeli Consulate of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, and the many community leaders who are supporting your Gala been informed about Asner's advisory role with Jewish Voice for Peace? (I've contacted the ADL and I'm waiting to hear their response.)
I've been advised that some prominent donors have pulled their sponsorship because of our eNEWS ALERT. But we must stop the bleeding. Personally, it pains me to write this, but I don't want the Jewish Journal to be stained. You must solve this situation and not honor Ed Asner, unless he officially steps down from his role with Jewish Voice for Peace.
It is enough that Israel is attacked globally on a daily basis through propaganda and lies, but it is even more outrageous and offensive to have one of our leading Jewish news organizations and their film festival, honor an advisor to Jewish Voice for Peace, one of the most anti-Israel organizations today.
I await your response.
Response from Rob Eshman, The Jewish Journal's Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Hi Jack:
Thanks for your kind words and your concern.
Mr. Asner is a legendary actor. He has won more Emmy Awards for performing than any other male actor. The Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival is honoring him for his achievements as a Jew in film and television.
If the LAJJ refused to honor actors, producers, directors and films because some people found them objectionable, it would have to close up shop tomorrow. The Left would protest (and has protested) some selections, the Right would protest others.
The LAJJ chooses people based on the quality of their artistic work.
Your job is politics, and you should disagree with Mr. Asner's opinions and protest them and, if you choose, not attend the Festival. I completely understand. But the LAJJ would not be doing its job if it ignored an actor of Ed Asner's stature, longevity and accomplishment.
All the best,
Response from Jack Saltzberg
Hi Rob,
Thank you for your response.
Obviously, it is one thing to honor people with differing political opinions, and if Ed Asner were simply a strong vocal critic of Israel's government, policies, military, or anything else, I would have no problem with him being honored. The Israel Group's line in the sand is BDS. Asner is a board advisor to Jewish Voice for Peace, arguably one of the most anti-Israel organizations in existence, and it publicly and actively advocates the total boycott of Israel, including economic, educational, and cultural boycott. In fact, just yesterday, Jewish Voice for Peace's executive director, Rececca Vilkomerson, presented the Gandhi Peace Award at Yale to Omar Barghouti, the co-founder of the BDS campaign.
Justifying it by separating Asner's private actions from his professional work isn't acceptable; not when his actions actively promote the total boycott and destruction of Israel. By honoring Asner, the Jewish Journal, a Jewish institution, is legitimizing Jewish Voice for Peace. Imagine what the leaders of JVP will make out of this event, and the damage it will cause to Israel and to artists who wish not to be boycotted when they perform in Israel.
As Professor Judea Pearl eloquently stated, "We should not help JVP demonstrate that they can be part of the Jewish tent and anti-Israel tent at the same time. They are not part of our tent."
Rob, maybe you can use this as an opportunity to urge Mr. Asner to resign from his advisory position with JVP. Then, you will be helping to safeguard Israel while making Ed Asner someone worthy of an honor.
CLICK link to see sponsors of honoring Ed Asner
Please contact the sponsors and donors and inform them about Ed Asner and his role with Jewish Voice for Peace. Ask the sponsors to contact Rob Eshman (firstname.lastname@example.com), and to:
place pressure on Rob Eshman and the Jewish Journal, to change their honoree by withdrawing their support now and in the future; and
not attend the Gala if Ed Asner is honored.


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NC State University
NC State is a national center for research, teaching, and extension. Our graduate education program has stood for quality for over a century.
North Carolina State University is a national center for research, teaching, and extension. As a land-grant state university, we share the distinctive characteristics of these institutions: broad academic offerings, an emphasis on public service, national and international activities, and large-scale research and extension programs.
Our extensive research activities and a network of public and private partnerships consistently earn NC State a spot as one of the nation's top research universities. We are also a leader within the academic community in terms of industry-sponsored research, licensing revenues, and number of patents granted. NC State ranks second nationally in state and local government-sponsored research, and we are fourth in the nation when it comes to the number of new companies created as a result of original research.
