text:
Mind maps work well for planning the test strategy and monitoring project status. Mind-mapping software makes all this easy, and the visual presentation keeps everyone in the loop. Ritinder Kaur shows how mind maps can communicate ideas clearly and help you execute them exactly to create a comprehensive test plan.
QA and testing is a key function that supports every aspect of application lifecycle management (ALM). While quality is everyone's job, most organizations have an experienced quality assurance and testing subject matter expert to help the team successfully implement these essential practices. For example, your build and release engineers may be experienced in configuration management, but they still rely on your expertise to implement QA and testing best practices.
As a QA team lead, it is your role to plan your test strategy and explain the flow of the application lifecycle to your team. You may have a certain visual image in mind about your test plan, and if so, you want to convey it clearly so that it is executed with clarity and precision. You should avoid technical jargon and long-winded explanations.
Mind maps are an effective way to visually communicate and teach others QA and testing practices. Yes, it is the same concept as when we used to draw connected bubbles with crayons in kindergarten. And today, this simple concept is being used in software development, business presentations, and even teaching.
Mind maps are creative business tools that let you use the power of visuals to present your ideas and concepts. This can help your team engage more effectively in brainstorming and test strategy analysis and planning.
As the QA team lead, the onus is on you to plan your test strategy well, keeping in mind all the attributes of each use case. This means you have to focus not only on the details at the granular level, but also on the overall big picture. Whether you are performing manual testing or automated testing, your main challenge is comprehensive test coverage.
If you are new to the concept of using mind maps for software QA, you will be surprised at the ease with which you can create them using specific software. All you need is knowledge about the product and clarity of thought with regard to the flow of application development.
User Comments
This is a good article. My only criticism would be of the mind map displaying the detailed chat functions. The text is out of focus and hard to read.
The current file is here: http://www.cmcrossroads.com/sites/default/files/shared/2016-02-11%20Riti...
Otherwise good job.
Jim L.
It's always good to see someone valuing mind maps in testing. I love them, and want to use them more than I have actually managed to so far, and not just for test strategy.
I'm not so sure about all the Test Lead references though? I'm guessing we are not talking about agile development, or SCRUM at least, in this scenario? The QA test lead position isn't so relevant (or even a thing) in SCRUM - a team might have a designated tester, but it's more of a team effort., including the strategy. Mind Maps are possibly even more valuable in this environment for giving the team a canvass on which to express their ideas and develop them further. I am traditionally a Test Manager / Test Lead, and my contribution in this regard has been to suggest mind maps to the scrum teams as a way of developing their test strategy under their agile process.
Good Article....
Can you also pls detail the best practices and different test initiatives that can be taken to make the testing process more robust.


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American Idol 10
Naima Adedapo: Teeny-boppers are wiping out 'American Idol's girls
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/01/2011
Naima Adedapo
American Idol
journey came to an end when she and fellow female finalist
Thia Megia
were eliminated
during Thursday night's live tenth-season results show which revealed the competition's Top 9 finalists.
Naima and Thia became the third and fourth finalists sent home from
American Idol
's tenth season after they received the fewest home viewer votes following Wednesday night's performance show -- continuing a streak in which four of the season's seven female finalists have been eliminated while all six male finalists still remain.
During a brief conference call with reporters on Friday, Reality TV World asked Naima about the increasingly obvious gender-based split that is occurring in Idol's finals (four of last season's first five eliminated finalists were also girls) and whether she and her fellow female finalists had ever discussed the situation.
Reality TV World: What was the sentiment in the mansion among the women this season? Last season, four of the season's six girls were cut early in the finals and this season, obviously, the first four eliminated finalists have all been girls. Was that something yourself and the girls had been concerned about or discussed before the finals began?
Naima Adedapo
We weren't really concerned. We weren't discussing it because I think we all had faith in ourselves. It's just, when it comes down to it, the reality is that more than 50% percent of the audience is like little teenage girls and once they get a crush, then we're done. You know what I mean?
It's just like they dominate and that's alright. But I feel like we didn't have too many conversations about it because we were all pretty confident in our work.
Reality TV World: So you guys just figured it was just the reality of the situation, basically?
Naima Adedapo
It is. It is the reality of the situation. The teeny-boppers, once they fall in love, it's like -- and they were in that generation -- so yes, my audience was more kind of the older crowd who are not necessarily more technology-savvy sometimes.
So, I would get people who said, 'Yeah! I voted for you three times!' And it's like, 'Well you could have voted like 500 if you just text and what not.' But yeah, that's just the reality of the situation.
Also in the call, Naima told reporters what she will miss most about the competition, what her dance background entailed and how much of her training she wanted to incorporate into her Idol performances, and whether she thought her pursuit to portray her individuality and personal artistry on the show may have actually hurt her chances to move forward in the competition.
Lauren Alaina
looked so upset when she found out you and
Thia Megia
would be going home. What did she say to you afterwards and how did you console her because you were a mother figure to her during the show, right?
Naima Adedapo
Yeah, she kind of cries out a little bit, but that's the natural thing. It's alright to do that. It is. I think it was very hard for her because not only was it like me kind of going, like I've been a mother figure a little bit. I always tell her to have confidence in herself and believe in herself and that she's beautiful and don't let anyone alter how she feels.
But I think more so was Thia, because that was her ace. They were in school together all the time, they were really really close and they were really really tight. That really is like losing a best friend. I had my moment where I couldn't hold it together saying, 'See you later,' to [
Jacob Lusk
That's been my ace, and so yeah, you get emotionally attached to these people because you're living in such close quarters. You start to learn their stories, you start to learn their personalities, and you get attached. So, it hurts to see people go, but we will reunite.
What will you miss most about the competition?
Naima Adedapo
Shopping! Shopping! I think that was one of the biggest best parts for me. I mean, performing is everything. It really is, but when you get to shop and you get to do the accessories and the shoes and the oh my God! I get such a kick out of that. You know?
Then I get an even bigger kick when it's not expensive. Then I can get more things, but that was my relief time, actually. It was really awesome to be able to kind of co-create things with [someone] and tag team things back and forth. She really knew my style. She studied me, I feel like, and she knew my style.
She would have stuff hanging on the rack before we even went shopping and I would be like, 'Oh! I'll just wear that! We don't even have to go shopping!' That was one of the best parts for me I have to admit.
Could you talk more about your dance background, for example, you were in a dance troupe, correct?
Naima Adedapo
I've been a part of many dance troupes, actually. I used to do hip-hop, but for most of my life, I've done African dance. I was a part of Ko-Thi Dance Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Probably any dance company that you name in Wisconsin, I've been a part of -- or in Milwaukee, I should say -- I've been a part of.
Dancing has always been a part of my life. I mean, since I was young, I was playing around on the street in Chicago doing the hand clapping and dancing. It's always been something I've connected to. I did go to college and study dance. I got a BS in dance, so I know all different forms of dance.
I could have passed on some ballet if I wanted to, but that's not necessarily my realm. It would probably look a little weird doing like pirouettes in a reggae song, (laughs) but dancing is something I am truly connected to.
Were you always planning to incorporate dance into your
performances or was it suggested that you should do that?
Naima Adedapo
No, I've always, always incorporated dance into my performance regardless. I had a reggae band back home with my husband and we always move onstage. It's unnatural not to for us. You have to dance, you have to move, you have to physically be engaged, I feel like, to be able to connect to the audience.
Did your Chicago years have a big impact on your musical development?
Naima Adedapo
: Oh most definitely. Chicago is a wonderful city. It's a beautiful city. It's just rich with culture and the community that my mother kept me around growing up was definitely all artists. She was a storyteller and she would incorporate me into her storytelling. She would make me mime out the parts and what not.
I was always around artists whether it was dancers or singers or actors, and Chicago of course, is full of that. Full of entertainers and I think that really was the early shaping of my artistry.
You had been in the bottom three before this past week's episode, so did you feel that with the reggae performance you needed to really shake things up and get some people's attention?
Naima Adedapo
Really and honestly, I just wanted to really show every piece of me. That's what I've been trying to do. I've been trying to take opportunities every time to show a new thing, show something different about me, and I hadn't really gone roots reggae and that is a big part of me. I love, I connect to it, and so I did.
I had some people telling me, 'Oh, I don't know about it.' But me, I'm really about staying true to myself and once I have my brain set on something or my mind set on something, I just kind of go after it. So, I did what I did and I have no regrets about anything I've done on the show. I'm happy that I was able to show that side of me.
You were very charismatic on the show and you mentioned how you love being true to yourself, so do you think people just weren't used to an
American Idol
contestant bringing so much of their own artistry to the show?
Naima Adedapo
I think yeah, that was a big thing. I think sometimes people just didn't know where to place me or I don't know. I felt like maybe they didn't understand me sometimes, but honestly, the reactions that I've gotten from people have still been positive. It was like, 'I don't know about you, but I kind of like you.'
I think it was -- I definitely struck people in a different kind of way -- I think that because it was kind of hard to place me in a certain category, that did have an affect on how people voted or how they perceived me.
'American Idol' ousts Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia, reveals Top 9
Exclusive: Monique Weingart discusses 'America's Next Top Model'
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Scotty McCreery: I forgot there was a gun in the backpack I took to airport
Former 'American Idol' contestant Haley Reinhart arrested after alleged bar brawl and charged with battery
Pia Toscano, former 'American Idol' finalist, marries Jennifer Lopez's backup dancer Jimmy R.O. Smith
Former 'American Idol' finalist James Durbin welcomes a daughter into the world
Nikki Reed files for divorce from former 'American Idol' finalist Paul McDonald
Rachel Lindsay: My family was so hard on 'The Bachelorette's Bryan Abasolo because of what they read online
'American Idol' reportedly close to finalizing judging panel, Charlie Puth and Luke Bryan are frontrunners
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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's surrogate reportedly three months pregnant with their third child
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Josh Martinez -- 7 things to know about the 'Big Brother' Season 19 houseguest
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
With John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin as the VP candidate, it's important that we get to know a bit more about her. Her are some little known facts about our next Vice President.
- Sarah Palin used to wrestle kodiak bears in Alaskan bare knuckles fight clubs.
- Sarah Palin once bagged a caribou by staring it down until it died.
- Sarah Palin turned down a job as skipper of a Deadliest Catch boat because it wasn't challenging enough
- Sarah Palin fishes salmon by convincing them it's in their interest to jump into the boat.
- Sarah Palin once guided Santa's sleigh through an Alaskan blizzard with the light from her smile.
We're still doing research, and will let you know what else we find.


