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Austrian Airlines has recently announced a restructuring to its route network that will see the cancellation of a number of services.
The flights from Vienna to Hong Kong, Havana and Colombo will all stop at the end of October this year and the airline will also cut the Vienna and Linz service, with the last day of operations scheduled to be 27th October.
Isfahan and Shiraz in Iran will end in the middle of September, while the airline promises to carry on flying to the Iranian capital city Teheran, at least until the end of the winter 18/19 season.
Austrian will also cut down the year-round Vienna - Miami route to a seasonal operation, only flying during the summer months. The carrier says it will contact passengers booked after the end of October to re-accommodate them on other flights.
"With the entire fleet and now 12 long-haul aircraft, we want to offer a denser route network and thus an improved offer for our passengers," explained Austrian Airlines CCO Andreas Otto. "For this reason, we will take advantage of available capacities, especially to serve North America more optimally. This way, we aim to be more attractive to business travellers and transfer passengers in Eastern Europe and also to simply gain more customers," he added.
Austrian Airlines will operate daily flights to Chicago and six weekly connections to Newark, New Jersey, an increase of two flights per week compared to the previous year. The airline will offer up to five weekly flights to New York JFK, an increase of three flights. The airline will also a single additional flight each week to Toronto, Beijing and Shanghai in the coming winter period.
The Lufthansa Group airline will also start a brand new service to CapeTown which is scheduled to start from 27th October.
(Photos Austrian Airlines)


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Credit: Artist, Robert E. Sticker.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Created: Unknown.
Depicted: 1876.
Enlargement: 600 x 375pxs.
Built: 1870, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Type: Sternwheel wooden hull packet. Mountain riverboat.
Size: 190' x 33' x 6'.
Engines: 15's - 5 ft.
Boilers: Three boilers
Capacity: Could carry 200 tons and 30 cabin passengers, drawing only 20 inches, un-ladened.
Operating on the Missouri, Yellowstone and Osage Rivers, the FAR WEST earned a place in history in 1876, under the able command of Captain Grant Marsh. He had taken General Alfred H. Terry and Custer's columns to the Little Big Horn and while waiting with supplies, the FAR WEST crew received the news that Custer and his command had been wiped out two days before.
Later, on June 30, the wounded of Major Reno's 7th Cavalry detachment were loaded onto the Far West, and Marsh traveled all day and night carrying the wounded to the hospital at Fort Lincoln, making the run from Fort Pease, Montana, to Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory, 710 miles in 54 hours ~ the fastest trip ever made by a steamboat on the Missouri, despite the ever-shifting sandbars and the numerous snags that made navigation on the Missouri River extremely hazardous.
On July 5, the FAR WEST reached Bismarck, and four days later, Captain Marsh headed the Far West back up the Missouri to the Little Big Horn with supplies and horses for the soldiers left there.In this scene, the FAR WEST is pictured in the early morning at the mouth of the Rosebud, as George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry breaks camp before the campaign.
The Far West was snagged and lost on the Missouri River at Mullanthy Bend, seven miles below St. Charles, on October 30, 1883.
|More boats to be added ...

subset: commoncrawl


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Georgia TheodorouGraphic Designer
I'm a freelance graphic designer. I have been working for 19 years in magazines and now I am trying to improve my knowledge and my skills to be a teacher.Attiki


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Takoda was created to be the male counterpart of Litonya, and was a joy to create!
First off, he needed long dark hair so he received a complete reroot using black saran hair with just a few streaks of dark brown mixed in. Then all of his original paint was removed, and he was repainted using artist quality acrylics giving him deep brown eyes and realistic shading.
Just like when I created Litonya, I took great care to use only natural materials as much as possible for Takoda.
His entire costume (leggings, breechcloat, moccasins, & tunic) was made out of genuine suede and carefully hand stitched & fringed. His headband was created by braiding thin strips of suede, and then embellished with tiny shells & feathers.
Just like Litonya, Takoda also has 2 cloaks… one from rabbit fur (he thinks it's polar bear though!), and the other from the same suede as he costume.
Check out he's accessories! *grin*
First we'll discuss his lance. It's made from a mahogany dowel that has been wrapped with both brown suede and white leather strips, and then decorated with feathers. The spearhead was created from actual bone… meticulously carved and sanded, and then buffed to a shine. Cool eh?
Then there is his knife. That too was carved, sanded & buffed to a shine from actual bone. Then it's handle was wrapped with strips of suede, and a suede fringed sheath created for it, which attaches to the belt that also carries he's suede sachel.
Finally is his calumet (peace pipe). It was created from a tube that was wrapped in suede, and then the mouth piece & bowl was carved from wood. Porcupine quills & tiny glass beads were used so it can be hung around his neck, and tiny shells and feathers to decorate it. Attached to the pipe is a tiny pouch to carry his "tobacco" (it's actually dried parsley *grin*).


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Submitted by Nancy Forgrave
It is with great excitement that Bruce Peninsula Hospice (BPH) announces it has received renewed accreditation status as a Visiting Hospice Service. The Accreditation Committee of BPH worked to prepare their submission for the accreditation reviewers for the past two years. To pass the Accreditation Assessment Review, organizations need to receive a score of 90% or more and we did it!
"A tremendous effort resulting in a very positive result. I am proud to be on such a superb team," said Paul Lavigne, Chair.
The volunteer-run organization last year provided hospice and bereavement services to over 90 families on the Bruce Peninsula and surrounding area and has their office in Wiarton.
Rick Firth, HPCO President & CEO, stated in the formal letter received. "Your participation in the accreditation process demonstrates leadership and a commitment to quality."
As stated in HPCO documentation, "The goal of HPCO's accreditation program is to ensure the delivery of consistent, high quality hospice palliative care services throughout Ontario". Accredited hospice organizations receive an accreditation seal demonstrating their compliance with HPCO standards in areas of service delivery, governance, administrative operations and quality assurance.
We share this accomplishment with all the volunteers and members of the organization and community who help Bruce Peninsula Hospice deliver and support our quality visiting hospice services and programs, said Manager, Volunteer Programs & Outreach, Nancy Forgrave.
Bruce Peninsula Hospice provides compassionate, visiting hospice and grief and bereavement support by trained volunteers for individuals and their families on the Peninsula and surrounding area. Our volunteer-based organization was founded in 1995 and our services and programs are provided at no cost.


