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But why it has not been discussed in national level and what are the main obstacles for a switch over? We Indians have fallen in a trap. For a change of system the matter must get approval from two thirds members of the parliament. Will they –the executives ever agree? Once elected an MP in the parliament –enjoys enormous perks and family pension securities. But apart from this official payments they get access to earn form various sources including businessmen. This evil is two-fold. First this means that joining in politics is lucrative and so the persons who have power –both money and muscle –make it do or die ventures to get somehow elected. And secondly once elected they are after personal privileges. So this is a vicious circle. More so that these people will never allow for a change of system. So this is fait accompli for India unless there is a popular upsurge against the system. ADDENDUM-(Tamil Nadu) I need for an extension with reference to the above as a separate emphasis here to enunciate my basic point in another scenario. This does not run with the same aim as it is specifically related to an Indian state-Tamil Nadu; but it's an issue not absolutely unrelated to the system of our polity, the theme of my discussion. I have visited Tamil Nadu several times and found the people living in a well organized society. I visited TN first in 1971. The city of Chennai has undergone a huge change in almost half a century now. No city in India is better administered in India than Chennai. Tamils are an ancient race and they are bearer of a very rich culture. Their language is the oldest among the other Indian regional languages. Their contribution to the spiritual tradition of this ancient country is immeasurable. And in no way this race is un-Indian essentially. The language of Gujarat is as alien to Bengalis as Tamils. Even the language spoken in Chattagram (now in Bangladesh) is more near to the Myanmar border area people than the Calcuttans. But both are Bengalis. So I wonder why the people of TN like to feel themselves as separate from the mainstream Indian people. The Vindhyas have long been ceased as north-south divide. The Tamils are found everywhere in Central government offices as efficient and qualified executives. The same is equally true in private sectors. The TN produces the best scientists of international standards. It's from my own experience I have found that an educated Tamil speaks more fluently in English and even in Hindi in Mumbai than a Bengali generally. But in politics they like to remain close to their regional parties which have no existence in the rest of India. The two main parties are like two individual companies headed by two persons whose only motive is to keep the parties as their personal zamidaries. I can not reconcile how such a great race like to remain as the subjects of two persons. It is because of this parliamentary system. Tamils feel it not comfortable (because of thousands of years of living in other side of Vindhyas) to be ruled by the pre-dominant North Indians. This psychology has been narrowly exploited by the regional parties. As I have told earlier –this could have been avoided under a Presidential system. India as a whole suffers from not having the Tamils in the mainstream politics. Most of the educated and broad minded Tamils, I have no doubt, do not like these parties but they do not find any alternative. The Tamil Nadu Congress is nothing but a bundle of stooges of the north-Indian Congress, especially after Kamraj Nadar. So the genus of Tamils is lost in Indian politics. There must be a balance of powers between the states and the centre; but not such a centre which may be predominantly non-Tamil. We should not fail to make a non-Tamil face of India. This is equally true of other non-Hindi states. Psychologically, men do not object to living under a ruler common to all. So in a family most often there are not so much quarrels amongst the brothers when the father is the head of the family. But in absence of a common head, we like part with from one another.
30 December 2007
Presidential Form of Government in India
What if Manmohan Singh had in his cabinet Bhagawati Prasad as his finance minister instead of Chidambaram, P.T. Usha as his sports minister, Narayan Murthy as information and technology minister instead of A. Raja, Debi Shetty as his health minister instead of Anbumani Ramdoss, Shashi Tharoor as his foreign minister in stead of Pranab Mukherjee, etc? These alternative personalities have backgrounds in their respective fields and required knowledge as are essential to guide him in proper and meaningful governance. One may have justified doubt whether Manmohan Singh feels at home with most of his cabinet colleagues and given the freedom to choose persons to assist him in his governance –most of the ministers would not have been there in his cabinet. But Manmohan Singh does not have that freedom to exert his will so far he has to work in the parliamentary set up as it is in India. The party in power (even the parties of the alliance that are not party to governance) determine the portfolio management out of their political conveniences. So an MP who has a dubious and not so clean background is allowed to get a place in the cabinet only because of his acumen to win an electoral battle. An MP who has had no expertise in and no contribution to any field of national, social and political life of this vast country holds important portfolio only because of his proximity to the head of the party which needs him only for the internal interests of the party. The political parties indulge in divisions in casts, religions etc to win electoral battles. In many cases these persons hold links with criminals and employ them to do things for their personal interests detrimental to collective good. The promoters or real estate developers violate norms and rules to grab land illegally or to make constructions not permissible officially by municipal norms with the support of their political masters. The police do not act against a criminal if he is close to a minister. It's no use of increasing the number of examples to tell about the nexus between the criminals and politicians. Everybody in India knows it. This situation ensues from the very system of parliamentary democracy of India which is a mere copy of Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately there were no visionaries in that wee hours of independence who could determine the right system of polity that could enable the vast poor and uneducated people to seek a government who could deliver what they required. People require to be guided in their potentiality for building a strong nation. But here in India they have been utilized as vote banks for serving the narrow interests of political parties. The founding fathers of our constitution –however worshipped as great persons were not visionaries to foresee the impropriety of this system in the Indian context. They are exaggerated in their images. Nehru was a romantic dreamer and much anglicized and in spite of his renowned book- Discovery of India, he failed to create a native atmosphere wherein India could breathe for a healthy life. Ambedkar was not at all a wise person to grasp India in her totality. He appears to be someone who is expert in matters of law and nothing more. There were no such persons in 1947 as comparable to the great personalities that came in the latter part of the Nineteenth century. India required a Balgangadhar Tilak, a Franklin D Roosevelt, a Lala Rajpat Rai or a George Washington, a de Gaulle to help her taking off for her desired destiny. Unfortunately her fate fell in the hands of some mediocre persons who were not the best sons of this country which gave births extraordinarily wise people. So India did not find her path when she was born after hundreds of years of alien subjugation. The executives who are not at all worthy of being elected find their places in the parliament only because of their maneuvering politics. So we Indians are governed by dishonest and uninformed politicians whose only motive is somehow to get elected in the parliament that can serve better their families and relatives. These executives are not loyal to even to the parties they belong to. It's not surprising at all as their very ambition is to gain personally. So sometime if prudence bids for a more stable future they do dot hesitate to switch over to a prospective party against which they fought to win the elections. In times of crisis of forming governments when no party gets the absolute majority mark the parliament turns into a horse trading market and millions of Rupees have changed hands for buying the MPs in order to capture the seat in government. In 1984 at the behest of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi an anti defection bill was passed in the parliament. But this floor-crossing or defection can not be checked. Now a sizeable number of MPs –when they feel to get more including ministerial berths in a new formation –they 'split' from the original party without attracting the rules of anti-defection. The situation has become worse when any of the two major political parties –The Congress and the BJP could not form government on their own numbers. So an opportunistic and unscrupulous combination is formed to grab power. If a government is formed with allies of disparate policies it becomes impossible to take major political and financial decisions even if that is necessary for the country. In such combination the small and regional parties (and some who are not part of the government, but as members of the alliance that help the majority number) insist on parochial policies and fund allocations that help only a minor community or a regional centre depriving the real beneficiaries. I should make a general example of the lack of motive on the part of the government to improve or develop the condition of some states only because of the bias of executives. The whole north-east part of India have been deprived of proper governmental assistance and again on the other hand for positive support of some political leaders thousands of Bangladeshi people were allowed to settle in these border states for communal and electoral benefits. This has created demographic imbalance leading to serious