text:
Pair of aces... Marc Forster will direct the sequel to Casino Royale, pictured.
The decision to hire Marc Forster as director of the next James Bond film will delight some, disappoint others, and baffle the vast majority of filmgoers who've never heard of the German-born filmmaker.
Personally I'm confused. Not because I haven't seen his films, but because Forster is an aspiring auteur who's seldom tiptoed anywhere near the action genre. I'll reserve the right to be delighted or disappointed until Bond 22 opens in November 2008, and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that Eon and their Hollywood partners have entrusted the immediate future of 007 to the right man.
You'll have heard of Forster's films, of course: Monster's Ball (which earned Halle Berry the Oscar in 2002); Finding Neverland, with Johnny Depp as Peter Pan creator James Barrie; last year's Charlie Kaufman-lite drama Stranger Than Fiction; and the criminally dull Stay, starring a miscast Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts.
Now to give the aquiline, shaved headed Forster his dues, he's a talented bloke and he has got down 'n' dirty on his latest project, an adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's Afghanistan-set drama The Kite Runner The book contains quite a lot of action, particularly toward the end, so we'll see how he handles it when the film comes out later this year.
However until then we only have Forster's previous oeuvre to go on, and fans of the 45-year-old Bond franchise will be forgiven for feeling uninspired, particularly after the thrilling success of Casino Royale. There's little to suggest that the German-born film-maker can stage knife fights atop speeding trains, let alone tank chases through subways, explosions at underground military bases and whatever else Her Majesty's finest is required to pull off.
I'd love to have seen Paul Greengrass get the gig, but he's lined up other work after The Bourne Ultimatum comes out this summer. James Cameron would be a blast - although it might be a tad too soon to give Bond bionics and plunge him into a distant solar system. Martin Scorsese would give 007 some fruity dialogue and buckets of blood, although the single-take shot from M's offices in Whitehall to the villain's secret lair on the other side of the world would be stretching it.
Martin Campbell, who did such a bang-up job on Casino Royale, would surely have been up to the task of reuniting with Daniel Craig, but it's not to be. Who do you think would be a good choice to direct Bond 22?


text:
Unique Design. Tuesday , January 24th , 2017 - 09:04:04 AM
Quote from Wooden Floor Design in a Magnificent Contemporary House :
As you go to the dining area of this amazing residence, another natural element takes the form of a wooden dining table which has sleek and simple furniture design. There are some dining chairs that have dark brown color surround the dining table. Another piece of wooden furniture is presented by the kitchen set near the dining area. Those wooden furniture matches with the natural element presented on the wood floor design ideas pictures of this residence.
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text: Just a couple times in the last week it's been on in the background when no one was paying attention, and their voices are so aggravating. Goes without saying that the plot is sitcom terrible, but man I can even listen to Golden Girls in the background without it being a huge deal if it came on after something else and I'm answering email or whatever. It's like they purposely set out to make them as annoying sounding as possible.


text:
Expert Reviewer
SelectScience Members can achieve membership status by writing product reviews. This helps other members to better understand the Reviewer's experience and expertise.
Status: No. Reviews Published: Member 0 1-4 5-14 15+ By Invitation
Reviewers are also encouraged to publish a 'public profile' so others can benefit from a further understanding of the Reviewer's applications and expertise.
Write a review today>>
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Organization: Ajinomoto Althea
Great product that has greatly streamlined our workflow
Application Area: Data capture and management
"The OpenLab ELN has saved us time and helped us capture and organize our data more efficiently. It has a very user friendly interface, and the Bioinformatics support from Agilent has taken great care to ensure the service is always running optimally."
Manufacturer Agilent Technologies5.0 / 5.0 | 1 reviews


text:
For the three dam engineers who were cleared in the week by Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission over their evidence to the inquiry into the 2011 floods, the past 18 months have been a nightmare.
They had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being in control of Wivenhoe Dam, west of Brisbane, as it was about to overflow during the catastrophic weather events of January last year. Then they were targeted as part of a concerted campaign by some media and local residents looking for someone to blame. The floods damaged thousands of homes after water was released to stop the dam from collapsing.
The three Seqwater engineers – John Tibaldi, Robert Ayre and Terry Malone – were cleared by the CMC of official misconduct over their evidence to the Queensland floods commission of inquiry.
They may be finally out of their personal hell but there is unlikely to be any final accounting for the dramatic events unleashed by Mother Nature early last year.
The engineers found themselves front and centre of an inquiry which, in response to media pressure, was reconvened to investigate claims of a cover-up over the strategies employed by them during the floods.
In March, this inquiry – headed by Supreme Court Judge Cate Holmes, former police commissioner Jim O'Sullivan and dam expert Phillip Cummins – then recommended the CMC look into whether the engineers had committed perjury in their evidence to the inquiry about the strategies used at the dam during the peak of the flood.
Already the dam manual followed by the engineers had been a source of contention. The Holmes inquiry ordered the manual, which controlled the strategies for the release of water from Wivenhoe, be rewritten to remove any ambiguity for future events. This has been completed by the state-owned Seqwater, which runs the dam.
The CMC decision will offer some vindication to the engineers who believed they did their best under trying conditions – a fact overlooked in some of the shrill reporting of the case.
But some Seqwater insiders believe the engineers will never recover from the events of the past year in which many tried to blame them for the worst natural disaster in Queensland's history.
"I don't think either of the engineers will ever completely recover from the event," a Seqwater insider told the Weekend Financial Review.
"I wouldn't say it was a witch hunt, but the tone of the reconvened hearing [in February 2012] was incredibly disappointing. There is no doubt there was a focus on whether or not someone should be held accountable or to blame for the result."
The three engineers working at Wivenhoe Dam in mid-January last year had already appeared before the $15 million Commission of Inquiry over their role in the floods.
Much of the focus had been on Seqwater's dam manual, which outlined particular strategies, during a flood event.
But it was when the engineers were hauled back to the reconvened inquiry in February this year – the result of media coverage claiming the inquiry had neglected crucial evidence – that things really got nasty.
A high-profile campaign by News Ltd, in particular The Australian's Hedley Thomas alleging a "breach of the manual and a cover-up" by the engineers, pressured then Labor premier
(Thomas had long been looking for someone to blame. He called for a public inquiry on January 14 last year, a day after the floods peaked in Brisbane.)
In January this year, Bligh was already facing a likely defeat in the impending state election. She did not want to look like she was rushing the inquiry, let alone covering up what critics claimed was the "smoking gun" piece of evidence that had been overlooked by the inquiry. The heat was on both Bligh and the inquiry itself. This became clear in the tone set by counsel assisting the inquiry, Peter Callaghan, in his re-examination of the engineers in mid-February.
Back in the stand, Tibaldi was accused by Callaghan of having a "disregard for the truth" and writing "fiction" when he compiled the body's final flood report, released last March.
Callaghan claimed Tibaldi had used the benefit of hindsight to make sure Seqwater's final report matched the strategies adopted by flood engineers during those hectic days before the Brisbane flood.
"It's fiction. It's something you created at the end of January," Callaghan suggested to Tibaldi before a packed courtroom.
"You and the others have shown a disregard for the manual and, in preparing your report, have shown a disregard for the truth."
Tibaldi told the inquiry his report was an accurate reflection of events, even though Callaghan says there was no contemporaneous evidence to confirm what strategies were actually adopted at the time.
After being recalled to the reconvened inquiry and back in the media spotlight, the engineers were an emotional wreck, according to a Seqwater source. "John [Tibaldi] came off the stand that day unbelievably rattled," the source said.
Seqwater was forced to provide private security and counselling to the three engineers after they received death threats.
Tibaldi and Malone took extended leave for two months after the reconvened hearings, but they are now back at work at Seqwater. However, they also told their bosses they could no longer work as flood engineers.
Ayres, who had been directly employed by Sunwater at the time, quit and moved to the private sector.
Seqwater insiders concede the engineers had been "sloppy" in keeping logs during what was an extremely busy and stressful time over the weekend of January 11 and 12 last year.
"There is no argument that documents created during the flood event were inconsistent with the final flood report [written by Seqwater]," the source said.
"But the next leap to say the reason the documents were created was the result of a cover-up or a conspiracy is ridiculous."
The Australian Financial Review's Matthew Cranston wrote about The Australian over-sensationalising the case and was ridiculed for his efforts in The Australian's "Cut and Paste" column.
The final flood inquiry report found there was confusion over the dam management strategy in the weekend before the flood.
But Holmes found there was only a "possibility" that the flood outcome could have been different if the engineers had released water from the dam earlier.
The commission's independent Sydney-based hydrology expert, Mark Babister, agreed with three other independent reviewers that dam water releases did accord with the manual and that the flood engineers had achieved close to the best possible result.
But then the flood commission also concluded the engineers must have known their March report did not provide an accurate description of the strategies used during the January 2011 floods.
It even went as far to suggest the engineers had effectively colluded to present a manufactured account of the engagement of appropriate strategies.
But the CMC, using legal advice from retired Justice of the Queensland Court of Appeal John Jerrard, QC, found the three engineers had no case to answer.
This decision slapped down any suggestion that there had been some kind of cover-up between the Seqwater engineers.
"On the evidence of which I am aware, the conduct of the engineers is consistent with their having honestly attempted to follow the [dam] manual's instructions, without grasping at that time there was an essential inconsistency in those," Jerrard found in his 49-page judgment released in the past week.
"If the engineers believed they had followed the manual, it is not dishonest, criminal, or misconduct, for any of them to say that they did. Nor is it dishonest, criminal, or misconduct to misunderstand what the manual required."
Jerrard found the engineers overlooked the dam manual's requirement that a particular strategy be decided upon and declared, and instead focused on the flood mitigation objectives.
And that is what is often forgotten in the thousands of words written.
Floodwater equivalent to more than 1 million Olympic-size swimming pools flowed into Wivenhoe Dam, mostly over four days from about midday on January 9. The engineers succeeded in stopping Wivenhoe Dam, arguably the most important piece of infrastructure in Greater Brisbane, from breaking its walls.
A number of law firms are still expected to launch a class action against Seqwater and the Queensland government.
Maurice Blackburn principal Damian Scattini, who is leading a class action on behalf of 4000 residents whose property was damaged during the floods, said the CMC decision had "no bearing on their case".
They have hired two United States' experts who have done modelling far exceeding anything done in the flood inquiry, says Scattini.
He said he believed his clients had a strong case against Seqwater and the Queensland government about the management of the dam in the lead-up to the floods.
"We are looking at whether the dam was operated competently and the preliminary evidence from our experts is that it was not," he says.
"There may well have been some flooding but significantly less than there was."
The Australian Financial Review