With an enrollment of more than 30,000 students, NC State is the largest university in North Carolina and one of 16 institutions constituting the multi-campus University of North Carolina system.
NC State is also a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, the American Council on Education, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Council of Graduate Schools, the National Commission on Accrediting, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information on NC State as a place to live and learn:
- Review key facts about NC State, including enrollment levels and tuition.
- Check out NC State's rankings compared to other universities.
- Learn how to get around campus and discover how interconnected our academic community is.
- Take a Virtual Tour of NC State's facilities, labs, classrooms, and unique landmarks.
- Visit our Centennial Campus and see why it's becoming known worldwide for its innovative approach to research and development.
- Learn what makes NC State different and why employers prize our graduates for their readiness and drive.
- Get a feel for student life at NC State and discover why we're such a popular university community.
- Explore our history and learn how and why NC State has become a leader in so many emerging fields critical to the world's future.


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Junior Calibration Technician
Posting Date: October 26, 2016
About the Position
The Junior Calibration Technician will apply knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, and electronics to calibrate, inspect, measure, and test equipment in the DC/Low Frequency, RF/Microwave, Avionics, and Time & Frequency disciplines to ensure measurement accuracy. The Junior Calibration Technician will identify and utilize appropriate manual and automated measurement procedures, to accomplish this tasking.
This position will normally receive general instructions on work, applying job skills, company policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks, including working on assignments that are semi-routine in nature where ability to recognize deviation from accepted practice is required. The Junior Calibration Technician will perform laboratory housekeeping and may be asked to report opinions and interpretations.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Calibrate measurement, and test equipment in order to ensure compliance with published specifications
Maintain secondary and/or working calibration standards
- Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of precision equipment
- Collect, compile, measure, summarize, and record data gathered during calibration
- Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and perform corrective action via adjustments, component replacement, correction factors, etc
- Identify and correct measurement errors, as applicable
- Prepare calibration reports and certificates
- Adapt existing calibration equipment, standards, and techniques to accomplish unique measurement tasks for which they are not principally used.
- Ship and receive customer equipment using various couriers and logistics companies.
- Interact with other technicians, Customer Service Representatives, Account Managers, and customers
- Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned
- Minimum, Diploma in electronics related field
- Must possess good written and oral, communication skills
- Basic ability to troubleshoot repair, align and optimize precision equipment
- Basic computer skills
- Proficient in use of MS Word and Excel
- Must have very good interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong attention to details
- Preferred experience in shipping/receiving
- Preferred knowledge in programming/scripting
- Good soldering skills
- Understanding of RF and wireless concepts
About the Company
Started in 2003, PLC Electronic Solutions is a Vancouver based wireless/avionics test equipment calibration laboratory and robotics systems manufacturer. The calibration laboratory of PLC Electronic Solutions specializes in calibrating and repairing test equipment that is manufactured by Aeroflex, HP Agilent, Anritsu, Tektronix, Fluke, Rohde & Schwarz and other top brands.
Our lab technicians have the ability to service many types of instruments that are no longer supported by the original manufacturers, thereby providing customers with a valuable resource for repairs on legacy equipment for which service manuals and schematics are no longer available.
* Must pass security check
Send resumes to firstname.lastname@example.com


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In 2010, after hearing about the upcoming Sunshine Act legislation, we created our physician payment tracking software based on the premises of the legislation proposed in Congress.
When the Final Rule on Open Payments was published by the Center for MediCare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and concrete information about requirements could be determined, we updated the software to match the law.
Sunshine Act Software is committed to making it easy for our customers to collect data under the physician open payments legislation. Our goal is to have the reporting software that most accurately reflects the CMSs requirements. We stay current with changes in the law and update our software quickly to help our customers comply.
Sunshine Act Software operates a distributed sales network with representatives in Colorado, North Carolina and Washington State. If you are interested in reseller opportunities, please contact us.
Sunshine Act Software is a privately owned company. For media inquiries, please contact us.
We'd love to hear from you!
View All Open
Thank you!


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The trailer of filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker's much-awaited project Mohenjo Daro, was launched on Monday (June 20). The trailer was released across Star TV networks as a roadblock on all channels and garnered massive views.