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Daily Energies for May 29, 2019
Today is a day of harmony. You can use this day to create order in your thoughts and in your life circumstances. Talks and negotiations are having a positive influence. Now you are allowed to create space for more clarity in your life.
Affirmation: "Harmony and order determine my life and my thoughts."
Are you ready for harmony? Then say yes and give a "Like"
#spirituality #harmony
Spiritual Energies for May 28, 2019
Today is a day of wonder. You are a miracle within a miracle and the gratitude for what is there will free you from false expectations. Everything is already there, what you are looking for. Let go of the expectations that are saddening and depressing you for a long time. Recognize the wonder that is already there.
Affirmation: "At this moment, everything is there, what should be there."
Are you ready to accept the miracle? Then say yes and choose "I Like"!
#falsexpectations #letgo #abundance #spirituality
Today is a day of appreciation. You always decide how you look at things or certain circumstances. Now you can make the choice to focus on the positive. Do not look for the mistakes or problems, but for what is good and right in your eyes! This will increase the positive aspects of the matter.
Affirmation: "I see and I appreciate the good things in everything and everyone."
Do you want to be positive? Then say yes and give a like.
Today is a day of decisions. You are at a turning point in your life Everything you decide today and in the next few days will take your life in a new direction. Make your decisions from the heart. You can now completely trust your intuition.
Affirmation: "I'm ready to make important decisions and make a happy turn."
Do you want to trust your intuition more? Then say yes and give a heart ♥
Today is a day of renewal. Are you planning a big change or a move? Then you can set the course now and look forward to the process of change. Make room for new things by freeing yourself from old things. Prepare inwardly for your new life and discard your insecurity. All changes are now having a favorable effect.
Affirmation: "I dare to venture into unknown uncharted territory and look forward to positive changes in my life."
Are you planning a change? Then say yes and give a Like!
Spiritual Energies for May 21., 2019
Today is a day of patience and mindfulness. You can trust that everything will come as it should. Think less and just go with the flow of Life. Seek the silence today to become more relaxed. Because if you are patient, your positive attitude will soon pay off, and drag something into your life, that brings peace in a particular matter.
Affirmation: "I am patient and I take things as they come."
Shall heaven work and bring the best for you? Then say yes and choose "I Like".
#growwealth #abundance #angelchanneling #spiritual #tarotreading #photooftheday #spiritualawakening
Get your personal Tarot & Psychic Reading with me today, to receive information about your lovelife, career and family: Tel.: +1 917 518 3099 (US / NYC Cell number) or Toll Free: +1 844 585 9600. For more Information look here to see my Psychic & Tarot services first: https://www.elaine-psychic.nyc/nyc_tarot_palm_readings.html
Today is a day of strength. On this day you can part with old ballast and gain new energy.
Now you can set goals well and implement everything step by step. Give yourself time to build things slowly, but steadily. So you will have enough stamina and come to your destination.
Affirmation: "There is nothing left to burden me, I am rich in strength and energy."
Do you need a motivation boost? Then say yes and give a like.
The guys from the SoHo/ Manhattan based Website www.sohowindows.blogspot.com, did a nice Picture of me while I was giving Psychic Readings, Palm Readings and Tarot Card Spreads in my former Location between Prince Street and Thompson in the SoHo Flee Market.
It was a nice Location, especially in the Winter Month, when sitting outside in the streets and giving Tarot Card Readings is getting to cold for everyone.
Sadly the Soho Fleemarket there has closed down, And I had to move too. There are remaining Memorys of a lot of nice People and Readings.
Check out the Article about SoHo Stores and some small part about me here: Elaine Psychic (NYC).
Spiritual Energies for May 13, 2019
Today is a day of knowledge. You can overcome painful memories and let go of old grief. Where sadness still rests in your heart, peace now moves in. If, after a disappointment, you think you're always unlucky, you'll create a thought pattern that will negatively impact your life.
Your soul, however, always remains in confidence. With the power of insight, today you can overcome all negative beliefs.
Affirmation: "I release all disappointments and I am free and in eternal trust."
Are you ready to let go, to forgive and to be free? Then say yes and pass on this blessing.
The Question why you need a Spiritual Guide, and how to find the right one, arises for many people nowadays. In these times, we have so many opportunties in self development from Yoga over Meditation Classes, to Self-Improvement-Seminars and so on.
The question arises, when i can get control of my life by myself, why do i need advice of a Psychic Medium or a Spiritual Person?
One possible answer is: our "so called "normal" lifestyle takes us away from Ourself, and distracts us with a million things in the world every day. So there will be times in almost everybody´s Life, to be left in uncertainty about decisions, and the restlessness of life sometimes leads in unmindful decisions.
This is the point, psychics mediums and spiritual guides come into the play.
You need a person, that is not part of the problem, and giving you an objective advice, or remind you of something in yourself you may have forgotten.
Therefore people that are at peace with themself, will give you more peace, in the moment you talk to them. And a spiritual person in connection with divine, will in addition be able to give you hints about how to find the path and the people that are meant for you.
You will sense that from the very beginning, you are in contact with a spiritual person. Of course there will be psychics, that resonate more with your energy and others, you don´t feel automatically drawn too. Your intuition will guide you at the right moment to the right person. And this rule does not only apply to Psychics in your life. So trust your "gut feeling"!
When you start collaborating with Psychic Mediums, Astrologers or Spiritual Life Coaches, most of the times you will find out that the advice or truth in the tarot cards is something you already knew before. You just needed something to point that out for you, or you just were not able to see without the help of someone else.
The cards, the palm or the astrological chart is just the tool This person uses, to make that inner connection to your Higher Self, and give you that information.
Yours, Elaine
#spirituality #spiritualawakening #lifecoach #psychicmedium
Psychic & Tarot Card Reader Elaine doing a Reading for "Chelsea-Girl" Vintage Shop (SoHo/ NYC)!
One Afternoon, as I set up with my Psychic Reading Table and Tarot Reading sign on the Streets of SOHO (NYC), the very nice owners of the vintage shop "Chelsea Girl" walked by, and got readings, and made Pictures of us together.
Lots of Fun and laughter. Also I gave her some advice I have seen through my Gift as a Psychic Medium. If you want to find out more what the Tarot Cards showed for her, and how she perceived the Psychic & Palm Reading with me read on in this Tarot & Psychic Reading Article in Chelsea Girl´s Blog.
A very nice Girl! I wish all the best for her, her lovelife and their business. My Prayers are with you "Chelsea Girl"! God bless!
#soho #spiritualny #Psychicreading #nystreetpsychic
Spiritual Message for May 11., 2019
Today is a day of mindfulness. Give your mind a rest. You are completely close to yourself and you can remember your very own truth, which is speaking of peace. You can relax and do things stress-free now while you work and the pressure falls off. There's nothing you have to hurry for. The more relaxed you are, the bigger and more beautiful the results will be.
Affirmation: "I live for the moment and I enjoy being."
Would you like to find more silence in everyday life? Then say yes and give a Like.
Celebrity Psychic for Lindsay Lohan
Today is a day of goals. What goals do you want to achieve? When you have clear goals, you have the power to change your life. Unless you have clear goals, unconscious desires but also fears in the outside can manifest. Gain clarity to get things moving. The more positive you look ahead, the more energy you will get.
Affirmation: "I set myself clear goals and know exactly what I want, I am using all my energy to reach them."
Do you have a specific goal? Then write it in the commentline and enter a like.
Today is a day of meditation and prayer. Maybe your situation is strained and you want a solution. Go into silence and ask God for guidance. Put your worries in his hands and know that everything will turn out well.
You do not have to carry your worries alone, because heavenly help is on its way to you.
Affirmation: "I place my cares and sorrows in the loving and protective hands of God."
Say yes, if you want to ask for a solution, and give a Like.
Today is a day of salvation. You can now look at what's wrong and put a strain on you. Shadows of the past show up, and even old emotions and thought patterns are transformed and removed from your energy field. You can now ask for clarification in a particular situation. Now everything that does not serve the good of all is taken. And everything that serves now demands its space.
Affirmation: "I detach myself from everything that neither does do me nor my soul well, and I am ready for clarity and blessing."
Do you want to ask Heaven for salvation? Then say yes and give a Like.
Today is a day of enjoying life. You feel the energy of the approaching summer and you can now recharge your batteries. You may make a trip to nature and be enchanted by the many impressions. Turn to the light so that the sun enlightens every day of your life.
Affirmation: "My life is full of joy every day, I enjoy it and I am grateful for everything I experience."
Do you want to receive the energy of nature? Then say yes and give a Like.
#joyoflife #spiritualawakening #spirituality #gratefulness
For a Tarot, or Psychic Reading -
Toll-Free: +1 844 585 9600
More Info here: Tarot Card Reading
Psychic Blog
Elaine Psychic (NYC)
202 6th Ave
SoHo - New York City
Elaine Psychic (FL)
4081 N Federal Hwy,
Pompano Beach,
May 2020


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David presents Victoria Volunteer Award for dedication, tenacity and generosity of spirit
On Thursday 16 August, David Southwick presented the inaugural Caulfield District Victoria Volunteer Award to Annette Gladwin, a tireless volunteer for B'nah... Read More
David becomes 'Principal for a day'
On Wednesday 14 August 2013, David Southwick undertook the exciting task of becoming a 'Principal for a day' at Caulfield South Primary... Read More
Premier, Dr. Denis Napthine opens Harmerkaz Community Centre
On Monday 12 August 2013, David joined Victorian Premier, Dr. Denis Napthine, in opening the Hamerkaz Shelanu Lamdeni Education centre. The centre is a multipurpose complex comprising of a synagogue, classrooms, library and education f...
Protective Service Officers deployed to Caulfield Station
On Monday, David Southwick, with Minister for Police and Emergency Services The Hon. Kim Wells, and Victoria Police Superintendent John Hendrickson and Inspector Charles Allen, were at Caulfield Station to announce the latest Protectiv...


text: On Jan 28, 2012, at 10:30 AM, Alain Schremmer wrote: > > On Jan 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Herbert Schulz wrote: > >> Howdy, >> >> We recently had some discussion about Editor/Front Ends for TeX and enthusastic mention was made of Latexian. >> >> I mentioned another Front End that might be something for folks to look at called TeXnicle, > > How about Texmaker? <http://www.xm1math.net/texmaker/index_fr.html> >>> Texmaker est un diteur LaTeX libre et gratuit avec support de l'unicode, correction orthographique, auto-compltion et repliage de code. Il intgre un afficheur pdf intgr avec support pour synctex et affichage en mode continu. >>> Texmaker est multi-plateforme : il fonctionne sur linux, macosx et windows. >>> Texmaker est simple utiliser et configurer. >>> Texmaker est distribu selon les termes de la licence GPL. > > It is for Intel and OS X ³ 10.5 so I cannot try it even though it has code folding. > > Curious regards > --schremmer Howdy, You may still be able to get TeXMaker (correcting the name :-)) 1.9.2 for 10.4 and version 1.9.9 for PPC at <http://www.xm1math.net/texmaker/>. It is presently at version 3.2.2 and available for 10.5/Intel, 32 bit version for 10.6 and 64bit for 10.7. So there has been an awful lot of development since 1.9.9. One problem I have with most cross-platform software (this includes TeXworks) is that they just don't ``feel'' like they truly belong on the Mac. Good Luck, Herb Schulz (herbs at wideopenwest dot com)


text:
Ultimate Sacrifice by Steven Brown
Excerpt from Chapter 11:
The next morning came and Jimmy knew this wasn't going to
be good. The judge had Jimmy come in to hear his fate. Stacy
was there and the family of the victim. The judge asked the victim's
family if they wanted to speak before he gave his verdict. The family
said yes. They told him what kind of a woman she was. How great a
wife and mother. Tears were coming down their faces. The judge asked
Jimmy if he wanted to say anything. Jimmy said yes. The judge told
him not to say anything stupid. Jimmy looked back to the family. "I
hope this brings peace in your life. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
The family stood up and said, "Never, you monster."


text:
Another Spring Festival holiday has drawn to a close with a weekend of railway station mayhem across China.
On Saturday, 11.1 million train trips were taken across the country as CNY travelers rushed to get back to work. That number increased to an estimated 12.52 million trips on Sunday.
Known as the world's biggest annual human migration, nearly 3 billion trips (by rail, plane, boat, and car) were forecast for this year's Spring Festival travel rush (Jan. 21st to March 1st). It certainly appears to be living up to expectations.
Once reunited, along with going to the movies, families across China also headed to tourist spots with a total of 415 million visits over the past week, leading to 513.9 billion yuan ($76.2 billion) in tourism revenue, an 8.2 percent over last year, according to China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Well, that sure was profitable AND fun. Can't wait to do it all again next year!


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Moon day: 9
Moon phase : First Quarter
Next new moon: 8:52:22, 5 Apr 2019
Next full moon: 11:12:18, 19 Apr 2019
[[First Quarter]]
Runes meanings ‹Ingwaz-Dagaz-Jera› three runes divination
1. Ingwaz (ingwaz)
In the first position - the extension. It was time to get rid of the old, something new in your life goes. You grew out of the old way of life, the old way of thinking, as the growing out of old clothes, which has become unfashionable or close. Start a new stage of life, possibly due to a new hobby. As the great healing rune indicates a period of spiritual and physical healing, renewal of life force that attracts into your life positive developments. Now the moment you have enough energy to succeed in anything.
2. Dagaz (dagaz)
In the second position - the concentration breakthrough. As rune speech, we recommend that you change your description of the world on a more balanced. Reaching the balance of its energy, you can reach a point of transformation of your consciousness. Try not to disperse its forces and send them to the realization of any one target. Rune advises not to focus on the problem and to change the situation so that the space around you become brighter and happier. Just as dawn heralds the beginning of a new day, look at things quite a different perspective, and explore the unknown is still room. In some cases, advised to find a new use for old things.
3. Jera (jera)
In the third position - not soon, but still favorable outcome of any business, legal assistance. Vintage, whatever it may be, will be collected.