discontent and combined with economic deprivation the secessionist tendencies have grown up. The honest, efficient and brilliant officers are not allowed to work in accordance to law of this land. It is quite natural that the dishonest MPs can not be at home with the honest officers. The most glaring example of shameless action has been evident when the most honest and efficient police officer –Kiran Bedi –was forced to resign from service. Kiran Bedi was the only police officer who attained a celebrity status both nationally and internationally. Can the Chief Minister of Delhi provide reasons for such injustice? India is now among a few countries which top in terms of corruption, illiteracy and poverty. We frequently boast of our polity and its stability. But it actually suits us in our opportunism and mediocrity. Indians are not upstart and insignificant people to make experiment with. It's a most distinctive people and the people are rooted in a profound cultural consciousness and among one of the best peoples of the world. But they had to pass through degeneration under foreign rules. For the last two hundred years before they had been ruled not by themselves as they had not found the opportunity to self-rule. So when the opportunity came they were imposed on by a few leaders, with the system of parliamentary democracy. India would have grown much faster than China had she not wasted much of her time in parliamentary democracy. Even Hindu-Muslim conflict would fail to be an issue under a proper political system. Sri Lanka had tried with this system but after a time she left it for a French Presidential system i.e. combining presidential rule with a parliamentary government headed by a prime minister, which I think, is not suitable in Indian situation. In the French system the head of the government is the Prime Minister, who is nominated by the majority party or coalition in the National Assembly. The Prime Minister recommends Ministers to the President, sets out Ministers' duties and responsibilities, and manages the daily affairs of government. He issues decrees and is responsible for national defense. As per Shashi Tharoor "...given India's fragmented party system, the prospects for parliamentary chaos distracting the elected president are considerable. An American or Latin American model, with a president serving both as head of state and head of government, might better evade the problem we have experienced with political factionalism." Indira Gandhi, at one time thought of French Presidential system and as per some press leaks she discussed the matter with the then visiting French President. But nothing further could be heard thereafter. Only Charan Singh divulged it and opined that it was only the American system he was prepared to accept. At that time some journalists and a few veteran politicians were vocal for a change of system. But it was for a short period and then the debate failed the steam for a national issue. But what is an American system at all? In the US the President is not directly elected by the people but direct involvement of the people in general helps the President to be elected. The presidential election takes place every four years. People across the country cast their votes for whichever candidate they believe will do the best job. Votes are counted, and this is called the popular vote, but it is more than a popularity contest. This is where the Electoral College comes in.The Electoral College is a group of people who gather to cast their votes for the various presidential candidates. When the Americans are casting their votes for the presidential candidates, they are actually casting their votes for electors, who will cast their votes for the candidates. So they form an electoral college for electing the president.When all the electoral votes are counted, the president, with the most votes gained by him or her, in this way, wins. In most cases, the candidate who wins the popular vote also wins in the Electoral College. The American President wields wide powers. The President and his or her cabinet, for example, are not members of Congress, unlike the British or Indian Prime Minister and his or her cabinet, who are all members of parliament. The all three institutions –the Congress, President and Supreme Court are so devised in a system where checks and balances in which the three branches of government work separately from each other. Some may argue that an American President may be an authoritarian so far as the powers he/she wields. But no American President has so far been an autocrat. But in India –Indira Gandhi proclaimed emergency even not discussing the matter with all her cabinet colleagues for their approval. Moreover to offset the autocratic tendencies of the president –an executive chief minister or a governor for a state should be directly elected as it is in the US. I think that considering all the aspects of Indian situation the model of American Presidential system is the best available model for India and a change over to this model is urgently necessary. Otherwise the disrespect and loss of faith in the government may lead to anarchy. Indian cities and towns are fast being ghettos of criminals-who act under the secure umbrella of petty politicians on whom the big leaders depend in times of electoral battles.
Posted by Blogger at 14:15:00
1 comment:
"unless there is a populat upsurge"...do you feel it coming? there are now in India a lot of citizens movements, gaining more and more importance (just think about the huge gathering at the world social forul in Bombay), so, even if the political sysstem is corrupted, it won't be forever..let's hope!
thanks for this big explaination of the system, and Tamil part is very interesting
- 25 July 2008 at 00:25
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Palm Springs Real Estate
Palm Springs is located in Florida. Palm Springs, Florida has a population of 22,341. Palm Springs is less family-centric than the surrounding county with 24.95% of the households containing married families with children. The county average for households married with children is 25.99%.
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Palm Springs Weather
The average high temperature in July is 89.9 degrees, with an average low temperature in January of 56.8 degrees. The average rainfall is approximately 59.9 inches per year, with 0 inches of snow per year.
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Posts Tagged 'Earth Day'
"You Want us to Pick up Trash?
A few weeks ago Shelly Blake-Plock or @TeachPaperless sent out a tweet on Twitter asking for teachers to pledge to run a paperless classroom on Earth Day. I decided to join him and 1,499 other educators in this venture. Then, I found out that I would be proctoring the standardized test for my English 3 students. We would be testing for about two hours and then run a shortened schedule for the rest of the day, leaving me about 30 minutes in real class time. Even though I couldn't be completely paperless, I decided to make those 30 minutes paper free.
This mission to go paperless and recognize Earth Day couldn't have come at a better time. We had tons of snow this year and the front of our school was looking pretty sad. The plows had dug up the lawn in the front and there was litter everywhere. I decided making our school look more presentable was the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. No big deal, right? Ha, for my students it would be. I could just imagine their responses when I told them we were going to spend our class time cleaning up the school property. I decided to go ahead and plan it anyway. I got some trash bags and gloves from the head of our maintenance department. Believe me, he was thrilled when I told him what I was planning to do with them. I also went to the store and picked up some small boxes of grass seed for the bare spots on the lawn. I decided not to say a word to the kids about my plan because the forecast was calling for rain, and also, I didn't want to give them too much time to protest.
This morning, we met for testing. It was raining lightly, so I still didn't tell the kids about my plan. After testing, I checked outside and it was sunny and warm, a beautiful day for clean up. I went to class and we talked a little about earth day. Then I told the kids what I wanted to do. Here are some of the responses:
One of my boys, laughing out loud, "Ha, she wants us to pick up trash!"
Another of the boys, "I kinda like Earth Day and cleaning up."
One of the girls, "Do you have gloves?"
Another boy grinning, "What has the earth done for me?"
Another, "Come on Leaness, let's do it."
I told the kids they didn't have to participate and could stay inside with another teacher if they felt that strongly about not wanting to clean up, but only one decided to take that offer. Off we went to the front of the school. I distributed the trash bags and gloves. The kids were a little reluctant at first, but then, I started grabbing the nearest litter. I guess they figured if I was going to clean, they couldn't just stand there and watch me. One of the maintenance staff came out and saw what we were doing. With a great big smile on her face, she thanked us for pitching in and helping. I repeated the process with my next class and got pretty much the same initial response. Even though at first they weren't thrilled with my little scheme, the kids were really great once they got going. We cleaned all the litter, and a few of the boys spread the grass seed on the bare spots on the lawn. All in all it was a good day! I think the kids had fun once they got over the fact that it wasn't so "cool" to pick up trash. As we were walking back to class, one of my girls noticed the electrician smoking a cigarette and whispered, "Please don't throw your cigarette butt on the ground, we just cleaned a whole pile a few minutes ago." She was respectful when she asked. He just looked and smiled. You know that butt was going in the rocks where the rest had been.
Our Earth day activity was really just a small contribution to recognizing Earth Day. I do hope my kids will think before throwing their trash on the ground, and that just maybe they have gained a little more pride in their school.
I have to say, the school looked much nicer on my way out of the building than it did on my way in.