The trailer of Hrithik Roshan-starrer was viewed by as many as 30 million people worldwide on channels across Star Networks. This is the first time Star Networks has extended such kind of support to any film. The trailer was played as a three minute full trailer via a roadblock on their network channels at 8:57 p.m., said a statement from the channel.
At a time when most trailers are launched at events, Mohenjo Daro team initiated a new marketing move and opted to unveil it through a global GEC (General Entertainment Channel) roadblock. Gowariker, who brought series Everest on the small screen last year, believes television is the fastest way to reach a wider audience.
"We are extremely thrilled with the positive response to the motion poster and first look posters of Mohenjo Daro and couldn't wait to share the trailer. Television still continues to be one of the best and fastest way to reach out to viewers across age groups, segments and length and breadth of the country and in this case globally," he said.
"We thought it would be an ideal platform to release the film's trailer which deserves to be seen by all as part of a special roadblock across the Star Network. We also made the trailer available across digital platforms as well as part of the launch," he added.


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In December of 2016 the GNWT Department of Health and Social Services, specifically the Seniors and Continuing Care Services Division, approached the NWT Seniors' Society with an offer to work collaboratively with them and other key stakeholders to learn more about the advance care directions and palliative care wishes of older adults in the NWT.
This project touches on common and consistent issues in palliative care that have been identified previously on several occasions such as the goals of care, tools to facilitate this for clients and service providers, as well as involvement of stakeholders so tools meet needs. It was noted that the idea of palliative care has been changing, becoming a total approach to care and a quality of life issue.
Based on these efforts and the previous work completed across the NWT, it was determined that the Department of Health and Social Services in collaboration with the NWT Seniors Society will create the Getting to Know Me: Aging in Place Advisory Group involving older adults, health care professionals, and other key stakeholders involved with older adults in the NWT.
The focus of the Advisory Group's work would be to create a deliverable which was informed by stakeholders and that would help individuals and service providers facilitate the discussion of issues surrounding palliative care across the whole continuum of care.
As of this writing, work is ongoing related to this project with plans to meet several times in 2017, and the establishment and carrying out of a focus group in early 2018.


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110 New Gaming Headsets & More - For PC, Xbox, PlayStation & More
Auction Includes:
* 10 Gaming Headsets
* 100 Pairs of Earbud Headphones
10 Gaming Headsets
These headsets are designed to be use for PC gaming. They can be used with Xbox and PlayStation if an adapter is used. No adapters are included in this auction.
* Perfect for playing games, listening music, etc.
* Soft cushion head-pad and ear-pads
* Adjustable length hinges for hours of comfort
* Delivers clear sound and deep bass
* Flexible microphone for exact positioning
* LED lights are on the earcups make the headset look fashionable
* Colors: blue/black and red/black as pictured (quantities will be random)
* Compatible with Xbox, PlayStation & more
* Model: KOTION EACH G4000
* Speaker diameter: 50mm
* Impedance: 32Ohm
* Frequency range: 20-20KHz
* Mic dimension: 6.0 * 5.0mm
* Working current: Below 100mA
* Headset interface: USB + 3.5mm stereo
* Cable length: Approx. 2.2m / 7.22ft
* Headphone size: 18 * 8.5 * 20cm / 7.1 * 3.3 * 7.9in
100 Pairs of Earbud Headphones
* Color: black or white (will be random)
* Supports cell phones, laptops, tablets, and more with a 3.5mm headphone / earphone output jack
* Enhanced sound quality, outstanding bass and treble clarity
* Noise cancelling
* Lightweight, stylish design
* 1 meter length
This auction is fully manifested, please view the manifest for more information.
Please View the additional pictures by clicking the "View all photos" tab.
For an explanation on the various condition codes used on Liquidation.com please Click Here


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'Criminal Minds' has said goodbye to one of its finest
The BAU has just lost a longtime member of the team.
No, Derek Morgan is not dead. But, indeed, the beefcake agent played for 11 seasons by Shemar Moore has solved his final case on Criminal Minds.
