text:
At Manitoba Public Insurance we have undertaken several initiatives over the years to reduce the negative impact of impaired driving. We are dedicated to protecting Manitobans from the human and economic costs of motor vehicle collisions and have committed resources to numerous advertising campaigns and educational programming.
We have also developed partnerships with other stakeholders to reduce drinking and driving through the following programs and initiatives.
RoadWatch is based on a partnership between Manitoba Public Insurance and law enforcement agencies. The main objective of the program is to reduce impaired driving by increasing the perceived risk of arrest.
Studies prove that drivers respond not only to enforcement, but also to the threat of enforcement. The driver's perception of added risk--getting caught in a random check stop--is often enough to change their behaviour.
Participating police agencies provide increased random police check stops throughout Manitoba to deter drinking and driving and take impaired drivers off the road. These check stops are in addition to regularly scheduled enforcement.
Operation Red Nose makes Manitoba roads safer during the holiday season by offering free rides home for those who may have had too much holiday cheer. The program services Brandon, Flin Flon, Gimli, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, Shilo, Steinbach/La Broquerie, The Pas, Thompson and Winnipeg.
Keeping impaired drivers off the road is crucial and Operation Red Nose raises awareness about the importance of finding a safe ride home and helps to prevent impaired drivers putting themselves and others at risk.
Operation Red Nose operates during peak evenings and weekends in November and December. Last year in Manitoba, over 2,200 volunteers provided party goers with over 3,700 rides home. As the provincial funding sponsor, Manitoba Public Insurance supports operational expenses for host organizations.
Riders have the option to donate when they are driven home with all funds received going to support kids sporting programs across the province.
For more information on the program and when it operates this year, visit www.safetyservicesmanitoba.ca/operation-red-nose.
Manitoba Public Insurance sponsors the Manitoba School Board Association (MSBA) to oversee and coordinate the Safe Grad and Teens Against Drinking and Driving programs (TADD).
Before Safe Grad was created over 30 years ago, provincial agencies, schools, city police, ambulance services, hospital emergency wards and parents faced the end of June with uneasiness as tragedies resulting from high school graduation continued to increase. There were several grad-night incidents that resulted in fatalities, automobile collisions, boating-related injuries and alcohol-related driving charges.
These groups began looking at graduations throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan to find a process that would provide a safe celebration. That safe celebration, known as Safe Grad, is now widely accepted and is an integral part of graduation in nearly all Manitoba high schools.
The Manitoba Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD) chapter began when graduating high school students asked for help in educating younger students (grades 9-11) about the dangers of drinking and driving.
TADD is now a well-established voluntary association of high school teens. They encourage all students not to drink and drive by sponsoring a number of school events that raise youth awareness of the issue.
For additional information on these programs visit taddmanitoba.com.
RID 911 is an enforcement-led campaign to educate the public about the signs of a suspected impaired driver, and to encourage citizens to report suspected impaired drivers to police by calling 911. In Manitoba, RID 911 programs have been launched in Brandon, Portage and Thompson. Manitoba Public Insurance, with assistance from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, supports these programs by funding media and educational materials to raise awareness of the program and educate citizens on the possible signs of an impaired driver.
driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
drifting in and out of lanes
tailgating and changing lanes frequently
making exceptionally wide turns
changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
disregarding signals and lights
approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on
driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather
The Speaker Bureau program began in the fall of 2005 and is comprised of a group of presenters who have first-hand experience with the risks and consequences of impaired driving. Speakers deliver presentations primarily to High School Driver Education classes throughout Manitoba in an effort to help young drivers make informed decisions to not drive impaired. Speakers may be victims of impaired driving who have a tragic personal story to share, or convicted impaired driving offenders who deliver presentations as a condition of sentencing.
The Friends For Life Speaker Series began in 2011 as an extension of the Speaker Bureau program. This very popular Speaker Series includes professional and local amateur speakers who deliver anti-impaired driving presentations to high school students across the province. Manitoba Public Insurance partners with Manitoba School Boards Association and Teens Against Drinking and Driving (TADD) to coordinate presentations each November. Approximately 25,000 students participate in the Friends for Life Speaker Series each year.
This series aims to influence the behaviour of young Manitobans through compelling and personal stories about the risks and consequences of impaired driving and other illegal or dangerous driving behaviours. The series also raises the profile of TADD programming in Manitoba by supporting active TADD groups in participating schools, and by encouraging the formation of new TADD groups in schools where they don't currently exist. In addition, participating schools use a Friends for Life Impaired Driving Educator Resource Package to help enhance students' understanding of this serious road safety issue.
Manitoba Public Insurance is a sponsor of P.A.R.T.Y., which stands for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth. It's a hard-hitting, "tell it like it is" program that educates 15 to 25 year olds about the consequences of drinking and driving, not using seatbelts and other risky driving behaviour.
A P.A.R.T.Y. experience includes a:
For more information on P.A.R.T.Y. please visit the Manitoba Brain Injury Association website at mbia.ca.
In Winnipeg: 204-985-7000
Toll Free: 1-800-665-2410
Deaf Access TTY/TTD:
Contact Centre Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:30am-7:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-4:00pm
Sunday: Closed


text:
3D Simulation World of Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2
Satellite Images have gained popularity in the video game industry and continue to grow. With the availability of high resolution Stereo Satellite Imagery such as GeoEye-1 (0.5m) and IKONOS (0.8m) gamers can experience video games in a realistic 3D simulated world such as Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. and H.A.W.X. 2.
Image copyright © DigitalGlobe – All rights reserved.
Jet fighters battle it out above dramatic mountainous terrain in Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 with realistic Earth imagery by GeoEye.
(Image from Xbox 360 version)
GeoEye-1 Satellite Imagery has been used to map the ground of Ubisoft's air-combat title Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC and the Wii system from Nintendo.
The high resolution satellite imagery is taken from the GeoEye-1 satellite sensor from 423 miles from Earth with diverse vistas, including mountains, deserts, mountainous coastal regions and some well known cities, like Cape Town, South Africa allows piloting the planes with very realistic experience.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ETSU's inaugural football season for its reinstated team ended on a high note Saturday.
The ETSU football team closed out the season with a 42-27 win over Kentucky Wesleyan. The team finished the 2015 season with a record of 2-9.
Kentucky Wesleyan came into the game with a total of five wins and finished the 2015 season with a 5-6 record. The Panthers are an Independent team in Division II.
ETSU scored first with Austin Herink's 9-yard touchdown run with 6:49 left in the first quarter. This gave the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead.
Herink had 20 carries, 134 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
"Coach (Mike) O'Cain had a lot of great play calls today, and I was able to have a few good runs," said Herink. O'Cain is the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach.
To start off the second quarter, Falon Lee caught a 22-yard touchdown pass to give the Bucs a 14-0 lead. Lee had two receptions in the game, which were both touchdown passes, with a total of 62 yards.
"I think we will be a much better team next year, with all that we went through this season," said Lee. "We are a very hungry team, and I expect us to get better for next season and get more wins in the win column."
Kentucky Wesleyan answered with a 42-yard touchdown pass and went into halftime trailing the Bucs 14-7.
The Bucs came out of halftime with a trick play up their sleeves. Demetrius Anthony caught a screen pass from Herink and fired a 40-yard touchdown play to Falon Lee to put ETSU up 21-7 early in the third quarter. The play was Anthony's first touchdown pass of the season.
After the Bucs scored one more touchdown in the third quarter, Kentucky Wesleyan scored two straight touchdowns off an 18-yard touchdown pass and a 16-yard touchdown pass. The Bucs went into the fourth quarter clinging to a 28-21 lead.
"We knew that they were a great offensive team and were going to throw the eight to 10 deep balls, and I think that we responded to that very well," said coach Carl Torbush. "Offensively, we did a good job of running the ball and having the ball in our hands so they don't have time to make that many big plays."
Defensively, Tavion Lott caught the only Buccaneer interception of the game. ETSU forced two fumbles in the game and held Kentucky Wesleyan to 388 passing yards and -13 rushing yards on 16 carries.
With 7:01 to go in the game, Hunter Wike caught the longest reception of the game when Herink threw him a 50-yard touchdown pass to give the Buccaneers a 35-21 lead.
Wike led the Bucs in receiving yards, with four receptions and 80 yards.
The Panthers answered quickly with an 11-yard touchdown pass. They missed the extra point, making the score 35-27.
The Bucs scored one more time on a 37-touchdown run by Herink with 2:16 left in the game. This gave the Bucs a 42-27 victory to close out the season with their second victory and their first victory over an NCAA team since 2003.
ETSU had a total of 26 first downs and went 10-for-16 on third down conversions, an area that they have struggled with this season.
"It was a great win for us and a great win for our coaching staff, who have been through a lot this year," said Torbush. "The guys that you saw today you will see for the next three years, and if they stay with the program, they will be winners and win a lot of games in the SoCon."