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Basic Polish
A Grammar and Workbook
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Preview (read now) Add to my own site Add to my wishlist Author's page Publisher's page
Basic Polish presents concise explanations of grammar with related exercises, to build confidence in using the modern language.
Assuming no previous knowledge of Polish, its step-by-step approach guarantees the reader a thorough grounding in the basics of its grammar. Each of the forty units introduces a particular grammar point and provides a variety of exercises to enable the student to practice what they have learnt.
Features include:
* notes on the Polish alphabet, pronunciation and stress
* full answer key to all exercises
* Polish-English glossary.
Dana Bielec is the author of the popular Polish: An Essential Grammar, also published by Routledge.
Taylor and Francis; Read online
Title: Basic Polish
Author: Dana Bielec
Title: Basic Polish
Author: Dana Bielec
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zihar Model
Amanda ManfrediPhotographer Female Scottsdale, Arizona, US
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I have a damaged CD, that was installed on my computer prior to the damage. I tried to boot SIMS3 from Origin, and it shows as still being able to play however, when I click on the play button it tells me to load a disc. I thought that Origin is supposed allow you to play without a disc, and yes I registered my product code with them a couple years ago. Help, I just bought the MonteVista and its driving me nuts that I cannot play.
You will need to uninstall the disk version and install the download version instead. Simply registering at Origin and continue using the installed disk version doesn't work (cause they have different means of checking if it's a valid copy you're using)
Good Luck and Happy Simmin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Questions belong in the forums. I don't answer questions via PM.
Help us helpers to help you
Thinking of helping out ? Please check the Helper's Corner for Sims 4 or Sims 3 and The Academy
Bitte akzeptiere eine Lösung, wenn dein Problem gelöst ist und verteile XP an Beiträge, die du hilfreich findest.
Ich arbeite nicht für EA und habe sonst auch keinerlei Verbindung zu EA.
PNs werden nicht beantwortet. Probleme gehören ins Forum
Download no cd crack from nNraas industries works like a bomb.
Try these steps first to clear up any problems you may have when connecting to an EA game.Connection troubleshooting steps
We'll make sure it's you by sending you a code for your trusted devices.Learn more about Login Verification on EA Help


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This musical wireless doorbell chime connects to your existing traditional hard wired doorbell and extends where you can hear your doorbell from. Once the unit is wired into your existing system, the included receiver can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet up to 150' from the existing doorbell. This allows you to hear when someone is at your front door when you are in the basement, garage or other part of the house or business, where you normally can't hear your doorbell.
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
This was not my first order I keep coming back, satisfied again.


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|René Nyffenegger's collection of things on the web
René Nyffenegger on Oracle - Most wanted - Feedback
- Follow @renenyffenegger
@, @@ and start [SQL*Plus]
SQL> @ url SQL> @ filename SQL> @ filename.extension SQL> @@ url SQL> @@ filename SQL> @@ filename.extension SQL> start url SQL> start filename SQL> start filename.extension
If extension is omitted, SQL*Plus will asume the extension set with set suffix.
@@ is similar to @, but it is usefull when used within a script: it will then search for the called script in the same directory in which the calling script is located.
@, @@ and start can be disabled in the Product user profile.
If @, @@ or start is used, the question mark (?) will be expanded to the value of ORACLE_HOME.
However, if ? is used as the first character in the prompt, it is a shortcut to help.
Restriction level
The start command won't work if the restriction level is set to at least 3:
C:>sqlplus -r 3 rene/rene SQL*Plus: Release 10.2.0.1.0 - Production on Thu Aug 17 21:10:39 2006 Copyright (c) 1982, 2005, Oracle. All rights reserved. Connected to: Oracle Database 10g Enterprise Edition Release 10.2.0.1.0 - Production With the Partitioning, OLAP and Data Mining options RENE> start foo SP2-0738: Restricted command "start" not available RENE>
Searching for scripts


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Rooney Mara on "The Bitter Pill" Set: First Look!
Posted Tuesday April 10, 2012 11:33 AM GMT
Stepping onto the set of her new movie "The Bitter Pill," Rooney Mara was spotted shooting scenes in New York City today (April 10).
The "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" babe looked very different than her Lisbeth Salander character, sporting long brown hair, a beige trench coat and a big smile as she strolled around the lot.
"The Bitter Pill" is a film about a woman who turns to prescription medication as a way of handling her anxiety concerning her husband's upcoming release from prison.
Besides Ms. Mara, the film also stars big names like Channing Tatum, Jude Law, and Catherine Zeta-Jones and is directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Enjoy the pictures of Rooney Mara on the film set of 'The Bitter Pill' (April 10).
Photo Credit: Wenn.com


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Baked Polenta with Parmesan
True polenta can take up to an hour to make and requires constant stirring. This oven-baked version yields the same rich result but with much less effort.
Slideshow: More Delicious, Quick Side Dishes
- Total Time:
- Servings: 6
- 2 quarts water
- Kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups stone-ground cornmeal
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Freshly ground pepper
How to make this recipe
Preheat the oven to 450°. In a medium ovenproof saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and reduce to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal until smooth and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, over low heat; cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, stirring vigorously every 15 minutes, until thick and no longer gritty. Stir in the butter and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper and serve, passing more Parmesan at the table