Though Moore's departure from the show had been long rumored, the confirmation came in Wednesday's new episode of the CBS procedural, as his character decided to leave the team and focus on being a family man — one that, you know, doesn't get abducted and shot at.
The move comes during what's been an especially challenging season for Morgan, who survived a traumatic abduction just a few weeks ago.
Understandable as the character's motivations for leaving his post may be, that doesn't mean fans are taking it well.
I mean, they're really not taking it well.
I always thought the show would end before any of the characters left the BAU, I was proven wrong #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/2hB1MJh9Dg
— Laura G (@_lauris_11) March 24, 2016
Some people are heartbroken
So Derek is leaving "Criminal Minds" 💔 pic.twitter.com/ojwoVeJaKK
— ★Brittany Byrnes★ (@BrittButterfly5) March 24, 2016
Some people are mourning their lost 'ships
My heart is fucking broken... Do you have any idea how hard I ship Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia? #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/fZx4Xxlq1E
— Leslie ❤ (@ChichartoDelena) March 24, 2016
Others can't handle this cherry on top of a sundae of bad TV news
First Tony is leaving NCIS now Derek is leaving Criminal Minds what's next Hanna is actually dead on PLL fuck this
— jennie (@njhhmu) March 24, 2016
Some people are sad about the fractured friendship
I swear to god... This friendship is everything on #CriminalMinds you can't separate Derek Morgan and Spencer Reid pic.twitter.com/VwZkuslxvW
— Leslie ❤ (@ChichartoDelena) March 24, 2016
Some are mourning the abs
@shemarmoore It won't be the same without you..and I am not just talking about your abs! #CriminalMinds #DerekMorgan
— Heather (@heather_newkirk) March 24, 2016
Some people's entire months have been ruined
How dare you Derek Morgan! Literally my entire month has been ruined. Maybe the rest of my life. Thanks #criminalminds This is so wrong.
— Jessie Marie (@QueenBeeJessie2) March 24, 2016
But most will simply be crying themselves to sleep tonight
I cant imagine watching an episode of #CriminalMinds without Derek Morgan. I'm just gonna cry myself to sleep. @shemarmoore
— Kathryn Skelton (@KathrynLatisha) March 24, 2016
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.


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Too much animal too less human
Are between good and bad.
Violence, egoism are with you
Through you wanna love.
Hate, love, war, compassion
Tear apart in a bad agony
You've done good deeds
But in the end you'll be gone.
But the human animal will die
In cause of self-destruction in a furious avidity
In the end there won't be any might man.
Only day and night as from the beginning of time age!


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2015 Darwin Science Expedition - Day 11 - Underwater searches and seabirds on the islands
Spent the morning looking for Autonomous Reef Monitoring Systems off the island of Petit Coquillage. These systems were secured to the reef two years ago in a similar fashion to two other sets of the devices at other points around the archipelago. At the other sites we have found them in good condition but here they seem to have vanished. So although our dive did not achieve its purpose it did turn into a long duration underwater as we searched for the ARMS. This long swim allowed the perfect opportunity to view a large tract of this stunning reef.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD8B8YfPiGU
The majority of the reef bed consisted of porites and soft corals like sinularia. Beds of these mounds and encrusting corals as far as the eye could see in each direction. And overhead a multitude of fish. Through the course of the dive we saw five turtle and four octopus whilst our boat cover crew saw several manta ray in deeper water as they hovered over the drop off waiting for us to surface.
So although we were unsuccessful in recovering the ARMS from this site it was still a beautiful morning. Fortunately the data from the other two sets of three devices that were also deployed two years ago is more than enough for this particular project to be successful.
This afternoon the terrestrial team travelled to Ile Yeye before we depart Peros Banhos and make our way across to Salomon Atoll further to the east. It is a while since we have heard from Pete on the terrestrial front so I've included an update from him. Read on...
