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Experts stressed the need for preventive measures and accessible remedies to mitigate wide‑ranging challenges to human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals and global stability, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) held a series of interactive dialogues today.
Taye‑Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary‑General for Political Affairs, told the Committee in introductory remarks that the United Nations was taking a system‑wide approach to promoting coherent and consistent electoral processes. Those efforts were in line with the Organization's priority of conflict prevention, as properly conducted elections promoted peace and reconciliation.
Strengthening electoral processes also increased women's participation in political institutions. He said the global average of women in the lower or single houses of parliament had nearly doubled since 1997, while also stressing that figures still fell short of international gender balance goals.
Surya Deva, Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, called on States to help prevent human rights abuses in the business sector, highlighting efforts to improve regulatory frameworks in that regard. Rights holders were central to the entire remedy process and must be guaranteed access, affordability and adequacy of remedies.
Rights defenders, environmentalists, migrant workers, women, children and indigenous communities continued to suffer abuses linked to business activities, he said, making it essential that Governments and businesses work together to ensure effective remedies in cases where preventive efforts failed. Access to remedy should not be an afterthought, he said during the interactive discussion, and preventive remedies must be considered.
In the ensuing dialogue, several delegates expressed concern over the exclusion of rights holders from mechanisms to create remedies. The European Union's delegate asked how individuals and communities could be empowered, while Norway's representative inquired how victims could access judicial and non‑judicial remedies.
The United Nations human rights system was a resource for risk analysis and early warning, technical cooperation and guidance to States, said Hui Lu, Chief of the Intergovernmental Affairs, Outreach and Programme Support Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), presenting the Secretary‑General's report on the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms when countering terrorism.
She stressed the Secretary‑General's call for changes to global financial, economic and development policies, and reform of international trade and investment by integrating human rights and environmental protection. Implementing such recommendations would ensure equitable distribution of the benefits of development, she noted.
Obiora Okafor, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, urged Member States to pursue "preventive solidarity" strategies to combat the causes of inequality. A draft declaration on the right to international solidarity had been presented to the Human Rights Council and would deepen understanding of his mandate. The declaration would also help States achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, he assured.
Also briefing the Committee on the right to development today were Zamir Akram, Chair-rapporteur of the Working Group on the Right to Development; Saad Alfaragi, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development; and, Alfred‑Maurice de Zayas, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 18 October, to continue its debate on the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Third Committee met today to continue its debate on the promotion and protection of human rights. (For more information, please see Press Release GA/SHC/4204).
Introductory Remarks and Interactive Dialogues
TAYE‑BROOK ZERIHOUN, Assistant Secretary‑General for Political Affairs, said the United Nations had provided assistance in conducting elections to about one‑third of Member States. Such support, provided at the request of States, focused on technical assistance and strengthening of national electoral authorities. Responses to Member States were a system‑wide endeavour, he said, adding that coherence and consistency of election assistance was the priority. Beyond the United Nations system, progress had been made in developing the electoral capacity of regional and sub‑regional organizations.
Turning to women's political participation, he said the global average of women in the lower or single houses of parliament had nearly doubled since 1997. While encouraging, figures still fell far short of the gender balance highlighted in the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, adopted at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women. Noting that conflict prevention was a priority for the United Nations, he said properly conducted elections could promote reconciliation and peaceful transitions. Efforts must emphasize the creation of environments conducive to credible electoral processes, he said, stressing that the Organization's electoral support system was grounded in political impartiality and global expertise.
Alternative Approaches for Improving Enjoyment of Human Rights
HUI LU, Chief, Intergovernmental Affairs, Outreach and Programme Support Section, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), presented eight of a total of 15 reports concerning human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms.
She said the Secretary‑General's report on the impact of globalization and human rights (document A/72/132) summarized views received from Algeria, Argentina, Iraq, Madagascar, Morocco, the Philippines, Portugal, Senegal and Serbia. It identified common concerns such as migration, the activities of transnational corporations, corruption and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Secretary‑General's report on the role of the Ombudsman, mediator and other national human rights institutions (document A/72/230) contained responses to a questionnaire about the roles and activities of those institutions and found that there was a lack of understanding about their functioning.
The Secretary‑General's report on the right to development (document A/72/201), she said, recommended changes to global financial, economic and development policies, and reform of international trade and investment by integrating human rights and environmental protection in order to fairly distribute such benefits. On the issue of human rights and cultural diversity, the Secretary‑General's report (document A/72/289) summarized information from States on the legal and policy frameworks to promote multiculturalism and tolerance, protecting at‑risk groups and cultural heritage. It recognized the critical role of civic and human rights education in that regard. However, there were human rights challenges in promoting the rights of national, ethnic, religious or linguistic minority groups, as reflected by the Secretary‑General's report on the related Declaration (document A/72/219).
Turning to the Secretary‑General's report on the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms when countering terrorism (document A/72/316), she said the United Nations human rights system was a resource for risk analysis and early warning, technical cooperation and guidance to States. Similarly, the Secretary‑General's report on steps taken by States to fight intolerance (document A/72/381) underscored the need for more action to stem religious intolerance and highlighted the role of Governments and religious officials who spoke out against such acts. It also emphasized the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogues. Lastly, the Secretary‑General's report on the safety of journalists (document A/72/290) focused on the safety of women journalists and suggested ways to better ensure their safety through a gender‑sensitive approach. Measures suggested included drawing attention to the urgent need for systematic monitoring of rights violations.
In the ensuing dialogue, Egypt's representative, on behalf of a cross‑regional group of countries consisting of Belarus, Russian Federation and all member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) except Albania, said the resolution establishing the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity was divisive. The imposition of controversial notions contradicted universality and would lead to polarization. The Human Rights Council, especially mandate‑holders, must respect sensitivities when exercising their mandates, he said, and attempts to impose values contradictory to Muslims would harm the promotion and protection of human rights.
The representative of Azerbaijan said it was among 16 countries which had contributed to a report, and two specific references had been made to Azerbaijan. The principle of equality before the law was always observed, and allegations against Azerbaijan were not supported by facts.
The representative of Egypt, speaking as chair of the African Group for the month of October, said his statement was not a formal engagement with the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The mandate lacked legitimacy, as its creation did not enjoy consensus since it had been established by an extremely slim margin, demonstrating a lack of consensus. Its introduction and imposition contradicted the fundamentals of universality. Last year, Member States had advised that they needed time to define how the mandate‑holder would operate. While the Human Rights Council had legality to create special procedures, the General Assembly still oversaw the mandates. Given the importance of respect for sovereignty, he reiterated the African Group's opposition to the mandate and urged the United Nations to invest in authentic consensus, and ensure respect for national laws, customs and norms.
Ms. LU, responding, said to Azerbaijan's delegate that due note had been taken of those views, and that she would revert to the delegation at a later time.
Right to International Solidarity
OBIORA OKAFOR, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, said the draft declaration on the right to international solidarity was at the centre of his mandate. The Human Rights Council had been presented with the "extraordinary document" that would deepen the understanding of international solidarity. The document's utility was being assessed through a country visit to Cuba, with a report on that visit expected next year. He underscored the applicability of the draft declaration to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 17 on global partnerships. Attaining the Goals required all States to uphold human rights principles and build peaceful societies by revitalizing global partnerships, he noted.
Goal 17 recognized that new global partnerships must take into account emerging attitudes towards solidarity, he said. Efforts to bolster partnerships and solidarity must focus on empowering marginalized populations, he said, adding that "preventive solidarity" could help eliminate the causes of inequality around the world. The draft declaration included a vision of shared technological endeavours that would enable each State to fulfil human rights obligations. Mechanisms were also needed to ensure that trade targets were in line with human rights obligations, which would ensure inclusive participation and promote an international system that addressed the endemic causes of inequality. He encouraged all States to incorporate the vision of the draft declaration as they strove to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In the ensuing discussion, Venezuela's representative, on behalf of the Non‑Aligned Movement, said international solidarity on human rights, including their protection and promotion, was a fundamental value, adding that solidarity was the highest expression of peace among States. Agreements had been made to achieve cooperation in the field of human rights for all and the rule of law, through enhancing cohesiveness.
The representative of Cuba noted that Mr. OKAFOR's predecessor had visited Cuba, and expressed hope that the forthcoming report would address that visit. International solidarity should be a crucial tool in facing problems of a global nature, he said, reiterating Cuba's full support.
The representative of Qatar thanked Mr. OKAFOR's predecessor for having held regional consultations on the draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity. International cooperation was not just about providing humanitarian assistance, and Qatar had made every effort to provide support to the former mandate‑holder by hosting regional consultations with representatives from the Middle East and North Africa.
The representative of Morocco underscored that the Moroccan Constitution promoted the principles of openness, mediation and dialogue. As the 2030 Agenda called for no one to be left behind, Morocco promoted South‑South cooperation based on the principle of international equality and respect for human rights, in conformity with the Paris principles. In the report, a preventive approach had been mentioned, and she asked the Independent Expert how States could implement preventive solidarity.
Mr. OKAFOR said in response to Morocco's question that the main examples of preventive solidarity related to natural disasters and calamities around the world. One could also imagine preventive solidarity in areas like climate change or cooperation on migration issues.
Human rights and transnational corporations
SURYA DEVA, Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, recalled that the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were structured on three pillars: State duty to protect human rights, corporate responsibility to respect human rights and access to remedy. His report focused on the "access to remedy" pillar and its definition under the Principles.
Rights defenders, environmentalists, migrant workers, women, children and indigenous communities continued to suffer abuses linked to business activities, he said, making it essential that Governments and businesses work together to ensure effective remedies in cases where preventive efforts failed. He welcomed State efforts to improve regulatory frameworks to address such violations, noting that 17 countries had adopted national action plans on business and human rights while 22 others were in the process of creating them.
The report underscored the need for remedies to be effective, he said. "Any process to remedy human rights harms should take rights holders and their sufferings seriously," he said. The entire remedy process should be sensitive to their diverse experiences. Remedies should be accessible, affordable, adequate and timely, and rights holders seeking them should not fear victimization. They should be able to seek, obtain and enforce a "bouquet" of remedies. He described an "all roads to remedy" approach that understood "access to effective remedies" as a common thread running through all three pillars of the Principles. It also understood that such access required action by States, businesses, civil society and human rights defenders. Finally, it meant that effective remedies could be sought in diverse settings, such as consumer courts, labour tribunals and environmental courts.
The representative of Morocco welcomed the discussion of business and human rights as that matter was the focus of public opinion in her country. She asked if good practices to prevent human rights violations could be applied by small and medium enterprises that lacked the resources of large corporations.
The representative of South Africa requested information on how zero‑tolerance for impunity could be ensured.
The representative of the United States asked about the main takeaways that would emerge from the Working Group's forum this year.
The representative of Cuba asked how national and international efforts could be consolidated into a global approach to assist victims of human rights violations.
The delegate of the European Union asked about measures that could be taken to empower individuals and communities to addresses abuses, and about the role civil society could play in addressing power imbalances between corporations and rights holders.
The representative of Mexico asked if international cooperation to improve reparation mechanisms helped to prevent human rights violations. He also asked what specific measures existed to grant victims access to reparation mechanisms, and to what extent arbitration procedures in cases against transnational corporations were effective.
The representative of Norway asked for information regarding the involvement of rights holders in access to judicial and non‑judicial remedies.
The representative of the United Kingdom asked if access to remedies could be a form of prevention.
The representative of the Russian Federation said rights holders "surprisingly" included human rights campaigners and said that protecting that group was not the responsibility of the Working Group.
The representative of Spain asked how to ensure that access to reparation did not create unreasonable expectations of remedies.
The representative of Cameroon called for greater awareness of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and asked what recommendations could be made to relevant organizations to contribute to social responsibility in business.
Mr. DEVA replied that enterprises had different capacities and resources, noting that small businesses were increasingly part of the global network of manufacturing, and were linked to big multilateral enterprises as well. On how the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights could make a contribution, he said States must show willingness to implement such measures, whereby impunity could be addressed. Regarding key takeaways from the Working Group forum, he said it would focus primarily on access to effective remedies, expressing hope that consensus would be achieved in that regard. Further guidance would also be provided on the "gender lens" of the Guiding Principles. Global and regional frameworks could be useful because some of the abuses were transnational in nature, he observed.
To a question on dispute settlement, he said a new project would offer recommendations on how victims could best access effective remedies. For example, affected communities could go after investors if there were legitimate needs in that context. He answered questions about State cooperation in terms of effective reparation under national action plans, noting that the Working Group highlighted that restitution and reparation had five elements, and that all should be addressed. There should be a proper balance between investors and affected communities, which should be able to seek remedies. Regarding prevention, he said the report highlighted that access to remedy should not be an afterthought, and that preventive remedies should be considered.
To a question about human rights defenders, he said the report focused on access to effective remedies and described them in that limited context. The Working Group collaborated with the High Commissioner's Office, and if Member States sought advice from the Working Group, it would provide advice; that could be the way forward to provide awareness of the Guiding Principles.
Also participating in the discussion were representatives of Switzerland and Colombia, as well as a representative of the International Chamber of Commerce.
Right to Development
ZAMIR AKRAM, Chair‑rapporteur of the Working Group on the Right to Development, said his Group had held an interactive dialogue with numerous stakeholders, including United Nations system entities, to assess implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals from a "right to development perspective". It had also discussed follow‑up to the report on standards for the implementation of that right, he said, citing document A/HRC/WG.2/17/2 in that regard. The Non‑Aligned Movement had prepared a draft set of standards, and the Working Group had continued consideration of the draft right to development criteria and corresponding operational sub‑criteria. In Geneva in September, the Working Group had held informal consultations aiming to advance the elaboration of criteria and the set of standards for implementation of the right to development.
He said the Human Rights Council had adopted resolution 36/9 endorsing the Working Group's recommendations and encouraging all Member States to engage constructively for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Right to Development. The resolution had further recognized the need for independent perspectives to strengthen the Working Group's activities, and had encouraged relevant United Nations bodies to consider the right to development in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. At its next meeting, the Working Group would hold an interactive discussion with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, he said, noting that the consensus represented by the Sustainable Development Goals should help resolve differing views around the right to development.
The representative of Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Non‑Aligned Movement, urged Member States and relevant United Nations bodies, international financial and trade institutions to mainstream the right to development in their policies.
The representative of Iran underscored the dire need to demonstrate global political commitment to implement the right to development.
The representative of the European Union emphasized that the right to development was one owed by States to their citizens, noting that the bloc was ready to contribute to discussions on the topic.
The representative of South Africa expressed concern over the lack of political will and commitment to implement the right of development, asking what roles transnational organizations and business could play to foster implementation.
The representative of Indonesia said strong political commitment and cooperation was required to fulfil the right to development.
The representative of India asked the Working Group how it could change the perception of the right to development to be a primary and fundamental right.
The representative of Eritrea said the North‑South development gap continued to grow and many people continued to live in poverty. He underscored the need to eliminate sanctions, transform financial structures and enhance international partnerships to ensure that the right to development was fulfilled.
Also speaking were representatives of Pakistan and Morocco.
Mr. AKRAM, replied that the Working Group's idea for cooperation with other mandate‑holders was a valuable suggestion, adding that the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development was already a valuable partner. To comments on how other Human Rights Council bodies could contribute, he said the right to development had always been recognized as an inalienable right. As all rights were interrelated and indivisible, there was obviously relevance in the other Council mechanisms to the activities of the Working Group. To make progress, he said the first step was to agree on common ground. That might be modest in its initial phases, but since the goal was a common one, both developed and developing countries must find ways to implement the right to development and he advocated building on existing consensus. There were numerous similarities between the Declaration on the Right to Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, he said.
SAAD ALFARARGI, Special Rapporteur on the right to development, said that right was far from being universally recognized more than 30 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Pledging to ensure that the right to development and human rights were recognized as integral to the sustainable development discourse, he outlined three focus areas during his mandate.
First, he would focus on removing structural obstacles, such as politicization, and low engagement of United Nations agencies and civil society in fulfilling the right to development. In that context, he would assess national and international development policies, and provide recommendations that would foster financing for development. Second, he would seek dialogue and consultations with States and stakeholders to identify and promote good practices and benchmarks, and in so doing, assess, measure and qualitatively compare those practices. Also, the Human Rights Council had requested that he hold consultations at the regional level on implementation of the right to development.
Finally, he would explore practical measures and make recommendations on how to realize the right to development at the national and international levels in the context of the 2030 Agenda. While he was encouraged by the reaction of delegates and civil society towards his vision, he said he was aware of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the debate.
The representative of Egypt, on behalf of the African Group, said the right to development had always been high on the agenda of the African continent, citing its recognition in the African Youth Charter. He welcomed the normative framework setting the basis for the right to development, and the Special Rapporteur's mode of work. Long‑term progress towards realizing the right to development required a favourable economic environment. Development facilitated the enjoyment of all human rights, he said, stressing that States had a duty to cooperate with each other.
The representative of Morocco said the right to development was far from being fully implemented. Development, as opposed to economic growth, could reflect the actual success of human development. He invited the Special Rapporteur to continue his consultations with the Working Group and to interact with other relevant special mandate holders, asking how his office expected to overcome the practical divergences on conceptual aspects of the right to development.
The representative of China said that to fully realize the right to development, the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter should be strictly abided by, and the imbalance in development between the global North and the South should be rectified. United Nations human rights organs should prioritize the promotion of the right to development and exert greater efforts to realize that right throughout the world.
The representative of Iran said political will from certain developed countries was lacking to make the right to development a reality for all. He encouraged the Special Rapporteur to work more closely with the Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures.
The representative of the Russian Federation said development was a driving force of the concept of human rights as a whole, and an important condition for ensuring human rights. Efforts must be made to overcome tensions linked to uneven global development. Without sufficient development, it was impossible to fully avail oneself of human rights.
The representative of Cuba said the politicization of human rights issues had negatively impacted many countries' efforts to eradicate poverty. He asked Special Procedures mandate‑holders to speak about key elements which developed countries should observe to realize the right to development.
The representative of India said the normative human rights framework continued to evolve, adding that the right to development could assist in developing a sustainable future for all. In an interdependent world, there was no contradiction between the right to development at the individual and international levels. He asked the Special Rapporteur whether there was a roadmap for developing benchmarks to compare best practices on the right to development.
Mr. ALFARAGI, responding, underscored his awareness of the complexities surrounding the debate on the right to development. The Declaration, which had been adopted by a great majority, outlined that all were entitled to participate in the economic, social and cultural dimensions of development. The right to development ‑ and all human rights ‑ were recognized as an integral to the sustainable development discourse. Yet, advocacy was weakening and efforts were being made to elevate the right to development. He proposed regional consultations as well as the collection of ideas and opinions on aspects of his mandate. On the relation of his mandate to that of the Working Group, he said the complementarity of the system was important. To a question over whether to have a protocol, he said he was not pushing in any one direction, but was simply collecting Member States' reactions. Regarding good practices, he said he was trying to apply what Member States had agreed, and noted that he had relations with civil society and academia.
Also participating in the interactive discussion were representatives of the United States, South Africa and Maldives.
Promotion of Democratic and Equitable International Order
ALFRED-MAURICE DE ZAYAS, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, presented his sixth and final report, calling for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to amend their articles of agreement to better serve the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Noting that some of their activities had come into conflict with the Organization's human rights and development goals, he said it was time for the General Assembly to propose practical measures to bring those two entities on board. While Article 103 of the Charter stated that its provisions should prevail over all other treaties and international agreements, international financial institutions were not subordinate to the United Nations in structure and practice. IMF should "abandon its misguided prioritization of economic growth above all other considerations", he stated.
He went on to say that the strict and selective loan conditions imposed by IMF, such as rapid economic growth in States, discouraged long‑term investments in public health and education while the lack of global consensus on sovereign debt restructuring meant that States could not pay back loans. The World Bank and the IMF should adopt smart lending practices that would benefit everyone and not just banks and speculators. Further, IMF should introduce loan conditions, including the adoption of legislation to prevent corruption and a moratorium on military expenditure for the duration of the loan. In addition, IMF could contribute to initiatives aimed at strengthening international tax cooperation, helping States to develop capacities to tackle illicit financial flows, supporting sustainable pension systems and providing technical assistance to States in tax legislation and anti-avoidance rules. Stressing the need to recognize the human rights dimension in lending, he said "no international financial institution, no transnational corporation and no trade agreement is above international law. All must respect the overarching international human rights regime."
The representative of Morocco asked the Independent Expert to elaborate on his suggestion for reforms regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The representative of South Africa asked how to ensure international financial institutions were held accountable where conditionalities led to a denial of basic human rights.
The representative of Cuba thanked the Independent Expert for his contributions, and noted that his mandate had recently been renewed by the Human Rights Council. Cuba would continue to work with the next mandate‑holder for the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
The representative of Maldives said structural adjustment programmes had not improved people's welfare, and asked how international financial institutions could help small States, particularly those facing risks from climate change.
Mr. DE ZAYAS, responding, said that his report to the Human Rights Council included a table of relevant reports by his colleagues, such as the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, on adequate housing, on foreign debt, and many others who all had pragmatic, implementable recommendations. As for amending the articles of agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, he said the World Bank should do away with the interpretation of Article 4, Section 10, which considered human rights "political activities". Human rights, health and environmental assessments should be carried out systematically before any loan was approved, whether to a Government or to a project which might have negative consequences. There was a possibility that the IMF could request advisory opinions. Human rights and the impact of loan conditionalities on human rights was a legal question that could be addressed by the International Court of Justice.
To a question on how Member States could best ensure that the IMF worked for development, he said IMF and World Bank members could use their muscle there. Responding to the question from the Maldives, he said structural adjustment was a term that would seldom be found in IMF publications because the Fund had rebranded it as poverty reduction and growth. The core principles had not changed: the commitment to privatization and the reduction of social services, as well as reduction in numbers of civil servants remained. He said civil society had done excellent work in that field, citing Human Rights Watch studies on the IMF and the World Bank, and noting that Oxfam had published a study titled "Great Expectations." By way of farewell, he urged Government lawyers to translate international commitments into action. Naming and shaming was doomed to fail when the party doing the naming lacked moral authority and had "skeletons in the closet". Mandate‑holders must have the courage to break the silence on taboo subjects, he said, adding that rapporteurs should not be guardians of the status-quo nor "fig leaves" for the international community. Indeed, the international community should rewrite the spirituality of the universal declaration of human rights.