text:
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein skyrocketed to journalistic immortality due to their dogged investigation of the Watergate scandal. Hollywood superstar Robert Redford thought the "couldn't make it up" buffoonery behind the scandal and the wildly contrasting dynamic between the two young reporters would make a good film. It was quite the instinct as All the President's Men would go on to nab eight Oscar nominations and alter the popular perception of journalism itself. The Washingtonian put together a beautiful spread to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film, including video clips from the movie.
All the President's Men: An Oral History
Washingtonian.com, 4.3.16


text:
DID YOU KNOW?? (Workers Compensation)
Joe Mansour National Worker's Compensation Coordinator AFGE/Council
of Prison Locals #33 Local 1102 President Post Office Box 2032 Lynnwood,
Washington, 98036 (206) 870-5700 Institution (425) 772-9424 Cell e-mail email@example.com
The following describes the differences between OWCP Benefits and Medical Retirement
CSRS Disability:Under an OPM approved
disability retirement an employee would receive the following: If covered by CSRS an "earned" annuity computed
under the general formula, however the law guarantees a minimum annuity to employees who retire because of disability. If
a disabled workers earned annuity is less than the guaranteed minimum, the minimum generally becomes the basic annuity. The
guaranteed minimum is not a fixed amount but varies from one an employee to another based on age, service and average salary.
It is the lesser of the following: 40 % of the employees high three or the amount obtained from the general formula after
increasing the actual creditable service by the time remaining from the commencing date of the annuity to the date of the
employees 60th birthday.FERS Disability:Disability
benefits under FERS are based on the retirees age and amount of service. Disability benefits are recalculated after the first
year and at age 62. If a disabled worker is under age 62 and not eligible for immediate retirement the following benefits
apply: For the first twelve months 60% of the high three, minus 100% of any Social Security Benefits. After the first twelve
months 40% of the high three minus 60% of any Social Security Benefits. Employees are entitled to an earned annuity- of 1%
of their high three multiplied by years of service- if it is larger than their disability computed under the other provisions.
When an employee reaches age 62 The FERS benefit is recalculated basing the calculation on the assumption an employee worked
to age 62. From the second year forward FERS Disability benefit is indexed by the FERS cost of living formula minus one percent.
Under FERS Disability the employee must have applied for Social Security Disability Benefits first. Social Security Disability:SSA benefits don't begin until a five month
waiting period expires and continues until age 65 or until SSA determines the benefits not longer apply. SSA does conduct
a review every three years. After disability retirement is approved OPM may also review the case periodically. If
OPM determines the employee is no longer disabled, the annuity will be terminated after one year or upon reemployment in the
Federal Government. Disability annuities can continue after reemployment based on the position and salary of the new position.
Under current law there is no tax benefit for disability payments unless the employee is totally disabled for all gainful
employment. OPM bases the decision on whether you are disabled for your current position or a vacant position of equal grade
and pay. Employees should always check with IRS.Differences between FECA and
Disability Retirements:Most employees will choice a FECA retirement because it results
in a higher payment, mostly because FECA are tax free. Employees can switch between the two choices if it results in a benefit
to the employee. However, employees should be aware their election can result in a disadvantage. For example if an employee
elects a OPM retirement they are now considered an annuitant. If an employee recovers and is reemployed by the federal government
the employee is now considered a rehired annuitant and is subjected to the rules governing reemployed annuitants. Being subjected
to those rules may be disadvantageous if rehired at a lower grade and pay level. It is also recommended that if an employee
is eligible for an immediate retirement that they should just retire so they are not subjected to the medical requirements
and a subsequent loss of benefits. On the other hand certain job restoration rights are not available if you elect an immediate
retirement.Approval of a disability retirement does protect future annuity rights. If for some reason FECA benefits
are cancelled an employee is entitled to disability benefits.Once approved by OPM and FECA for disability the employee
must elect which benefit they want to receive.Simultaneous FECA and Disability Payments:In limited circumstances an employee can receive both benefits. Since I believe Kim is a party to
the DET Mold lawsuit this might apply. If she receives a payment from a third party and FECA suspends payments based on this
settlement Kim could collect her OPM benefits while she is receiving financial compensation from the third party. Refunds of Retirement Contributions:Employees who are receiving
FECA benefits can receive a refund of their federal retirement contributions however they must keep the following in mind.
If a separated CSRS employee receives the refund and returns to duty the employee will forfeit all credit service, unless
the redeposit the refunded payment. The FERS employees loose the time and the ability to make a deposit of the refunded payment
to regain the time. Taking a refund while on a FECA award can be risky. While most employees believe the FECA will continue
forever, if the employee recovers they could be forced back into federal service.Impact
on Retirement:An employee on LWOP while receiving FECA benefits will receive full
credits for the LWOP for retirement purposes. LWOP while receiving FECA is not subjected to the normal limitation of only
6 months a year. Typically an employee will stay on LWOP for a year, after a year the employee usually will be separated.
An employee receiving FECA will stay on that benefit for as long as they qualify.FECA
Benefits:Partially disabled employees are compensated at 66 2/3% without dependants
and 75% with dependants. The pay rate used is based on the date of injury and includes night differential, Sunday differential,
holiday pay, it doesn't include overtime. Employees receiving compensation are entitled to COLA increases each March.
The only deductions from compensation are health benefits. Compensation payments are not subject to federal income tax. Other
benefit under FECA include medical care to include transportation expenses, extra compensation during vocational rehabilitation
and an attendant where required. Employees can also collect unemployment benefits while receiving FECA payments. FECA benefits
are the same for permanent total disability as those provided for temporary total disability. There is no such thing as OWCP/FECA
retirement. AN employee receiving an FECA payment continues to receive said payment until the condition no longer exists and
or the employee has been returned to government service. However once the employee returns to federal employment all time
outside is then creditable for a normal retirement.
light Duty offers
The agency can make the offer verbally but must be followed-up
in writing
The Light duty offer must include: job
description, physical demands of position, organizational and geographical
location date available, date responses
H1N1 while on the job
If you are found to have contracted H1N1 while
on the job, file a CA-2. If you are refused a claim form, go to the DOL website
( Attached) and get the form. Fill it out and submit it to DOL with a note stating that your agency refused to provide
To prove MRSA is a work related injury, these steps must be followed.
1- the member has to get his physician to test what strain of MRSA
2- The agency (Institution) must also test the inmate.
3- The Local union will provide the roster for the member for his
duty station and if the inmate was in the same unit the connection is made to prove that the member contracted MRSA
at work.
4- Then they file CA-2. We have been successful in getting two cases approved by OWCP following this
steps. The hardest part is to get the institutions to test the inmate.
Form Title
Use For
Employee Filing Time
Agency Time REQUIREMENTS
Personal/Physical Injury
Any physical injury to include, one time incident of injury, stress,
strain or repetitive physical injury.
Within 72 hours of injury, no later than 30 days from date of injury
for COP. Can be filed as late as three years from date of injury.
Agency has ten workdays from date of injury or from date of notification
from employee to forward claim to DOL. Agency should forward to DOL immediately, they should not
wait for medical documentation.
Occupational Injury
Any occupational disease or injury of
a repetitive nature.
Within 72 hours of injury. Can be filed as late
as three years from date of injury or date of diagnosis. In addition, can be filed up to three years from
the date employee reasonably should have known of injury.
Agency has ten workdays from date of injury or from date of notification
from employee to forward claim to DOL. Agency should forward to DOL immediately, they should not
wait for medical documentation.
Compensation for Wage Loss
Compensation for wage loss in the event of time loss for an occupational
injury or illness, or upon cessation of COP.
Employee should obtain form from their supervisor on the 30th
day of COP, or immediately in the event of an occupational injury wage loss. Employee should obtain information
from their treating physician and to their supervisor as soon as possible. * Employee must disclose all family income within the household. ** If employee fails to file these timely,
there will be a pay break.
Agency must file CA-7 within ten working days of receipt.
is responsible for providing CA-7 to employee on 30th day of COP. **Employee should not wait
for supervisor to provide form.
Medical Authorization
A guarantee that the agency will pay for a maximum of 60 days of
medical care (diagnostic and treatment).
The employee should secure form within 4 days of injury.
**The agency has no obligation to authorize the CA-16 after four days have elapsed, the employee must then appeal
to the DOL claims examiner.
The agency must provide form to employee within 4 days of the injury,
or from report of injury. An authorized official of the agency must sign form. **
If the employee fails to secure form within 4 days, the agency has no obligation to authorize the CA-16 and the employee must
appeal to the DOL claims examiner.
Return to Work Limitations
A form for use by treating physicians to outline limitations or modifications
to job duties of injured employee.
The employee should obtain form at time of injury. Employee
is responsible for completion by treating physician and submitting to the supervisor.
The agency must provide form to employee and to secure modified or
limited duties as outlined by treating physician.
CA-20 (is attached to Form CA-16)
Medical Report
A form for use by treating physicians to outline temporary or
permanent medical limitations.
The employee should obtain form at time of injury. Employee
is responsible for completion by treating physician and submitting to the supervisor.
The agency must provide form to employee and to secure modified or
limited duties as outlined by treating physician.
Q: Can someone who is on Light
duty work Overtime that results in members to lose on Overtime.
A: After researching the questions,
there is nothing in the Federal Compensation Act that I could find. But the Master Agreement in Article 18, Hours of
Work, Section P # 1, on Page 43 it states, when management determines that it is necessary to pay overtime for positions/assignments
normally filled by bargaining unit employees, qualified employees in the bargaining unit will receive first consideration
for these overtime assignments. The key word is qualified. Anyone on Light duty is not qualified and that is the
reason he or she is on is Light duty. So if you are having this problem, a good way to stop it is by
filling a Grievance on Violation of contract if the agency doesn't stop.
Q: Can someone travel if he is
on OWCP (Due to Job Injury) with limitations, such as no inmate contact or no Heavy lifting etc.....
A: Yes if you are on OWCP Meaning
you are filing CA 7 every two weeks and getting paid by (DOL) Dept. of Labor. You can go anywhere as long you are not
going on a trip where you are receiving.
Example: If you go and conduct
a speech/ or contract work and get paid for it then you must report it to OWCP. It is better that you don't because it
will disturb your payment from DOL.
Q: Can someone who is on Light
duty work Overtime that results in members to lose on Overtime.
A: After researching the questions,
there is nothing in the Federal Compensation Act that I could find. But the Master Agreement in Article 18, Hours of
Work, Section P # 1, on Page 43 it states, when management determines that it is necessary to pay overtime for positions/assignments
normally filled by bargaining unit employees, qualified employees in the bargaining unit will receive first consideration
for these overtime assignments. The key word is qualified. Anyone on Light duty is not qualified and that is the
reason he or she is on is Light duty. So if you are having this problem, a good way to stop it is by
filling a Grievance on Violation of contract if the agency doesn't stop.
Q: Can someone travel if he is
on OWCP (Due to Job Injury) with limitations, such as no inmate contact or no Heavy lifting etc.....
A: Yes if you are on OWCP Meaning
you are filing CA 7 every two weeks and getting paid by (DOL) Dept. of Labor. You can go anywhere as long you are not
going on a trip where you are receiving.
Example: If you go and conduct
a speech/ or contract work and get paid for it then you must report it to OWCP. It is better that you don't because it
will disturb your payment from DOL.
Last week while handling a case in The Western Region the Safety Mgr refuse to provide the employee with a
copy of his/ Her OWCP files. If this happen to you please call me or use the bellow laws that authorize the employee
to have access to his/ her files.
[Code of Federal Regulations][Title 5, Volume 1][Revised as of January 1, 2009][CITE: 5 CFR 339.305][Page TITLE 5--ADMINISTRATIVE
339.305 Records and reports. (a) Agencies will receive and maintain all medical documentation
and records of examinations obtained under this part in accordance with instructions provided by OPM, under provisions
of 5 CFR part 293, subpart E. (b) The report of an examination conducted under this subpart must
be made available to the applicant or employee under the provisions of part 297 of this chapter.
3-0900-3 Release of Medical Information
3. Release of Medical Information. While Federal regulations require the Office to maintain the confidentiality of records
under its jurisdiction, they also provide that the claimant may have access to records pertaining to him or her as long as
the information released will not be harmful. In most instances the regulations prohibit release of information to others
unless the claimant has given written permission to release the records.
a. Release by OWCP. With written consent from the employee, the CE may release medical records to the representative,
a private insurance company, a welfare agency, etc. If the CE believes that
information contained in the records may be embarrassing or damaging to the claimant, the case will be referred to the DMA
for review to determine whether release is advisable. Extreme caution should always be exercised when considering release
to any party of medical information containing diagnoses or impressions of sexual deviation, drug
addiction, alcoholism, psychotic conditions, or conditions resulting from self-abuse. The DMA may suggest release to
the employee's treating physician for interpretation.
(1) Claimant
or Representative. The DMA may be asked to render an opinion whether release of medical records would have an adverse effect upon the claimant. If so, the information will normally be released only to the employee's
physician for interpretation.
(2) Claimant's Physician. Whe n the claimant's attending physician wishes to study x-rays, electrocardiograms, slides, etc., made by another physician,
clinic, or hospital, it is proper to authorize such review. These materials may be sent to the requesting physician by certified
mail with the understanding that measures will be taken to avoid loss in transit and to return the materials promptly.