Northern Peros Banhos
On completion of the Vache Marine work I conducted breeding seabird surveys of all of the islands of western Peros Banhos. All of these islands have been environmentally devastated by man. Introduced invasive rats are certainly present on all the islands that were farmed for coconuts and these islands have also had the vast majority of their original vegetation removed and replaced by monocultures of coconut. If environmental triage was undertaken on them, they would be placed in a corner to die. If ever they are to be environmentally restored, the only way to ecologically improve them would be to take them down to "ground zero," exterminate the rats and then replant them with native trees; a task that would need decades to see fruition.
Coconuts are wonderful plants, hardy like few other trees, capable of being afloat in sea water for months and still being able to germinate when washed ashore; they are a cornerstone species for island building and the long-term stability of shorelines in the Chagos Archipelago. Naturally, coconut is found along shorelines and occasionally further inland where storm-surges have washed nuts (seeds) further inland. However, in western Peros Banhos man has removed over 90% of the original vegetation from all across the islands (i.e. inland as well as along shorelines) and replaced with coconuts as a crop. The landscape is now akin to the wheat and corn fields of Europe and America, stretching for miles with no other vegetation and very little wildlife. The first very long days' surveying involved boating along the miles of shoreline, lagoon and ocean-side, staring at lifeless tracts of former plantations.
The potential of what could happen through environmental improvement of these islands is demonstrated by a large seabird called Red-footed Booby. This warm-weather member of the gannet family is a pan-tropical breeder, nests above the ground and generally prefers to nest on undisturbed islands. The Chagos Archipelago is likely to be unique for this species in that at least since 1996 (when the first full breeding seabird study was undertaken) it has been expanding its' breeding range and overall numbers. It is thought this is the only Red-footed Booby population in the world that is increasing.
On the tips of some of the islands of western Peros Banhos are tinyvestiges of the former oceanic climax forest that once covered these islands; often literally two or three trees. In what appears to be a demonstration of the art of the possible, six of these relicts of the past now have Red-footed Booby breeding in them, four of which are new breeding islands that have been colonised since the last survey. Sadly these colonies are unlikely to increase in any significant numbers as the structural architecture of coconuts prevent boobies breeding in them (I have only ever encountered one Red-footed Booby nest in a coconut tree in the Chagos after nearly a decade of survey work).
After anchoring off the island of Ile Diamant a full day was spent surveying the islands technically and legally defined as eastern Peros Banhos. In the morning I was to look at Passe and Moresby and in the afternoon move further afield to visit Parasol and Longue. Passe is similar to a western Peros Banhos island, it is infested with rats and was farmed for coconuts. It is an environmental catastrophe that holds between 10-15 pairs of Red-footed Booby in the remaining coastal trees that are not coconut. Moresby also has rats and was once farmed as a plantation but this near-unique island in the Chagos holds a secret; it has a mangrove swamp and Red-footed Booby thrive in these, despite the presence of rats.
After surveying the lagoon-side (former coconut plantation) of the island where, again, a few Red-footed Booby nest in relict hardwoods, I entered the mangrove swamp from the north-eastern end. Small-leaved Mangrove (Lumnitzera racemosa Willd) only grows on two islands in the archipelago, Moresby and Eagle Island. Both of these mangrove stands require management if they are to survive in to the future. Both are being encroached upon and dried out by the former coconut crops and in the case of Moresby where seawater occasionally overflows in to the swamp, it is inundated with what man so readily discards in to the seas; piles of rubbish such as plastic bottles, polystyrene, fishing buoys and flip-flops now line the edge. Fortunately the boobies do not recognise or mind the poison below them and are still nesting in healthy numbers.