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Homoeopathy For All - November 2004 issue
Festive Season Problems And Homoeopathy
As the festive season arrives, our thoughts turn to organizing festivities and celebrations. While this is a time of fun, joyous activities, it is also a time of high fire risk and danger.
>> Page 17
Homoeopathy Vis a Vis Antibiotics
Synopsis of research on action of homoeopathic mother tinctures on bacteria.
>> Page 24
The Agony of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cure with Homoeopathy
The pain that rheumatoid arthritis causes is immense which the patients suffering from this agonising disease can only feel. Homoeopathy offers remedial measures for relief from the pain caused by this disease.
>> Page 27
Homoeopathic Philosophy Dive to Depths
This article reviews a letter written by Dr. Hahnemann to a tailor patient of his regarding cheerful methods of life. As it has appeared in "The Life and Letters of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann by Thomas Lindsley Bradford".
>> Page 35
Calcarea Phosphorica
The Bone Tonic. This remedy matches very well the problems of adolescence and children during growth spurts. During the growing period many children need this remedy, where the child is losing flesh and has delayed milestones. This remedy aids bone growth and heals broken bones.
>> Page 38
Ball in Your Court?
The author makes us ponder over the causes that humiliate homoeopathy.
>> Page 40
Healing Yeast Infection with Homoeopathy
Homoeopathic treatment for one of the most common women disorders-yeast or fungal infection.
>> Page 43
Three Observations in Homoeopathy
The author discusses his three observations while treating patients with homoeopathic medicines.
>> Page 46
Repertory Suggests and Materia Medica Decides
The repertory is our chief instrument of precision and the repertorisation is not a mechanical method but it is a most scientific and intelligent one and requires deep understanding.
>> Page 48
Back Page
Pondering views by Dr. P.N. Varma on the role of homoeopathic medicines in treating various diseases.
>> Page 56
Readers Queries: Answers By Dr. R.K. Manchanda >> Page 15
Letters To The Editor >> Page 14
Product Watch >> Page 34
Monthly Forecast >> Page 55