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Data Visualization >> Site Selection
• Select a Sampling Location from List or Map You can change which markers are displayed and their tooltips by using the menus in the bar above the map.
Current selection:• Select Measurement Program and Plot Type
Arembepe, Bahia
Arembepe, Bahia
Select a plot type:
Site Summary of Arembepe, Bahia.
Data files for Arembepe, Bahia
Cooperating Agencies
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares, Centro de Quimica e Meio Ambiente, Laboratorio de Quimica Atmosferica
Google Earth/KML file of sampling sites.
Information about observation sites can be found here.
Default Settings
Questions? -- Feel free to write to us with any questions or comments at Webmaster.
Version 1.2.1


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Glad for this test kit By Melvin on 8/30/2013Melvin would recommend this product to a friendStrontium in m tank was not readable. My corals paid the price by flesh separation from it's skeleton. I started dosing the product Brightwell markets and over the period of a week I can see a difference starting to occur. This test kit takes time to use but well worth the price and time.
Finally! A useable strontium kit. By Lindsey on 9/9/2012Lindsey would recommend this product to a friendLove this kit. Started testing for and dosing strontium about a year ago after a conversation with a LFS owner. The first test kit I bought was the Seachem Strontium kit. The directions were absolutely incomprehensible and the packaging was a nightmare. Seriously, I took a full year of college chemistry with labs and still had absolutely no idea where to start with the instructions.
So I was a bit discouraged. Found this Salifert one while searching the internet, and it is so much more useable. It does take time, plan on a good half hour. But it does work. The first time I tested two of my tanks I got 0ppm. So I started adding strontium.
My stonies started growing like crazy, calcium consumpion doubled, and the green marbled mushrooms that had just never done very well suddenly colored up and started spreading. They had spent a year being three little muddy colored mushrooms existing on the substrate. They had quickly returned to the beautiful mint green they had been when purchased and they were rapidly spreading up the rock. Now there are easily about forty of them.
I currently have the dosing dialed in pretty well and only test about every six weeks. One note on Sr dosing: at least in my case it has hugely reduced the need for added magnesium, so be careful to check both frequently at first to avoid overdosing Mg.


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Strapped on wooden device gal gets waxed and whipped
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Kicks Off the Most Important Marketing Campaign in its History for the
2007 Tundra
Page: [1]
PickupTruck.com attended Toyota's press conference to kick off the most important and biggest marketing campaign in the company's 50-year history - the launch of the all new 2007 Tundra full size pickup.
Whisper numbers suggest the campaign is costing Toyota in the neighborhood of $100 million, which would run about $500 per truck if the Tundra can reach its sales goal of 200,000 units this model year.
Jim Farley, vice president of marketing for Toyota in the U.S., was up front with the media about how much is riding on this investment.
"This is a really big moment for (Toyota). It's the culmination of fourteen years to get us here to this moment to tell you about this launch. In 1,200 dealers over 600 of them have brand new facilities just for this truck. And for us at Toyota this is really an inflection point for our company, to shift from an import, golfing company to a fresh water fishing, NASCAR company."
And Farley also warned current full size truck manufacturers to get ready for a fight. "We are a challenger. We have a chip on our shoulder, and we're going to come after this business."
Toyota knows the only way to meets its sales goals is to prove to buyers that the Tundra's specs are more than just marketing chatter but cold hard, real world fact. To gain this opportunity Toyota is going to hold over 400 "Prove It" test drive events at BASS Pro shops, state fairs, and agricultural shows where shoppers can get behind the wheel of the Tundra for a hands on demonstrations of its capabilities.
Also key to the launch will be television ads broadcast at local and national levels, with an entire set aimed at Hispanic consumers in Spanish. All of these ads will feature the tagline, ""The truck that's changing it all."
In an unconventional turn, Toyota actually went out an enlisted the support of "True Truckers" to become the "inspiration and filter for everything (Toyota has done) with this launch, according to Kim McCullough, corporate manager for marketing communications for Toyota in the U.S..
"We let them know that we listened to them in how the truck was developed. You'll see that in our marketing tone and language - that this is the real deal. This is a truck that has all the capabilities that they want and more", said McCullough.
McCullough also added that , "We went out side of our core advertising partners to find people in the heartland who lived and breathed the true trucker lifestyle. They were the ones who helped guide the print efforts, the outdoor efforts, and some brand guidelines that we put together to make sure that the look, the feel, of what we said and how we said it was appropriate for this audience."
The first national advertising will hit the air during Super Bowl XLI, when two 30-second spots appear.
On Monday, February 4 the truck will officially go on sale across the country. At least four models will be available for buyers to compare, with at least one high output iForce 5.7-liter engine in the mix of cabs, trims, and drive options. Some regions, including Texas and other southeastern states, will have at least two Tundras with the 5.7-liter.
Overall, Toyota seems to be very well prepared to dig in and wage a full frontal assault for the minds and pockets of full size truck owners. Ford and GM execs are on record saying they don't intend to give an inch.
For the Tundra, $100 million dollars is just the cost of entry into this game.
Page: [1]