The afternoon took us further along the northern boundary of Peros Banhos atoll and on to the first of the IUCN listed Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Parasol and Longue. These two islands exemplify the problems with how IBAs are classified in the Chagos. At present it is based upon individual islands, and there are ten designated and two proposed IBAs. However, not all of these islands meet all of the criteria every year, for reasons that became fully apparent on last year's scientific expedition and were first suspected in 2009. In 2009 I visited Longue as part of the British military working out of Diego Garcia. I noticed many deserted Sooty Tern nests and several dying and dead chicks in amongst what had been a few weeks earlier a thriving Sooty Tern. I examined some of the dying chicks and they all had avian ticks attached. Last year the same phenomena was found on Parasol where some 32,000 pairs of birds had deserted the island and the vast majority of the remaining chicks were again infested with ticks, some with a load of over 20 of these parasites. This was evidence enough that periodic desertions of these islands was occurring and was caused by the tick-load of the island tipping the balance in favour of the ticks, not the survival of chicks. Knowing Longue was abandoned for at least two years after the 2009 infestation, if the breeding cycle of Sooty Tern coincided with our visit (they do not breed on a 12 month cycle in the Chagos), I did not expect Sooty Terns to breeding on Parasol. They were not, neither were they breeding on Longue. I have recorded island desertions by Sooty Terns on the Bois Mangues and Coquillages too but did not investigate whether ticks were the cause but suspect so).
So my point on IBA classification in the Chagos Archipelago is it should be amended from individual islands (in most cases) to groups of islands. Had an ornithologist been surveying these islands for the first time with no knowledge of the breeding phenology and distribution of Sooty Terns, both Longue and Parasol would not have been recognised, yet, at a period as yet undetermined, likely to be about three years, these islands provide rat-free havens for thousands of the highly communal breeders. For Peros Banhos I have proposed elsewhere that this IBA be called the Eastern Peros Banhos Island Group and constitute all of the islands that fall under the Strict Nature Reserve ordnance under BIOT Law (forbidding anyone without permission to land on them) and runs from the recently rat-cleared Vache Marine east encompassing the rat-free Coquillages, Bois Mangues, Parasol and Longue and, significantly, the rat-infested islands of Yēyē, Manōel, Moresby and Passe. The latter four ornithologically poor islands being included in the IBA to signify their importance as islands requiring ecological improvement (by removing rats and managing the former coconut plantations).
Longue did provide one pleasant, if expected surprise and that was an increase in the Brown Booby breeding population. Throughout the Indian Ocean, if not the world, this species is in decline, primarily through human interference of some sort. Not so in the Chagos where again, since the first comprehensive counts in 1996, this species has been increasing in numbers and expanding its breeding range to new islands. In 2014 it was recorded as breeding for the first time on Ile Longue with a single pair. This year there are two pairs. Brown Booby in the Chagos does appear to have any set breeding period and on Longue, one nest contained two eggs and the other a 10 week old chick. Unlike Red-footed Booby, Brown always breeds on the ground and, as such, rat-free islands are a prerequisite for colonisation.
The following day saw a long boat transit across the top of the atoll to the paired islands of Petite and Grande Bois Mangues (loosely translated as woods of the mangos). Both islands are rat-free and both qualify as IBAs. Similar to Longue and Parasol, these islands periodically host Sooty Tern breeding colonies, though none were present at the time of our visit. The Bois Mangues speciality are their Pisonia grandis glades and associated with them, massive numbers of breeding Lesser Noddies. At the time of our visit Petite Ile Bios Mangue held about 1100 breeding pairs and Grande about 11,000. The Pisonia stands on Grande Ile Bios mangue have been described as "Lesser Noddy churches." This is due to the way the branches of the veteran trees intermingle to form domed-likestructures and, all along the branches are nests and roosting Lesser Noddy. The noise produced by chattering birds; the acrid smell of centuries of accumulated guano underneath the domes; the incredible site of thousands of birds in a confined area, some inquisitive enough to hover very close by like huge dragonflies as they inspect you, all taking place in amongst storm-smashed and broken trees is one of the unforgettable experiences of the Chagos Archipelago.
Pisonia has evolved with seabirds and is reliant upon them for seed dispersal. It does this by having sticky seeds that when a breeding or roosting seabird brushes against them the seed sticks to the feathers of the bird and eventually the stickiness wears out and the seed drops of in a new location to germinate. On this visit I counted 53 Lesser Noddy under the nesting glades totally covered in seeds and adjoining twigs. These were doomed and it was only a matter of time before the land and hermit crabs moved in to devour them. Whilst I had heard and read of bird mortalities associated with sticky Pisonia seeds, I had never witnessed it and the numbers involved in this event appeared high (actually ˃ 0.1% of the island breeding population). It is a natural phenomenon and the seemingly high numbers are likely due to large numbers of breeding birds coinciding with a bumper crop of seeds.