(3) Medical Departments of Other Federal Establishments. It is customary to furnish copies of medical reports of authorized
examinations in connection with an injury to medical departments of other Federal establishments upon request.
(4) Office of Personnel
Management (OPM). Medical information, usually in the form of copies of pertinent medical records, may be furnished
the Office of Personnel Management upon request.
(5) Social Security Administration. Medical information, usually in
the form of copies of pertinent medical reports, may be furnished the Social Security Administration upon request.
(6) Attorneys in Third Party Cases. All requests for medical information
on third party cases shall be referred to the CE designated to handle such cases.
(7) Insurance Companies. Information may be released to an insurance company when the request is accompanied by a signed
release from the employee.
Reports containing confidential information gathered by such agencies as the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General remain the property of those agencies. Neither the reports nor communications
concerning them may be disclosed outside OWCP without prior approval. Requests for access or disclosure of such reports or
communications should be referred to the agency which generated the report.
Similarly, OWCP should not release reports labeled confidential by their authors. The requestor should be advised to
contact the originator of such a report concerning its release.
b. Release of Medical Information by Others. The CE and DMA may be consulted by employing agencies, medical providers
and others concerning the propriety of release of information pertaining to FECA claims. The following guidelines pertain
to release of such information by parties other than OWCP:
(1) Medical Providers. Physicians providing medical services on OWCP authorization may release medical information to
the claimant and his or her representative without OWCP approval, but they may not release such material to other parties,
and they are not permitted to use such information for teaching purposes or to abstract it for publication without the specific
approval of OWCP. If such release has occurred, the DMA should contact the physician and advise him or her that medical records
pertaining to OWCP beneficiaries are privileged and confidential and may not be released to others without the specific approval
of OWCP.
(2) Employing Agencies. The regulations state that all recor ds, statements, and reports made in connection with a claim
for compensation are the official records of OWCP and are not records of the agency, establishment, or department making or
having the care or use of such records. Information needed for the official purposes of any department, agency, or other establishment
of the Government may be disclosed if the employing agency certifies that such information will be used exclusively for official
(3) Federal Facilities. Federal hospitals and clinics may release medical information relating to OWCP beneficiaries
from their records to medical officers of other Federal establishments without OWCP approval when requested for assistance
in job placement or follow-up medical services. They may also release clinical information without OWCP approval to physicians
for their assistance in caring for the patient. In general, Federal medical facilities may release medical information consistent
with their responsibilities to safeguard the privacy of employees and protect sensitive information.
Any correspondence concerning medical care and related subjects will be prepared for the signature of the DMA where the
district office has a full-time DMA. If the office has only a WAE (when actually employed) physician, correspondence will
be prepared for the signature of that physician. The WAE physician will sign the correspondence or may designate the MMA to
sign it using the physician's name.
Most cases that were denied by OWCP could be accepted again, The only
time it is extremely hard to get the decision overturned if the member miss the time line.
No Representative: Employees attempt to navigate
the OWCP process without benefit of a representative/ Coordinator who has experience and can advocate on their behalf.
We recommend all injured federal workers if you having problems seek a representative to assist them in the process.
Employee Uses Leave for an Occupational Illness or Injury:
A common problem is employee's who use their sick leave or annual leave instead of demanding Continuation of Pay (COP) and
wage loss compensation. Employees with an occupational injury (CA-1) are always entitled to COP and wage loss compensation
after COP ends. Employees with an occupational illness (CA-2) are not entitled to COP, but are entitled to wage
loss compensation.
Trusting Your Agency to File Appropriate Forms: You must
not assume your supervisor or agency representative understands the process, or rely on them to file the appropriate forms
in a timely manner. It is your responsibility to ensure the appropriate OWCP forms are filed timely. Although your supervisor is supposed to
provide you the appropriate forms, there is no penalty for failure on the agency's part to do so, and you may lose benefits
if the forms are not timely.
ALWAYS have the safety Manager sign the CA-1 or CA-2 and
have him date it and get a signed copy that he received it.
Failing to Timely Respond to Department
of Labor Requests: Many injured employees fail to respond to DOL requests for information and documentation.
Employees who do not respond in a timely manner risk temporary cessation of worker's compensation payments (medical and wage
loss) as well as potential denial of their claim. It is vitally important to respond as quickly as possible to a DOL
Failure to Communicate with OWCP Representative: Employees
who do not keep in constant communication with their chosen claim examiner / representative may inadvertently miss
a timeframe, submit the wrong documentation or otherwise jeopardize their claim. It is extremely important to keep in
constant touch with your representative and advise them of all correspondence you receive from DOL or the Agency and
any events that occur (i.e. changes or modifications in your job duties).
Dear Local President,
The CPL initiated a new icon on the CPL web site called ( Did you know) . All OWCP
information that I am sending will be posted there for your convenience.
OPM Disability Retirement is a benefit granted to BOP Employees who meet the criteria of "Disability".
By "Disability", however, it does not mean that you must be completely physically incapacitated; rather, it means that you
are no longer able to provide effective service in the essential elements
of your job. As such, you do not need to be "totally disabled" in order to be eligible for Federal disability Retirement
under FERS or CSRS.
The OPM carefully reviews all applications for Federal Disability Retirement. It is a benefit
which should be looked at as an entitlement. Consequently, any OPM Federal Employee intending to file for Disability Retirement
should be very knowledgeable of the process or seek the advice and counsel of an experienced attorney, As the agency
will place many obstacles your way especially of they don't like you.
The majority of the OWCP cases that get denied due to the physicians
not writting the requirement on his note. The attached explanation should clarify some of the Confucians.
Evidence Needed for Your Claim
Traumatic injury. Form CA-1
should describe clearly how the injury occurred using a supplemental statement, if necessary. A medical report that includes
a history of how the injury occurred, findings, diagnosis, and an explanation of how your condition is related to the injury
must be submitted with the claim.
Occupational disease or illness. Occupational
diseases or illnesses are usually much more complex than traumatic injuries
and require more extensive evidence. A narrative statement should be submitted by the injured worker along with a comprehensive
narrative medical report. This is particularly important for emotional conditions. Your statement should describe specific
work factors that you believe caused your medical condition. Specific details must be provided and the use of general terms should be avoided. For
example, if you do a lot of lifting, describe the types of material lifted, weights, how often lifting is required, and the
type of lifting. For emotional conditions, you must describe specific events, dates, those involved, and how the event(s)
caused your condition. Vague and general statements are not acceptable.
Medical reports for occupational disease or illness
claims must include a history, findings, a diagnosis, and an explanation of how specific work factors are related to the condition.
For emotional conditions, the medical report should be from a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist (note: an MFCC is not
considered a licensed psychologist under FECA). The report should be in narrative form and include a history, findings, a
diagnosis, and explain how your condition is related to specific factors of your employment. It is insufficient for the treating
physician to merely state that your condition is work related. The physician should provide a rationalized opinion on how
your condition is related to specific factors of employment.
How Claims are Processed
Your employing agency forwards claims to OWCP within 10 working
days. Claims are received in OWCP, and claims data is entered into a computer. Claims are then routed to the Claims Sections
for processing. Claims for traumatic injury are processed within 45 days, and claims for occupational disease or illness are
processed within 180 days. Claims for occupational orthopedic injury are usually processed within 90 days. In order to process
claims in a timely manner, it is important for injured workers to submit a detailed statement on how the injury occurred and
a complet e medical report (see Evidence Needed for your Claim above).
Medical Care
If your claim is accepted, FECA provides a broad range of medical
benefits and services needed to treat the accepted injury.
Initial choice of physicians. You have the right to choose your
physician. If that physician refers you to a specialist, OWCP will honor that referral, as long as it is for the work-related
condition. If you wish to change physicians, you must request approval from OWCP. Send a letter to OWCP stating your reasons
for wanting this change, along with the name, address, and specialty of the physician to whom you wish to change. OWCP will
not pay bills from physicians whom we have not approved, other than your first choice of physicians.
care. The FECA recognizes chiropractors as physicians only to the extent that their reimbursable services are limited to treatment
consisting of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation as demonstrated by X-ray to exist, and the X-ray must
be taken within a reasonable time after the injury.
Physical therapy.
If your injury requires physical therapy, the request for authorization may be faxed to (800)215-4901. The physician's office can also call (866)335-8319. These numbers are toll free.
Surgery. OWCP must approve in advance any surgery other than=2
0emergency surgery (that is, a procedure which must be performed right away to preserve life or the function of an organ or
body part).
Continuation of Pay (COP)
If you suffered a traumatic injury, you are probably entitled
to receive continuation of your regular pay (COP) for up to 45 calendar days. Your employing agency pays COP, and all usual
deductions from your salary will be made. Form CA-1 must be filed within 30 days of the injury in order to be entitled to
COP. If you suffered an occupational disease or illness, you are not entitled to receive COP. COP is for traumatic injury
Medical reports should include:
How the injury is related to your employment
The full diagnosis
The course of treatment
Any anticipated permanent disability
What percentage of permanent disability the doctor expects
Contacting Your Federal Employees' Compensation District Office
OWCP has a toll-free automated system that provides information regarding
specific claims. By calling 866-OWCP-IVR (866-692-7487), injured workers and their representatives
may access information regarding case status and compensation payments. Injured workers should have their 9-digit20case file
or claim number and social security number when calling.
The DFEC suggests that you first contact a district
office to re solve issues related to case status and compensation payment, and ACS to resolve issues related to medical authorizations
and bill payments. Problems may also be addressed to the District Directors for the Federal Employees' Compensation Program,
and the Regional Directors for the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. A list of these offices and their geographical
jurisdictions is found below. The program is headed by the Director for Federal Employees' Compensation..
District Office 1--Boston
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
Vermont) Alonzo Rodriquez, District Director 617-624-6600 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP JFK Federal Building,
Room E-260 Boston, MA 02203 617-624-6600 617-624-6618(Fax)
District Office 2--New York
(New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) Zev
Sapir, District Direc tor 646-264-3046 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 201 Varick Street, Room 740 New York, NY 10014
DFEC: 646-264-3000 World Trade Center cases: 646-264-3030 DFEC Fax: 646-264-3006 Longshore: 646-264-3010 Longshore
Fax: 646-264-3002
District Office 3--Philadelphia
(Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia; Maryland when the claimant's
residence has a zip code beginning 21***) John Mckenna, District Director 215-861-5481 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP
Curtis Center, Suite 715 East 170 S. Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19106-3308 215-861-5481 or 5482215-861-5453(Fax)
District Office 6--Jacksonville
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, No. Carolina, So.
Carolina, and Tennessee) Magdalena Fernandez, District Director (904) 357-4777 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 400
West Bay Street, Room 826 Jacksonville, FL 32202 904-357-4777 or 4778 904-357-4773 (Fax)
District Office 9--Cleveland
(Indiana, Michigan, Ohio; All special claims and all20areas outside
the U.S., its possessions, territories and trust territories) Robert Sullivan, District Director 216-357-5390 U.
S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 1240 East Ninth Street, Room 851 Cleveland, OH 44199 216-357-5100 216-357-5378 (Fax)
District Office 10--Chicago
(Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Joan Rosel, District Director
312-596-7157 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 230 South Dearborn Street, Eighth Floor Chicago, IL 60604 312-596-7157
312-596-7145 (Fax)
District Office 11--Kansas City
(Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska; all employees of the Department
of Labor, except Job Corps enrollees, and their relatives) Lois Maxwell, District Director 816-502-0301 U. S.=2
0Dept. of Labor, OWCP Two Pershing Square Building 2300 Main Street, Suite 1090 Kansas City, MO 64108-2416 816-502-0301
816-502-0314 (General Fax)
District Office 12--Denver
(Colorado, Montana, No. Dakota, So. Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) Shirley
Bridge , District Director 720-264-3000 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 1999 Broadway, Suite 600 Denver, CO 80202 720-264-3000
720-264-3124 (Fax)
District Office 13--San Francisco
(Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada) Andy Tharp, District
Director 415-625-7500 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 90 Seventh St., Suite 15300 San Francisco, CA 94103 or write
to: P.O. Box 193769 San Francisco, CA 94119-3769 415-625-7500 415-625-7450 (Fax)
District Office 14--Seattle
(Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) Marcus Tapia, District
Director 206-398-8100 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 1111 Third Avenue, Suite Seattle, WA 98101-3212 206-398-8100
206-398-8151 (Fax)
District Office 16--Dallas
(Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) Frances
Memmolo, District Director 972-850-2300 U. S. Dept. of Labor, OWCP 525 South Griffin Street, Room 100 Dallas,
TX 75202 972-850-2300 972-850-2301 (Fax)
District Office 25--Washington, D. C.
(District of Columbia, Virginia; Maryland when the claimant's
residence has a zip code beginning other than 21***) Linda DeCarlo, District Director 202-513-6800 U. S. Dept.
of Labor, OWCP 800 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Room 800 Washington, D.C. 20211 202-513-6800 (D.C., Maryland and Virginia)
202-513-6806 (Fax)
Enter supporting content here