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The idle musings of a former military man, former computer geek, medically retired pastor and now full-time writer. Contents guaranteed to offend the politically correct and anal-retentive from time to time. My approach to life is that it should be taken with a large helping of laughter, and sufficient firepower to keep it tamed!
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
OK, that's some clever carving!
I woke up this morning to find that three readers had independently sent me this picture. I don't know its source.
A clever design and great execution. It's a pity it was left attached to the stump . . . that would look great in a museum or exhibition, or even in someone's home as a central talking point.
5 comments:
- Rob said...
To find that just sitting in a yard, or out in the woods would be amazing. Somethings just need to be where they are..
I am really impressed with artists, I'd never see anything more than a large stump sitting there yet some artist saw that. Just amazing.
You writers do it too....
- October 11, 2017 at 2:44 PM
- Cedar said...
The artist is Romanian, Gabi Razea. http://mymodernmet.com/gabi-rizea-chainsaw-artist/
- October 11, 2017 at 6:35 PM
- Cj said...
No way, attached to the stump is awesome! If anything, dig up the stump, power wash all the dirt off it and make it look like they are pouring molten wood into a stump mold... any artist could carve the fluid pouring out of the bucket, but attached to the stump makes it special... in my opinion.
- October 12, 2017 at 11:04 AM
- Tal Hartsfeld said...
Always great to see there are still brilliant and creative individuals in the world who are highly motivated to boot---completely impervious to the social and political climate and trends of late.
- October 13, 2017 at 12:06 PM
Iv'e aspired to be an artist forever, but seeing what a sculptor can do just astounds me. I always think of creating something from nothing is awesome, but reducing a mass to things like this or any other similar stone carving, just blows my mind.
- October 13, 2017 at 8:09 PM


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Vinyl record sale to benefit Libertyville Township food pantry
Music fans looking to add to their collection of vintage vinyl, replace a worn favorite or rekindle memories will get the chance at an upcoming pop-up sale in Libertyville.
"There's going to be some interesting finds for people to dig through," said Lance Schart, one of the organizers and participants in the second annual vinyl record sale to benefit the Libertyville Township food pantry.
Last year, the inaugural event held in the garage of one of the sellers raised $1,400 in cash and 400 pounds of food for the pantry.
"We're looking to double everything this year," Schart said. That means more visibility in a larger space, and more selections for shoppers.
The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at 330 N. Milwaukee Ave., an empty storefront in downtown Libertyville. Six residents who each have been collecting for more than 30 years will be offering more than 2,000 selections.
A variety of genres will be represented, and more records will be added to the inventory every hour.
Some hard-to-find items like fan club exclusives, vintage posters and one-of-a-kind autographed merchandise also will be available.
Prices will range from $1 to more than $50 for collectibles, Schart said. Prices represent market value based on information at Discogs.com.
"It's great they're having this record sale and they thought of the food pantry," Libertyville Township Supervisor Kathleen O'Connor said.
At the end of 2018, 303 families were registered for the township food pantry, which serves a population of about 50,000 in Libertyville, Green Oaks, unincorporated areas and parts of Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Waukegan and Mettawa, according to O'Connor. There is a need for tea and sardines, along with toilet paper, paper towels, sugar, salt, aluminum foil and ketchup.
Admission to the vinyl sale is nonperishable food or a suggested $5 donation. All donations and a portion of the sales will go the food pantry.
Visit twitter.com/lvillevinylsale for updates.


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By Tolu Ogunlesi
Coined from: Y! Naija
"The mistakes of yesterday (the missed chances at greatness) are not doing anything to influence the decisions of today. Yet, when greatness shows up, it leaves none in doubt of what it is.
Watching bits of the Olympic opening ceremony last Friday it was impossible to not come to the conclusion that Britain is indeed a great country.
Now this is a country that hasn't had it easy in recent times; lurching from parliamentary expenses scandal to phone-hacking scandal to a nationwide outbreak of looting to LIBOR-fixing scandal, all against a backdrop of recession. Not to mention that fifty years after the African colonies, Scotland seems primed for independence.
And yet few could see that burst of Olympic glory last Friday and not think of people who, against several odds, have demonstrated that the greatness they ascribe to themselves is no fluke. The message Mr. Boyle delivered to the world was simple: 'Try imagining the course of world history without our rain-swept island.'
As expected, it made me think of Nigeria (everything makes one think of Nigeria!). In January 1977, at the opening ceremony of FESTAC (a sort of Arts and Culture 'Olympics' for the Black World) in Lagos, FESTAC president, Colonel O. P. Fingesi declared: "[Nigeria is] no longer the third world. We are the first world."
Nigerian swagger at its most eloquent, of course. Caught up in the excitement of FESTAC – arguably the most ambitious, most colourful gathering of the black race in modern times – it was easy to buy into that most resolute of myths; the one of Nigerian greatness. Thirty years after FESTAC Dora Akunyili could still find the confidence to insist that Nigeria is a "Great Nation."
So, is Nigeria truly great?
Chinua Achebe answers this in 'The Trouble With Nigeria' (1983):
"Listen to Nigeria's leaders and you will frequently hear the phrase 'this great country of ours.' Nigeria is not a great country. It is one of the most disorderly nations in the world. It is one of the most corrupt, insensitive, inefficient places under the sun. It is one of the most expensive countries and one of those that give least value for money. It is dirty, callous, noisy, ostentatious, dishonest and vulgar. In short, it is among the most unpleasant places on earth."
Damn. 1983. Has anything changed?
Now Nigerians are capable of greatness – and this they have endlessly demonstrated across the face of the earth. But Nigeria as a country remains incapable of greatness. Why is this?
For a country to be deemed great it must first and foremost be great to itself; to the swarming masses of persons that fill its borders and call it home. Has Nigeria been great to its youth, its aging masses, its jobless, its sick, its disabled, its dreamers?
Every time I have to explain Lagos to a foreigner I say something like: "Imagine London without the Tube." In fact that's an understatement; it may be more accurate to say "Imagine two Londons bundled together, but without the Tube."
The absurdity of it is self-evident. That a city like Lagos can exist without a mass transit scheme capable of moving thousands of persons across the city (without recourse to the roads) boggles the mind. That South Africa, with a third of our population, currently generates in excess of ten-fold the amount of electricity we celebrate in press conferences, is equally puzzling.
And here is where it gets worse. The mistakes of yesterday (the missed chances at greatness) are not doing anything to influence the decisions of today. I'm looking at other cities around the country and failing to see any evidence that its administrators are making plans to ensure that they prepare for the future. Shouldn't state capitals like Ibadan and Abeokuta and Ado-Ekiti be falling over themselves to unveil city-wide train schemes so that the fate of Lagos does not befall them?
Back to the Olympics opening ceremony. I'm not saying hosting the Olympics is the only definition of greatness, of even an acceptable definition in the first place. Greatness, like beauty, may hard to define, no doubt. Nelson Mandela is great, but then so is (if his friend is to be believed) Udeme Guinness.
Yet, when greatness shows up, it leaves none in doubt of what it is. When those 204 copper petals rose in fiery unison at the Olympic Park I couldn't help thinking that the biggest spectacles of fire in Nigeria currently come from oil pipelines, upturned tankers, and toppled planes.
Nigeria is not a great country. Any presumed greatness belongs to the "Exaggerations" section of the Guinness Book of World Records.
I repeat, Nigeria is not great. We may fail to agree on what constitutes greatness, what is not in doubt is that we could easily find unanimity in our notions of what DOES NOT constitute greatness.
But I won't end it there. Nigeria has what it takes to be great. Nigerians have routinely demonstrated their capacity for greatness. What we need to do is find a way to turn individual flashes of greatness into a collective, habitual, national greatness.
In future instalments of this column we will discuss what true greatness might mean for Nigeria. To put it the way Aso Rock would: we shall attempt to draw up a "Road Map" for Nigerian Greatness. Sign up for the 'Greatness Committee' in the comments box."
Another Question is; ARE NIGERIANS READY FOR GREATNESS???
Leave your thoughts pls,


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MasterCard, Telefonica to launch mobile wallet in Brazil
MasterCard and Telefónica have formed a joint venture to deliver mobile financial services to customers of Vivo, the largest mobile operator in Brazil.
The partners say the initiative will yield a mobile wallet service that will allow Vivo's 65 million subscribers to make payments via their mobile phones as well as transfer funds, pay bills and make online purchases.
Available to both banked and unbanked customers, the service will bring a new payment option to traditionally cash-only retailers, such as taxis, delivery services and door-to-door direct sales, according to MasterCard.
The new company, which is pending approval from authorities, will operate independently with each shareholder holding 50% of the equity.