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Of course, I was driving in my car, and had nothing to write with, but I called the station's request line, and got the church name and number. Here's where the surprise came in - this new church plant, 10:35 (see their website) is a satellite ministry of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Maumee, Ohio.
Yup. A traditional, tall-steeple, ELCA church.
The rest of the search was a bit frustrating - the church is doing a huge renovation on their sanctuary, so they were worshiping at a theatre in downtown Maumee - and no one was answering the phones at the temporarily-abandoned sanctuary. And their website was down - turnover in the volunteers who are managing the tech side of things at the church. And the radio ad didn't give the 1035online.com website, which would have answered my questions in a flash. But I did get enough info to find out that worship really WAS at 10:35, at Monclova Elementary School. So I left sister and brother in bed ("worshiping at St. Mattress") and went over to see what was going on.
Outside: a van pulling a Haulmark-type trailer with the 10:35 logo splashed across the side. Over the entrance to the school, a banner with "10:35 - A Different Worship Experience" (or something like that). Inside: people who were friendly, but not the hyper-enthusiastic greeting that I've gotten from so many places like this. A stage, video screen, band set-up, sound system...started to look like a number of Willow-Creek clones I've visited. And in fact, that's exactly what it was - St. Paul's is one of the growing network of mainline churches who are adapting the practices and outreach of "apostolic networks" like the Willow Creek Association.
There were about 100 people there - folks I talked to said there's about a 50-50 split between St.-Paul-transplants and newbies. As you came in, recorded contemporary Christian music was playing - Third Day's "We've Got to Come Together," Steven Curtis Chapman, and others. At 10:35, the band stepped onstage, and started an acoustic rock riff that ran for a couple minutes, and then was followed immediately by the pastor's brief welcome and introduction...then almost immediately into the "teaching series" on biblical ways to achieve financial freedom. No, no - it wasn't the old "trust Jesus and get rich" nonsense that we've heard so many times, but laying out a foundation for why money is important, how much the Bible is concerned with wealth, and how debt and consumerism can lead to bondage and idolatry.
Unlike a church here in the Chicago area, which used the same kind of format, the pastor's sermon was supported by Scripture (not just proof-texting) and was convicting, for me at least. The "teaching time" went on for about 40 minutes, followed by a couple of praise-band songs. Then there was a reflective time, which struck one of the few sour notes in the morning.
Two women, with beautiful voices, sang a quiet, reflective duet while a video presentation played on the screen behind them. The problem was, the song talked about being still, and and praying with "knees to the ground"...and the video was a kid, riding through a suburban neighborhood on his bike! If ever there was a case of cognitive dissonance, that was it! My first thought - one that recurred throughout the song - was, "What the hell does this have to do with the song?" (Probably not the spiritual reaction the worship planners were looking for...) Trying to figure out the answer to that question completely derailed whatever serenity I was supposed to get from either the song or the video of this carefree kid on a bike.
I had gone to the service intending to be a person without a church home (which, for all intents and purposes, I am, I guess). But it became obvious that the pastor and several greeters thought they had a real unchurched person on their hands (I really don't present that level of spiritual deadness, do I?), and so I blew my cover, and told 'em that I was a student at LSTC, who was just "looking to see what worship a little further from the pipe organ" looked like. (I just didn't want to distract them from talking to anyone who truly did need to be connected-with that morning.)
They have a lot of things going for them - they are starting the Alpha program, they have a significant small-group ministry starting, and a very casual, welcoming atmosphere - along with a heart to find people and bring 'em in, which counts for a lot in my book.
Questions I'm going to raise with their pastor - and with whatever seminarians bother to read this...
-Why do we feel that unchurched people will enjoy singing "We are salt, we are light" (or any other praise song) any more than they would love singing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," just because the tune is easier and the pattern is more repetitive? Do seekers find "churchy" language and images empty and unfulfilling, regardless of how easy they are to sing? I know that I find 'em off-putting, at times... and I'm a worship-n-praise junkie, as many of you know.All that to say that while I wish 'em all blessings, I'm not sure that's my idea of what I'd want to do with a church start. I guess I've been spoiled by some real experts at this blended Lutheran/WC thing (like the brothers Housholder, whose legacies are at Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines, Hosanna! in Lakeville, MN, and elsewhere) - so I'm probably being overly critical. It just didn't hit me right, I guess. I'll find the right mix someday soon, I guess. Just gotta keep praying, walking, asking, and kissing frogs until I find a prince, eh?
- I know that doing sermon-series is an act of blasphemy in our little community here at LSTC (after all, God handed us the Revised Common Lectionary on a tablet of stone for a reason, didn't He?) so this may be a moot point for many reading this. But regardless of that, in several "teaching series" I've heard (including this one) there was information, and there surely was conviction (for those who know me, fiscal responsibility is a very tender topic, these days). But there wasn't much in the way of "hope of transformation" laid out in this "teaching." The fact is, I knew I was a screw-up in my financial affairs long before I walked into church on Sunday. I guess I was looking for some more hope, perhaps a glimpse of light of redemptability (how's that for a made up word?) in this whole church-and-God thing. Of course, given the alternative (information and cheap grace, with no conviction), I'll take a double helping of the former.