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CHANEL TWO-TONE WALLET WITH CHAINCategories:Other Brands
Attention please, presenting another Wallet with Chain for the Cruise 2016 Collection.
We have followed Chanel for quite a while, and some bags are one-time only and will never come back again in the future Collection. These two-tone Wallet with Chains are one of them.
READ: Chanel Two-tone Wallet on Chain
If you've fallen in love with this bag, we fully understand. It's perfect for the evenings – this is the final piece to match your favorite dress. The Wallet on Chain has a vintage appeal, especially in the unique mix of color – grey and burgundy.
The chain can be removed so that the bag can be changed into a clutch bag. The interior comes with a small red pouch, which is really cute. You will also love the back pocket to store your instant-essentials. Measuring 4.7' x 7.5' x 1.2' inches, style code A81025, priced at €1670 euro.
The flap wallet is measured 4.1' x 7.7' x 1.2' inches, style code: A81024, priced at €880 euro.
comnum(0) tbcount(0) tbcount(350)
Rihanna Wears Chanel Two-Tone Pumps
Rihanna was spotted wearing Chanel Diamond Knot Pumps from the Cruise 2014 Collection. They are named 'Diamond Knot' because it's the way the heels are designed. They are drop-dead gorgeous, in particular in beige and black pointed toes; elegant and cool.
The style code is: G29736, you can find them in four different colors at your Chanel boutique, including white with black toes. Prices depend on the materials you love, combo cotton fabric is priced at €530 and the price in calfskin is €570.


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Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) August 16, 2012
Survalent Technology, the most trusted provider of smart grid solutions for the control room, announced today that it has commissioned a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for Texas State Technical College.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is the only state-funded technical college system in Texas. TSTC has more than 12,000 students on all campuses with 5,000 students at the main campus in Waco, Texas. TSTC's SCADA system will be used for the Smart Grid Technologies discipline and SCADA Communications sub-discipline in the Telecommunications Group, which consists of 700 – 800 students. There are IEDs from other manufacturers, SEL and S&C, as well as Survalent's SCOUT RTU, connected to the SCADA system.
The new system features Survalent's highly available, open-architecture system based on Windows Server. It includes several of Survalent's open system applications, including: Worldview, SCADA Explorer, IED Wizard and Control Panel.
"We welcome Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas to the growing family of Survalent users," states Mike Roth, Vice President of Sales for the Central United States. "The Survalent SCADA system will be an important tool used by TSTC in the education of the future technical users of Smart Grid Technologies in the electric utilities for the State of Texas".
About Survalent Technology
Survalent Technology is the leading provider of real-time smart grid management systems for enabling visualization, optimization and improved operations for utilities. For over five decades, we have helped more than 400 utilities use operational data to increase reliability, efficiency and customer service. With our proven and reliable SCADA, Outage Management System (OMS), Distribution Management (DMS), Demand Response (DR), Distribution Automation (DA), Substation Automation (SA) sand SurvCentral Mobile Applications, utilities transform data into actionable intelligence. We partner with utilities across the globe to create mission critical solutions that will achieve the promise of the Smart Grid. Learn more at http://www.survalent.com.
Dalana Morse
Marketing Administrator
dmorse (at) survalent (dot) com