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SF courts ignoring thousands of quality-of-life citations
San Francisco police have written thousands of tickets this year for quality-of-life offenses such as sleeping in parks, urinating on sidewalks and being drunk in public — but then, the courts no longer enforce them.
A year ago, the Superior Court judges who hear such cases stopped issuing bench warrants for no-show defendants. And just last month, Judge Christopher Hite in the court's traffic division — where quality-of-life citations are handled — flushed all 64,713 outstanding warrants that had been issued for such cases from January 2011 through October 2015.
And without any warrants, there is no way for the cops to detain someone who has skipped out on his or her court appearances.
Even though judges are simply disposing of new cases, court records show that police have issued citations for 16,831 infractions of city codes dealing with quality-of-life issues in the past 11 months.
"When the cops are called about someone pissing on an elevator at BART, we will respond, and we will issue a citation," said Martin Halloran, head of the San Francisco Police Officers Association. "But we have no control over the courts."
Superior Court spokeswoman Ann Donlan said the decision to discharge the backlogged warrants was based largely on a recognition that the fines — most of which started at about $200 and grew to nearly $500 when the offenders didn't pay them on time — were "never going to be collected anyway."
"Essentially, we end up with people not showing up (for their hearings) and the problem escalates, and the court just carries all this uncollected debt," Donlan said.
Still, the police rank and file aren't happy that their tickets no longer have teeth.
"It's sending a message that there is no accountability for what you have done, and the laws on the books can be violated with no repercussions," Halloran said. "I don't think it's what the public wants."
Court officials tell us that as the judge who presides over quality-of-life citations, Hite was acting within his authority to dump the backlog of warrants.
Hite, a former deputy public defender, didn't respond to our call to his office seeking comment.
A spokesman for the district attorney's office declined to comment, noting that prosecutors don't get involved in cases handled by the traffic courts.
As for Mayor Ed Lee, his spokeswoman sent us a statement accusing the judges of failing to "meet the responsibilities voters elected them to. When one branch of government fails — be it executive legislative or judicial — we all fail."
The court's hands-off policy comes amid public frustration over what appears to be increasingly bad behavior on the streets and a swelling homeless population. On Tuesday, San Francisco voters approved a ballot measure allowing the cops to remove tents from the streets with 24 hours' notice, as long as the city has a shelter bed to offer.
A Coalition on Homelessness survey in 2015 found that more than two-thirds of the 351 street dwellers they contacted had been issued at least one quality-of-life citation in the previous year — and 22 percent said they had received five or more.
But a city budget analyst's report as far back as 2002 found that the majority of those ticketed for quality-of-life infractions "fail to pay fines or appear in court, and a large number of misdemeanor citations result in cases being discharged or dismissed."
Still, the court over the years typically issued bench warrants for violators who didn't show up. That allowed police the discretion to make arrests, and potentially keep troublesome repeat offenders jailed at least until they appeared in court.
Donlan said the rationale for not pursuing people for such warrants coincides with the court's year-old policy of not issuing warrants for people who haven't paid their traffic fines: It's seen as an unfair burden on the poor.
"Our costs to collect fees and fines from people who are unable to pay does not justify the expense," Donlan said, and dumping the practice "is consistent with the statewide judicial policy of discharging outstanding traffic warrants and eliminating financial burdens on low-income citizens."
Add in the fact that the thousands of outstanding warrants clogged a court system burdened by years of state budget cuts, and court officials see this as a chance to devote their resources to more serious misdemeanor and felony cases.
After all, Donlan said, "none of the citations are punishable by imprisonment."
So now, when someone cited for a quality-of-life offense fails to appear in court, the person can still be found guilty in absentia — but there's no actual enforcement activity.
The case simply goes away.
San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX-TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email email@example.com. Twitter: @matierandross
San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX-TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email email@example.com. Twitter: @matierandross


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Henry Winkler gets candid about learning disorders during breast cancer fundraiser
"This group gets bigger and more beautiful ever single year," said mistress of ceremonies Ilona Carson during the 15th annual Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation luncheon.
It's true, more than 840 pink-clad supporters – predominantly real estate professionals - packed into Hilton Americas-Houston last week in honor of Owens, who lost her 20-year battle with breast cancer in 2001. After moving to the Bayou City in 1976, she worked for John Daugherty Realtors before co-founding Turner-Owens Properties, and eventually, starting Nancy Owens Properties. Her eponymous foundation is run by a dedicated committee of former colleagues and friends.
"The theme of this luncheon is conquering adversity and staying positive during life's challenges," Carson continued. "It's been made possible by Amy (Bernstein's) magic touch."
Bernstein, the foundation's chairmen, embraced keynote speaker Henry Winkler's "Happy Days" calling card to the fullest. Each table setting included a bag full of candies – Razzles, Milk Duds, Lemonheads, Junior Mints, Bazzoka Gum, Tootsie Rolls, Atomic Fireballs, Candy Buttons, Bit-o-Honey, Twizzlers - that were popular in the 1950s.
Winkler, who spent most of the luncheon mingling and posing for photos with adoring fans, spoke candidly on his rise to stardom despite early struggles with dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
"In 2003 I started writing childrens' novels about the world's greatest underachiever," he said of his "Hank Zipzer" series. "And I'm in the bottom three percent academically."
Winkler shared that his high school music teacher, Mr. Rock, once gave him pivotal advice that changed the Emmy Award-winning actor's life.
"He said, 'when you get out of here, you're going to be OK,'" Winkler recalled. "I held onto that one sentence, that one positive thought, like Leo DiCaprio hold onto that piece of wood when he sank on that boat."
The actor, director, producer, "New York Times" best-selling author, and philanthropist best known for his role as Arthur "the Fonz" Fonzarelli also touched on his experiences filming "Happy Days."
Afterward, well-known restaurateur Tony Vallone graced the stage to present his wife, Donna Vallone, with the prestigious Nancy Owens Spirit of Courage Award.
"We always call this our annual luncheon, but I hope the end of this annual luncheon will come soon," Donna said during her brief yet powerful acceptance speech. "Once these three (Drs. Matthew Ellis, Alessandro Grattoni, and Elizabeth Mittendorf) come up with the cure we can make a new tradition."
The luncheon raised $205,000 with three checks totaling $120,000 presented to the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Cancer Center at the Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Houston Methodist Research Institute, the Department of Nanomedicine.
Two bundles of concert tickets for an upcoming Barbra Streisand performance each brought in $4,000.
"I start chemo on Wednesday, so I may as well go to Streisand," one package winner proudly proclaimed from her chair to thunderous applause.


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My work area has six or seven display cases filled with a mix of items that look as if they were either bought at a yard sale or found in a crackerjack box. There are also a bunch of sports related items that look like counterfeit stuff you would see sold out of the back of a U-Haul truck in less desirable neighborhoods.
The display cases have a switch that can be turned on to illuminate the wares within. Every day someone comes in and turns all the lights on, and at the end of the day turns them off. Currently one of the display cabinets is empty, thus the individual or individuals who concern themselves with the lighting of the junk leave this one off at all times.
Every day after the individual turns on the display case lights, I surreptitiously turn them all off, and turn on the light that illuminates the empty display case.
This is my silent war.


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May 2, 2018 – Started Reading
June 5, 2018 – Finished Reading
📚 Infinity by Jonathan Hickman
The Avengers: Infinity War included scenes from the book: Thanos invading Wakanda, the inclusion of the Black Order, and Ebony Maw's manipulation of Doctor Strange.
May 2, 2018 – Started Reading
May 2, 2018 – Started Reading
The mad titan Thanos makes his world-shattering return, and his armies fire the opening shots of a galactic war that will be fought both on Earth and in deep space – with our heroes caught between both battles! As Thanos' secrets are revealed, the Inhumans' city of Attilan falls, and the Illuminati find themselves on the front line! And as every Origin Site on Earth goes active, the Builders enter the Marvel Universe. But can the Avengers return to Earth in time to save it, when betrayal in the Galactic Council has left them prisoners of war? Galactic empires will fall as Thanos' crazed plans come to fruition!


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( 3 reviews)Write a Review
by Frederick F*** on January 22,2019
Super cool, super bright, as described, the wattage is very good, nice.
by Clinton B*** on December 24,2018
The Gatlin type of laser pointer looks really powerful, I like it very much.
by Kristina P*** on September 11,2018
For a star lover, this is very in line with my requirements, the light is very bright, even if wearing glasses, there is a little bit glare, don't give it to children. Very satisfied, will come to buy later


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Innovation consulting
We provide comprehensive and professional advice on Innovation. Decades of experience with technology-oriented companies makes us specialists in the development and protection of your ideas, as well as in financing.
Developing and protecting ideas
New products, processes and services ensure long durability and competitiveness of your company or start-up. However, often new ideas and developments need specific legal protection. Otherwise this is leading to little or to no intelectual property protection.
With our help your invention or development can be competently safeguarded.
Our service:
- As a regional contact of the funding program "WIPANO - Knowledge and Technology Transfer through Patents and Standards" of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy we advice to use the grants for the registration costs of your patent / utility mode.
- We can advise you also on all the promotion programmes for technology and innovation. We can also help you find extra financial business angels, venture capital or equity capital.
- Advising and assisting SMEs and founders in the preparation and registration of protective rights, patents or utility models.
- Help with the search for patent attorneys, with the patent investigation and the first exploitation steps, e.g. prototype construction or the search for license partners.
- Free individual interview with specialists on patent management, patent application and exploitation and protection rights in the "AGIT patent claims" in the Aachen region.
- Our intellectual property manual gives easy and comprehensible answers to the most important questions on "Economic success with protective rights".
- "AC² Innovation Day" and "AC² Innovation Night": Get in touch with experts from the field of patents, inventors and innovative SMEs.
Financing and managing innovations
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) can receive external funding for professional support in the development and realisation of their innovative project.
- The State North Rhine-Westphalia has an "innovation vouchers" programme for the initial R&D phase. This programme finances scientific consultations and services you may require.
- For instance the Federal Ministry of Economy's programme "Go-Inno" provides grants for external consultants, who can support your innovation project with feasibility studies and project management.
- If you employ someone for your innovation project, e.g. a university graduate, a certain percentage of your personnel expenses (Innovation Assistant) may be sponsored. If the employee is not a university graduate funding for the personnel expenses may still be possible via the "ZIM-Programm" of the Federal Ministry of the Economy, a programme that supports innovative SMEs.
- There are also many possibilities of supporting your innovation project by funding and financing in the investment sector.
Early stage financing
As a coach in the high-tech start-up fund agency, High-Tech Gründerfond, we support enterprises in the funding phase of actual capital acquisition.
The Seed Fonds der NRW.Bank invests venture capital in young technology companies with good prospects of business applications.
RWTH Aachen University and the Chamber of Commerce Aachen have set up a start-up initiative, GründerStart-Initiative, to professionalize high-growth business ideas as quickly as possible. There are various measures to support start-up ideas with good prospects. More information on the initiative can be found at IHK Aachen or RWTH Aachen University.
We also have close contacts with various venture capital companies who finance young, technology-oriented companies. For more information, contact us.
Loan program for high-growth companies
- NRW.Bank.Mittelstandskredit
- NRW.Bank.Universalkredit
- NRW.Bank.Mittelstandsfonds
- NRW.Bank.Innovationskredit
Venture capital for high-growth companies
AC²-Innovationspreis Region Aachen
The AC²-Innovationspreis (AC² Innovation Award) Region Aachen is accorded to a company, a facility or a person who has earned a reputation for the further development of the economic region of Aachen.
The AC²-Innovationspreis Region Aachen is a recognition for special social or entrepreneurial achievements. It is intended to strengthen entrepreneurship in the region and to increase the awareness of the region as an innovative location both nationally and internationally.
Follow-up support
Our service:
- Coaching in
- Critical interrogation of organization and cost structures in the company
- Vetting of cost-structure and organisation
- Integration in company networks in the Aachen Technological Region
- Skill acquisition and training
- Networking with experienced companies
- Search for suitable advisory councils and / or sponsors
AC²- Coaching Network
Another coaching offer is the AC² Coaching Network which is part of the AC² Business Plan Competition and the AC² Growth Initiative. The coaches help you draw up a convincing business plan. The network comprises more than 200 voluntary advisors from various sectors who will act as your mentor and give you the grass roots on drawing up a business plan or whatever specific details you need.
Find more information at GründerAachen Region.