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AUBURN, Ala.—On April 10, the hospitality industry's finest gathered at The Hotel at Auburn University for the annual Auburn University Hospitality Gala, which brought some of the country's and world's top chefs and winemakers to Auburn. The Hospitality Gala is a fundraiser organized solely by the students of Auburn University's Hospitality Management Program in partnership with executives of the Capella Hotel Group. This year's event raised more than $230,000 for the program. Niki Leondakis, CEO of Commune Hotels and Resorts, received the 2014 Horst Schulze Award for Excellence in Hospitality.
Chefs Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Jose Chesa (Ataula), Dallas Marsteller (executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead), Rob McDaniel (SpringHouse Restaurant and winner of Iron Chef America 2012), David Bancroft (Acre), and Leonardo Maurelli (Central) created delicious dishes that were paired with Taittinger Champagne and wines from Montes Vineyards and Quintessa. Winemakers Dominic and Amy Chappellet (Chappellet Wines), Emmanuel Kemiji (a master sommelier, founder of Miura Vineyards in California and owner of Clos Pissarra in Priorat, Spain), and Andrew Phipps (Phipps Family Cellars) were on-hand during the reception to provide samples of their celebrated wines and champagnes and to answer questions about the winemaking process.


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Save time, reduce costs and engage employees—with communication the whole workforce will love.
Offer clarity employees will appreciate, and take the confusion out of benefit choices.
Get the word out about changes in policies, procedures and legislation.
Encourage healthy lifestyles and effectively engage employees year-round.
Think video is expensive? The truth is you're probably spending more on printing packets and answering the same questions again and again than you would on custom video.