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Category Archives: Press release
Why You Need to Worry about Subbies
Emma Bentton was interviewed by EzyAccess.net about the potential risks of subcontractors with no WHS training.
The original article can be found here
In this post we want to explore the ramifications of having a sub-contractor who hasn't undergone any WHS training working on your premises. To this end, we spoke to Emma Bentton, a Work Health and Safety expert and Director of Systems on a Shoestring, a company that launched a series of WHS mobile apps for small businesses.
When a Subbie has No Induction
Sub-contracting is a pretty common occurrence, particularly in the construction industry. But the danger occurs when a sub-contractor arrives at a site to complete a job, and hasn't been given any formal induction or WHS training.
Demonstrating due dilligence
Emma Bentton discusses how you can use enforceable undertakings to demonstrate due diligence and learn from them to avoid being prosecuted for an alleged contravention of a state's WHS Act.
One of the responsibilities for anyone with control in your business (referred to by WorkCover as officers) is to demonstrate due diligence. This means officers must demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence in breach of work health and safety (WHS) acts.
One way to meet your responsibilities is by acquiring knowledge, keeping up to date with health and safety issues, and adjusting your work practices in response. A good place to start is by staying abreast of WHS or enforceable undertakings, and using them as a way to proactively manage your WHS and demonstrate due diligence. (more…)
Safety...it's personal
Personalising safe work method statements ensures compliance, increases safety, and can save a company from bankruptcy
When it comes to high-risk construction work, a safe work method statement (SWMS) is essential. An SWMS needs to list the types of dangerous work being done, list the health and safety hazards and risks arising from that work, describe how the risks will be controlled, and explain how suitable measures will be put in place.
While one SWMS can be prepared to cover a variety of tasks, a generic SWMS will rarely take into account the changing nature of the work environment. This is especially true on construction sites, particularly domestic construction, where a principal contractor is working with numerous sub-contractors on a job.
Below are a few ways an SWMS can fail on the worksite: (more…)
Systems on a Shoestring featured in the Courier Mail
Posted by online
Posted in News, Press release
System on a Shoestring's Simple Safety Apps are featured in the Courier Mail.
Original article can be found here here
Safety app makes red tape simple
AS THE political battle over Australia's massive red tape burden on small business intensifies, one enterprising specialist has found a silver lining – creating an app that drastically simplifies health and safety compliance.
Systems On A Shoestring's Simple Safety app, available on both iTunes and GooglePlay, has already helped carpenters, hairdressers and cafe owners navigate complex workplace requirements.


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Sick Capital Vice is a nice graffiti face in truetype and opentype formats designed in Southern California by Andrew Hart at Dirt 2 with a unique tag style and upper and lower case. If you like graf fonts, this is a new one worth downloading. Download TTF and OTF.
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[…] This truetype face is from Southern California based Dirt2, who also did the very popular Sick Capital Vice font we posted a while back. Download KatyBerry […]
i cant get what im trying to find >:(
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Budget 2011 in brief
With a target of cutting the government defecate by 3.8 billion does the Irish budget for 2012 deliver. After seeing successive budgets take €600 per month from the average household and 20 billion from the economy, the question is can the Irish people afford any more taxes and cuts. While the budget cuts are keeping the IMF and ECB happy what effect is it having on Irish society. Cuts and Taxes alone will not get Ireland back on track to recovery. Taxing yourself out of recession is like fighting for peace. Will budget 2012 deliver on job creation or is it just more slash and burn. Below is a brief summary of budget 2012 and how it will effect you.
Budget 2012 the cuts
- €3.8bn fiscal adjustment needed in 2012 budget
- €2.2bn of adjustment from spending
- €1.4bn in day-to-day spending cuts in budget
- €20m earmarked for new Labour Market Activation Fund
- Public service staff down by 6,000
- Public service pay bill to fall by €400m in 2012
Budget 2012 Social Welfare
- Weekly social-welfare payments unchanged
- Changes to the one-parent family payment will save €20.7m
- Child benefit for first and second child unchanged
- Cut of six weeks in the cold-weather allowance
- Jobseekers' benefit to be based on five-day week
- Redundancy and insolvency changes will reduce employer rebate from 60% to 15%
- Back-to-School Clothing Allowance abolished for two/three-year-olds
- Payments for new claimants of Disability Allowance cut to €100 a week for people aged 18-21, and to €144 for people aged 22-24.
Budget 2012 Health
- €543m in net savings in the health area
- Extra charges on private treatment in public hospitals
- Drug Payment Scheme monthly threshold up from €120 to €132
- New measures will reduce the price of drugs
- 2% cut in disability, mental health and children's services, saving €50m
- Staff ceiling of 103,800 employees to apply to HSE in 2012
Budget 2012 Education
- €132.3m savings in education
- 2% cut in Higher Education funding – €7m saving
- Increase of €250 in third-level student contribution
- Changes to fee and maintenance supports for new post-graduate students
- Education expenditure will comprise 17% of all current expenditure next year
- €19.2m in cuts to trainee and apprenticeship schemes
- Primary-school transport charge to be doubled to €100
Budget 2012 Reform
- Savings of €105m in Dept of Agriculture, Marine, Food
- Savings of €45m in Dept of Transport, Tourism, Sport
- Savings of €34m in Environment, Community, Local Govt
- €52.9m cut in Overseas Development Aid
- €79m cut in spending for An Garda Síochána
BUDGET 2012 the Taxes
Income tax: No increase
VAT: Raised by 2% to 23%
Universal Social Charge: Exemption raised to €10,000 – this affects 330,000 people
Carbon Tax:
Increased from €15 per tonne to €20 per tonne
This means:
- 1.4c increase on Petrol
- 1.6c increase on Diesel
- €17.32 increase on Fuel Oil (to rise in May)
- €14.46 increase on Natural Gas (to rise in May)
- No Carbon Tax on solid fuels
25c increase on pack of 20
No change in excise duty
- Legislation planned on low-cost alcohol
Motor Tax
Changes to apply from 1 January
- Band A up €56 to €160
- Band B up €69 to €225
- Band C up €28 to €330
Mortgage Interest Relief
- 30% for first-time buyers between 2004 and 2008
- 25% for first-time buyers in 2012
- 15% for non-first time buyers
€100 Household Charge
Waived for those on mortgage interest supplement and those in unfinished housing estates
Stamp Duty
- No change to stamp duty on residential property
- Commercial property rate lowered from 6% to 2%
- Lower commercial stamp duty rate will also apply to farmland
- 50% stock relief on registered farm partnerships
- 100% rate for certain young trained farmers
- Incentives for timely transfer of farms before the current owners reach the age of 66
Capital Gains Tax incentive
Applies to property bought by end 2013 and kept for 7 years
Capital Acquisitions Tax
Up from 25% to 30%
Capital Gains Tax
Up from 25% to 30%
Up from 27% to 30%
Corporate Tax Rate
To remain at 12.5%
Corporate tax
Exemption for start-ups extended 3 years
Research & Development
- €100,000 of expenditure can be used as tax credit
- Companies can use R&D credits to reward key employees
GDP: 1.3% growth forecast in 2012
Special Assignee Relief Programme: Initiative to attract key staff
50% Employer PRSI pension relief abolished
Approved Retirement Funds: Tax up 1% to 6% on transfer of funds
Gambling: Legislation planned on internet betting
Does the budget deliver on election promises? Please comment.


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It takes you way too long to find me
as I sit cross-legged on my hard wood floors
anticipating your entrance.
So please tell me a lie
about all the women that haunt you
when I'm not around you.
Tell me how your first love
is not me.
I am listening with my eyes closed.
I want to feel the lies as they
stab my heart
and soul.
Tell me how all the other women
are meaningless
tell me how you are not married
and have no children
I will believe all the tales
as they rise as high
as the skyscrapers.
The only way to live this
is through more lies.
I am waiting.


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Sharpessay.com review
Sharpessay.com review and discounts
Unusual design and nice navigation make Sharpessay.com a very attractive service offering writing help. It is easy to find main types of assignment which can be delivered by this team of writers. Though, there is no particularly useful information about these types of work given on the website.
Price policy
The price policy on this website is slightly aggressive. For instance, a College paper will cost $26 per page if the paper is to be delivered in two days.
Order details
The company doesn't provide any discounts for regular or new customers. Besides, the customer will not find any information concerning possible free revisions. No additional services such as free cover page or free plagiarism report are offered here.
Quality of writing and support
The website can't boast of a high quality of writing. The paper is of an average quality and contains inaccuracy and minor errors. Thus, there exists a risk to ask for revision, which is not guaranteed at all. One can get help form a support agent by using live chat or telephone.
The website can hardly be recommended since neither price policy nor quality of writing are estimated as satisfactory.