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Description from Thomann :
Ueberschall Concert Flute (ESD); Elastik-Player-Instrument; loop library with 954 phrases; played on a western concert flute; different playing techniques with trills, staccato and legato; Ueberschall-Elastik-Player with Loopeye control for quick manipulations of pitch, tempo and key in highest quality; Browser with search filters and tagging; synchronized pre-listening function; sequence mode for slice editing with many editing options like filter, volume, formants and more.; synchronization to host DAW; single outputs; supported formats: standalone / VST2 / AU / AAXnative; system requirements: Win7 min., Mac OSX 10.11 min., 0,8 GB HD, internet connection
Software : Loops - Sound Librairies pour MUSIC SOFTWARE
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Atomic Assessments - Enabling Atomic Assessments in Canvas
Atomic Assessments is an advanced quizzing tool that is currently available through Canvas to all of UW-Madison's for-credit users. Because it is an advanced quizzing tool, it is recommend for technically advanced instructors or instructors with local support staff. Please leave ample time to develop and test assessments in Atomic Assessments before incorporating them into your live courses.
This document outlines the steps required to enable the Atomic Assessments tool in your course.
Atomic Assessments is available in every time-table and sandbox Canvas course, but it is hidden from the left-hand navigation bar by default. Follow the steps outlined below to unhide Atomic Assessments in your course.
- Click on Settings in the left navigation bar of your course Canvas page.
- Once in your course's settings, click on the Navigation tab.
- Then, find Atomic Assessments in the list of hidden items.
- Drag and drop Atomic Assessments into the upper section of enabled course navigation items.
- Alternatively, click on the 3 dots next to Atomic Assessments and select Enable.
- Please note that, when enabled, the Atomic Assessments item in the navigation bar is only visible to instructors. Students will not be able to see this navigation bar item.
- Once Atomic Assessments is enabled, click Save at the bottom of the page.
- Once you click save, the Atomic Assessments link will appear in the left hand navigation bar of your course. Click on Atomic Assessments.
- If this is the first time you are enabling Atomic Assessments in Canvas, you will be prompted to authorize the tool. To do this, click the Authorize button.
- You will once again be prompted to authorize the tool. Click Authorize.
Please contact the DoIT Help Desk and request a consultation if you need additional help enabling Atomic Assessments in your course.