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Welcome back!
Episode two will present you a conversation related to weather and will discuss the usage of numbers in spoken Finnish. The podcast files are available here: the audio (mp3) and the text file (pdf).
Monday, June 9, 2008
002 - Finnish-Podcast.Net - Onpa kuuma!
Welcome back!
Posted by Florin at 2:12 PM
6 comments:
Tere! :D
Im from Estonia and I would like to learn Finnish. Although it is similar to Estonian, I still find it very difficult.
I would like to listen to MEDICAL finnish (I am a medical student).
Maybe you can help me out?
Also, I like the idea of pointing out vocabulary in the podcasts.
Keep up the good work!
Helen (21)
- June 12, 2008 at 1:31 AM
- Florin said...
I am glad you are interested in this podcast. Unfortunately I have no specific medical knowledge, so I will keep the language more general in the podcast.
I hope this will help you anyways.
- June 13, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Kiitos, Florin!
My grandmother grew up speaking Finnish here in the U.S. and has always wanted to share this part of our family's heritage with us. After our trip to Finland over the summer, I have been searching for a helpful method of learning the language, and I must say, your podcasts are one of the best things I have ever seen. Please, keep up the good work!!
-Jeremy Massachusetts, USA
- June 15, 2008 at 7:43 PM
- Satish said...
Again a great podcast! I love the complete treatment of numbers. Look forward to your next podcasts!
Melbourne, Australia
- November 20, 2008 at 8:23 PM
- Florin said...
Hi Satish,
Unfortunately I have had no time lately to keep this blog up to date with new episodes. I really cannot say when the next one is out... Hopefully still this year.
- November 25, 2008 at 1:12 PM
- Gopal said...
Excellent :)
- August 26, 2011 at 1:48 AM


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Six different bindings—from the very simple pamphlet to a hardcover case-bound book with 'made' endpapers—in just 24 class hours!
Great value for your time and money, the Introduction to Bookbinding class covers six of the most useful binding techniques—often split by other teaching institutions into individual curricula—to give you a firm foundation of skills that, for most students, will be all they'll ever need to know about the craft. No previous experience necessary, and beginners are most certainly welcome.
By the end of the term, students will have made a small stack of beautiful and diverse journals, and often take home an abiding and passionate love-affair with the craft, as well.
Use your handmade blank book as a personal diary or perhaps a travel journal on your holidays. Record your secret recipes for future generations, or keep an intimate history of your child—from birth to 18th birthday—as a testament of your love. Gather your favorite quotes and poems into one volume. Use it as a sketchbook in which to express those creative ideas, or as a scrapbook for ephemera, clippings, photos.
In an age when most store-bought presents will get thrown out when they lose their novelty, a handmade and personalised book just gets more and more precious over time and with use. While most things become 'junk' after a few months, a book filled with years of your handwritten words, fragments of art and snippets of life becomes an 'heirloom'.
I will provide the paper for all of the books, as well as book board. I always have plenty of extra tools that you can borrow, and often can supply thread and adhesives, as well.
You will need to provide your own fabrics to be used as covering material for each of your books, and any decorative papers you might want to use as endpapers…don't worry about that now, I'll explain it in detail on the first day of class.
For a list of the basic bookbinding tool kit that you will need to get together (many of these items are probably already within your home, but the ones you don't have on hand can be purchased cheaply from Spotlight, or possibly borrowed from me) click on the link to download a PDF:


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Flint Action Tracker
Welcome to Flint's Action Tracker - Measuring Performance
Flint's Action Tracker is a performance dashboard that was implemented by Mayor Karen Weaver and Governor Rick Snyder to provide a quick assessment of key performance areas between the City of Flint and State of Michigan. The City of Flint and State of Michigan, with help from community leaders, selected these performance areas including: water, health, education, economic, government, quality of life, and public safety. Today, many of the site's outcomes focus on the progress made with the water crisis. Over time, as more progress is made in these or other emerging areas, performance metrics may be added or removed. Additionally, links to additional resources are available to learn more about what you can do to support the ongoing efforts. Review the progress being made by the State of Michigan on the Governor's Goals to Strengthen Flint (75-Point Plan).
Access to additional resources
Access advisory task force recommendations


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Following the success of their Today's Special Value in July, Nour are back this Friday (9th November) with another fabulous crystal bracelet and necklace set.
This versatile set features a flexible mesh bracelet and necklace, both with crystal-encrusted magnetic fastenings. What better way to add a little sparkle to your party look this festive season?
Here is Will with Nour founder and designer Setareh Shojaie to tell you more…
[Having trouble viewing this video? See YouTube's Help page]
Tune in at midnight, 4am, 8am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm on Friday to see more from Nour.
Browse the full Nour range


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Joris Luyendijk
Just three decades ago, the world considered the Netherlands a byword for tolerant self-confidence: a social laboratory for gay rights, soft drugs, regulated prostitution and euthanasia. The country's most rightwing party, the liberal-conservative VVD, was well to the left of the US Democrats. Progressive Dutch intellectuals called their country the "guide-nation," which was proving to the world that gay marriage and legal marijuana did not spell the end of civilisation. Instead, stable and prosperous, the country seemed like a happy model of freedom, diversity and multiculturalism.


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Grammar Points (Intermediate Lessons)
Posted by henning July 19, 2007 in the Group General Discussion .
As promised I started noting which grammar points are discussed in which lesson. Sometimes one might slip through, but this is what I collected so far:
Tai Chi:
处于 vs. 在
Bank Transactions:
什么 vs. 什么吗
Teaching English in China:
Old Friend:
还 for softening / moderating
idiomatic expression: 看不上
idiomatic expression: 联系不到
Buying a Drink:
来+N (来 for ordering)
一份 as a measure word for dishes
Standing in Line:
比+Time (比以前 )
word order: 排很长时间的对
Right now I have 8 Advanced lessons in front of me, so there will be a pause until the next grammar points pop up here.
Comments (370)
Updating ...
New lesson idea? Please contact us.