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Having a computer crash or losing files or mobile devices is incredibly stressful. Not only is it inconvenient, but our lives are becoming more and more digital and there is a lot more at stake than just the computer itself. I myself have plenty of things that I want to hang on to and I'm sure you do too. Here are some software tools you should take a look at to help you recover, backup, save, or store your documents.
If you have lost a file there is still a chance you can recover it. With Orion File and Photo Recovery Software you can scan your Windows PC or external drives for any deleted files that haven't been overwritten. You may be able to locate and recover the file, which is helpful for when something is accidentally deleted. However data recovery software shouldn't be your only line of defense in preventing file loss.
FileFort Backup Software provides a simple and easy to use interface for backing up your important files or folders to a variety of different destinations. You can decide where the best place to store your data is, whether it is an external hard drive, network folder, or a remote drive accessed via ftp. You can also store on physical media, including a USB stick or burning to a CD. FileFort is ideal for regularly backing up a smaller set of files. For backing up more extensive file systems on disc or via FTP you can also take a look at Express Burn or Fling FTP File Synchronization Software.
MEO Encryption Software is another important tool to have on hand if you have any files containing sensitive information. By encrypting your files you can make sure important information is kept away from prying eyes. Encryption is most useful when sharing information with others, but make sure you have safeguards in place on private information, such as a solid fire wall system and anti-virus protection.
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As suggested in the previous post, do we really get better at spotting fakes? With mainstream mass media slowly but surely losing its monopoly on information distribution (and subsequent opinion forming), the availability of quality independent news sources and more generally the unprecedented accessibility of information to any person on Earth (with an internet connection…), maybe we are becoming less gullible and more inclined to research and think for ourselves. As stated in the Welcome post, keeping an open mind is one of the leading ideas behind this blog. Even if that leads to the fringes of the internet.
When the Apollo 11 crew landed on the moon I was alive but too young to remember anything about it. I am sure though we watched the incredible images of Armstrong and Aldrin walking on the moon and to this day I am still fascinated with space-travel and the possibilities it may offer. Watching the footage again proved to be an interesting experience.
Strangely, the feat seemed even more impressive, almost to the point that suspension of disbelief was required, considering the technology used back then and the fact that man never went higher than about 300 miles after 1972 (the International Space Station is between 205 and 270 miles).
Let's not get into the whole conspiracy thing or the technical minutiae of the matter, let's look at the human factor. If you watch videos of the moon walks the astronauts give the distinct impression of being rather relaxed, sometimes joking or goofing around, jumping, stumbling and in later missions practically joyriding the buggy. Think about this for a moment.
You are in a hostile environment where only your suit protects you from extreme heat, cold, radiation and of course the vacuum of space. Or summarized, certain death. Any damage to your suit can be fatal. Will you fool around and have a good time? Sure, the astronauts were very courageous guys, they had the right stuff, but still.
With that in mind, view the Apollo 11 press conference. A successful heroic mission into uncharted territory, perhaps the most astounding human achievement in the history of mankind, possibly resembling a religious experience when looking upon the fragile blue planet, alone in the vast black void of space. And now, fortunately, safe and back on Earth!
You expect boundless enthusiasm, pride and joy. Instead Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins appear very nervous and tense, almost fearful, tightly on script and not happy at all. To the present day observer, the behavior shown in both instances (moonwalk and press conference) does not seem to match the occasion, in fact, amazingly, when switched it makes more sense. Remarkable, and one can (at least somewhat) understand how this feeds into all kinds of (conspiracy) theories.


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Ioannides, M., Arnold, David, Niccolucci, F. and Mania, K. (2006) Proceedings of CIPA/VAST/EG/EuroMed 2006: 37th CIPA international workshop dedicated on e-documentation and standardisation in cultural heritage [Edited Collections]Full text not available from this repository.
Official URL: http://www.eg.org/EG/DL/WS/VAST/VAST06
We present here 32 full papers, selected from 66 submissions which focus on interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research concerning both cutting edge Cultural Heritage Informatics and use of technology for the representation, documentation, archiving and communication of CH knowledge.
|Item Type:
|Edited Collections
|Uncontrolled Keywords:
|Virtual reality; archaeology; cultural history; interactive applications
|G000 Computing and Mathematical Sciences > G500 Information Systems
|Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics > ICT and Cultural Heritage
|Depositing User:
|Helen Webb
|Date Deposited:
|27 Nov 2007
|Last Modified:
|12 Mar 2015 12:44
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love this show,mostly because is around the same period when i grew up,was a little bit older then the oldest from the 3 kids so it is reconisable
This show is actually quite enjoyable.
brilliant show, really funny and keeps you laughing every episode.
Amazing show. I can tell I should of been a 80's kid.
love this show, for some bizarre reason I find it entertaining and very funny. great show :)


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The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) will be holding its annual agribusiness expo August 12 and 13 at Kabarak University grounds in Nakuru, Kenya. The theme for this year's expo is 'promoting agricultural trade in the region through innovations'. The Hub is helping sponsor the event and will be on hand to help facilitate buyer-seller linkages that promote intra-regional trade.
Interested in meeting every player along the agricultural value chain, and viewing some of the latest farm machinery and agro processing equipment? Come to Nakuru. Small to large-scale farmers, traders, and service providers, such as bankers, warehouse operators, inspectors, certifiers, and input suppliers will all be present, as will the general public and government agencies, research institutions and international organizations operating in the eastern Africa region.


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Things That Happen At MD-REIA
This video is a little compilation of a few students in the BREIA / MD-REIA Mentoring Program at the end of the year closing some more deals and getting checks! This is from our Advanced Student Panel meeting where some of our advanced students provide a Q & A for our members and attendees wanting to get into real estate investing. Whether you are in Miami Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County, we can teach you how to flip properties and do rehabs. We specialize in finding distressed properties with motivated sellers. We are the ONLY mentoring program in the United States that puts up 100% of all the money for every student deal. Our students do not have to invest any of their own money in each property, they just get 50% of the profits with no risk!!
The BREIA Mentor Program has now expanded to Miami Dade. Here is Antonio Lopez, a senior student in the mentor program. The first two deals that Antonio did in our program generated over $90,000 in profits. His second deal generated over $58,000 because we were able to sell the property at FULL RETAIL PRICE! We sold the property in less than 30 days!!"This program changed my life" -Antonio Lopez
All Members have access to Benefits Program through the NREIA!
Corporate Memberships
Corporate memberships maximize your company's advertising dollar!
Corporate Memberships
Corporate memberships maximize your company's advertising dollar!
National REIA Benefits
The National Real Estate Investors Association is a Non-Profit trade association that has been serving the Real Estate Investing Industry for over 20 years. MD-REIA is proud to be a part of the National Real Estate Investors Association and is happy to pass on the many benefits to our members! Those benefits include special discount and rebate programs with some of the largest retailers in America, like the 2% CASH BACK rebate with HOME DEPOT. MD-REIA is the ONLY Chapter in Dade County!
BREIA is the ONLY Chapter in Broward & Dade Counties!


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A magnetic board for work-in-progress prints.
Someone suggested it was a good idea to have a prominent place to view prints which aren't quite 'there' yet. So I took the door from an old Compaq tape robot (about 4 feet by 2 feet) stripped the paint off it and hung it on the wall. Magnets hold the prints. The print in the top left looks strange because I didn't fix it…an experiment in how it will degrade over time.


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Sri Lanka above India, Pakistan in global healthcare index
May 19, 2017 04:51 pm
A recent report has placed Sri Lanka above India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries in terms of healthcare.
Sri Lanka has scored 72.8 points in the Healthcare Access and Quality index published in The Lancet report whereas India has just 44.8 points.
"Highly standardised cause of death and risk factor estimates generated through the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) to improve and expand the quantification of personal health-care access and quality for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2015" had been analysed to conclude the research.
In particular, mortality rates from 32 diseases which should not be fatal in presence of effective medical care had been looked at.
In South Asia, Sri Lanka has an impressive score of 72.8 points. Bhutan and Bangladesh have 52.7 and 51.7 respectively. Pakistan is below India with 43.1 points.
The data, in the report, takes a look at 195 countries, between the years 1990-2015, and assesses the measuring mortality rates from 32 diseases which should not be fatal in presence of effective medical care.
The results have revealed that India, in spite of socio-economic growth in the given time-period, has not managed to achieve its goals in health care department.
As per the report, Sri Lanka's health care index has seen a significant increase in last 25 years, going up from 56.9 in 1990 to 72.8 in 2015.


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The third Thursday of every month
If you enjoy trying new restaurants, cooking something exotic or watching The Great British Bake Off, join other foodies to chat about places you've dined and favorite cuisines. Sponsored by Arlington's Office of Senior Adult Programs, this discussion group will inspire new ideas for good eating.
Questions? Call 703-228-4878
- Date:
- Thursday, August 16, 2018 Show more dates
- Time:
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm
- Location:
- Wilson Room
- Location:
- Central Library
- Audience:
- Events for Adults 18+ Only Good for Adults Age 55+
- Categories:
- Health and Fitness
- Calendar:
- Central
About Our Events
Library events may be photographed or videotaped by staff for archival or promotional purposes.
Please email or call 703-228-5993 one week in advance.


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L'Wren Scott's brother Randy Bambrough has defended Sir Mick Jagger's new romance and doesn't think his love for her sister should be questioned.
L'Wren Scott's brother has defended Sir Mick Jagger's new romance.
The 70-year-old rocker was criticised last week when pictures emerged of him canoodling with 27-year-old ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick just months after his girlfriend's suicide, but Randy Bambrough - L'Wren's sibling - insists there is no bad blood over Mick's decision to move on with his life.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''I continue to have a very warm relationship with Mick and have never questioned his love for L'Wren and how important she was in his life.''
Randy also dismissed claims his sister's suicide had anything to do with Mick and Melanie, who reportedly met just a few weeks before L'Wren's death in March.
Sources have suggested they only began dating very recently.
Randy said: ''Usually I ignore these stories, but to suggest that my sister committed suicide because of a false accusation that Mick was involved with another woman is completely ridiculous.''
Randy's support of Mick comes after L'Wren's estranged sister Jan Shane blasted the Rolling Stones frontman for moving on so quickly and thinks he ''contributed'' to her untimely suicide.
She said: ''I do believe that he contributed to it more than he realises or will admit...
''My sister deserved so much more than that. It's a terrible thing for Mick to have done. It's sad.
''His life goes on as if nothing happened. He's still out with women, but a huge part of our family is missing.''


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5 Best Reads of The Week
1. 3 Ways to Stand Up and Be Heard When You're on a Competitive Team
"Who doesn't love to work on a high-performing team? It's motivating to work with smart, dedicated colleagues who constantly add value to projects and are quick to execute on their responsibilities, then ask, 'What's next?'
But in some high-performing teams, collaboration gets put aside as competition heats up. Co-workers play verbal ping-pong in meetings, constantly promote their achievements, and put in long hours to try to gain an edge over their colleagues.
So what does it take to speak up and have a voice when you work in a highly competitive team?"