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This year we are going to blog our way through the whole season of Advent & Christmas sharing one song a day! In week 1 we looked at advent songs that draw from OT language. In week 2 we are looking at gorgeous Advent texts that have been retuned. In Week 3 we will explore newer texts/tunes that we've sung (or hope too!).
Come Light Our Hearts
Sandra McCracken – chart | youtube
From the liner notes to the Rain for Roots version (2014):
I wrote this song around and for our Advent liturgy at church last year. In planning our services week to week, I found that good longing-centric songs for corporate singing are hard to come by. I have found also that "Come Light Our Hearts" translates well to the season of Lent and other times of expectation and waiting. Thankful for the opportunity this song gives to ask expectantly and repeatedly. I am hopeful that we wait for His light to meet us where we are, through many seasons of life. ~Sandra
There are TWO recorded versions of this song. The Rain for Roots versions is a more upbeat and the God's Highway version is slower, and more meditative.
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Lord of life, our only hope
Your radiance shines
On all who look — to You in the dark
Emmanuel come, come light our hearts
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Joy above all other loves
In you we find more than enough
We come as we are, O heal and restore
Come light our hearts.
Written by Sandra McCracken (©2014 Drink Your Tea, [ASCAP], Admin by Music Services.)
Check out our Advent Devotional for 2018: Bellwether Arts "O Antiphons" 2018 Devotional
- Make a YEAR-END gift to Cardiphonia Music


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Events Calendar
Search for Event by:
Saturday Sep 14, 2019
Categories: Community, Chamber Of Commerce, Clubs/Organizations
Saturday Sep 21, 2019
Categories: Festivals & Celebrations, Community
Sunday Sep 22, 2019
Tyler (of Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys fame) is going to play for us this afternoon! Voted best new country artist by Midwest CMA in 2018. ... read more
Categories: Arts & Culture
Monday Oct 7, 2019 - Friday Oct 11, 2019
Categories: Festivals & Celebrations
Saturday Oct 12, 2019
Goat yoga charity even at Simple Life Farms in Winterset! All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. Enjoy some yoga and take some selfies with our g ... read more
Categories: Festivals & Celebrations, Recreation & Sports
Sunday Oct 13, 2019
Jesse of Jesse & The Medicine Men will regale us this afternoon with his rich voice. He can vibrate the basement with his bass, and yodel to high falsetto. ... read more
Categories: Arts & Culture
Saturday Oct 26, 2019
Categories: Community, Chamber Of Commerce, Recreation & Sports


text: This is more or a less an ongoing personal project. Together with a jewelry store I'm looking at the possibilities to 3D print designs to speedup and improve complex productions. Currently we're having difficulty getting it actually 3D printed but this seems to be caused by either the slicing software or printer firmware. Down below you see the first design I created. The idea was a simple but convincing twig as a ring. Organic shapes are hard and time consuming to make for a jeweller. However, with ZBrush it is rather easy to make these organic designs. For this design I created a alpha from a picture of twig, extruded this in ZBrush and sculpted it by hand until it looked like a proper twig.


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Sigmoid(x): secure distributed network storage
Irvine, David and Irvine, James and Goo, Swee Keow (2011) Sigmoid(x): secure distributed network storage. In: Wireless World Research Forum, 1900-01-01.
Accepted Author Manuscript
Download (128kB)
Secure data storage is a serious problem for computer users today, particularly in enterprise environments. As data requirements grow, traditional approaches of secured silos are showing their limitations. They represent a single – or at least, limited – point of failure, and require significant, and increasing, maintenance and overhead. Such solutions are totally unsuitable for consumers, who want a 'plug and play' secure solution for their increasing datasets – something with the ubiquity of access of Facebook or webmail. Network providers can provide centralised solutions, but that returns us to the first problem. Sigmoid(x) takes a completely different approach – a scalable, distributed, secure storage mechanism which shares data storage between the users themselves.
|Irvine, David, Irvine, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2078-6517 and Goo, Swee Keow;
|Item type:
|Conference or Workshop Item(Paper)
|ID code:
|NAS, storage, security, distributed network storage, Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
|Technology > Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
|Faculty of Engineering > Electronic and Electrical Engineering
|Depositing user:
|Pure Administrator
|Date deposited:
|28 Nov 2011 16:26
|Last modified:
|21 Sep 2020 00:30
|Related URLs:
|Export data:


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David Yurman Sterling Silver Oval Link Bracelet 10mm. Comes with Original David Yurman Gift Pouch. The item "David Yurman Sterling Silver Oval Link Bracelet 10mm (Medium)" is in sale since Monday, December 11, 2017. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Fine Jewelry\Fine Bracelets\Precious Metal without Stones".
The seller is "alam_jewelry" and is located in Flushing, New York. This item can be shipped to United States.