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The Teen Choice Awards celebrity red carpet arrivals exuded teen spirit. My favorite look of the night were the cropped ensembles that have been turning up at every fashion event for quite some time. There was something special about the choice of this look for this particular event.
It reminded me of my cropped cheerleading uniform I wore as a teenager in high school and the joy being part of the squad brought me. I enjoyed reminiscing about my early years through watching the red carpet coverage and am loving how all the trends of that time are back again.
I have attached photos below of my favorite cropped looks from the awards that range from a sliver of skin peeking out, to full taunt tummy baring boldness. I purchased a cropped top and A-line skirt by the brand Parker that highlights a tiny sliver of skin, but I encourage you to be a daring as you like. Have fun with this look and be on trend.


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Take aim for a fantastic birthday
Tag Archery is one of the most exciting parties you and your friends can enjoy.
45 mins exclusive use of the Archery Arena for fun and games
45 mins play in the Hobblings Play Barn
Party feast in our deluxe party stretch tent (summer months) or Hobblings Play Barn (winter months) with a host
Minimum age 8+.
In the case of extreme weather a Tag Archery party reverts to a Classic and the price difference refunded.
|Summer Peak
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|£24.50 per child
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Read what some happy customers have to say
It was great to find something new that the kids hadn't all done before at a party. Both girls and boys seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. It was very easy as a parent, especially not having to do food or party bags – party bags particularly good. Parents and kids all had a great time.
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Downloading files from the internet in PowerShell (with progress)
Ok, so the easiest way (that I know of) to download files in powershell from the internet is to use the .net WebClient. The simple way I started with was the two liner:
$client = New-Object "System.Net.WebClient"
However I was working on a script that required some pretty large files to be downloaded, and using the DownloadFile method has no progress indicator. I figured some users might thing the program died. So I decided to create a method that still uses the webclient to download the files, however give a status of where it is in the download. Here is what I came up with, hopefully someone else will find it useful.
function downloadFile($url, $targetFile)
"Downloading $url"
$uri = New-Object "System.Uri" "$url"
$request = [System.Net.HttpWebRequest]::Create($uri)
$request.set_Timeout(15000) #15 second timeout
$response = $request.GetResponse()
$totalLength = [System.Math]::Floor($response.get_ContentLength()/1024)
$responseStream = $response.GetResponseStream()
$targetStream = New-Object -TypeName System.IO.FileStream -ArgumentList $targetFile, Create
$buffer = new-object byte[] 10KB
$count = $responseStream.Read($buffer,0,$buffer.length)
$downloadedBytes = $count
while ($count -gt 0)
[System.Console]::CursorLeft = 0
[System.Console]::Write("Downloaded {0}K of {1}K", [System.Math]::Floor($downloadedBytes/1024), $totalLength)
$targetStream.Write($buffer, 0, $count)
$count = $responseStream.Read($buffer,0,$buffer.length)
$downloadedBytes = $downloadedBytes + $count
"`nFinished Download"
This would be used like
downloadFile "http://somesite/largefile.zip" "c:\temp\largefile.zip"


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Today my wife received a letter from federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty explaining why my wife should vote for his wife in the upcoming election for leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. This proved to be bad news for Ms. Elliott.
Until she received the letter, my wife was leaning in Ms. Elliott's direction, with only one real sticking point: the fact that she is Mr. Flaherty's spouse. This has made my wife uncomfortable from the start of the PCPO leadership race.
You see, my wife doesn't like the finance minister one bit—she distrusts him going back to his days in provincial politics when he was a cabinet minister in the government of Mike Harris. She voted against him when he tried for the PCPO's leadership choosing Ernie Eves instead.
Both my wife and I developed a strong dislike for the man during the 2002 PCPO leadership race and we felt that his leadership in 2004 confirmed our dislike and distrust. And, though not a surprise, Mr. Flaherty's appointment as Minister of Finance in Stephen Harper's newly elected Conservative cabinet in 2006 was a major disappointment. The unkindest cut of all, of course, was him going back on his word regarding the taxable status of Canadian Income Trusts.
That move eliminated what little trust we had left in the man. Aside from him going back on his word, his new tax strategy was deeply flawed.
Flaherty argued back then that income trusts would cost the government hundreds of millions in lost revenue and shift the burden onto ordinary people. Not so. According to the Canadian Association of Income Trust Investors, foreign takeovers of Canadian Income trusts have had the opposite effect and caused a decrease in Federal Government tax revenues.
Diane Francis, editor-at-large for the National Post, correctly pointed out that that the minister of finance's decision was based on flawed analyses that treated RRSPs and pensions as tax-exempt, when, in fact, as we all know they are merely tax deferral mechanisms—tax will eventually be paid by the Canadian income trust unit holders. His government lured hundreds of thousands of ordinary Canadians into income trusts by promising before the 2006 federal election not to raise taxes on income trusts, then did an about turn.
Further reason to distrust Flaherty came during the months since the fall economic update. First we were going to have surpluses, despite the very obvious worldwide economic downturn. Then we were going to have modest deficits so we could stimulate the economy. Now we have huge deficits and are waiting for his next faulty projection.
My wife is not alone in her belief the Mr. Flaherty has been a terrible finance minister, millions of ordinary Canadians agree with her, especially seniors. Bankers and some businessmen seem to trust the man, but ordinary Canadians do not.
I believe we should separate Christine Elliott from her spouse when considering her for leader. Many PCPO members will not be able to do that. Mr. Flaherty, many believe, will have undue and inappropriate influence over Ms. Elliott, which would be a bad thing.
Return to Main page »
© 2009 Russell G. Campbell
All rights reserved.


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|View China objectively - By Wu Hongbo (China Daily)
German media should drop prejudiced stance and reflect progress shown by the developing nation
A recent report published by Germany's Heinrich Boll Foundation shows that more than half of the 8,700 articles on China in the European country's media showed a prejudiced or derogative perspective about the Asian nation.
My personal work experiences in Germany tell me that the foundation's report is credible.
Like their Western counterparts, some German media and journalists with prejudiced viewpoints about China have long held a particular interest in covering the country's ethnicity, freedom, human rights and other sensitive issues, while stinting space on coverage about the enormous progresses Beijing has achieved in improving people's livelihood and on science and technology, education and culture.
In the latest such incident, a German newspaper lashed out at China for its "espionage" in Germany on its front page. Such a groundless report is certain to adversely affect bilateral ties between the two countries.
A country's media undertake some definite responsibilities for its society and play an important role in facilitating the development of its ties with foreign countries. Objective, authentic and unbiased reports will help the public get a correct picture about a foreign country and its opposite will lead the public in the reverse direction.
According to a recent survey, 80 percent of Chinese hold a positive opinion about Germany, in sharp contrast to 70 percent of Germans who hold negative opinions about China. Such an outcome is largely the result of completely different perspectives adopted by the two countries' media in their coverage about the other.
The German media's prejudiced reports about China will not only negatively impact mutual understanding between the two peoples, but will also dent their own credibility as objective and impartial outlets of news dissemination.
China has a total area that is double that of the 27-member European Union (EU) and a population more than two and a half times the bloc's total. As a developing country, China bears multiple economic, technological and social characteristics, with advances in airspace and high-speed rail technology coexisting with underdeveloped animal-driven trucks. The economic and social progress achieved since the reform and opening up have not changed the fact that its economic development is still on an uneven keel.
China's gross domestic product (GDP) was only $18 billion in 1949, but it touched $4.9 trillion in 2009, ranking it the world's third largest economy. China's admirable economic aggregate, however, has not changed its low per capita index. Compared with the $44,000 in Germany, China's per capita GDP was only $3,000, ranking it 104th in the world.
The country is still a rural-dominant society, with 800 million of its 1.3 billion people living in rural areas and its urbanization level only standing at 46 percent, lower than the 50 percent world average. On its way to industrialization, modernization and urbanization, China still faces the arduous task of transforming its economic development model and narrowing the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor.
China is well aware of the difficulties and challenges ahead and is making active efforts to explore a development model suited to its national conditions. While sharing the country's economic fruit, Chinese people are also enjoying unprecedented freedoms and rights. The country has laid down a well-developed legal infrastructure to guarantee freedom of speech for its citizens.
However, it is China's long-cherished stance that there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech and that any speech should conform to the country's laws. For instance, remarks aimed at publicizing or spreading Nazism and those antagonizing Jewish sentiment are also prohibited in Germany.
With a population of 400 million netizens and 220 million bloggers, opinions have always remained particularly active on the Internet, some of which hold a critical attitude toward the government. The Chinese government has long paid high attention to various kinds of criticisms and proposals, especially those over the Internet.
It is the whole world's common aspiration to promote progress on human rights. Like their counterparts in the rest of the world, the Chinese government has long thrown its weight behind its people's pursuit of democracy and human rights and made remarkable progresses in promoting people's human rights.
It is the Chinese government's proposal that human rights include not only political rights, but also economic, social and cultural rights and that rights for subsistence and development serve as the primary human rights for a developing nation.
There does not exist a political model in the world that is viable to all countries. Western countries' failure to transplant their political models to developing countries after World War II is also testimony that any political system and development model can only be built on certain national conditions. It is China's stated position that the world should have diversified development models and that every country's desire to choose its own development path according to its own national conditions should be respected.
A developing country with a 1.3-billion population, China will make a huge contribution to the world if it can handle well its domestic issues. At the most difficult time of the global financial crisis, the Chinese government adhered to cooperation with other countries to tackle the crisis.
As an important player in the international arena, China has actively participated in UN efforts for the settlement of some international hot button issues and has played an active role in promoting the handling of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and Iran. It has also made its deserved contribution on climate change and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
An open China has drawn more and more attention from foreign media. We welcome all opinion and proposals expressed in good faith, including critical opinion about our shortcomings.
But it is hoped that the Western media, including Germany's media, will look at and cover the ancient and booming Asian nation in the true journalistic perspective and in an objective and impartial manner.
The author is China's ambassador in Germany.
(China Daily 07/06/2010 page8)