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F.I.L.A. Portrait of a great Italian group worldwide.
The origins of F.I.L.A. Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini date back to 1920. In almost a century of history, a combination of real innovation coupled with a passion for creativity and commitment have given birth to one of the leading world groups dedicated to creative expression, with a broad range of brands and thousands of products on the markets of every continent.
F.I.L.A. Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini came into existence in Florence; it was the radicle initiative of two noblemen, descendants of the Antinori and the Gherardesca families, who wanted to create an Italian industrial alternative in the writing and drawing sector, against a market was monopolized at that time by German manufacturing. The choice of the lily that Severo Pozzati – known professionally as Sepo – was commissioned to stylize was justified on two counts: it was, and had always been, the symbol of Florence, but it was also the emblem and the link between art and history.
In all its decisions, the proprietors always showed their preferences for symbols and typical references to the Renaissance and Italian art history. From the historic term Lapis, so beloved of Leonardo da Vinci, in the company acronym, to the birth of the first brand dedicated to colour and creative expression – the Giotto range, synonymous with immortal art, which would, in just a few years, contribute to liberating the creative expression of Italians in schools and in daily life.
In 1956, a group of employees headed by Renato Candela took over the company and began to transform it into a production firm with a solid base in Italy. This enterprising and pioneering growth strategy based on innovation in technologies, products and tools, led F.I.L.A. progressively to conquer leading positions on the market.
In 1959, the company chose Milan as the headquarters for its business and then started producing the Lyretta ball-point pen, in collaboration with the German conglomerate, Lyra.
The new management focused on marketing and promoted the products through techniques and materials that were innovative for the times. Some examples of these were: the paper displays for shop windows and the very first counter display cases. Promotional items such as the series of bookmarks that became cult objects and highly collectable. Sponsoring events devoted to art and the creative expression of children, young people and adults, with competitions and educational exhibitions.
Alberto Candela succeeded his father Renato.
Under his leadership the company started up a production path that concentrated on new products, images and styles: this saw the birth of Giotto Fibra, a forerunner of coloured felt-tip pens and the Tiziano range, devoted to professional and amateur artists.
In the early 1970s F.I.L.A. also began to produce cosmetic pencil-leads and pencils at the Florence factory (production was subsequently moved to a new factory in Limbiate).
Tratto-Pen, the "writing felt-tip" came into being. Previewed at the Milan "Chibi Cart" trade fair, it was so successful that in 1979 it was awarded the prestigious Compasso d'Oro prize which celebrated its originality and the innovative functionality of the design, a quality that would also guarantee it a place in the New York MoMA.
The innovation policy continued and F.I.L.A. introduced onto the market roller-balls, highlighters, correctors, propelling pencils and the new Giotto Turbo felt tips, to open up new markets and acquire the leading position in the sector of creative expression.
Massimo Candela, Alberto's son, succeeded his father and became Managing Director. His ideas were clear: the future required them to go beyond the borders of Italy and Europe and so the Group focused on internationalizing, starting from strong development and a new policy of strategic acquisitions.
Colour and innovation continued to be keywords in their industrial policy: any individual could always count on crayons, pens and felt-tips to express their own ideas and their own talent.
1994. The acquisitions.
In 1994, F.I.L.A. acquired Adica Pongo, the historic leading company in the sector of modelling pastes with the brand-names Didò, Pongo and DAS. The growth and diversification process continued into 2000 with the acquisition of the French firm Omyacolor, one of the main companies producing chalks and a major French company in the area of products for drawing, colouring and modelling.
During the same year, Compania de Lapices y Afines Ltda. (the current F.I.L.A. Chile Ltda), a Chilean company specializing in the production of drawing items, was set up.
A summary of the more recent years is contained in a few statements made by CEO Massimo Candela.
"We are an Italian brand full of Italian talents", he declared in a recent interview, "but thinking one can create wealth by producing and selling in Italy alone is an illusion". And his project for internationalizing the company is taking shape with the opening of new markets, with direct sales subsidiaries, production sites and the acquisition of businesses with brand names that are already leaders on the markets in which F.I.L.A. is intent on operating. The philosophy behind the expansion process is again to be found in the words of Candela himself, who states: "We prefer to buy other strong local brands to which we can apply our philosophy and our production standardization. We are positive that people will go on drawing and painting even as the digital era evolves".
Pursuing a great initiative for growth and expansion.
2002: F.I.L.A. acquires the Spanish firm Papeleria Mediterranea SL., formerly its exclusive distributor, since 1997, for the area of Spain.
2004: with Giotto be-bè, it launches the range dedicated to very young children.
2005: it acquires the US group Dixon Ticonderoga, also present in Canada, China and Mexico, as well as the owner of the historic Ticonderoga brand, the market leader in the sector of graphite pencils for writing and drawing.
2008: the German firm Lyra, one of the main manufacturers of pencils, instruments and accessories for drawing in Germany, becomes part of F.I.L.A. The acquisition of Lyra, a company founded in Nuremberg in 1806, along with its subsidiaries, enables the F.I.L.A. Group's geographical penetration to increase with entry into the markets of Germany, Scandinavia and South-east Asia.
2010-2011: it acquires Lapicera Mexicana, one of the major players on the Mexican domestic market with regard to coloured crayons and graphite pencils, the Brazilian Lycin, founded in 1988 in Saõ Paulo and dealing with the production and marketing of products for modelling and painting. In India, a minority share in the Indian company Writefine Products Private Limited (2011), a leader in the development, production and distribution of high-quality products for school stationery, as well as the owner of the Doms brand.
Also in 2011, the Turkey subsidiary was set up to expand the presence of F.I.L.A. Group brand-names on the local market.
F.I.L.A. becomes a fully-fledged multinational and, in 2012, Massimo Candela receives Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award for the Consumer Products category.
2013-2014: branches are opened in Russia, Greece and South Africa, further contributing to the development and reinforcement of the Group's commercial presence in new geographical areas.
Again in 2014, F.I.L.A. and Maimeri, the historic Italian company active since 1923 in the sector of production and sales of colours, paints and items and accessories for fine arts, set up Industria Maimeri. The joint venture marks a decisive step for the Group's growth in the fine arts market and a further important stage in the "colour" strategy.
In 2015 the Polish branch is set up in Krakow.
In October, F.I.L.A. Group acquires a majority stake of India-based Writefine Products Private Limited, an organisation specialising in the production, marketing, distribution and sales of stationery and creativity tools for children, predominantly in the domestic Indian market.
2016: F.I.L.A. Group continues its international growth strategy by acquiring the historic British group Daler-Rowney Lukas, one of the leading world brands in the art & craft industry. With a direct presence in the UK, the Dominican Republic (production), Germany and the USA (distribution), Daler appeals to a broad consumer base and offers a perfectly complementary product range to that of F.I.L.A. The success of which is evident with Daler in the USA being the principal supplier of art products and supplies to Walmart since 2009.
In September 2016, F.I.L.A. acquires 100% of St Cuthberts Holding Limited and the operating company St Cuthberts Mill Limited. Prominent realities in paper mill, specialized in the production and sale of high quality drawing paper.
Moreover, in October 2016, F.I.L.A. continues in its growth strategy, pointing to international realities. It acquires French CANSON, the world's most prestigious company in the production and distribution of high-value cards for the fine arts, school and leisure time. The Canson Group, founded in 1557 by the Montgolfier family, based in France in Annonay, owns a production facility in France and conversion and distribution sites in Italy, France, USA, China, Australia and Brazil.
F.I.L.A. firmly believes in the world of colour and individual creative expression. For this reason, in order to become the key international group in the sector, it aims to offer an ever wider and more innovative range of products and brands. Achieving this position through the strongest, most beneficial and long term positive partnerships with all of its stakeholders. From suppliers to employees, and from distributors to the end customer, because they are all fundamental to its development.
Day by day, to turn its vision into a solid reality. F.I.L.A. will direct its focus to developing sustainable long term solutions for production, distribution and sales for its growing family of Brands. Achieving these aims will give each and every one of us the opportunity and pleasure of expressing ourselves creatively at any time in our lives. F.I.L.A. will ensure the quality, safety, ease of use and ready availability for all of its products.
Creating and sharing value for children on all continents.
Ever since 1920, the prime aim of F.I.L.A. Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini has consisted in offering children and young people the best tools to express their creativity, and guaranteeing parents and teachers excellent, safe products. They are the first company "shareholders" and stakeholders and so are the institutes and organizations that work for the well-being and the growth "in colour" of the younger generations. This is why, for several years now, F.I.L.A. and the companies in the Group have been expressing their social commitment by collaborating with the Institutions and alongside operators, and supporting educational and cultural projects
that share the common objective of promoting creativity and the expressive capacity of individuals and making culture an opportunity that can be accessed by everyone.
F.I.L.A. is likewise convinced that each country in which it operates must have the chance to contribute to the innovation and common growth through its own heritage and its own "diversities": in the process of acquiring the companies that today make up the Group and represent it on all continents, protecting multiculturalism – respecting people and local identities – represents a guiding value and an invaluable growth opportunity.
There are almost 5000 people directly employed in the Group, not counting the supply business generated for suppliers all over the globe by the 19 branches and 11 production sites. There are dozens of cultures and ethnic groups represented and in Lyra Germany alone, 40% of employees are from 14 different nationalities (Algeria, Brazil, Cameroon, France, Holland, Italy, Macedonia, Moldavia, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Tajikistan and United States). The Group's policy towards the managing of human resources, anywhere in the world, tends to favour people's internal growth, developing their professional abilities and stimulating their sense of belonging.
Actively participating in children's and young people's harmonic growth and artistic education is one of the mainstays of the Group's mission, and it translates into the creation of schools programmes, teaching workshops, editorial projects for teachers and creativity competitions, in line with the culture and the special needs of the territory and in collaboration with expert educators and organizations. In some countries, the Group earmarks large quantities of product each year for foundations that safeguard the rights to education of disadvantaged children; one of these is the KINF – the Kids in Need Foundation – which reaches out to 4 million children a year in the United States. In Mexico, collaborations with non-profit organizations such as Sanando Heridas, Dibujando un Mañana and Fundacion Azteca have been in place for many years.
The growth of the F.I.L.A. Group, which increased from a turnover of 20 million Euro in 1993 to over 230 million in 2014, is based on three main levers: the acquisition of excellent brands with great traditions in the sector of instruments for writing, drawing, modelling and graphic arts; the opening of sales branches in markets with high potential; and product innovation.
On this last front, F.I.L.A. Italia alone can be credited with historic innovations, such as the invention in the early 1970s of the TrattoPen, winner of the Compasso d'Oro in 1979 and displayed in the New York MoMa, and revolutionary intuitions like Giotto be-bè, the first complete and safe range of colours dedicated to children from 2 years upwards – it was introduced in 2003 to develop creativity through play and colour and in no time at all it became a favourite of mums and nursery schools. And again, because of its strong innovative component, the Lyra Color Stripe range of crayons was honoured in 2009 with the prestigious ""Red Dot Best of the Best" award for design and Lyra Groove received the "Red Dot Honourable Mention" for its unique and unusual design details.
As well as complying with the numerous regulations in force concerning the environment, urban planning, safeguarding the territory and managing energy resources in all the countries it operates in, the F.I.L.A. Group voluntarily subscribes to some of the non-compulsory international standards, such as PEFC™ and FSC®, for the production and marketing of products created in wood, such as pencils and coloured crayons.
PEFC™ certification (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme™), is a programme for acknowledging national forest certification schemes that enables both the forest/plantation to be certified, according to internationally-recognized criteria of sustainable forest management, and also the finished product thanks to action on two levels: forest certification and certification of the chain of custody.
FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification is a guarantee for the consumer that the wood used in manufacturing pencils complies with high standards for safeguarding the environmental, social and economic characteristics of the forests, and certifies its production and distribution chain. In addition, for the past few years in the United States, the Group has been implementing the "Prang Power Recycling Program", an innovative programme to recycle, free-of-charge, used plastic-based products – mainly felt-tip pens – in all schools subscribing to the initiative.
The presence of the F.I.L.A. Group's brands, most often with the "Educational Partner" or "Official Colour" formula, is strong and rooted in the main sites and events that play an innovative and proactive role in the cultural fabric of the countries, with particular attention being given to children and young people. For many years now, in Italy, F.I.L.A. has been working alongside big international events like Giffoni Film Festival, the Mantua Festivaletteratura, Lucca Comics, the Venice Biennale, and with permanent institutions such as the Museo degli Innocenti and the MUSE in Florence and the MUBA – Museo del Bambino – in Milan.