The penultimate day in Peros Banhos was spent surveying the rat-free and near natural Grande and Petite Coqillages. Both of these islands are IBAs on account of breeding Sooty Terns but as elsewhere in this atoll, the terns were not having a breeding episode during this visit. It was still an absolute pleasure to circumnavigate the island counting the breeding seabirds; the speciality on Grande Coquillage being breeding Great Frigatebird. To see the males displaying on their flimsy twig nests is another Chagos treat; they raise their huge wings out to their sides and fan-wave them, inflate their crimson gular (throat) sacs to balloon like proportions and then give out a wonderful "Red Indian war cry" to try and attract a female.
The final day in Peros Banhos was spent on rat-infested Yēyē. The total lack of breeding Red-footed Booby on this island is something of a mystery to me. From previous research in the Chagos it has been demonstrated that Red-foots preferentially breed on islands without rats, though, on islands that have stands of mature climax forest trees on the coast, particularly headlands, they will nest. The surveys of the previous few days where birds were found colonising rat-infested islands in western Peros Banhos being examples of this. Yēyē is a quite large for a Chagos island (c. 60 ha.) and its shoreline holds several stands of mature Takamaka Calophyllum inophyllum and Guettarda speciosa, both readily nested in by these arboreal booby. It has windy headlands and sheltered bays, again, both favoured breeding haunts if the right trees are present. So, why, on this island nestled in amongst six IBAs that all hold breeding populations of boobies, is there not a single pair? There are several possible solutions. A super-abundance of rats? This is thought unlikely and, the breeding stronghold of Diego Garcia has a rat population assessed to be as high as on any island in the world. An undiscovered relict population of cats left over from then this island held a very small human settlement? Again unlikely, Diego Garcia still has a tiny population of cats and these do not appear to impact the breeding boobies to any great extent. The most likely theory is human disturbance. Research towards my Masters showed that islands with little or no disturbance such as Nelson's and Danger Island are preferred for breeding sites over islands that have regular human disturbance around the breeding colonies. Yēyē has had poaching camps sited on it over the last decade and it may be that boobies were killed for food by poachers and this is the reason they have not colonised this island.
As we left Yēyē heading back to the mother-ship we stopped to take a brief visit to a tiny unnamed island some 150m of Yēyē's shores. I first landed on this island in 2008 and it had certainly grown over the ensuing seven years. There was evidence that as in 2008, Black-naped Terns breed on the coral rubble that forms the island and the spit running northwest out from it. This species had been joined by Crested Tern as a breeding bird. Three Madagascar Fody, an introduced species that has colonised the entire archipelago, were foraging on the Scaveola that was emerging out of the substrate. But, it was the amount of washed up plastic that has given me my lasting memory of this island. The inner ring enclosed by the coral rubble resembled a commercial rubbish tip. This was a sad reminder that even these truly remote oceanic islands cannot escape the nightmares man is inflicting upon the planet. After an uneventful sail from Peros Banos in calm waters and very light winds we anchored in the circular lagoon of the Salomon Islands as the sun was spectacularly setting.


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Australian researchers have taken on the plight of those unable to stomach regular beer, by developing a gluten-free style of barley which would enable coeliacs and the diet conscious to knock back a cold one.
The world's first gluten-free barley beer will appear in German supermarkets on Friday, with the hope for more products to follow in other markets around the world.
So, how can barley, a gluten-containing grain, be gluten free? Using conventional plant breeding methods, CSIRO researchers have developed Kebari barley, a world-first barley grain that has ultra-low levels of hordeins, the type of gluten found in barley.
"Using conventional breeding we've reduced the gluten levels to 10,000 times less than regular barley, which more than meets the World Health Organisation's recommendation for calling a grain gluten-free," CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Dr Crispin Howitt said.