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Brazil Geography Introduction2010
By Amelia MeyerBrazil's geography is a fascinating one. As the home of the acclaimed Amazon Rainforest, as well as the Brazilian Highlands and vast stretches of coastline, this South American country continues to impress visitors in its natural splendour and complexity. Brazil has a total surface area of 8 514 877 square kilometres (3 287 612 square miles) of which 8 459 417 square kilometres (3 266 199 square miles) is land and 55 460 square kilometres (or 21 410 square miles) is water. As such, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world (both in terms of area and population) and occupies almost half of the entire South American continent. The coastline stretches for 7 491 kilometres (or 4 655 miles), and continues to be a major tourist attraction for the country. The shore is made up of mangroves, lagoons, dunes and spectacular coral reefs.


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Book Your Holiday Online 24/7 or call one of our travel team Monday to Sunday 9am to 8.00pm
There is nothing more ethereal than seeing the sun set over the beautiful ocean waters in Cayo Coco. This Cuban island serves as a good elixir for stress. There are several resorts here as well as spas and of course the beach for you to enjoy.
Lagoons can also be found here and if you want to party, then The Melia Cayo Coco is the place to go. Take a boat ride at one of the fresh water lakes or enjoy a steam train ride through the cane fields. Whatever you choose to do on this enchanted island, you can be sure that you will be having the holiday of a lifetime.


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Elephant Ring
For a limited time only buy one of these beautiful Elephant Rings and get a FREE NECKLACE! Plus free shipping!
Elephants for generations have been a symbolic meaning of dignity, power, royalty, and kindness. Each ring comes with a FREE Good Luck Elephant Necklace, that is sure to bring you or whoever you get it for some good fortune!
You can either get both for yourself, or keep one and give one to a special friend! Hurry up and get one before this sale ends!


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Hold Up, Natalie Portman Might Appear In 'Thor: Ragnarok' After All
We're not gonna lie, we were a lil bit devastated when we found out Natalie Portman was not gonna appear in Thor: Ragnarok.
Last year, the Oscar-winner broke our Marvel-loving-hearts when said she was "done" with the franchise.
Well, that might've been a false alarm 'coz Taika Waiti (who directed the film) possibly just hinted that Portman could reprise her role as Jane Foster.
Tessa Thompson is set to take over as the female lead in Ragnarok, but Waititi's latest tweet suggests Jane could make a cameo after all.
The post shows screengrabs of Portman in 'Léon: The Professional' and 'Where The Heart Is', with the caption "Heed the signs," and "#Ragnarok."
Heed the signs. #Ragnarok pic.twitter.com/ug2crhTFtK
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) May 6, 2017
According to ScreenRant, fans have a theory that the image of "the plant could also reveal the involvement of the Guardians of the Galaxy, in particular, the inclusion of Vin Diesel's Groot."
@TaikaWaititi Jane left Thor for Groot?! Well, I did not see that coming 😮
— Thom Adams (@thom3003) May 6, 2017
@TaikaWaititi @GuoDingYuan I think it means the guardians will be in Thor ragnarok
— sambuckyasf (@mscanlon19) May 6, 2017
@pj_campbell Is... is he suggesting a last minute cameo by Natalie Portman?
— Zack Parks (@Zack_Parks) May 6, 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 actually mentions Ragnarok throughout the film and post-credits scenes, so it's likely the Guardians will also appear or at least be mentioned in the third Thor film.
When asked by a reporter (back in December last year) if she'd return to the Marvel universe, Natalie had this to say: "Yeah, well, hopefully one day I figure it out."
We'll have to wait and see...
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Turner's three-point shot descended from heavens to let 'Hawks advance
Justin St. Peter, Sports Editor
March 4, 2017
When sophomore guard/forward Maurquis Turner received a pass from junior point guard Chris Jones and launched a three-pointer from the corner right in front of the UW-Whitewater bench, he turned to prayer. "It hung in the air for a long time," Turner said. "I'm like, 'please it's gotta...


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Pricing Strategy
Knowing how to price your products is essential. Zafin can help.
Advanced Strategic Pricing for Retail Bankers Powered by AI
As both a consumer and finance industry insider, it's always fascinating to me when technology enables truly win/win situations. In the banking industry, it just so happens that we are reaching a...
How A Proper Pricing Strategy Can Improve Your Bank's Profitability
Every successful bank has to create a successful pricing strategy. It's not just good for your bottom line, it benefits your customers and helps foster a deeper loyalty. But it's often easier said...
Driving Retail Deposits With an End-to-End Product and Pricing Framework
Driving retail deposits is (or should be) the top priority on any banks list. With the rising rates environment and the encroachment of digital banks, the deposit space is more crowded and...
Relationship Pricing with Purpose
The Difference Between Intentional & Unintentional Client Value One way to nurture great banking relationships is to use pricing as a tool to incentivize specific client behaviour. We're agreeing...
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How Zafin Helped CIBC Make Corporate Fees Transparent
CIBC's pricing and billing engine, powered by Zafin's miRevenue platform, recently won the 2016 Celent Model Bank Award for Cash Management and Trade Finance. The bank's myClient platform, powered...
Driving Retail Deposit Growth Through Intelligent Dexterity
In the past, banks have made deposit pricing decisions by comparing themselves to competitors and listening to the the advice of their internal treasury. The hope – and we mean, hope – is that...
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CIBC Wins 2016 Celent Model Bank Award for Streamlined Pricing
CIBC's pricing and billing engine, powered by Zafin's miRevenue platform, has won the 2016 Celent Model Bank Award for Cash Management and Trade Finance. The annual award program put forward by...
Building a Business Case for Dynamic Pricing in Retail Banking
In a recent blog post by The Financial Brand, Zafin's own Ghela Boskovich, Director of Global Strategic Business Development, and Pascal Bouvier, Venture Partner at Santander InnoVentures, outline...
The strategic importance of dynamic pricing in financial services
At its foundation, dynamic pricing is simply flexible pricing based on current market demands for a particular product or service. It is second nature to the hospitality and travel industries,...
4 reasons why deposit pricing execution matters when interest rates rise
After seven years of near-zero interest rates, the U.S. Federal Reserve has announced that it will gradually raise short-term benchmark interest rates by 0.25%, a sign of confidence in the...
Product and Pricing Lifecycle Management: Build or buy?
Six reasons why banks should consider purchasing a PPLM solution instead of building one internally When exploring a customer-centric strategy, some banks consider building a technology platform...
Beyond Pricing and Billing: Product and Pricing Lifecycle Management
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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post7698878174439654048..comments2020-07-11T22:03:09.142+01:00Comments on What's In Her Wardrobe: GhostingGemma Talbothttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post-64520221653491866262018-09-12T13:08:07.906+01:002018-09-12T13:08:07.906+01:00I really love this look ! But maybe the pictures a...I really love this look ! But maybe the pictures are "too big", we cant appreciate the look the same way i think .. but so lovely anyway ;) :*Anonymoushttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post-5637504358260085442018-09-11T20:10:36.475+01:002018-09-11T20:10:36.475+01:00Everything you've written in so TRUE! I'd ...Everything you've written in so TRUE! I'd been messaging a guy for a while, seemed super nice and keen. Went on a first date which was great, got on so well and ended up staying out until 6am. He appeared to be everything I was looking for, no fuck boy vibes were coming through (should have known it was too good to be true). There was talk of a second date, which turned into a reality. We went for dinner this time but the vibe was completely different, it felt pretty awkward, I put some of this down to me and wishing I hadn't drunk so much on the first date even though nothing happened. Still I thought in general the night went pretty well and we still had a lot to talk about. He wouldn't let me pay for dinner and we even went for a drink afterwards. However, I got on my train home feeling something wasn't quite right. We text a couple of times that night so I thought maybe not all was lost. Then the next day he unmatched me on Bumble and completely ghosted me! No reply to my last text, no explanation. Nothing. Didn't hear another peep.