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Bed & Breakfast
Stay with us and enjoy a delicious start to the day
Rates from £314 incl. VAT
Book our breakfast inclusive rate now and enjoy a delicious à la carte breakfast.
This package includes:
- One night's stay for up to two people in a beautifully appointed bedroom.
- À la carte breakfast.
Terms and Conditions:
- Rate quoted is inclusive of VAT.
- Package is available weekdays and weekends.
- Cancellations can be made without penalty up until 4pm on the day prior to arrival.
- Rate is based on a maximum two adults per room.
- Package is subject to availability.
About The Kensington
There's a sense, on being welcomed through the double-framed doors of The Kensington hotel by a bowler-hatted doorman, of stepping back in time to a more genteel, service-oriented age. Certainly, the hotel's luxurious white stucco façade – a collection of four 19 thcentury townhouses in this most chic, cosmopolitan and cultured of London neighbourhoods – and the Victorian grandeur of its high ceilings, heritage décor and open fireplaces evoke something of a bygone era.
Yet just as vivid is an immediate sense of vibrant, contemporary confidence that emanates from the modern yet understated design. Here London society comes together – be it for afternoon tea in the light and lively drawing rooms, cocktails in the glamorous K Bar, or dinner in the refined Townhouse restaurant. Throughout this engaging environment, the attentive, familiar staff of The Kensington Hotel provide the personal welcome.
Key features
Free WiFi
Restaurant & Bar
Fitness Centre
24h Room Service
Spa Treatment Room
Air Conditioned


text: appst89 15 Report post Posted January 1, 2018 Just wanted to bring some attention to the Scholastic Bowl teams in Southwest Virginia. Scholastic Bowl is an academic competition sanctioned by the VHSL. The kids involved in this play a season that runs from late September to mid February. The time and effort they put in rivals any of the major team sports. SW Va. teams have represented this area admirably in the last couple of seasons. In 1A, Honaker has won back-to-back state championships. In 2A, Central has a state championship and a runner-up finish and Gate City and Tazewell each have a fourth place finish. This season, in 1A Grundy and Honaker are both poised to make a run at the state title while Tazewell, Gate City and Central are all contenders for the 2A title. There are many other teams playing Scholastic Bowl in the region and the competition is getting better. If you get a chance, I recommend going to a match and supporting these kids. They work every bit as hard as the players in the high profile sports and they toil in relative anonymity. The matches are exciting and the kids appreciate it when their community supports them. 4 sixcat, cityofRaven, UVAObserver and 1 other reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Where did the idea of installing a full-time police liaison officer in Whistlers schools come from? Was it the parents who asked for it, or was it the students or the school staff?
That is what some parents at the recent Whistler secondary school Parent Advisory Council meeting wanted to know from local RCMP Staff Sgt. Hilton Haider.
"I asked for it," said Haider.
The staff sergeant, who replaced Frank Shedden in May last year, told a handful of parents attending the PAC meeting that the idea was initiated by the police.
Haider was at the high school PAC meeting April 23 to solicit parental support for a full-time school liaison officer. Already he has taken his proposal to the municipality, the elementary school PAC and to the Howe Sound school board.
The school district supports the concept but will not provide funding for it. The Resort Municipality of Whistler has, however, set aside funding for a third of the cost of a full-time school liaison position. Those funds, said Haider, have been frozen. "They are there and available for me to use." All that is needed is a letter from Whistlers mayor to Canadas Attorney General to say Whistler needs another policeman, one dedicated to the schools.
But, said Haider, that wont happen unless there is a groundswell of grassroots support for the concept. The request for a policeman in local schools has to come from the community and that is why Haider is doing the rounds and making his case for the position.
The staff sergeant also believes the balance of the $72,000 in funding required for the position can be made available to the Whistler RCMP if parents make a strong case for it.
He said his vision is to split the full-time school liaison task between two officers. One officer would be assigned to Myrtle Philip, the other to Whistler secondary. The officers would spend 50 per cent of their work time at their respective schools from September through June. The other half of the work week would be devoted to community police work. This plan does not account for the new Spring Creek school.
During the summer holidays, the officers would be deployed elsewhere in the community.
Haider is working towards a 13-year plan that would see kindergarten kids through to Grade 12 students connected with RCMP school liaison officers. He said it would probably take 13 years to see if the program was producing positive results.
He said the goal of the school cops would be to prevent crime and enhance community safety through education; promote the police as an accessible community resource; eliminate barriers between children, parents and police; investigate offences and enforce laws and promote policing as a career.
Haider said a typical day for the school cop would see the bulk of time divided between delivering education programs, investigating school-related offences and helping school administrators to informally resolve less serious incidents that do not necessarily require the formal intervention of the criminal justice system.
Topics such as strangers, 9-1-1, being home alone, pedestrian safety, sexual and physical abuse, date rape, drugs, criminal law, traffic and liquor regulations, weapons and drinking and driving would be addressed.
The officer would also attend classes and work with student and parent groups.
Haider told parents a school liaison officer would provide a positive and visible police presence in schools and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The school cop would also identify "at risk" students and provide resources to help deal with them in a proactive fashion, noted Haider. "We do have students here who are from time to time classified as high risk."
However, parents and some school staff are wary of allowing police un-mandated access to local schools.
There appears to be a general consensus that the work being doing in Whistler schools by community police officer Ray Bernoties is valuable. Even more of his time would be warmly welcomed in the schools but how much would be too much? That is the question PAC members and some staff are currently grappling with.
The other is the question of process.
As WSS principal Rick Smith told PAC members, the issue of police in schools in one that needs to be dealt with by the broader school community, including parents, staff, the town and above all, students.
"There has been very little discussion among staff at this stage," he told the PAC. "Please do talk with your kids," he urged parents.
It was also suggested at the PAC meeting that the RCMP make a presentation on the concept to the students themselves and that groups of kids be brought together to debate the move.
Parent Alex Kleinman said he would also like the input of the Healthy Communities group before any decision is made. He feels there are still many questions that need to be answered.
"And what problems are we dealing with? Are they societal?" He pointed out bullying, for example, starts in the home. "But where are we starting the fix?"
He noted educators and school counsellors spend years studying how to interact with children. A policeman, he said, also spends years training but for a totally different purpose. He questioned how well an RCMP officer is equipped for the school job and whether this would be a wise use of educational dollars.
"I would never want my officers to be educators," responded Haider. "I want them there as a human beings who happen to be police officers."
"Well I dont think this is the place," said Kleinman. "Is this an RCMP marketing initiative you are asking me to fund? If so, then we have got a real problem."
Kleinman pointed out students bond with teachers and counsellors who are often with kids through most of their school careers and are seen as protectors. RCMP officers, on the other hand, move on every few years.
Some parents feel the school police position is being used as a way to garner additional staffing dollars for the local force.
The Whistler detachment has 21 police officers. Haider said work on the mountains and in the village draws away from community work. This would be one way to ensure a dedicated resource.
The concept of a school liaison officer was created in Liverpool, England in 1951. It was brought to North America in 1958 and launched in Vancouver at Killarney Secondary School in 1972.
All police detachments in the Greater Vancouver area have school liaison teams. There are now 20 school districts in the province that have school liaison officers. All are fully funded by municipalities, apart from the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area. All are areas with large population bases.
Before making any decisions, the PAC wants to hear from the broader education community.
"You are the grass roots," noted Haider. "You go out to other parents and ask them. Its your children. Ask them. See if there is enough consensus."


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Some of the great features of the Wooden Compass with Keychain –
|6cm high
|Age Suitability
|3+ years
Outdoor Fun Features
Compass activities are perfect for whenever you have good weather for outdoor walks where you live. And compass walks are great outdoor learning experiences, ones that can be fun for the whole family. The Wooden Compass with Keychain is perfect for an outdoor adventure. These aren't specifically Montessori activities, but they fit perfectly with the Montessori emphasis on outdoor learning and spending time in nature. This wooden compass with keychain is the perfect starting tool for young kids when venturing in the outdoors. They are a must for everyone's equipment checklist.
Shipping and Delivery
- Playground Princess ships your item via registered post through Australia Post (for smaller items) or via our suppliers nominated courier service (for larger or items we don't hold on-site). By sending your item via Australia Post Registered Post there will be proof the item was sent / when it's lodged over the counter at an Australia Post retail outlet and proof the item was received. Upon shipping your item we will supply you with a tracking number via email.
- Goods do not require a signature on delivery and will be left at your address if you are not home – please ensure you advise a shipping address where someone is always home, or alternatively a business address. We cannot accept any responsibility for packages left at an address, which are then removed/lost/stolen.
- Product deliveries cannot be made to PO Boxes, a physical address is required for purchase of this item.
International Shipping Available