text: NTLG minutes, December 2013 Meeting details Venue Conference rooms 14.11 & 14.12, Level 14 55 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane Date 12 December 2013 Start 9.30am Finish 1.20pm Chair Chris Jordan Secretariat Kylie Bell Stephanie Caredes Contact Phone 07 314 95712 02 8223 0059 Attendees Chris Jordan (Chair) ATO Neil Olesen ATO Mark Konza ATO Sue Sinclair ATO Andrew England ATO Jonathan Woodger ATO Peter Coakley ATO Deepti Paton ATO Rob Heferen Treasury Gerry Antioch Treasury Bob Duncan Association of Taxation and Management Accountants Mark Morris CPA Australia Greg Nielsen CPA Australia Frank Drenth Corporate Tax Association Michelle de Niese Corporate Tax Association Michael Croker Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Tony Stolarek Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Grant Wardell-Johnson Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Lance Cunningham Institute of Public Accountants Mark Friezer Law Council of Australia Adrian Varrasso Law Council of Australia Rod Wilson National Tax and Accountants Association Andrea Slattery SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia Limited Mark Chapman Taxpayers Australia Steve Westaway The Tax Institute Michael Flynn The Tax Institute Robert Jeremenko The Tax Institute Apologies Andrew O'Bryan CPA Australia Tony Greco Institute of Public Accountants Steve Cane National Tax and Accountants Association Secretariat Kylie Bell ATO Stephanie Caredes The Tax Institute Agenda items Disclaimer NTLG agendas, minutes and related papers are not binding on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or any of the other bodies referred to in these papers. While every effort is made to accurately record views expressed, the wording necessarily represents a summary of statements of general position only, and care should be taken in interpreting those statements. These papers reflect the position at the date of release (unless otherwise noted) and readers should note that the position on any issue may subsequently change. These minutes have been formally endorsed by the members. Forward Program Potential agenda items or focus areas for discussion at future National Tax Liaison Group (NTLG) meetings are listed below. Treasury update - opportunities for engaging the private sector through consultation on costings analysis (refers action item NTLG1309/01). Role of the NTLG 2014 Proposed Meeting Schedule The proposed meeting schedule for 2014 is as follows: Wednesday 5 March Thursday 19 June Thursday 18 September Wednesday 3 December 1.Meeting open The meeting commenced at 9:30am. Second Commissioner Neil Olesen (Law Design and Practice) opened the meeting and welcomed all members and participants. Welcome new member Mark Chapman, Manager, representing Taxpayers Australia. Members stepping down Steve Westaway, President, representing the Tax Institute.This is Steve Westaway's last NTLG meeting as he steps down from the role of president of the Tax Institute. Michael Flynn, currently the vice president, will step into the role of president.Steve commenced with the NTLG in March 2012 and has been an active and strong contributor to the NTLG. Apologies Andrew O'Bryan, Partner Hall & Wilcox, CPA Australia Tony Greco, Senior Tax Advisor, Institute of Public Accountants Steve Cane, General Manager, National Tax and Accountants Association Guest attendees – Professional Association Bodies represented Rod Wilson, Taxation Specialist, National Tax and Accountants Association representative, in attendance on behalf of member Steve Cane. ATO guest discussion leaders Michael Cranston, Deputy Commissioner, Private Groups and High Wealth Individuals Debbie Hastings, First Assistant Commissioner, Review and Dispute Resolution Agenda item 4: Audits, Settlements and Alternative Dispute Resolution Sue Sinclair, First Assistant Commissioner , ATO Corporate Agenda item 5: Consultation arrangements Steve Vesperman, Deputy Commissioner, Small Business / Individual Taxpayers Graham Whyte, Assistant Commissioner, Small Business / Individual Taxpayers Tammy Gardner, Director Co-Design Centre Agenda item 6: Simplifying compliance / ATO Co-Design Centre ACTION ITEMS Record of action items - New One new action item was developed as part of the day's meeting discussion. No. 1 Action item No. # NTLG1312/01 Agenda item NTLG meeting – 12 December 2013 Refer agenda item 6 Agenda topic Simplifying compliance Streamlined tax returns Action item The ATO to establish a special purpose limited life working group to assist in the next phase of this project. Consultation will involve members of the tax profession, individual taxpayers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Responsibility ATO Background Members were advised that the new income tax returns are being taken to the next level and are more targeted to those with simpler tax affairs. The ATO agreed to consult with the tax profession, individual taxpayers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to achieve a 'low touch/no touch' tax system for individual taxpayers. The ATO will form a special purpose limited life working group. The focus of the group will be to bring a range of perspectives and expertise to identify opportunities, and to advise the ATO on how to move toward achieving this outcome. Action items register Two action items were developed, following discussion at the NTLG 19 September 2013 meeting. One action item is complete, has been closed and removed from the action item register. The other remains open whilst in progress. NTLG1309/01: Consultation on costings No. 1 Action item No. # NTLG1309/01 Agenda item NTLG meeting – 19 September 2013 Refer agenda item 4 Agenda topic Strategic direction – tax policy and administration Private sector input into ATO data collection, analysis and Treasury costings Action item The ATO, Treasury and the Professional Association Bodies will collectively work to progress this matter. Responsibility ATO and Treasury Background Treasury discussed with members opportunities to consult on costings issues. The Professional Association Bodies view this form of consultation as an opportunity to better understand linkages in the market for example section 25-90 or where trust abuse may be occurring. A better understanding of these figures will assist with identifying more clearly what the underpinning mischief is. Post meeting update On 6 December 2013 members were advised: On 4 November 2013 Treasury, the ATO and the Tax Institute discussed opportunities for engaging the private sector through consultation on costings analysis. Key outcome from this discussion There was agreement that consultation can improve the quality of costings, and that a variety of types of consultation may be appropriate depending on the circumstances. Next steps The Treasury will discuss further with the Treasurer's office. Forward agenda This matter will be placed onto the NTLG Forward Agenda in 2014 for an update from the Treasury. Status Members were advised: Status – Open/In-progress NTLG1309/02: Administrative concessions and safe harbours No. 2 Action item No. # NTLG1309/02 Agenda item NTLG meeting – 19 September 2013 Refer agenda item 4 Agenda topic Strategic direction – tax policy and administration Administration of new Transfer Pricing legislation Administrative concessions and safe harbours Action item The Professional Association Bodies seek clarity with guidance in the interim on administrative concessions and safe harbours under the new law. Feedback is welcomed through to mailbox: firstname.lastname@example.com by 25 October 2013. Responsibility Professional Association Bodies Background The ATO discussed with members administrative concessions and safe harbours, in particular: Taxation Ruling 1999/1 Small and medium enterprise taxpayers Post meeting update On 6 December 2013 members were advised: Various comments were received from the NTLG Professional Association Bodies for consideration by the ATO. Comments and matters raised for the ATO to consider include: Advance pricing arrangements – references made to 'high risk' taxpayers and transactions. Small and medium enterprise (SME) taxpayers – in terms of the new categorisations used to differentiate between different types of businesses, how are SMEs now defined by the ATO? Administrative concessions and safe harbours for SME taxpayers – Members encourage the ATO to maintain its existing principles of providing simplifying, pragmatic guidance in relation to non-core services and SME's documentation requirements in its proposed documentation guidance. The ATO will consider matters raised and respond directly with the respective Professional Association Bodies as appropriate. Some of these matters will also be considered as part of the work-program of the Division 815 Technical Working Group, which is convening its first meeting on 17 December 2013 with representative of the professional associations. For further details, click here Status Members were advised: Status – Closed/Complete 2.Commissioner's opening remarks Commissioner Chris Jordan spoke about developments in the ATO since September (last NTLG meeting). As part of the changes to the ATO's consultation arrangements and in keeping with the NTLG's role as the ATO's peak consultative forum, the Commissioner noted the changes in NTLG management arrangements for this meeting and into the future, as follows: Second Commissioner Neil Olesen, Law Design and Practice Group will act as Deputy Chair First Assistant Commissioner Sue Sinclair, ATO Corporate will manage the operation of this forum, and the NTLG's links with the ATO and the rest of the ATO's consultation arrangements Assistant Commissioner Peter Coakley, ATO Corporate will be responsible for the forum's work program, agenda setting and progress of action items Director Deepti Paton, ATO Consultation Hub will maintain effective communication between external NTLG members, the ATO and the Consultation Hub The Commissioner also provided updates in relation to: The incoming government's drive for productivity and efficiency with the National Commission of Audit and Red Tape Reduction efforts. All agencies in the Treasury portfolio are expected to have a program that contributes to the overall goal of reducing red tape for the Australian community by at least $1billion. Initiatives in the ATO's submission to the Commission of Audit, for example streamlining business requirements, one touch payroll and investing in electronic systems (prefill). The Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and the Small Business Minister are looking to the Commissioner to drive change in the ATO that includes cultural shifts, efficiencies and delivery of our commitments in terms of revenue. The Treasurer has specifically requested the Assistant Treasurer to report back on a program of cultural reform in the ATO. The Commissioner acknowledged that cultural change takes time and an effective program is multi-dimensional. A 2020 program office has been set up to drive the cultural change to align with and support the mission and vision that the ATO has already articulated. On workforce matters, the ATO is facing a reduction of around 900 staff by the end of the year. Natural attrition will be part of that and redundancies are likely to be needed elsewhere in the ATO. Every effort will be made to reduce duplication and 'back-office' functions rather than frontline staff. The ATO's response to the APSC independent capability review. The review confirms that the changes the ATO are bringing in are necessary and appropriate. With the ATO's new senior leadership team on board the ATO will be looking to officially launch its new strategic directions and accompanying program of change in March 2014. The initial development and further consultation in relation to a proposal to provide certain taxpayers with an option to undergo External Compliance Assurance Processes. The Commissioner reflected on the learnings shared by the head of the Inland Revenue Authority in Singapore on a similar project embarked upon in that jurisdiction. Treasury also commented on their response to the independent capability review, with more work to be done with greater engagement outside of the agency and changes within the organisation underway. 3.Tax policy and administration Executive Director Rob Heferen (Treasury) and First Assistant Commissioner Andrew England (Integrated Tax Design) led these discussions. The purpose of this item: Discuss Treasury's status update on consultation in relation to announced but un-enacted tax and superannuation measures (Emerging law design). Discuss views on Commissioner's discretion and a proposed plan of action. Update members on the ATO's Integrated Tax Design (ITD) function. Discuss capacity for member input into ITD activities. Emerging law design Executive Director Rob Heferen, Treasury led a discussion about the backlog of announced but un-enacted tax measures. The Government identified a total of 96 tax measures announced but un-enacted suggesting that something is wrong with the system and this needs to be looked at. The Treasurer will consider what needs to be done to reduce the probability of this happening again. In summary: The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer will make a decision on what measures to proceed with. These will be reflected in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) for the 2013-14 financial year which will be available on 17 December 2013. Commissioner's discretion First Assistant Commissioner Andrew England, Integrated Tax Design led a discussion with members on the possibility of recommending that a discretion be inserted into the law to allow the Commissioner to relax the law where the law leads to anomalous or unintended outcomes or disproportionate compliance burdens. Discussion included: The ATO is interested in discussing the efficacy of an express power for the Commissioner to provide quicker resolution of technical defects in the law where: the policy intent is not realised; or the law imposes unnecessary compliance costs on taxpayers. This matter was also recently discussed at the first meeting of the Consultation Steering Committee on 29 November 2013. It was agreed at the Consultation Steering Group meeting by Treasury, the ATO and representatives of the Professional Association Bodies to establish a tripartite limited-life working group to explore the feasibility of such a power. Integrated Tax Design First Assistant Commissioner Andrew England, Integrated Tax Design discussed with members: Since 1 July 2013 the new Integrated Tax Design business line includes a new Policy Integration Team to lead that policy input with ATO business lines. This team also maintains the ATO's strong focus on implementing Government policy through governance and practice arrangements and brings together our core expertise in law design, revenue costing and forecasting, and design services generally. The key change is to improve the quality of the ATO's input to Government tax and superannuation policy formulation and better use integrated tax design approaches in formulating and implementing policy. Treasury remains responsible for tax and superannuation policy advice to Government. A key aim of these new arrangements is to better support Treasury to perform that role. The ATO's new approach to assist Treasury with policy development is to better prioritise issues to raise with Treasury and to develop comprehensive action briefs with a solution based approach. This framework includes: Improved processes to identify issues that may require Government policy responses by tapping into a range of intelligence sources across the ATO. Risk assessing those issues to understand their importance to the health of the tax and superannuation systems and then prioritising them. Feeding intelligence to Treasury about the risks the ATO is seeing in those systems. On prioritised issues, preparing comprehensive action briefs for Treasury consideration. Where appropriate, Integrated Tax Design will consult with the private sector in the execution of its function. However, consultation on issues the ATO raises with Treasury remains a matter for Treasury and Government. The new Consultation Steering Group can be used to facilitate such consultation. 