German beer brewing company Radeberger has used Kebari barley to make Pionier, the world's first commercially produced, full-flavoured barley-based gluten-free beer.
"It's really exciting seeing the first product made with the malted version of our Kebari grain. We hope it's the first of many products," Dr Howitt said.
Although Pionier beer is only available in Germany, there's certainly hope Australia brewers will use Kebari barley to develop their own gluten-free barley beers for coeliacs around the country to enjoy.
Continued development of Kebari could also lead to the gluten-free grain being used in a range of gluten-free products, including breakfast cereals, pasta and flatbreads. This will require researchers to develop a hulless version as, while Kebari barley is extremely low in gluten, it cannot be called 'gluten-free' in Australia or New Zealand under the current Food Standards Code.
The CSIRO said once the development of a hulless version of Kebari is complete, there is a plan to work with manufacturers to bring a range of foods containing Kebari barley to Australian consumers.


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EOH Holdings Chief Executive Officer Stephen Van Coller is in a race against the clock to restructure the sprawling South African IT business before shareholders and lenders run out of patience.
Van Coller, a former executive at the Barclays Africa Group and MTN, was brought in to turn around the troubled business and improve its corporate reputation after allegations of corruption linked to government contracts. He plans to break Johannesburg-based EOH into different parts to release greater value from a portfolio of more than 270 companies, while appointing PwC as an internal auditor and launching a whistle blower app.
"EOH is like a vegetable soup, where it's not clear if it's 10 percent carrots or 90 percent carrots," the CEO said in an interview in Johannesburg. "We're working toward fixing this, and part of that will be to split it into different units with separate boards to get the capital structure right."
Van Coller has his work cut out. EOH shares went into free fall last week when Microsoft cut ties with the company which, according to TechCentral website, came after receiving allegations from a whistle blower about a contract with the ministry of defense. The stock has plunged 45% this year, making it the worst performer on South Africa's benchmark index.
Business changes
EOH plans to separate the public-sector services business from the private-sector arm, and focus it on shorter-term contracts. The software side could be split into about six to eight separate companies, Van Coller said, adding that disposals or listings will then be considered. Should any lender become impatient during the process, the sale of a business could be fast-tracked, according to the CEO.
Lebashe Financial Services, a shareholder that last year injected R1bn into EOH for an equity stake, is willing to support Van Coller's strategy, Lebashe Chief Investment Officer Warren Wheatley said in an emailed response to questions.
"We have a subscription agreement that gives us the right to acquire another R250m in shares," he said. "We will buy additional shares from the market if the market continues to undervalue the business."
Lebashe was behind chairman and founder Asher Bohbot's decision to stand down this week, Wheatley added. "We did call for a refresh of the board."


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Lovetripper.com – a site about romantic travel ideas – did a neat post on a couple who re-took the plunge by renewing their vows at Rock n' Roll Fantasy Camp. But hey, if that's your thing – why not? The lucky couple enjoyed a live performance by Van Halen's Sammy Hagar – longtime idol of the groom who now owns an audio/video store – keyboard-ing by Teddy Andreadis (Guns'n'Roses, Alice Cooper), and their nuptials announced by VH1 Host, Kimberly Caldwell (American Idol).
Why not? I suppose this is no crazier than a destination wedding, asking your friends and relatives to come to your honeymoon spot for a wedding. If you love music but this feels a little too "make believe" – consider other ways to incorporate the fantasy rock star element into your wedding.
My friends named their tables after favorite bands and when a signature song played, that table got up to shake it better than their peers. It brought a friendly competition into the mix. Another set of friends brought in Guitar Hero to play while appetizers were passed and the reception line was 20 people deep – everyone loved it!
Bottom line: if your idea of fun during your wedding involves more KISS than kissing – go for it. It's your day!
Whatever your wedding day fantasies, GigMasters has the entertainers to help you fulfill them!


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Told you, we love sharing!
Geetika, Adobe Certified AEM Developer, is a technology enthusiast, a quick learner and a great team player. Her inquisitiveness has led her to try out different technology areas. In her idle time, you can find her reading novels, playing table tennis and listening to music.
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