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Join Sophie for a Q&A at Mayfair, London!
On Wednesday 18th November Sophie is being interviewed by Natasha Harding and The Sun about books, Becky and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Tickets include a copy of the book and Sophie will be signing copies too! Find out more here.
news & events
(UK) WIN a Love Your Life early reading copy
I was absolutely thrilled to receive my advance proof copies of Love Your Life through the post recently. Just look at that gold foil and the bright pink inside cover pages! And now my UK publishers are offering three of my readers the chance to receive an early copy to read for themselves! For your […]
(UK) WIN a Dragonfly Necklace
This month in the UK, Twenties Girl is just 99p in ebook. So my UK publishers are running a competition to win this beautiful dragonfly necklace! A dragonfly necklace has a starring role in the book and this one is extra-special because it's designed by my wonderfully talented friend Claudia Bradby. The necklace […]


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what people have said about their personal journey
I have been training with ptnd for several months now and I can not recommend them enough. I look forward to every lesson. I have been training several martial arts for a few years and I have to say the self defence they teach is very easy to understand and learn. What they teach will work when it's really needed.
Ive served in the armed forces for a long time and have been actively deployed. The system teaches you not to be complacent in any situation, and in my line of work you are always walking a fine line, so its a good refresher to keep you on your toes.
have been learning for about a 1.5 years. We learn very basic techniques that are easy to learn. After we get good at these techniques we get put into a scenario where we have to think on our feet and improvise, I find this stage of training is where I learn the most, and it has benefited my working life because if I see that I can do something differently or adapt to a changing situation, then I have the mindset to do that. We also get to actively participate and workshop techniques to see if they really work. Overall its a fantastic experience. Thanks.
Not much to say. Love it!!!
Ive trained in other Martial Arts for quite a few years and had a break because after a while they got a bit boring and repetitive. I'm glad there's a system like this out there with so much variety, and reality to it, its more about awareness and tactics than landing a good hit. Really enjoy every class and its run very well and professionally.
I was getting bullied at school by a few older girls and wasn't sure what to do. It's embarrassing when it happens to you and I think it happens a lot to other people. I like coming to classes, and my parents always come and watch sometimes I think they want to join in as well. I wish I was a bit fitter, but I'm still glad to come.
Ive been training for about a year and I find it's always interesting because you never know what's going to happen. It really teaches you how important basic movement is and how to adapt to changing situations.
I'm in the army reserves and lecture on sports science at University. I have trained in this system for several months, and it puts to shame the the techniques we learn during our military training. I have adopted many principles from this system and I implement the strategies into my cross training in the military. Makes me feel at the top of my game. Wish this was around a lot earlier. Awesome!
I'm a mum of three little ones and I just love coming to class. Gets me out of the house lol. But really, apart from learning some cool moves, I just love meeting new people and after my first month I'm seeing some good improvements in my athsma and fitness as well. Thanks for all your help.
I work as an instructor for the Police force. Dealing with situations on a daily basis I appreciate the need for the simplicity and adaptablility of this system. It has added another valuable component to my training and experience. Definitely worth it.
Fitness - awesome Principles - pretty easy to learn Overall - its opened my eyes to the real world and how important it is to understand basics like running away, moving, what works etc. Great fun too.
I have trained in Taekwondo for a long time and really appreciate this system because it allows me to keep training in my system, but also gives me more skills and understanding to realise what simply wont work on the street and in real life. I thoroughly enjoy every class its always interesting and varied.
I'm still training in a Martial Arts system called Arakan. What I really like about the SAMAS system is that I use it like an "add on" to the skills I have already learnt in Arakan, and I have found the results to be impressive. Actually, amazing. I'm quite sceptical by nature, but after I invited another senior Arakan student to try the SAMAS system, we both came to the same conclusion. We love the system and would recommend it to anyone.
I'm travelling with my husband and we wanted to do some training that was easy to learn and effective. We only wanted a few classes initially, but eventually that somehow turned into a year. We both love coming and the level of safety and instructing is brilliant. Thanks well done.
I live in a pretty rough area and I'm a fairly easy going kind of guy. Have had a few experiences in life that made me want to learn how to defend myself. Its a lot easier than you think and doesn't always have to get physical, and that's part of the strategies that we are trained to use. Cool stuff.
I'm a travelling student so its really important for me to have some confidence when I'm going out on my own. The best thing I learnt is to avoid problems in the first place, which makes so much sense, but I guess until you realize that you wont know. Everyone is so friendly and helpful here so I'm glad I can come along.
I just cant wait until the next class. The type of training we do puts you in some awkward situations that you wouldn't normally think about, so its as much an eye opener than just techniques and drills. Awesome fun, and very practical.
I'm an old school boxer, have been for a while. I'm using the simple techniques I learnt in the system in the boxing ring and its so simple that my opponents don't realize what's going on until its too late. Its definitely made a difference to my all round training and strategy.
Just enjoy the system and how easy to is to learn and implement. Good bunch of people.
I work security so having extra skills is always good. Situations can change from bad to worse in the blink of an eye and I find that all the fancy stuff tends to fly out the door and the simple stuff like remembering to breath becomes really important. Whatever you do, you'll get a lot out of it, and the instructors skill and knowledge is excellent.
I prefer the passive approach or to just walk away. You'll learn how to do that safely and effectively. Peace.
I'm a PT and actor so movement and upskilling for me is a part of my life. The system is easy to learn, and the instructors are pretty clued up, although I do like to test them a little lol. I actually learnt one of the techniques and later that evening some crazy guy drove his car through the park and into a tree near some people. I confronted him and when he charged me I used the technique I learnt earlier that evening and it worked, twice in a row lol....yep. I like this. Still with SAMAS a year later.
Ive trained in Martial Arts before for a few years. I enjoy coming to class it always fun and interesting and everyone is pretty friendly. You can learn the principles pretty quickly, and I walk away from each lesson with something new. Excellent.
It's a great system. The challenge for me has been to get my fitness level back after years of not doing anything. Every class is a challenge, but I'm glad the instructor measures the lessons quite well, and we can all work to our own fitness levels. The techniques are great too. Thank you so much.
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Indian-American actor Karan Oberoi has landed a series regular role in The CW's coveted reboot of "Roswell." The original show, which ran from 1999-2002 on The WB and UPN, will get a modern update in this reboot.
Based on the "Roswell High" books, the show focuses on Liz Ortecho, a jaded biomedical researcher and daughter of undocumented immigrants. She reluctantly returns to her hometown of Roswell, New Mexico, which is best known for a UFO incident that happened years ago. She finds out that her teenage crush is actually an alien who has kept his abilities hidden. The two embark on a mission to learn more about his origins when a violent attack and government cover-ups indicate there is a larger alien presence on Earth.
Oberoi will play Noah Bracken, married to Isobel. Noah is a charming and devoted husband whose relationship starts falling apart when he senses that his wife is keeping a secret from him. With this news, Oberoi joins a list of talented South Asian-Americans who are scoring great roles this pilot season.
The cast of the new "Roswell" includes Jeanine Mason ("Greys Anatomy"), Nathan Parsons ("The Originals"), Michael Trevino ("The Vampire Diaries"), Tyler Blackburn ("Pretty Little Liars"), Heather Hemmens ("Hellcats"), Lily Cowles ("BrainDead"), Michael Vlamis ("New Girl") and Trevor St. John ("Containment")
Clearly, this is a very young and diverse cast, holding up the reboot to its stance of bringing an 'immigration' twist to the story. Oberoi's previous credits include "Notorious," "The Blacklist," "Westworld," and "NCIS" among others. In addition to his regular role on the "Roswell" pilot, Oberoi joins Starz thriller "Counterpart" in a recurring role as Osman, a young, fast-rising interrogator within the Office of Interchange.
The "Roswell" reboot hails from "The Originals" writer Carina MacKenzie, who will executive produce alongside Julie Plec, Kevin Kelly Brown and Lawrence Bender via their Bender Brown Prods, as well as Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank of Amblin TV.