4.Audits, Settlements and Alternative Dispute Resolution Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston (Private Groups and High Wealth Individuals), First Assistant Commissioner Debbie Hastings (Review and Dispute Resolution) and Acting Chief Tax Counsel Jonathan Woodger (Tax Counsel Network) led these discussions. The purpose of this item: Discuss the current ATO's approach to alternative dispute resolution and settlements in the large, private groups, high wealth individuals and small business market sectors. Discuss appropriateness of the current approach and potential improvements/tailoring. Provide an update on ATO experience of the Transforming Tax Technical Decision Making project. The ATO's approach to alternative dispute resolution and settlements First Assistant Commissioner Debbie Hastings, Review and Dispute Resolution and Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston, Private Groups and High Wealth Individuals led a discussion with members about cultural change, moving towards a resolution culture and facilitating outcomes in disputes that saves time, money and builds relationships. There is a significant focus on alternative dispute resolution. There are a number of business processes in place. A key driver is the Inspector General of Taxation review into the Australian Taxation Office's use of early and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and implementation of the recommendations. In response to recommendations, the ATO undertook a pilot that confirmed in-house facilitation is an effective tool in resolving disputes and that early, direct contact and communication is effective in resolving disputes. Many disputes were resolved following initial contact - without the need for a facilitation process. A lot of work has been done with the large market and the use of judges on complex cases. The independent review of large market income tax audits was introduced to assist in resolving areas of disagreement with taxpayers as early and co-operatively as possible. Five reviews have been finalised with a further six cases currently being reviewed. Settlements are working well with the middle market, including direction setting and cultural shifts. For the small business market various initiatives implemented over the past few years have improved settlements and the ATO's capability to resolve disputes via settlement negotiations, for example. Several dispute resolution initiatives targeted at this market have seen positive results. This focus has increased the number of settlements (from 16 in 2011-12 to 87 in 2012-13). We have seen them occur at earlier stages of a dispute with 51% of settlements happening during audit in 2012-13, compared to 25% during audit in 2010-11. To engage better with the community and industry, the ATO released the 2012 publication 'Small-to-medium enterprises and wealthy individuals: Our compliance approach'. This initiative has resulted in improvements numbers of settlements and our staff's capability to resolve disputes using settlements. Also available on the ATO website is the ' ATO plain English guide to alternative dispute resolution ' that outlines in simple language: dispute resolution ADR the types of ADR processes that are used in tax and superannuation disputes Recently established is the Dispute Resolution Working Group. The purpose of this group is to consult on key issues in dispute resolution and ADR. The ATO conducted a pilot to assess the utility and effectiveness of ATO officers acting as in-house facilitators to assist in resolving smaller, less complex disputes. The pilot found these facilitators were effective in resolving these disputes and advisors were comfortable with the process. It also demonstrated the benefits of early engagement. The ATO is currently exploring how the benefits seen in the facilitation pilot can be used to resolve disputes in the $0 to $2m small business market. The ATO would like to consult with the Dispute Resolution Forum Working Group and Small to Medium Enterprise sector representatives from the professional associations early in 2014. There is still more work to be done in this area around improved strategies and greater communication. Independent review update Five independent review cases have now been finalised and the ATO is looking to finalise a further six by the end of January 2014. Each case has been different allowing for lessons to be learned and factored into future processes. Feedback on the review to date has been well received and positive. As part of the end process the ATO will look to also provide the opportunity for feedback from the taxpayer's experience, together with the taxpayer's adviser. Update on the Transforming Tax Technical Decision Making project Acting Chief Tax Counsel Jonathan Woodger, Tax Counsel Network provided members with an update. The Transforming Tax Technical Decision Making (TTTDM) project officially closed on 30 June 2013. The TTTDM Post Implementation Review (PIR) commenced in July 2013. The review is in progress with a currently expected completion date of March 2014. The PIR is being coordinated by the Tax Counsel Network (TCN), Practice Management. There are no preliminary findings of the PIR to report as yet, but anecdotal feedback in relation to this project has been positive. It was noted that all staff movements had now occurred so that TCN operated as a whole, allowing for a balance between specialisation and flexibility. The previous Centres of Expertise no longer exist. Some of the Centre staff have been moved into TCN. Others have been moved from Law to Compliance to enhance the latter's technical capability. One relevant change made by the TTTDM project was to allow precedential decisions that are rated as 'low risk' to be made by appropriate staff in Compliance. Previously, all such decisions had to be 'escalated' to Law regardless of risk or complexity. ATO Interpretative Decisions (ATOIDs) can still be made by business and service lines (BSL) staff in such cases. But if TCN has been involved, the issue is 'high risk' by definition so it is now a requirement that in these cases views by published by way of a binding public ruling product rather than an ATOID. The TCN Practice Management area does a regular (typically six monthly) 'sweep' of ATOIDs to review which issues should be published as a ruling or determination. 5.Consultation arrangements First Assistant Commissioner Sue Sinclair (ATO Corporate) provided an update and led discussion on the ATO's consultation arrangements. The purpose of this item: Further discussion about the ATO's consultation arrangements, including key statistics, major outcomes in recent months, health and status of the current arrangements and significant matters for consultation. Discuss the opportunity for a workshop in 2014 to consider the role and operation of the NTLG in order to maximise effectiveness of this peak forum. Overview of the 'health of the system' The consultation system is now broadly up and running. The ATO appreciates the input from NTLG members that have worked closely with the ATO to get to this stage Feedback has been sought on a number of issues including matters for the consultation register before it went live and the necessity for certain special purpose forums. Improvements will continue to be made on a range of matters ensuring over time for a more dynamic project-like consultation, with the right people, at the right time, on specific issues. The ATO Consultation Hub and Treasury are making a joint submission to the Board of Taxation in relation to the operation of the Tax Issues Entry System. Stewardship forums As the ATO's peak consultative forum the NTLG will receive reports from all seven stewardship committees as to membership, agenda items and discussions. This is so that NTLG members can consider issues holistically and with full information. Since 1 July 2013 most stewardship forums have met. Some work is still required to ensure all members are actively engaging in productive discussions and that the forum is a worthwhile investment for all. The Consultation Hub will work with each forum towards this goal. Register of 'matters for consultation' On 29 November 2013 the first version of this list was published on the ATO website. The ATO will further investigate potential improvements. Register of stakeholders This is a reasonably healthy looking list at 195 registrants. Stakeholders have a range of expertise in a range of technical areas such as superannuation, international taxation and GST and cover a broad range of industries such as banking and finance, mining and resources, retail and the not-for-profit sector. Further work is to be done to ensure the list is well categorised and easy to use. The ATO is investigating whether the stakeholder registration list can be disclosed to the Consultation Steering Group. Post-implementation review This review will be done in June 2014. An independent reviewer will undertake a comprehensive post-implementation review of the consultation arrangements. The NTLG and its role The NTLG will discuss matters of strategic importance to the taxation and superannuation systems and will receive reports from the stewardship forums, the Consultation Steering Group and the ATO Consultation Hub. Members will consider how much, and what type of information is needed/sufficient in order to prevent information overload. With establishment of the Consultation Steering Group and introduction of the new ATO NTLG management team, it is a timely opportunity to review the role of the NTLG with its purpose and function in going forward. For the first meeting in March 2014 a workshop will be held to consider and address these matters. 6.Simplifying compliance / ATO Co-Design Centre tour Deputy Commissioner Steve Vesperman, Assistant Commissioner Graham Whyte (Small Business / Individual Taxpayers) and ATO Co-Design Centre Director Tammy Gardner (Integrated Tax Design) led these discussions. The purpose of this item: Discuss ways in which the ATO can work with members to implement a proposal to pre-prepare tax returns for taxpayers with simple tax affairs – including consultation to obtain insights and expertise from members' national and international networks. Discuss the ATO's goals of transforming the customer experience consistent with the ATO's 2020 vision. Demonstrate usability testing of the Streamlined Individual Income Return process through the Co-Design Centre. Streamlined tax returns From July 2014, the ATO will introduce a new online substantially pre-prepared tax return that delivers a significantly improved and contemporary service for compliant individual taxpayers. This approach substantially reduces the effort required by a taxpayer to complete and lodge their annual income tax return. The ATO will 'push out' messages regarding the availability of the new tax return to eligible self preparing taxpayers via email and SMS. Taxpayers will be directed to login through my.gov.auExternal Link to the secure ATO website where the return will be available for their review and finalisation. The ATO will advise eligible taxpayers that, for most, a substantially pre-prepared return will be available in late July. If they prefer not to wait for the pre-prepared return they will be able to use the new online tax return from 1 July. Taxpayers with more complex affairs including investment properties, capital gains and losses and foreign income, and non-residents, will not be eligible to use the new service. These taxpayers can lodge electronically using our existing e-tax service or may choose to use a tax agent. The new return will use the information the ATO already receives from third party sources (e.g. employers and financial institutions) and will not result in any additional burden on these data providers. The new return will have some key differences to the current e-tax service, including: Fully online rather than requiring a software download and installation Available on mobile devices such as tablet and smart phones Automatic pre-filling of the return Substantially less screens to complete Targeted to those with simpler tax affair In 2014 the return will be specifically marketed to 1.4 million taxpayers who currently prepare their own return however the number of taxpayers who will be able to take advantage of this new approach will be expanded in later years. The ATO will establish a special purpose limited life working group to assist in the next phase of this project. Consultation will involve members of the tax profession, individual taxpayers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A number of 'You Tube' programs will be developed to assist in the rollout of this new initiative. Pre-fill tax returns in other countries Lowering compliance costs for taxpayers with straightforward income tax returns through pre-prepared tax returns: Over the last decade or so, revenue bodies in all of the Nordic region countries have been revolutionising their personal tax arrangements through the development of pre-filled tax return systems. A pre-filled tax return is one prepared by the revenue body for the taxpayer using third party information reports and other information at its disposal. By providing completed or largely completed tax returns for many of their taxpayers, these revenue bodies can significantly simplify the process taxpayers must undertake to meet their tax return filing obligations, thereby substantially reducing their compliance costs. Transformational change The customer experience continuum and the ATO's 2020 vision: A vision where the administration of the future tax and super systems will be based on mutual trust and transparency of information. A tailored approach will be provided in which openness about tax affairs, voluntary compliance and willing participation in the tax and super systems will be rewarded with streamlined experiences. This will lead to reduced effort for taxpayers in meeting their tax and super obligations, and create certainty about their tax affairs. ATO Co-Design Centre tour Members were provided the opportunity to view the ATO's Co-Design Centre (the Centre). The Centre is a design and usability centre located in Brisbane that supports the ATO's goal of making the tax system easier, cheaper and more personalised for taxpayers. It brings together designers and users of the tax system (both internal and external to the ATO) in the design and evaluation of the ATO's products, processes and systems. Members observed usability testing of the Streamlined Individual Income Tax Return process and usability testing of the Online Tax Return using various devices such as smart phones and tablets. Member feedback on the Centre was positive and recognised and appreciated the great value and many benefits that the Centre provides for the benefit of the taxpayer community. ACTION ITEM No. 1 Action item No. # NTLG1312/01 Agenda topic Simplifying compliance Streamlined tax returns Action item The ATO to establish a special purpose limited life working group to assist in the next phase of this project. Consultation will involve members of the tax profession, individual taxpayers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Responsibility ATO Background Members were advised that the new income tax returns are being taken to the next level and are more targeted to those with simpler tax affairs. The ATO agreed to consult with the tax profession, individual taxpayers and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to achieve a 'low touch/no touch' tax system for individual taxpayers. The ATO will form a special purpose limited life working group. The focus of the group will be to bring a range of perspectives and expertise to identify opportunities, and to advise the ATO on how to move toward achieving this outcome. 7.Other business / Meeting wrap up In closing the meeting, Second Commissioner Neil Olesen (Law Design and Practice) confirmed that the first meeting in March 2014 will be a workshop focussing on the scope, role and operation of the NTLG, including consideration of a forward work program for the forum. The following dates were proposed for 2014 with Canberra listed as the proposed location for the meetings: Wednesday 5 March Thursday 19 June Thursday 18 September Wednesday 3 December A member advised of concerns about meetings held in Canberra during sitting weeks. The ATO agreed to consider other possible options. Members were thanked for their contributions during the meeting. The meeting closed at 1:20pm. POST MEETING UPDATE On 20 December 2013 the ATO advised members that the next NTLG meeting will be held on 5 March 2014 in Canberra. The ATO noted concerns about meetings held in Canberra during sitting weeks and is investigating other options for the balance of 2014.Last modified: 24 Feb 2014QC 39365