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Voters of Senate District 11 have the chance to continue an exciting trend that is improving how Maine government works: re-electing an independent, Sen. Dick Woodbury. Freed from extreme party positions, Dick has a proven record of examining each issue on its merits and working with both parties to achieve constructive solutions. This political independence is enhanced by his extensive substantive knowledge on subjects like taxes, health care, and economic development, making him independent of the special interests. Dick has an established record of moving the state towards a pro-business climate that understands the benefit of focused, limited, state regulation and limited state government that will produce not another boom-bust economy, but instead, produce enduring long-term growth that benefits our citizens and protects our environment for generations. Words fail us in terms of the strength of our endorsement of Dick Woodbury.
Kim Caldwell and John Lambert


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The chest freezer housing is manufactured in one piece for maximum durability. The chest freezer lids are moulded. All the metal parts are powder-coated. This guarantees high resistance and prevents corrosion. The StopFrost innovation provides two decisive advantages: The frosting of the freezer compartment and frozen food is substantially reduced, meaning that defrosting has to be carried out far less frequently. Furthermore, the StopFrost system means that a vacuum no longer forms when the chest freezer lid is opened and closed. Therefore, the chest freezer can be opened effortlessly at all times. The automatic SuperFrost function makes freezing simple and saves energy. It quickly reduces the temperature to -32 C and thus creates the cold air required to preserve vital vitamins. As soon as the food is completely frozen, the automatic SuperFrost function switches back to normal mode after max. 65 hours, and thus assists in saving electricity.
Bargain Deal: £479.00
|Visit Store


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One of the nice things about homeschooling is that my kids are around to experience and learn from unexpected situations around home that they might have missed if they were in school.
A few days ago I just happened to look out the window and I saw a little turtle walking right down the middle of our street. I ran out, calling to the kids "hey, there's a turtle!" and rescued it before any cars came. And then we got to watch it for a while. At first it was scared and did nothing.
The kids trying tempted it with leaves but the turtle was not impressed.
Finally, the turtle (whom Tobi named Shield) got up his courage and started to walk..away from the kids, go figure.
I must admit, the turtle was super cute and when the kids asked if we could keep it, I secretly was wishing we could!
I put him in our recycling bin because he hid under the edge of the garbage can and I was worried the kids would knock the can on top of him. Then I texted our neighbour, who also plans on homeschooling when her kids are older, to see if they wanted to come see the turtle.
We had a good discussion about how to handle a turtle safely to avoid hurting them or being bit. We talked about the difference between turtles and tortoises, and we took note of the markings and colours of Shield to look up later (turns out Shield is an eastern painted turtle.)
Then we got ready to say goodbye and brought him to the river. I meant to get a picture of the great release but my camera suddenly decided to stop working.
Have you and your family made any science or nature discoveries lately? I'd love to hear about them!


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ESP Guitars
Emppu Vuorinen
After careful planning and execution, Emppu and his twin brother popped out on June 24, 1978 in Kitee to the joy of the Vuorinen family. The final number of siblings came to be five: me, bro and three wonderful sisters. The family is completed by my mom and dad, the instigators of this chaos.
My childhood and youth were spent as they're usually spent, doing this and that: sports, wandering in the woods, playing music, and occasionally even studying. After playing in numerous bands, our paths finally crossed with Tuomas and the rest of the guys. And I'm still on that path. It's a winding road that's sometimes a little bumpy, but we're speeding on with terrible clatter and sputter.
I got seriously into music when I was about 11, thanks to a couple of guitarist buddies, especially Matti Turunen. He was the one responsible for the snowball effect in my playing.
After I learned how to tune the thing, I basically listened to all kinds of cassettes and records, trying to play the stuff. I stubbornly waded through all musical genres. Obviously I liked some of the stuff more — who knows why?
In addition to the band, I'm currently involved in Brother Firetribe with the rest of the "uncles". We've been pretty quiet for the last couple of years, something that's basically also in tune with our philosophy: we do what we do when we feel like doing it. You can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink, or how do they say. Anyway, we're still active and have even recorded a couple of new tracks.
So, here you have some facts of this guy's life, off the top of my head. More later, when I remember them.
Fact File
Other bands
I have no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or MySpace accounts of my own. Everything "Emppu Vuorinen" related is either a fan site or a false profile.
Your favorite Nightwish song(s)
Changes from time to time.
Your biggest guilty pleasure
Solitary lavatory drinking (SLD)
Camper van, music, family & friends, judo
Life Philosophy
Top 5
- Metallica: Black Album
- Helloween: Keeper Of The Seven Keys
- Yngvie Malmsteen: Seventh Sign
- Sepi Kumpulainen: Everything
- Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät: Kuus kuppia kahvia ja yks kokis
- Forever Young, Alphaville
- I Want Out, Helloween
- Enter Sandman, Metallica
- Wonderful Life, Black
- Juokse sinä humma, Tapio Rautavaara
- Anything by Steven Seagal
- Anything by Steven Seagal
- Anything by Steven Seagal
- Anything by Steven Seagal
- Anything by Steven Seagal
- Kalevala, Väinämöinen
- Sinuhe Egyptiläinen, Mika Waltari
- Seitsemän veljestä, Aleksis Kivi
- Tuntematon sotilas, Väinö Linna
- Alastalon salissa, Volter Kilpi
- Beer
- Cola
- Pepsi
- Another beer
- Coffee
- Pizza
- Hamburger
- Kebab
- Corn dogs
- Sushi
A personal word to the fans
Per request of the band, profiles are only available in english