What annoys me most is the cowardice in it...if you're not feeling it that's cool! I'm a strong, independent woman who can deal with the fact you're just not that into me. I've got so many friends who've had similar experiences and it really puts you off dating and makes you so sceptical of how interested any of these guys really are! You definitely are NOT alone. 😊

F x

www.savoirfay.comAnonymoushttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post-38386107009404805822018-09-10T22:05:37.585+01:002018-09-10T22:05:37.585+01:00Ghosting is such a real part of life and such an a...Ghosting is such a real part of life and such an awful thing to happen to you. LOVE these snaps babe

www.petiteelliee.com

Ellie xxAnonymoushttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post-84294903748780015952018-09-10T17:28:21.365+01:002018-09-10T17:28:21.365+01:00These pictures are BOMB! Visit me back :) mandysh...These pictures are BOMB!
Visit me back :)
 mandyshareslife.com

Mandy Paulinohttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658534144795772758.post-72807125765698816662018-09-10T12:53:26.987+01:002018-09-10T12:53:26.987+01:00This happens to me so much I feel like I'm hau...This happens to me so much I feel like I'm haunted myself; my two favourite experiences would be 1) when we were chatting for 9 months and all of sudden he stopped replying to all forms of communication and unfollowing my Instagram account that he'd spent the majority of our time together liking. We remained friends on facebook for him to continue liking everything and watching stories on other platforms. 2nd) unfriended me on everything but remained on one social where he remained peeping at all my content. FREAKS!!! I'm over at wwww.thecornerstoneforthoughts.co.uk :) Anonymoushttps://email@example.com


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Isabel Franco leads the Anti-Corruption, Compliance & Investigation team at KLA-Koury Lopes Advogados. Ms. Franco has been highly ranked in international directories such as Chambers & Partners (Band 1) and Latin Lawyer Directories.
Ms. Franco has also been voted as #1 leading corporate counsel in Latin America in Anti-Corruption & Compliance by The Latin American Corporate Counsel Association (LACCA). In addition, Ms. Franco is one of the "One Hundred Women in Investigation" indicated by the Global Investigations Review (GIR), April, 2015.
She is a consultant to several multinationals established in Brazil and has been frequently appointed as an assistant for US for monitors in connection with Deferred Prosecution Agreements. She was appointed in 2017 by the US Department of Justice and Securities Exchange Commission for the monitorship of a Brazilian company with a Plea Agreement with the US authorities.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Franco was an attorney at Demarest e Almeida in São Paulo from 1981 to 1988 when she left to join the British law firm Freshfields, Hong Kong office. In 1990, she moved to New York to launch Demarest e Almeida's New York office where she worked for almost 20 years.
Ms. Franco has an LL.M in International Law from Fordham Law School in New York. She is actively engaged in the legal community, having served as the Chair of the International Law Section of the New York State Bar Association in 2001.


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P/N: 5187-05 Harley Dyna Switchback FLD (Only w/ Fork Boots)— Fits Years: 2012-2016
Special Instructions for Dyna Switchback
Stock metal fork tube covers must be removed and replaced with rubber fork boots for compatibility. SuperBrace P/N: 5187 is made with a boot clip and is compatible for 41mm fork tubes.
SuperBrace is the leading motorcycle fork stabilizer. Our patented brace provides better stability, superior aerodynamics and a more streamlined look than other multi-piece braces on the market.
- Eliminates Fork Flex
- Reduces low and high speed wobbles.
- Improves stability in tight cornering.
- Improves tire life and reduces cupping.
- Decreases sensitivity to rough road surfaces and rain grooves.
- Each SuperBrace is designed and manufactured for each specific motorcycle.
- Every SuperBrace is made of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and machined to a tolerance of + or - .002 of an inch, with a polished finish.
- Ten minute easy installation.
- Competition proven by world class racers.
- We stand behind our product with a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.


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by mollykl
In the nanosecond after my mind decided that the shattered wine glass and spilled sauvignon blanc on the floor was my last, I started making a list of everything that was going to change. And reader, I'm here to tell you my eyebrows were not on that list. They should have been.
In blinding pain from having hit the laminate floor HARD, weight evenly distributed on 50-year-old knees, and seeing the blood on the floor, I simultaneously thought to myself, "But I only had one freaking glass of wine!" and "Who trips over a couch?" When I got up, and let me tell you I still remember the crunch my knees made, I started picking up the remains of the wine glass, washing the blood off and applying direct pressure, and because I'm a "there's always a bright side!" kind of gal, immediately started looking for said bright side. Hence, the list.
1."I'm gonna lose 20 pounds!" Well, not right away I didn't. When you're 25 and you give up alcohol, sure you can probably drop 20 pounds overnight. When you're 50…not so much. I immediately packed on 10 pounds, probably from the intense sugar cravings I had. It figures: I'd been giving my liver a steady supply of sugar in the form of alcohol for 30 years, it was bound to be a little cranky to be cut off. I think I went through an entire box of Annie's Bunny Fruit Snacks, and every single one of those little suckers joined me on the scale. But after about a month it evened out, and I lost the additional weight I put on as well as another 10.
2. "My skin is going to look ah-ma-zing" Oh, and my skin broke out. I've had bad skin most of my life, and I have severe rosacea that when triggered can last for months. Thankfully, because geez that would have pushed me over the edge, they were just normal breakouts. (If you have rosacea you understand that "normal acne" is like a spa vacation). After a month that cleared up as well, with the occasional everyday suprise! from time to time. No, I don't look amazing, but my skin doesn't hurt anymore, and I'll take that any day.
3. "I'm going to be so happy!" And then there's dealing with the emotional shit. (Well, obviously I'm not the best PR person for not drinking so far..but bear with me). Everything you used alcohol to hide from or forget you now have to deal with, which kind of sucks, because, hello! I'm here trying to be healthy shouldn't I get a fucking prize or something? But noooooo….you want me to start examining my life at 50? A bad day used to mean coming home and cracking open a bottle of wine, or mixing a martini. Now it means coming home and getting out in the greenhouse, or doing yoga, or going for a walk, or writing it all down. On the day of the Parkland shooting in 2018 I came home and drank half a bottle of vodka, because at the time that was really how I handled things. Figuring out new coping mechanisms is a bitch.
Finding the support is even more so. When you're not drinking, it's noticeable, and people want to know why. It's not any of their damn business, but they think it is, and friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers have an opinion. (Remember: these are the same people who also have opinions on your parenting, your job, and how perhaps a woman of your age shouldn't wear that denim pencil skirt.) There's a point where I would bring it up, with a painfully bright smile, just so I could circumvent questions. Let this conversation be on my terms, not yours, because honestly, your questions are stupid, particularly if you're halfway to drunk already.
Alcohol is so much a part of our culture that it is harder to explain why you're not drinking than why you are. The whole "mommy needs wine" schtick has normalized binge drinking with cute pink t-shirts and Facebook groups. And that's what it is – a schtick. When you're sober you start to notice what a presence alcohol is in our everyday life – on social media, how we interact with friends, coworkers and family, how we spend our time and money. You cannot open social media without seeing memes about vodka in Starbucks cups at weekend soccer games. I was almost ashamed to go back and look at Instagram posts and see how many of them contained martinis or glasses of rose. (I still have glasses of rose on Instagram, but now they're St Regis alcohol-removed, and I mix a mean virgin Cosmopolitan.) This summer I saw so. many. glasses of rose and at one point had to wonder what 100 degree heat in the south of France while drunk would feel like, and said a prayer of thanks for tripping over that stupid couch.
But back to my brows. In addition to the things that I thought would (and did to some point) change, there were quite few things that came out of nowhere.
I didn't get my brows done regularly, but I would go in and have them waxed and cleaned up every so often. Since I wear glasses I would make sure they were as perfect as I could make them, and I love my mini Tweezerman tweezers. Once I stopped drinking I was pretty much like, "Eh, fuck it." I mean, I would still put a little gel and brush them, but I stopped worrying that they didn't look good enough. For fuck's sake THEY'RE EYEBROWS!
"Eh, fuck it" became my mantra. It's not that I stopped caring about things, it's that I reserved my caring for the things that matter, and dear reader, let me tell you eyebrows don't really matter. Neither do, in no particular order:
- other people's opinions of your parenting
- how many likes you get on Instagram
- what other people think about your taste in music
- your family's opinions on anything that doesn't actually affect them
Oh God I could go on. So, so many things that I've said "eh, fuck it" to in the past 11 months. And every single one and time makes me smile. This entire past year, in fact, makes me smile. It has not been easy. I have cried and slept a lot. (Geez, the first 2 weeks I was probably sleeping 10 hours a night). I have been able to let go of past perceived slights (which now make me laugh), of my own mistakes, and my disappointments. I have been able to embrace my imperfections and throw myself into projects without worrying if I'll fail (I submitted 2 cold pitches to Conde Nast, and was rejected for both, and guess what? Life went on). I've read hundreds of books, taken pictures of the most random things just because they make me happy, and impressed my dentist because I now floss (which happens when you're not too drunk to at night!). Saying "eh, fuck it" to the stuff that I don't care about has saved me time, energy, and stress. I can spend that time on the stuff that I do give a fuck about: my family, friends, and voting rights.
Quitting drinking kicked a tiny snowball off a mountain, and that sucker just kept on rolling till it brought the mountain down. I stopped drinking, and then I cut back spending money on things to make me feel better but that never did. I stopped drinking and I started cooking more and more creatively. I stopped drinking and I started reading more. I stopped drinking and stopped obsessively cleaning and making lists. You know the supposed- Hemingway quote "Write drunk, edit sober"? I stopped drinking and started writing again – getting going on a story idea I'd been kicking around for years but was afraid to start. I stopped drinking and suddenly the weekly anxiety attacks stopped. I stopped drinking and in the most amusing of ironies, starting seeing the world through rose colored glasses.