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Twin Cities Wine Club
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2002 Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling $25
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2005 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Sonoma County Chardonnay $45
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2005 Stangeland Estate Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $35
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Comparing Cabernet Blended Wines
2005 Chateau Colombier Monpelou Pauillac $40
2005 Waterstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $35
-learn about several terms in regards to Bordeaux and the makeup of the Napa Valley
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Pinot Noir Tasting 2006


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The next hearing of the Board for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) on the closed fertiliser plant of Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) is scheduled on December 19.
BIFR has directed FCI to submit all audited accounts- balance sheets and profit & loss accounts along with auditor accounts from the date of sickness to the present period. The board has also asked FCI's chief executive and one of its directors fully acquainted with the closed unit's case to be present at the time of hearing.
The Talcher urea plant, the only of its kind in eastern India, was setup in the late 70s and began production in 1980. However, it remained in red till 1992 when it was referred by the then government to BIFR. Finally, the NDA government in 1999, stopped budgetary support to it and closed the unit.
The BIFR, after hearing the case for many years, ordered closure of the plant in 2002 in the absence of any revival proposal by the then government. At a public meeting held at Talcher recently, Union minister of state for chemical and fertiliser and statistics & programme implementation, Srikant Jena had announced that revival of the fertiliser plant would be take up in six months.
The minister had inaugurated the site office of Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) at Talcher. The revival of the gas-based fertiliser plant would cost Rs 8,000 crore and it will be implemented by a consortium of three PSUs- FCI, RCF and Coal India Ltd (CIL).
RCF will have the controlling stake in the consortium. CIL will ensure uninterrupted coal supply to the fertiliser unit. In March this year, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had written to Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, seeking expeditious action on revival of plan.
"The state is experiencing urea shortages frequently and the demand supply gap for urea has widened over the years. There is no urea plant in the eastern region and the revival of the Talcher plant will go a long way in addressing a chronic shortage. This step would provide employment and also contribute to the overall growth and development of the eastern region. Further, this plant can build synergy with the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) which the Odisha government is developing with the support of the Government of India," Patnaik had stated in his letter.


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'Jersey Shore' Cast to Headline MTV Hurricane Sandy Benefit, 'Restore the Shore'
The fist-pumping, hard-partying cast will headline MTV's one-hour fund-raising Restore the Shore special, featuring as-of-yet unannounced special guests, to benefit the disaster-strewn towns along the state's 127-mile coastline.
After Sandy tore through the East Coast on Oct. 29, the Jersey shore — where many editions of the hit MTV series were filmed — was left in shambles: boardwalks were trashed, homes were destroyed and an iconic roller coaster was dumped into the ocean.
And now MTV and the stars of Jersey Shore — which is in its sixth and final season — are teaming up to show their support. In partnership with Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that provides design and construction services, MTV will put all donations towards restoring Seaside Heights homes, businesses and tourist attractions, and aiding individuals affected by the storm.
In the days immediately following Sandy, the MTV cast members have been donating to the town they once called home — and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. "Cleaning my closet today to donate clothes and whatever I can do the victims affected by sandy! I'm comin with clothes!!!!" tweeted Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi on Nov. 1, after also urging her fans to contribute to relief efforts. Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino hasn't been silent on the cause, either. "This is Sad , The Jersey Shore , wow," he tweeted. "If there is anything to do I will try and I hope you guys do as well!"
Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Steven Tyler and others — pulled in nearly $23 million for rebuilding efforts, the American Red Cross confirmed.
Broadcasting from the Times Square studios of MTV, Restore the Shore will air Thursday, Nov. 15, at 11 p.m. EST. Viewers will be encouraged to donate online or via text message during and after the event.
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Fri Jan 25, 2013, 10:39 PM
WillyT (72,631 posts)
Anybody Watching MSNBC Tonight ??? - The Price Of Re-Election...
Ed is pissed, and is giving no quarter.
5 replies, 948 views
Always highlight: 10 newest replies | Replies posted after I mark a forum
Replies to this discussion thread
|5 replies
Anybody Watching MSNBC Tonight ??? - The Price Of Re-Election... (Original post)
|Jan 2013
|Jan 2013
|Jan 2013
|Jan 2013
|Jan 2013
|Jan 2013
Response to WillyT (Original post)
Fri Jan 25, 2013, 10:40 PM
Honeycombe8 (21,372 posts)
1. "giving no quarter"? nt
Response to Honeycombe8 (Reply #1)
Fri Jan 25, 2013, 10:45 PM
WillyT (72,631 posts)
2. Here:
A victor gives no quarter when the victor shows no clemency or mercy and refuses to spare the life in return for the surrender at discretion (unconditional surrender) of a vanquished opponent.[1]
Under the laws of war "... it is especially forbidden ... to declare that no quarter will be given".
This was established under Article 23 of the IV Convention The Laws and Customs of War on Land of the Hague Conventions of 1907.[2]
Since a judgment on the law relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials in October 1946, the 1907 Hague conventions, including the explicit prohibition to declare that no quarter will be given, are considered to be part of the customary laws of war and are binding on all parties in an international armed conflict.[3]
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_quarter
Response to WillyT (Reply #2)
Fri Jan 25, 2013, 11:10 PM
Honeycombe8 (21,372 posts)
3. Ah. I learned a new expression today. Thx. nt
Response to Honeycombe8 (Reply #3)
Sat Jan 26, 2013, 01:52 AM
EC (12,287 posts)
4. Must be young.
Led Zeppelin's song "No Quarter" made a lot of people know the phrase.
Response to EC (Reply #4)
Sat Jan 26, 2013, 08:38 AM
Honeycombe8 (21,372 posts)
5. I wish. Nope. Never liked Led Zeppelin much, but didn't hate them.
Never cared for hard type rock. You can't hear most of the words they say, anyway. For No Quarter...that's the title of the song (I looked it up).
It's a war term, so probably a term that more guys are familiar with. Like quotes from The Godfather.
There was one LZ song I liked....Stairway to Heaven. Didn't love it, but I liked it. Happy dazed memories of that song playing in the background.