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CENTER, Mo. | The owner of the proposed Grain Belt Express wind-energy transmission lines across Missouri is now promising to add broadband internet connections along its route.
On Thursday, Invenergy, the company that now owns the project, made its broadband announcement. Although the proposal would add broadband to the Grain Belt infrastructure, it would not guarantee high-speed internet service, since that is a business decision for internet companies.
"Discussions are underway with Missouri internet service providers who could use the infrastructure to provide internet for nearly 1 million underserved Missourians," the company said in a news release.
High-speed internet service is being discussed in the 2020 session of the Missouri Legislature, where Rep. Louis Riggs, R-Hannibal, is among lawmakers who have filed bills that deal mostly with funding for broadband across the state. On the federal level, without providing specifics, during his State of the Union speech to Congress last week, President Donald Trump said the he is "committed to ensuring that every citizen can have access to high-speed internet, including — and especially in — rural America."
The prospect of broadband access adds another element to the years-long fight over the Grain Belt project.
Grain Belt Express is a project to transmit up to 4,000 megawatts of electric power each day from vast wind farms spread out over western Kansas across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana to be wheeled into the East Coast power grid.
The project was certified as a utility in 2019 by the Missouri Public Service, reversing previous denials, giving Grain Belt the right to acquire land through the project via eminent domain.
The Missouri Senate is now considering a bill sponsored by Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Frankfort, whose district covers two of the eight rural counties in the path of the Grain Belt project – Ralls and Monroe. His bill will prohibit developers of the 4,000-megawatt a day high-level transmission project from forcing landowners to sell property.
"This seems to be another ploy to sell Grain Belt Express," Hansen said. "I'm very skeptical until I hear more information. There are several questions, for instance, how will this impact the coops that have invested in broadband around the state."
Hansen said anything that would take money from the cooperatives that have working on broadband would be disastrous. In addition, he wonders if changing the scope of the project means Grain Belt should go back to the Public Service Commission to consider any changes.
"These are just some of the kinds of questions that need to be asked," Hansen said.
The proposed route cuts through the heart of farmland across central Missouri.
Kansas and Indiana have approved the project, as have regulators in Illinois. However, courts in Illinois have blocked the approval, ordering the issue back to state utility regulators.
Invenergy touted broadband access as a benefit for Missouri in its announcement last week, saying that more than 250,000 residents of rural Missouri would benefit from this new infrastructure.
"We are very invested in the communities where we develop and build projects and where Invenergy employees live and work," said Beth Conley, spokeswoman for Invenergy. "Broadband is a natural fit for this project and, working with local internet service providers, we are pleased to add it to the list of benefits Grain Belt Express will deliver to Missouri."
State Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, who is sponsoring a bill similar to Hansen's in the Senate to block eminent domain by Grain Belt Express, welcomes any effort to provide broadband to rural Missouri, as long as it does not involve forcing landowners to sell rights-of-way.
"Broadband is a vital service for rural areas and our sustainability. If Invenergy could provide it and win landowner approval without using eminent domain, it would be a win for everyone," O'Laughlin said.


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Well Located Dairy Farm
1986 Mountain Road, Norfolk, New Plymouth District
Ref No: IN00579
Price: SOLD
- 1Bathrooms
- 1Garage
- 200 m2 Floor area
- 71.9818 hectare Land area
Nestled in the heart of the Norfolk area close to Inglewood, this approximately 71.9818ha (177.867 acres) flat dairy farm has potential. There is easy access to all paddocks from farm tracks with fences being a mix of 7 wire post and batten, electric and live hedging.
The cowshed is an 18 aside herringbone, using Westfalia plant, with an inline feed system.
Other farm buildings include a 2 bay hayshed, 3 bay implement shed, 3 bay storage shed and Bobby calf shed with loading facilities.
The fully fenced brick cladding home has two bedrooms and an office which could be a small third bedroom. There is an open plan kitchen/dining room living area, separate laundry and single garage. All in handy walking distance of the cowshed.
Currently milking approximately 170 cows with all young stock carried on the farm.
If you are looking for a farm close to schools and New Plymouth with all the infrastructure on excellent contour in a strong grass growing area, you must see 1986 Mountain Road.
Linda McIntyre
Rural Sales
- firstname.lastname@example.com Email
- 06 756 8889 Office
- 027 282 8561 Mobile


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Wetfoot Photography provides worldwide sports action photography.
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text: CBD without terpenes is like walking into an art gallery with your eyes closed. It's like eating your favourite meal without being able to smell it. Life comes in HD and surround sound, it's smellovision and full sensory. Every new experience is totally immersive and bombards your senses in every possible way.\nHave you ever walked into a room, caught a scent in your nostrils and immediately been transported into a vivid memory from your past? You thrive on sensory experiences, they make up your life and memories. The chances are that many of the smells that plunge you headlong into the past were created by terpenes!\nWhat are terpenes?\nTerpenes are a group of organic compounds that create unique tastes and smells. Over 20,000 of them exist in nature.The smell of lemons that rises from the lemongrass as you pulverise it for Pad Thai? That's a terpene! The smell of pine needles as you walk your dog through the woods? That's a terpene too!They complete experience and fix it into your memory permanently. In addition, in many plants, they are thought to provide benefits such as supporting the relief of inflammation and pain.Within cannabis, there are over a hundred terpenes providing the varied smell and taste sensations of different strains.\nOur range of terpenes is specially blended to give you the experience of well-loved cannabis varieties. 'Pineapple Express', for example, can be added to CBD products and gives you the taste and smell of that plant variety. Each of our products is designed to give you the cannabis sensory experience so use it expecting the deep musky tones of 'Pineapple Express' cannabis and not the sweet and fruity scents of an actual pineapple. \nAre terpenes legal?\nTerpenes are totally legal as long as they are not combined with THC. They are non-psychoactive and instead are healthy and contain many natural health-promoting agents. Terpenes for use with CBD may be harvested from cannabis plants but the same compounds can also be collected and blended from a range of other plants.Terpenes are actually in wider use than you are probably aware of. Next time you notice anything with a particularly pleasant natural fragrance check out the ingredients. You will often find that they contain terpenes such as linalool, pinene or limonene.\n\nWhat are the benefits of terpenes?\nTo take your CBD from supplement to sensory experience you need terpenes. They bring the tastes and smells that have made cannabis the iconic herb that it has become.When provided alongside CBD in full spectrum oil, or other whole plant products, they form a part of the entourage effect. This is when the CBD acts with counterpart compounds found in cannabis and provides a communal effect not present when used individually.The specific benefits of the terpenes contained in cannabis are the subject of much research and investigation. We are only just beginning to realise the many benefits that can be had and are being reported from CBD and its entourage. \nWhen it comes to taking CBD with terpenes, why would you tear apart something that nature has so successfully put together? \nHow to use terpenes with CBD products\nCBD made from whole plant extract will already contain many terpenes providing nutritional benefits and synergistic effects. This is a great option but you can also take things into your own hands with a range of standalone terpene products. Terpenes and bioflavonoids can be purchased and added to both CBD drops and CBD vape juice. Just one drop can take you from vapour inhalation to sensory experience. These can be purchased ready mixed but if you prefer the ability to create a personalised effect then you've got to go for the terpene and bioflavonoid blends.Terpenes are very strong so you will only need a very small amount to completely alter the flavour of your oil, paste or liquid. For the best effect aim for between 1% and 5% in each CBD product. You shouldn't ingest the pure liquid and never go above 5%. Start small and build up; one 1\/4ml drop of terpene into 10mls of oil will give you a concentration of roughly 2.5%.\nWork your way up from here and see what gives you the best effect.\nFinal thoughts on Terpenes \u0026amp; CBD\nIf you think of supplementation as rows of blandly wrapped bottles containing white chalky tablets big enough to choke a horse then think again. Terpenes are flavourful and aromatic.\nAdding a small amount of liquid terpenes or purchasing full spectrum oils will provide you with the full experience of CBD. So many plants, fruits and vegetables already deliver you the benefits of terpenes. The chances are that they have already enhanced your life.\nFollow nature's example and add terpenes to your regime. Life doesn't need to be sterilised and 2D, don't get a supplement, get an experience.\nJoin us to get updates and special deals monthly:\n\n \n\n\nReferences\nCannabis terpenes: What they are and how they affect you. (June 21, 2018). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.greenrelief.ca\/blog\/what-are-cannabis-terpenes\/ What are terpenoids? (August 28, 2017). Retrieved from https:\/\/articles.mercola.com\/sites\/articles\/archive\/2017\/08\/28\/terpenoids.aspx Terpenes and Bioflavonoids- Add flavour to CBD oil\/ e-liquid. (2019). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.fortheageless.com\/products\/terpenes-bioflavonoids-cbd-1mlWhat are terpenes and why do they matter? (December 27, 2018). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.cbdoilsuk.com\/107055-2\/ Understanding terpenes: The smells and aromas of the plant world. (December 21, 2016). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.greenseadistribution.com\/index.php\/2016\/12\/21\/understanding-terpenes-the-smells-aromas-of-the-plant-world\/