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Wall Street again surrendered to investors' anxiety about the financial sector Monday, sending the Dow Jones industrials down 240 points and back into bear market territory. The flight from equities sent investors into safe-haven bets like Treasury bonds.
Financials that had rallied in recent weeks after logging huge declines, suffered from the same worries about souring debt that caused an abrupt end to their run-up late last week. Wall Street is concerned that a further withering of the housing and credit markets will damage bank balance sheets.
An International Monetary Fund report added to some of the stress in the market. The IMF predicted continuing problems in the credit and housing market that will continue to hurt the financial industry. It said, "at the moment a bottom for the housing market is not visible."
Frederic Dickson, chief market strategist at D.A. Davidson & Co., said investors are still trying to get a longer-term view on the stability of the banking industry, particularly the regional banks.
"Corporate depositors and individual depositors are looking at balances at individual financial institutions. I think that's unsettling some of the banks."
On Friday, federal officials closed branches of the 1st National Bank of Nevada and First Heritage Bank N.A. — owned by Scottsdale, Ariz.-based First National Bank Holding Co., adding to investors' jitters about the ability of some banks to stay afloat.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 239.61, or 2.11 percent, to 11,131.08.
Broader stock indicators also declined. The Nasdaq composite index also fell into bear market territory, shedding 46.31, or 2.00 percent, to 2,264.22. The Standard & Poor's 500 index declined 23.39, or 1.86 percent, to 1,234.37; it has been in bear territory for the past few weeks.
Bond prices jumped as investors again sought the safety of government debt. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, fell to 4.02 percent from 4.10 percent from late Friday.
The dollar was mixed against other major currencies, while gold prices fell.
Monday's pall over the market wasn't solely because of flagging confidence in the financial sector. Investors are also waiting to see whether oil prices' sharp drop of recent weeks has come to an end, or is just pausing. Light, sweet crude rose $2.23 to settle at $123.26 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The troubles that banks are having with bad debt underscore the difficulty that consumers are facing not only in keeping on top of their mortgages but to make their credit card and car payments. That is leading to worries about the broader economy. Investors should get some insight with big economic reports due at the end of this week.
On Thursday, investors will be looking for the first report on gross domestic product for the second quarter. Economists polled by Thomson Financial/IFR expect the Commerce Department to report that gross domestic product rose thanks in part to the government's tax rebate checks.
Then, on Friday, Wall Street will be awaiting the employment report for June. Often such reports are regarded as the most important economic readings of the month because of the insight into the well-being of the consumer. Their health is important because consumers account for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. The latest Labor Department report is expected to show the seventh month of jobs losses and that the unemployment rate ticked higher.
Dave Rovelli, managing director of U.S. equity trading at Canaccord Adams, said investors were selling off financial shares because of their continued concerns about housing.
"They're taking the financials to the woodshed," he said. "Until the housing market stabilizes you're really not going to see the financials stabilize."
Among financials, Citigroup Inc. fell $1.42, or 7.5 percent, to $17.43, while Morgan Stanley declined $1.79, or 4.9 percent, to $34.96.
The other corporate news Monday wasn't enough to support the market. Verizon Communications Inc. said its second-quarter profit rose 12 percent, although revenue came in short of Wall Street's forecasts. The company, one of the 30 that comprise the Dow industrials, made some investors uneasy after customers disconnected their landlines faster than before. Verizon fell 85 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $33.60.
Kraft, the maker of Velveeta, Oreo cookies and Maxwell House coffee, said higher prices helped offset rising commodity costs and listed second-quarter earnings nearly 4 percent. The company rose $1.45, or 4.9 percent, to $30.83 after raising its forecast for the year.
Private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. said Sunday it plans to go public on the New York Stock Exchange through a takeover of its Amsterdam-listed affiliate investment fund KKR Private Equity Investors LP.
Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat company, fell $1.14, or 7 percent, to $15.09 after reporting a 90 percent drop in its fiscal third-quarter profits because of rising cost of grain used to feed chicken.
Amgen Inc. surged $6.56, or 12.2 percent, to $60.48 after the company reported positive trial results for its osteoporosis drug candidate denosumab. Late-stage clinical trial results showed denosumab reduced the incidence of fractured vertebrae in post-menopausal women. It tacked on another 2 percent in after-hours trading after it reported second-quarter profit surpassed projections.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by more than 3 to 1 on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 1.17 billion shares.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 14.23, or 2.00 percent, to 696.11.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 0.14 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.75 percent, Germany's DAX index fell 1.33 percent, and France's CAC-40 declined 1.20 percent.


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For the 94 men studying for the priesthood at Denver's two Roman Catholic seminaries, a long-awaited Vatican document released Tuesday barring the ordination of active homosexuals is a confirmation of sorts.
The two seminaries – which over the past few years have attracted national attention and scores of candidates for their philosophy of staying faithful to church teachings – employ an intense screening process.
It is a process "very much in accord" with the new document, said the Rev. Michael Glenn, rector of St. John Vianney Seminary, which opened in 1999.
"I don't think this document changes in any way the way our seminary is going to function," Glenn said Tuesday. "We have a great respect for the human person. But we are also very careful and discerning of all the aspects that make them who they are."
The document, in the works since 1996, excludes from seminaries men "who are actively homosexual, have deep-seated homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called 'gay culture."'
Men could qualify for admission if they have clearly overcome "transitory" homosexual impulses at least three years before ordination as a deacon, the final step before the priesthood.
Church observers say not all the terms are clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation. Still, there is little disagreement about the intent: to dissuade gays from the priesthood.
The document applies only to seminaries and not to already ordained priests.
In the United States, the directive has reignited a debate over homosexuality's role in the clergy sexual-abuse scandal that erupted in 2002.
Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote in his archdiocesan newspaper column Tuesday that the document reconfirms the distinction Catholics must make between homosexual acts, which are "gravely sinful," and "homosexually oriented persons, who have the same God-given rights and dignity" as heterosexuals.
A priest, however, must possess both "affective maturity" allowing him to relate to others and a "firm Catholic spiritual foundation," Chaput wrote.
Church teachings state that homosexuality is "intrinsically disordered."
"The Church seeks to ordain only those men who can joyfully accept both the theology and personal practice of Catholic teaching on human sexuality," Chaput wrote. "Those who cannot do so should not be burdened with demands they cannot honestly bear. This is simply common sense."
The men who apply to Denver's two affiliated seminaries – St. John Vianney and Redemptoris Mater – face a vetting process that includes repeated interviews, essay questions, an academic-background evaluation and criminal-background check.
A psychologist investigates applicants' sexual histories, asking questions about sexual orientation, dating and experiences of sexual trauma, Glenn said.
Would a candidate be rejected if he admitted to having homosexual feelings or experiences? Glenn said he couldn't say.
The seminary would consider the circumstances, including what homosexual behavior took place and the candidate's age at the time, Glenn said.
"We would want to be very careful and listen to the whole experience around what happened. But certainly, it would be a concern for us," Glenn said.
The seminaries deny admission for many reasons, he said, including emotional immaturity and serious financial problems.
Scrutiny continues during seminarians' seven-year training, with teaching on proper boundaries, chastity and celibacy, and close supervision by a spiritual counselor, Glenn said.
The smaller Redemptoris Mater Seminary, which is affiliated with a Spanish Catholic movement and made up of international candidates who will serve for the Denver archdiocese, screens out applicants who "manifest homosexuality," said Jeanette DeMelo, an archdiocese spokeswoman.
The Denver seminaries will ordain 14 priests this academic year – including three Saturday – the largest ordination class in Denver since the late 1960s, DeMelo said.
The predecessor of St. John Vianney, St. Thomas Theological Seminary, was shuttered in 1995.
Some commentators believe the Vatican instruction will exacerbate an acute priest shortage, alienate gay priests and persuade gay candidates to hide their sexual identity, which the document urges against.
The Rev. Donald Cozzens, a former seminary rector and a professor at John Carroll University in Cleveland, said the document could cause "spiritual suffering" beyond a decline in priestly vocations.
"I'm thinking of gay, celibate committed priests who might be led to think they're second-class priests, seminarians already admitted to priestly studies who might wonder if the church really wants them as priests, and gay and lesbian Catholics in general," he said.
Cozzens said the application of the document will probably be uneven.
Bishop Matthew Clark of Rochester, N.Y., Cozzens noted, has already said he would not deny seminary candidates because of sexual orientation.
Others believe the document is a needed clarification and will increase vocations because straight candidates have been reluctant to enter institutions with strong gay subcultures.
Estimates of the number of gay priests range anywhere from 10 percent to 60 percent.
"It's right to the point and profound," said the Rev. Joseph Fessio, provost of Ave Maria University in Naples, Fla., and a former theology student of Pope Benedict XVI. "The most important thing it makes very clear is that men who have homosexual tendencies can no longer say, 'It's a gift from God; it doesn't matter if you're heterosexual or homosexual, you can be a priest either way,"' Fessio said.
Fessio said he believes vocations will climb if seminaries are faithful to the document, and he singled out Denver's two seminaries as finding success by being obedient to church teachings.
"We have a reputation, a very clear reputation for being an orthodox, faithful seminary," Glenn said. "These are courageous men. This is a time where the priesthood has not always been looked upon kindly by society."
Staff writer Eric Gorski can be reached at 303-820-1698 or email@example.com.