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Professor: Piano, Distinguished McKnight Professor
The New York Times has described Lydia Artymiw as "a lovely Mozart and an appealing Schumann player. There is the heart, wisdom and culture that put that heart in the right place, with concentrated musicality tempered by good taste. Ms. Artymiw has such a satisfying musical soul; she is a pleasure to hear."
The Los Angeles Times described Artymiw as "an important pianist because she combines so many diverse qualities: she wields power and delicacy with equal ease; she is securely equipped with technique, and she feels deeply and knows how to communicate her feelings. She stirred her audience repeatedly."
Lydia Artymiw has succeeded in every facet of an important international career: as soloist with orchestra, in recital and chamber music, and in solo and chamber music recordings. She has appeared with over one hundred orchestras throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Far East. Her American orchestral appearances include the Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, as well as the American, Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Detroit, Florida, Kansas City, National, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Rochester, San Francisco, Seattle, and St. Louis Symphonies, and the St. Paul and St. Luke's Chamber Orchestras. She has performed with such conductors as Previn, Ozawa, Rattle, Zinman, Ví¤nskí¤, Skrowaczewski, Levi, and Parrott. As a solo recitalist, she has performed in major venues in London, Berlin, Basel, Cologne, Hamburg, Dí¼sseldorf, Rome, Milan, Paris, Taipei, Seoul, Zí¼rich, New York (Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum, Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd Street Y, Weill Hall, and Merkin Hall), Washington (Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Renwick Gallery, and the Smithsonian), Chicago (Orchestra Hall), Philadelphia (Academy of Music and Kimmel Center), Minneapolis (Orchestra Hall), Los Angeles, and Boston (Symphony Hall, Gardner Museum). She has concertized throughout Europe (in Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Sardinia, Switzerland, Estonia, Finland, and Ukraine) as well as in Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore, China, and the Philippines.
Artymiw's festival appearances include Aspen, Bantry, Bard, Bellingham, Bravo! Colorado Vail, Caramoor, Chamber Music Northwest, Chautauqua, Eastern Shore Maryland, Grand Canyon, Hampden-Sydney, Hollywood Bowl, Maverick, Montreal, Mostly Mozart, Music Mountain, Newport, Seattle, South Mountain, Tucson, Virginia Waterfront, and Marlboro (where she has returned several times as a "senior artist/participant since 1998). Artymiw has collaborated with the Guarneri String Quartet, the American, Borromeo, Miami, Orion, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Vermeer Quartets. She has performed many recitals with some of the most distinguished musicians of our time including Yo-Yo Ma, Kim Kashkashian, Arnold Steinhardt, Michael Tree, Richard Stoltzman, John Aler, and Benita Valente, and she has toured numerous times with "Music From Marlboro" groups throughout the US. Artymiw is a member of the Steinhardt-Artymiw-Eskin Trio (with violinist Arnold Steinhardt and cellist Jules Eskin).
Lydia Artymiw is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1989 Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award and the 1987 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and she has garnered top prizes in major competitions such as the 1978 Leeds International in England (third prize), the 1976 Leventritt in New York (finalist, no major prize awarded), and first prize in the 1972 Koszciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition in New York. In recent years she has been a juror for the Esther Honens International Piano Competition in Canada, the China International Shanghai Piano Competition, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition in Indiana, the Corpus Christi National Competition in Texas, and the William Kapell International Piano Competition and the Chesapeake International Chamber Competition, both in Maryland.
Her seven solo albums for the Chandos label in England have been critically acclaimed. Her debut record (Variations) was a Gramophone Magazine "Critic's Choice" and "Best of the Year" disc, she was featured on the cover of Gramophone Magazine for the release of her Schumann record, her Mendelssohn record was hailed by Hi-Fi News and the Monthly Guide to Recorded Music as "Best of the Month," and Ovation Magazine honored her Schubert recording as "Recording of Distinction." Her Tchaikovsky Seasons (released by Chandos in 1982) is still in print and has sold over 20,000 copies. She has also recorded for the Artegra, Bridge, Centaur, and Pantheon labels with Benita Valente, John Aler, Marcy Rosen, the Tokyo Quartet, and the Rosalyra Quartet.
Since 1989, Lydia Artymiw has been on the faculty of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, which has honored her with the "Dean's Medal" for Outstanding Professor in 2000 and with the Distinguished McKnight Professorship in 2001. She was the first performing artist at the University of Minnesota to receive both of these awards. Artymiw's studio (with 40 doctoral graduates) is one of the most prolific and successful at the University of Minnesota, and her students have attained international careers as performers and professors at universities and colleges throughout the US, Canada, and Asia. Her doctoral graduates include Jeri-Mae Astolfi (University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh), Soohyun Cho (Kyungnam University, Masan, South Korea), Alejandro Cremaschi (University of Colorado at Boulder), Corey Hamm (University of British Columbia in Vancouver), Grace Huang (Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio), Young Kim (The College of St. Rose in New York), Matthew McCright (Carleton College in Minnesota), Margaret McDonald (University of Colorado at Boulder), Wonny Song (Lambda School, Montreal and first prize winner of the 2005 YCA international auditions, and the 2001 WAMSO Competition), Maria Fernanda Trocan (Academy of Music, St. Francis in the Fields, Louisville, KY), and Christopher Brody (Visiting Professor of Theory at Indiana University-Bloomington, 2013-2015).
Lydia Artymiw was born in Philadelphia to Ukrainian parents and began piano studies at age four with George Oransky at the Ukrainian Music Institute. Her principal teachers were Freda Pastor Berkowitz (who taught for over fifty years at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia) from 1962-1967 and Gary Graffman, her mentor, with whom she studied from 1967 to 1979. Artymiw graduated summa cum laude from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 1973 and which honored her with a "Distinguished Alumna" award in 1991.
Education & Background Publications & Professional Experience
- performing and teaching: solo piano, concerto, and chamber music repertoire
- concert pianist
- Women Pianists Symposium (interview). Artymiw, Lydia, Piano Magazine, Rhinegold Press, London, England, 2003.
- Schumann Symposium (interview). Artymiw, Lydia, Piano Magazine, Rhinegold Press, London, England, 2002.
- Brahms Symposium (interview). Artymiw, Lydia, Piano Magazine, Rhinegold Press, London, England, 2001.
- Mendelssohn Symposium (interview and published article). Artymiw, Lydia, Piano Magazine, Rhinegold Press, London, England, 2005.
- Steinhardt-Artymiw-Eskin Piano Trio: Performed with such artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Arnold Steinhardt, Richard Stoltzman, Benita Valente, and the American, Borromeo, Guarneri, Miami, Shanghai, and Tokyo Quartets
- Performances world-wide with over 100 orchestras under many leading conductors of our time.
- Presented solo recitals throughout the US, Europe, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and Korea
- Appeared at over 50 festivals including Aspen, Bard, Caramoor, Chautauqua, Marlboro, Montreal, Seattle, Tucson, and Virginia Waterfront
- Member, CLA Promotion and Tenure Review Committee: 1999 - 2002
- Advisory Committee: Feb. 2004 - Feb. 2005
- Piano Judge at Piano Arts Competition, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 2003
- Frequent contributor and writer of piano repertoire articles to Piano Magazine, UK (Brahms, Schumann, and Mendelssohn magazines)
- Piano Judge at Esther Honens International Piano Competition, Calgary, Canada: 2006
- Chair, Keyboard Division, School of Music, University of Minnesota, 2002/03 and 2005/06
- Artistic Director of the Elaine Schuessler Piano Recital Series at the American Swedish Institute: September 2002 - 2010
- Distinguished McKnight Professorship, 2001
- Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award, 1989
- McKnight Research Award, 1994
- Dean's Medal for Outstanding Professor at the University of Minnesota, 2000
- Distinguished Alumna Award, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, 1991
- Avery Fisher Prize Career Grant, 1987
- 1976 Leventritt and 1978 Leeds International Piano Competitions
- MusA 2301 - Piano: Performance Major
- MusA 1301 - Piano: Major
- MusA 8301 - Piano Major
- Mus 3440 - Chamber Ensemble
- MusA 3301 - Piano: Major
- Mus 5440 - Chamber Ensemble