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The assessment of risks and burdens in the evaluation of clinical trials by research ethics committees (RECs)
Risks and burdens in the study participation as well as an adequate risk-benefit-balance are key concepts for the evaluation of clinical studies by RECs (§§ 4, 40, 41 Medicinal Products Act (AMG), Art. (16-18), Declaration of Helsinki, WMA, Fortaleza 2013). An adequate assessment, description and communication of risks and burdens in clinical trials has long been described as a central task in research ethics. However, there is currently no uniform and solid theoretical approach for describing and assessing risks through RECs. The current project will carry out preparatory conceptual work in order to subsequently develop a corresponding concept with the integration of external experts. In addition to clinical trials according to AMG, other clinical studies should also be taken into account.
For this purpose, the project seeks to address the issues of different risk definitions, risk analyses before and during clinical trials, adverse event reporting, different risk levels across different study populations (e.g. children and adolescents), and the comparability of risk levels in AMG clinical trials in contrast to other clinical trials. Furthermore, in the planned project conceptual considerations should be made as to whether an overarching risk concept for clinical trials in humans is in principle possible (AMG, MPG and other clinical studies) or whether there are fundamental objections with respect to different study types that must use different risk terms.
Project leader: Prof. Dr. Christian Lenk
Project member: Pranab Rudra, M.Sc.
Duration: 2018-2019


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Release 7.2
June 2020
This guide lists the manual migration steps that you must perform while upgrading your apps to later versions of Neutrinos Studio.
This guide is intended for Organization administrators and application developers who are building their applications on the Neutrinos Platform.
If you need help at any point in time, you can raise your queries through Neutrinos Support.
The following text conventions are used in this document:


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Plastic Cherub Plant Pot
$28.00 $22.00
This plastic cherub plant pot is fabulous! If you love eclectic and unusual pieces, it'd fit right into your space. You could use it to propagate cuttings, a vase for flowers or even in a bathroom to keep cotton buds or bobby pins - the options are endless for this little guy!
CONDITION: This plant pot is in excellent vintage condition, there are some marks
MEASUREMENTS: 25 cm H x 10.5 cm x 10.5 cm
Due to the age and pre-loved nature of vintage items, there will be obvious signs of use and sometimes imperfections, this adds to the character and charm of the item and is not considered damage.


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European Data Portal: bringing open data's economic benefits to public bodies
In line with the launch of its official site, the EDP is gathering stories and economic insights to bring to public bodies who could benefit more from open data
The official first version of the European Data Portal (EDP) is launched today, with a mission to improve accessibility and increase the value of open data.
The EDP harvests the metadata of public sector information available on public data portals across European countries. These portals are national-, regional-, local- or domain-specific, and span across 28 EU Member States, the European Economic Area, countries involved in the EU's neighbourhood policy and Switzerland.
The portal now hosts over 400,000 datasets – almost double the amount it had at the point of its beta launch in November 2015. It has also been re-booted with technical improvements, new eLearning training material (developed collaboratively using an open approach) and reports.
Enlightening public bodies with open data stories
"One goal of the European Data Portal project is to provide support to the European countries to stimulate the release of more data by the public sector," says Wendy Carrara – Principal Consultant and Capgemini Consulting Project Manager at the European Data Portal. "Multiple countries indicate that they need practical examples of how open data is used to convince their government to start releasing more data."
To provide re-users with inspiration and publishers with real use-cases, the EDP Library now features a 'use cases' section, containing one example of either a re-use or publishing best-practice from 32 countries. The EDP are looking for the data user and publisher communities to share more stories to help promote more open data reuse.
Promoting open data's economic impacts
Building on other initiatives to promote the economic value of open data – such as the ODI's 'Open data means business' report – the EDP is gathering economic insights to enlighten sceptical public bodies and motivate open data re-users to create value themselves. You can participate in the EDP's survey as a startup, SME or larger businesses. The results will be published during the second half of 2016.
The European Data Portal is developed by the European Commission with the support of a consortium led by Capgemini, including INTRASOFT International, Fraunhofer Fokus, con terra, Sogeti, the Open Data Institute, Time.Lex and the University of Southampton.


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Smithfield Sprint 2016 Race Report
Apparently VTS/MTS races and myself have an issue, and the issue is RAIN! Similar to last year's Colonial Beach Sprint (although not as bad of a downpour and no open water swim with gasoline fuel on the top), we were challenged with Mother Nature… and she did not disappoint. [ Read More... ]


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Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
(Summary taken from the inside book jacket) "Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal. Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal."
After reading "Rebecca" I really needed something lighter and more fun, and this definitely fit the bill. I started with hesitation because a friend had told me she hadn't liked it, but I found it a surprisingly fun, easy, and quick read. I really liked the characters, especially Evie and Lend, and I felt like they were well-developed. It only took me a few hours to read, which was really nice, and I thought Ms. White did a good job with the story line. It had some fun twists and turns and everything you could want: action, romance, good vs. evil, and a mixture of every kind of mythical creature. It had some hints of "Twilight" and "Fablehaven" yet held its own. I did like the previous two books better, and think they are slightly better written, but this was easy and fun. I would recommend it if you want to read something that is easy and entertaining. I loved that it was completley clean! There wasn't any language and no "physical intimacy." There was some death of creatures and some violence associated with that, but there are commercials that have more violence than this book, so it's easy to recommend.
Rating: PG-13 (A few characters die and there is some minor violence associated with that. A faerie does kidnap Evie at one point and that scene is a little distressing, but she is able to get out of it okay. There is some kissing, but it's early teen-age kissing so it doesn't go further than that.)
Recommendation: 14-15 years and up. I think it's fine for mid-teens. I think girls would like it more than boys, but you never know. It may even be okay for a mature 13 year-old.


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Lisa Jansen swaps stories with another female Ford Transit owner who explores the country alone – and finds they are fellow travellers in every sense of the word
The warm-hearted people of this region beam with pride and rightly so, there is much to boast about in Whakatane and Ohope Beach. The most sunshine, the best beach,...+MORE
Trade Safely. Use our anti-scam guide to protect yourself.
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Automatic, compact, clever design within a 6m body!! This motorhome is in fantastic condition with only 9,160 km's on the clock. It has some great upgrades and is ready to be driven away by its lucky new owners on an adventure to explore this beautiful country that we live in. It has an external gas fitting for those essential all year round BBQ's, bike rack, mounted spare tyre, tow bar, entry step, reversing camera and monitor, outside shower and spare toilet cassette. The bathroom has a separate shower so your feet stay dry all year round, and the kitchen is a great size for those of you who like to cook up a storm. The electric bed can be lowered to the couch height for easy access without a ladder if you don't have guests or children sleeping below you ;) This motorhome is well worth a look.
Stunning looks, comfort, space, function and sophistication make up the Ixeo I744.
Large lounge due to 2 x bunk beds and overcab bed. Low km's, large bathroom with sep shower and toilet, great cupboard space, COF for extra load carrying capacity.
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The two-time defending NEC champion Central Connecticut men's outdoor track and field team racked up 72 total points through six scored events and leads the 2016 Northeast Conference Outdoor Championships after the first day of competition on Saturday. The championship meet is being hosted by the Blue Devils in New Britain at the CCSU Track & Field Complex. The second and final day of competition will begin Sunday with women's javelin at 8:30 a.m. for field events and at 12:30 p.m. for track events with the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase.
Central leads the nine team field after day one with 72 points, ahead of Mount Saint Mary's who sits in second with 39 points and Saint Francis U who is in third with 32.5 points to round out the top-three teams. Wagner is fourth with 22 points followed by Sacred Heart (21.5), Fairleigh Dickinson (20), LIU Brooklyn (14), Bryant (8) and St. Francis Brooklyn (5).
The Blue Devils started off strong scoring 20 combined points in the first scored event of the meet with the men's javelin. CCSU finished second, third, fourth and eighth in the event led by junior Jeremy Willis who finished runner-up after launching the implement a season-best 60.28 meters.
Sophomore Tyler Latham and junior James Frey were right behind Willis in third and fourth, respectively. Latham tossed the javelin 56.81 meters, while Frey hurled it a career-best 56.27 meters to record the results. Freshman K.J. Smith was the final scorer for the Blue Devils finishing eighth after firing the javelin a personal-best 50.51 meters.
Central then added to its early lead by scoring four runners in the first track event of the meet in the men's 10,000 meter run. The Blue Devils tacked on 23 more points with first, third, fifth and sixth place finishes in the event giving them 43 points through the first two scored events.
Senior Matt Walker claimed the first gold medal of the meet by a Blue Devils topping the field with a finishing time of 32:04.24.
Sophomore Alex Norstrom finished third for CCSU crossing the finish line with a time of 32:42.27, while junior Tyler Raymond and freshman Roberto Piotto finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Raymond turned in a time of 32:46.10 and Piotto ran 32:46.69.
Mike Lang picked up eight points for the Blue Devils team score with a runner-up finish in the long jump. The sophomore leapt to a season-best mark of 6.72 meters to record the result.
NEC indoor track and field pole vault champion, Sam Borecki, defended his title in the outdoor season on Saturday by clearing 4.80 meters and topping a field of 11 NEC pole vaulters. The sophomore's gold medal earned the Blue Devils 10 more points towards their team total.
In the final scored field event of the opening day of competition, senior Therin Scott snagged a point for the Blue Devils after recording a huge personal record to slot him eighth overall in the hammer throw. Scott launched the hammer a new collegiate-best 47.06 meters to record the finish.
The Blue Devils then closed out day one of the 2016 NEC Outdoor Championships by cruising to a first place finish in the men's 4x800 relay. The team of senior Malcolm Connor, sophomore Austin Trainor, freshman Richard Grudzwick and junior Joseph Gioielli combined to finish with a blistering time of 7:46.31 to capture the gold medal and add 10 more points to CCSU's team score at the end of the first day of action.
Other than the six finals heats contested in on Saturday, the Blue Devils advanced 13 athletes from the preliminary rounds onto the finals to be competed in on Sunday afternoon. Be sure to follow live results here as the Blue Devils look to three-peat and follow @CCSUBlueDevils on Twitter for live updates.
Day two will begin with women's javelin at 8:30 a.m. for field events and at 12:30 p.m. for track events with the men's 3,000 meter steeplechase.


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My niece sent this card to my daughter.
from the back of the card: The Remarkables by Todd Sisson. Spectacular dawn colour is projected onto a forming north-west arch above the Remarkables, seen here from the queenstown gardens.
The Remarkables is a mountain range on the south Island of New Zealand.
The stamps says: Kawarau Bridge: World's First Bungy.