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Bruins and Tigers tangle in Oakland Regional final
(Sports Network) – A spot in the Final Four awaits the winner of
tonight's NCAA Tournament Oakland Regional final featuring the second-seeded
UCLA Bruins and the top-seeded Memphis Tigers. The survivor of this bout will
move on to face either LSU or Texas in the Final Four a week from tonight.
The Bruins' road to this Elite Eight game hasn't been easy, despite a
convincing 78-44 victory over 15th-seeded Belmont in the first round of
the tourney. Following that win, UCLA narrowly beat 10th-seeded Alabama,
62-59, in the second round before pulling out a thrilling 73-71 come from
behind victory over third-seeded Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. The
team has now won its last 10 game en route to a 30-6 overall ledger. The
Bruins are no strangers to success in the NCAA Tournament, as they own an
88-32 all-time mark in this event, including a record 11 championships. This
is UCLA's first regional final appearance since 1997.
As for Memphis, it has had a much easier path to the Elite Eight, as it has
won all three of its tournament games by double figures. The Tigers opened the
Big Dance with a 94-78 win over 16th-seeded Oral Roberts which they
followed up with a 72-56 triumph against ninth-seeded Bucknell and an 80-64
victory over 13th-seeded Bradley in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. With the string
of wins, the team improved to 22-18 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Memphis
has also won 22 of its last 23 games en route to a school record 33 wins on
the season. This is the Tigers' first regional final appearance since 1992.
With regards to the all-time series, UCLA owns a 3-2 edge over Memphis,
including an 87-66 triumph in the 1973 NCAA Tournament championship game. The
Tigers however, defeated the Bruins, 88-80, in the NIT preseason semifinals
at Madison Square Garden earlier this season. The 88 points allowed was the
most UCLA has given up in a single game this year.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute converted a layup with 10 seconds left, as UCLA
slipped past Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. The Bruins, who trailed by as many as 17
points in the game, closed out the contest on an 11-0 run en route to the two-
point victory. Mbah a Moute finished the game with a double-double that
consisted of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Farmar and Aaron Afflalo each
scored 15 points for the Bruins, who converted 21-of-30 free-throw attempts in
the win.
Farmar has had a solid tournament thus far and after three games he leads
the team in both scoring (13.7 ppg) and assists (4.7 apg). On the
season, he ranks second in scoring (13.6 ppg) to Afflalo, who is turning in
16.2 ppg. Afflalo however, has yet to turn it on in the tourney, averaging
11.7 ppg through three games. Mbah a Moute on the other hand, has stepped up
his play in the tournament and is contributing 13.3 ppg and 8.0 rpg compared
to the 9.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg he is averaging on the season. As a team, the
Bruins are averaging 71.0 rpg in the tournament, while holding their opponents
to a mere 58.0 ppg.
Memphis shot 51.7 percent from the field and knocked down 6-of-15 three
pointers, as it cruised past Bradley in the Sweet 16. The Tigers also won the
battle on the boards, 41-35, in addition to forcing the Braves into 17 costly
turnovers. Rodney Carney led the team to victory with 23 points and three
steals. Carney, who is averaging 17.3 ppg in the tourney thus far, also
grabbed four boards and hit on 7-of-12 field goals. Darius Washington Jr.
added 18 points in the victory, while Shawne Williams had 12 points and eight
On the year, Carney leads the Tigers in scoring at 17.5 ppg, and he is also
collecting 4.3 rpg and shooting 39.5 percent from long distance.
Washington Jr. ranks second to him at 13.4 ppg and is also dishing out 3.2
apg. In the tournament, Washington is averaging a nearly identical 13.3 ppg
behind 51.9 percent shooting from the floor. Williams follows Washington with
12.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg in three tournament games. The Conference USA Freshman of
the Year has made quite of name for himself this season, averaging 13.3 ppg
and 6.1 rpg. Overall, the Tigers are averaging 82.0 ppg in the tournament,
which is nearly identical to the 81.0 ppg they are netting on the season.
Memphis is also shooting the lights out through the three games, connecting on
53.8 percent from the field and 45.3 percent from long range.


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Products and solutions, 2016-04-29, 09:30 AM
"materials4me" online shop for end users launched in Germany: Materials Services drives digital transformation with portal/shop solutions for existing customers and end users
Following its rollout in the United Kingdom and Spain, the "materials4me" online shop is now also available in Germany. Starting from the end of April 2016, small users and end customers in the country can now order materials in standard dimensions and custom short lengths online. With the launch of the shop thyssenkrupp Materials Services is continuing its multichannel digital strategy as planned and stepping up its coverage of the European market.
"Our online shop "materials4me" is successfully up and running in the United Kingdom and Spain and is receiving an increasing number of hits," says Hans-Josef Hoss, board member of Materials Services. By opening up the option of purchasing products in small quantities to customers in Germany, Materials Services is accessing a further promising market. Hoss: "In Germany too the aim is to address new target groups, including small trades and home improvement enthusiasts." With the launch of "materials4me" these customers will be able to choose from an extensive range of metals and plastics. Over 10,000 products are currently available on "materials4me" in Europe.
The foundation stone for Materials Services' digital strategy was laid back in 2007 with the introduction of "OnlineMetals" in the USA. thyssenkrupp is now using the knowledge gained from this experience to accelerate the rollout of its online shops in Europe.
Against this background Materials Services also consistently upgrades its online portals for existing customer groups. To meet customer requirements as fully as possible, the company monitors the functionality of its sites in terms of product offering and user-friendliness. For this it uses among other things feedback from customers, which it incorporates directly into the optimization process. This approach has also been adopted for an online shop being piloted in Belgium for the processing of materials from CAD drawings, which is also proving successful.
The digital transformation at Materials Services is supported by an extensive change management process within the company.
"materials4me" is now available to German end customers and small users at: www.materials4me.de
About Materials Services
With around 480 locations in over 40 countries, the Materials Services business area specializes in materials distribution, logistics and services, the provision of technical services as well as services for industrial plants and steel mills. In addition to rolled steel, stainless steel, tubes and pipes, nonferrous metals, specialty materials and plastics, Materials Services also offers services from processing and logistics to warehouse and inventory management through to supply chain and project management.


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I was blessed this weekend with my first Blessingway; traditionally a Navajo ceremony to prepare and bless a mother and her baby before birth. As with many traditions and ceremonies, I'm sure this one has evolved and become vastly different from what it once was. I had never heard of a Blessingway until I had the honor to attend my friend Sami's a couple years ago. When I was pregnant with Noah I hadn't had a Baby shower because I couldn't get over the stereotypical baby shower with streamers, pink cake and obligated gifts; it just so wasn't me. With Avery a small group of friends hosted a baby shower for me and at the time I needed a special afternoon with girlfriends and it was much appreciated. A Blessingway goes beyond a baby shower in that it takes on a more spiritual and sacred aspect. There are soul searched words spoken and heart felt tears shed. Here are some pictures from my first and most likely last Blessingway.
My birth dream catcher with a bead holding intentions and dreams for me and the babe, from each thoughtful mama.
Hand knit baby blanket, made by the mama's and young girls in my family community.
My sister-in-law, and her daughter Petra; who will be just nine months older than this baby girl.
Everyone made a wool Fairy/Angel for a mobile to hang above the cradle.
Avery and I each made one together the next day.
Birth Alter with stones, plants and birth statues brought for loan by friends.
One of my midwives happens to be an artist. So, I got my first Henna Belly tattoo!
I have never had a henna tattoo. But I was told to leave on the paste until just before going to bed and then scratch or rub it off with coconut oil. This lighter brown design is left behind to last a week or two.
Visiting and eating, crafting and singing, sharing birth stories and blessing this birth to come, gifting and receiving; I have been floating on a cloud for the last couple days. I feel so thankful to be bringing a baby into this world with so much love and support to welcome her.