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Birmingham Adventures
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- Summary
Your portal to central England and all of Wales, Birmingham is an adventure destination for those who need to put some distance between the rows of concrete that make up London and become more intimate with some of the most gorgeous, unheralded stretches of coast to be found anywhere. There are also dark sky reserves, skydiving centers, cliff-side hikes, sprawling city parks, and much more. You starting to get the idea that this just may be better than the same old resort holiday the grandparents have been on for the last thirty years? Good. It is.
Within Birmingham's city limits, there are plenty of quality parks if all you need is a moment away from humanity and their structural accomplishments. Sutton Park is a huge park to the north of the city brimming with heathland and lakes, while Cannon Hill Park and Lickey Hills Country Park both are popular for their variety of recreational opportunities. Another attractive open space lies at the edge of Bristol, over an hour's drive south, called Clifton Downs, which overlooks the lovely Avon Gorge. Although not a park, you should also stop in at the Ackers outdoor center in Small Heath if kayaking or rock climbing are your thing.
For the adventurer who'd like to head east, the British coast tells its lengthy history in the striations of its cliffs. Less popular for domestic holidays than the warmer waters to the south, towns like Hunstanton are great for the aforementioned natural formations and water-based activities, particularly in the summer. Much closer to Birmingham is the Peak District National Park, a massive natural area that is home to excellent options in caving, rock climbing, hiking, and much more. If you're looking to travel north to Manchester, this is a great place for a day of adventure in between.
Perhaps most intriguing to an embark traveler is the whole country of Wales, which has three magnificent national parks. The first worth mentioning is Snowdonia, home to a number of peaks that provide a variety of challenges depending on the season; think ice climbing, rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, etc. Located to the country's north, Snowdon is the highest mountain at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet), but there are plenty of ancient castles, waterfalls, lakes, and other natural attractions for the discriminating adventurer. Also of note is Brecon Beacons National Park, which has the geological appeal of six peaks at least 750 meters (2,460 feet) high, waterfalls (Sgwd Henrhyd, which served as the entrance to the Batcave in Christopher Nolan's Batman films), and massive cave systems like Ogof Ffynnon Ddu and Dan-yr-Ogof (The South Wales Caving Club). Two distance bike paths that span the park are the Beacons Way and the Taff Trail. Finally, our favorite of the three has to be the Pembrokeshire Coast. What can we say, we're suckers for large tracts of unbroken coast, excellent surfing and diving, and overland hiking trails that bring you right to the edge of these epic cliffs.
Although you'd have to travel a bit further toward southwestern England, there are also plenty of climbing and hiking destinations in this region as well, including the dark sky reserve of Exmoor National Park. For further information on what can be found within a day's trip of Birmingham, consult the adventure activity listings or your map and prepare to embark on a memorable trip.


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The Evolution of Assessment - Going digital with Pandora's Box?
We are offering a highly topical morning packed with the latest thinking and research related to the assessment world. What implications are there from going mobile? Can our digital footprint on social media really be used to analyse and manipulate what we see and share? Could Trump really have been helped into the white house through what the electorate shared on social media?
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012


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Eliza Xie Receives Meritus Scholarship from Zephyr Real Estate
San Francisco, CA – June 23, 2016 – The 20th Annual Meritus Scholarship Awards Presentation was held at the KQED offices on Wednesday, June 1. Zephyr Real Estate, a long-time supporter, donor and sponsor of the College Fund, presented a four-year scholarship to Eliza Xie. The scholarship is valued at $16,000, and 100 percent goes directly to the recipient.
Xie attended Galileo High School in San Francisco, and will attend Mills College in Oakland this fall. In her application for the scholarship, Xie wrote: "I am on a search for meaning and my life is my journey for knowledge."
Meritus College Fund, founded in 1996, invests in socio-economically disadvantaged, yet highly motivated, high school students by providing scholarships and support in achieving their potential through higher education. Meritus believes that higher education is a critical step in addressing income disparity for motivated and talented youth. To date, Meritus has awarded in excess of $9.4 million, and sent 750 students on to higher education. More than 80% of the scholarship recipients are the first in their family to go to college, and Meritus students have a 90 percent graduation rate.
The fund is supported through donations from 800 groups and individuals who all endorse the philosophy of creating educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind. To learn more about how you can participate or apply, visit the website at www.meritus.org.
"Today, we celebrate another group of scholars making their way through life," commented Randall Kostick, President of Zephyr. "Congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients on their commitment to stretch beyond our perceived limitations."
Zephyr managers and agents contribute to the fund each year to take part in this worthwhile endeavor. Every dollar donated to Meritus is completely committed to providing these scholarships.
About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.
Pictured (left to right): Randall Kostick, Bill Drypolcher, Elder Mejia, Dave Cunningham, Damon Knox


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Most psychoanalysts are familiar with Kohut's mirroring
and idealizing transferences. Togashi and Kottler (2012) write about the
twinship transference and note Kohut's "transformation from the psychology of the self to the psychology of being human" and from "the
disorder of the self to… trauma-centered psychoanalysis." They enumerate the many
faces of twinship:
(1) between merger and mirroring. Kohut originally conceived of the mirror transference in three forms: merger, twinship, and the narrowed mirror transference, their differences "based on the degree to which an individual" sees others as an extension of themselves or as a separate person.
(2) as a process of mutual finding. This does not mean "recognizing…the other's subjectivity" but rather that "two participants…regulate a sense of sameness and difference in their effort to match…their subjectivity" such as when the analyst finds aspects of herself and not-herself in her patient and the patient, likewise, can find aspects of himself and not-himself in his analyst, this mutual finding process, essential to the twinship experience.
(3) as a sense of belonging. Later (1984), Kohut distinguished twinship from mirroring to a sense of belonging. Here twinship speaks to [authors quoting White and Weiner] 'a similarity in interests and talents, along with the sense of being understood by someone like yourself" and [quoting Basch] 'the need to belong and feel accepted by one's cohort.' [BTW, in this same volume, VanDerHyde writes a lovely paper on the importance of twinship, stating the need to belong precedes the need for mirroring or idealizing]
(4) passing talents and skills to the next generation. Togashi and Kottler write: "For Kohut, an individual's efforts to educate others is often based on her yearning for a person who[m] she can experience as essentially alike, or for a person in whom she can find herself." The parent sees herself in the child and, reciprocally, the child sees himself in the parent. The child sees himself as the welcomed "successor" as the parent is "creating and finding oneself in the next generation."
(5) as silent communication. Twinship allows each "to share the feeling of connection without verbal communication –as with mother and infant; lovers; or analyst and patient—and to share in a "regulatory process to match (and not-match) one another."
(6) feeling human among other human beings. Kohut noted the necessity to feel human among other human beings. Narcissistic parents can treat the child as an extension of themselves or as a non-human thing, the latter causing the child to experience himself as non-human among non-humans.
(7) in trauma. The authors cite Stolorow: "a need for twinship is a reaction to psychological trauma" [IMO, the authors decline to temper this statement by adding that we are hard-wired for a social network (a tribe), as well as that we can find joy in being understood and this not simply as secondary to trauma] and Brothers, noting that trauma destroys certainty and meaning. [and that we need relationship to restore the latter.]
Please see the next post for a poem by Angelou which beautifully illustrates humans' need for a human family, same and different, but belonging.


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Capitol Alert
AM Alert: Developmentally disabled community keeps funding push alive
Last spring, advocates for the developmentally disabled sounded the alarm. Recession-era cuts, inflation and increases to the minimum wage, they argued, had driven a crucial system of services for 300,000 Californians to the brink of collapse.
But lawmakers and Gov. Jerry Brown rebuffed advocates' lobbying for a 10-percent budget boost in the rates paid to nonprofits and businesses that provide housing, employment and other assistance for clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The issue was punted to a special legislative session on health care, which has yielded no solution in the months since.
Advocates are still trying to make their concerns heard. Short Center North, an arts day program in Sacramento for developmentally-disabled adults, has undertaken its own grassroots campaign, penning letters to Brown and turning them into videos. The center plans to be at the Capitol every Friday in support of a rate increase, starting with a rally on the north steps at 10 a.m.
VIDEO OF THE DAY: Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León shared his presidential pick.
GET ON TRACK: What's your legislator up to and who is funding him or her? Find out with our Track the Legislature tool.
I <3 RONNIE: Saturday marks the 105th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birth, which means it was a week to celebrate him at the Capitol. (As we all know, California politicians love Reagan.) While the former president and California governor remains more of a totem for Republicans, he received bipartisan praise Thursday as the Assembly approved a resolution declaring Ronald Reagan Day; Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville, applauded Reagan's support for a 1986 law granting legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants, while Assemblyman Evan Low, D-Campbell, commended his opposition to an unsuccessful 1978 ballot initiative that would have banned gay teachers. But not everyone is a fan. Two members voted no on becoming co-authors for the Reagan measure, including Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, whose spokesman said she was registering her objections to the one-time union leader's treatment of labor unions as president.
FINISH LINE: The state-employee food drive benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, which kicked off in November, finally reaches its conclusion today as organizers make their final pick-up of donation barrels. Results of the drive will be announced on Feb. 18. The Department of Food and Agriculture set a goal of collecting 730,000 pounds of food from state employees this year; as of Jan. 25, they were at 581,968.8 pounds.
Alexei Koseff: 916-321-5236, @akoseff


text: It's hot in the desert. There is a pool right behind you. You know what to do. Fuse hooked up with H&M stylist Pansy Tolou at the Fuse house right near Coachella to find out the latest fashions for both land and sea, plus looks from H&M's Fashion Against AIDS collection. Check it out below.


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Front - Single 220 mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
Rear - Single 190 mm hydraulic disc with single piston caliper
Front - 120 / 80-12
Rear - 130 / 80-12
Front - 31 mm inverted fork; 3.9 in. travel
Rear - Twin shock; 4.1 in. travel
Banana Yellow
Pearl Nebula Red
Honda Products
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