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Outdoor Skills Classes & Events near Pigeon Forge, TN(2 results)
Family Wilderness Survival
Perfect for any family that spends time together outdoors, this hands-on course in wilderness survival makes learning a blast for both young and old. The kids will love all the activities, and you'll love how quickly they gain the confidence to tackle any outdoor challenge.
GPS Navigation Basics Class
Join us to learn basics of Hand-Held GPS navigation. Learn how to pinpoint your location, mark waypoints and navigate to distant points. If you own a GPS unit, please bring it to class.
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One last update for 2017 before we actually have to start doing some cycling (as you might guess from the attached picture – whilst embracing some joint sporting endeavours of late, they haven't involved any wheels…)!
Firstly, a huge, huge thank you to everyone who came to the Carol Service. We felt it was a really special evening. For those who didn't make it – the church (St Mary's in Battersea) was picture perfect (and, as we found out, a spot from which Turner painted the Thames and William Blake was married!). We think there were over 150 people from all different crowds – lots of nurses from the Royal Marsden, friends, family and people who attend the Church and had heard about it. The minister – Sue – has probably missed a career as a TV presenter / actress / general superwoman, and after all our concerns about music we had four incredible professional singers who blew everyone away, and a very talented organist. Our closest friends did readings, Fi surprised us all with an impromptu speech and our professional singers brought the house down with a jazzy rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas to end the service. Having told the pub to expect c.30 people, we ended up with well over one hundred (they ran out of wine glasses) taking over the whole pub and struggling to make us leave at last orders! We are overwhelmed with all your support and dedication – thank you so much.
So, what next? We are hoping to pull at least one or two other LEJOG fundraising events out of the hat before May, but really, it's time to knuckle down to some training. Having both been traumatised this past weekend by some sub-zero cycling attempts (think Bambi on wheels), we have kitted ourselves out with some Winter kit (aka ski gloves, thanks Mum…) and have pleaded for assistance from appointed an amateur coach (thank you, Matt!). Matt is experienced and knowledgeable enough to make sure we have all the right tools for success, but far away enough not to come knocking on our doors if we don't make it out on a rainy / hungover Saturday (Dubai) and, if you're lucky, we'll share some of Matt's tips with you along the way. To make sure we brave those cold January days, we have signed up to our first sportive together on Sunday 28th January, which will be our first big training challenge (the Evans London Road Ride It event, for any eager participants!).
In the meantime, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – and if you'd like to come on some long rides with us in 2018, please make yourselves known!


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This article is from the archive of our partner .
The original, New York-based Occupy Wall Streeters must be pretty happy with how their movement has taken off around the globe. In addition to the dozens of protests taking place in U.S. cities, Occupiers have cropped up across Europe and the Americas, as well as in South Africa, Australia, and a spattering of East Asian countries, as shown in this Google Map of the protests below.
But notice that citizens in two heavyweights on the world stage--Russia and mainland China--haven't joined in on the fun just yet. (The closest so far: a roughly 40-person demonstration did happen at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange this weekend, Bloomberg reports.) Today, officials from China and Russia, who've seen their fair share of protests in the past, have a few haughty words on the little brew-ha-ha they've been watching develop in the West.
Vladimir Putin, defending his latest spending plan to a crowd of international CEOs, decided to use his speech as an opportunity to comment on the movement and how it differentiates Russia from the U.S., Reuters reports today. In his first public comments on the protests, Putin, who is running for reelection, argued that his budget, with a heavy emphasis on social programs, would mean that no Occupy protests need occur in Russia:
Hundreds of thousands of people -- not just a bunch of outcasts but hundreds of thousands -- are coming out onto the streets to demand what their governments are unable to fulfill ... If this (social spending) does not take place, then we could get to a situation which we see in countries with developed economies.
Meanwhile, China offered its first official word on the protests: they bring up some good points, but let's not do them in China. According to an AP report, the nation's foreign minister said of Occupy Wall Street:
"We feel that there are issues here that are worth pondering," said Liu Weimin, a foreign ministry spokesman during a regular briefing in Beijing.
"We have also noticed that in the media there has been a lot of commentary, discussion and reflection. But we think that all of these reflections should be conducive to maintaining the sound and steady development of the world economy," Liu said, without elaborating.
However, there doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm among officials for having protests in China itself. One of China's state-run newspapers, the Global Times, wrote that the Chinese should "calmly observe the protest movement and the global situation, and not be confused by extreme points of view," according to the AP. In a more strongly-worded op-ed published yesterday, a Global Times editor wrote that the movement "points its finger directly at the heart of the problem"--that is, Wall Street, and capitalism in general--but doubts that it will succeed:
Although it seems almost impossible that drastic change will be brought by the Occupy Wall Street movement, the lackadaisical reaction from the top down is alarming. Perhaps because the movement accurately points out the crux of the problem, politicians opt for living in denial.
This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.
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NCLAT annuls voting on NBCC's revised bid to acquire Jaypee Infratech
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Friday annulled the ongoing voting on state-owned NBCC's revised bid by Committee of Creditors (CoC) to acquire Jaypee Infratech.
A three-member bench of the NCLAT headed by Chairman Justice S J Mukhopadhaya annulled the voting and asked the lenders to carry our fresh voting from May 31.
IDBI Bank, the biggest lender to the debt-laden realty firm, had filed a plea with NCLAT seeking to stay or annulment of the voting process. They had opposed the NBCC's bid as it was conditional. It had stated that the offer was conditional upon grant of approval to transfer Yamuna Expressway's business to NBCC.
The bench has also said that CoC can renegotiate with NBCC on its revised bid.
The voting on NBCC's bid started on Thursday. Home buyers and lenders were voting to decide the fate of over 20,000 aggrieved home buyers who have not got their properties.
The voting was to continue till Sunday and the results was to be declared on May 20. This was the second time the financial creditors were voting on the resolution plan for Jaypee Infratech.
On May 3, the voters had rejected the bid of Mumbai-based Suraksha Realty.


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Rescue remedies
With several high-profile brands struggling with PR disasters, Tom Banks looks at the strategic role design can play in corporate crisis management
Toyota's high-profile product recall and the airbag defect that forced Honda to call back nearly half a million vehicles worldwide are the latest examples of unfortunate events upsetting brands by undermining core values.
Last month, Toyota announced it would recall up to 1.8 million cars across Europe, including around 220 000 in the UK, following an accelerator problem. Models affected include the best-selling Yaris and Corolla.
Following this it was forced to recall nearly half a million hybrid models, including its flagship Prius model, to fix braking problems. Fellow Japanese car brand Honda was also forced into a recall, due to defective with airbags.
A safety-induced crisis causes obvious problems for a brand like Honda that prides itself on reliability and the promise to deliver 'the power of dreams'. While branding experts say incidents such as these needn't necessarily lead to a rebrand, designers do have to be aware that their work is part of a wider marketing mix, and can be affected by unforseen product disasters or questionable PR strategies.
Branding group Someone will be taking all this into account in its work for Eurostar. Just days after Design Week reported that Someone had been appointed to create a new identity for Eurostar, the cross-Channel rail operator was hit by breakdowns, backlogs and the inevitable acres of bad press following mechanical failure caused by snow.
Someone director Gary Holt says the consultancy's branding work may reflect Eurostar's response to the crisis, but adds that Someone will continue to work from the original project brief as it develops the new identity. 'Eurostar has listened to what went wrong and is acting on it by distributing information and talking to its customers,' Holt says. He adds, 'The new brand can parallel that in its identity and strategy, but it shouldn't directly reflect what happened.'
Last week, preceding a report into the incident, Eurostar Traveller Care was compensating customers and writing to them to say, 'We hope this unique incident will not permanently tarnish your opinion of Eurostar, although we do understand that it might.'
Graham Hales, managing director of Interbrand, describes the snow crisis as 'an act of God', and says, 'All Eurostar can do is acknowledge the problem and communicate that.'
Hales adds that in 'an immensely apologetic corporate world' it is unnecessary for brands to be changed in response to crises, unless there is a need for 'a deeper reassurance'.
But it is not just acts of God that can compromise brands; questionable PR strategies often also play their part. Hales refers to Tesco's decision to bar pyjama-clad customers from a Cardiff store last month. The supermarket giant's already controversial move was made to look particularly contrary because actor Martin Clunes had appeared in a 2007 Tesco ad, browsing the aisles in his pyjamas.
Hales says, 'People across an organisation like Tesco need to understand the brand, but any groups working outside an organisation like Tesco need just as good an understanding. They'd both see that a pyjama ban is inappropriate.'
James Kydd, non-executive director of Start Creative, cites a PR issue faced by Pepsi. In 1996 the drinks company painted a Concorde blue to match its repackaged all-blue cans. Unfortunately, flight experts claimed this restricted the plane's speed, as Concorde's standard white paint dissipated heat generated at high speed on the surface of the plane, allowing it to travel at supersonic speeds for sustained periods of time.
Kydd says, 'You have to think of the PR implications of something like this before it happens.'
He also refers to the Dasani controversy faced by Pepsi's soft drinks rival Coca-Cola. In 2004 Coke launched its water brand in the UK. However, the media quickly picked up on the fact that Dasani was just treated tap water from Sidcup.
Kydd describes disingenuous branding like this as 'madness', adding that both consultancy and client 'will always try to show the brand in the best possible light'. He says, 'A misleading strategy to attain three weeks of success is suicide.'
Other branding disasters
- British Airways' 1997 tailfin redesign was overseen and implemented by Newell and Sorrell, but was criticised by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who covered a model of a Boeing 747 bearing the design with a handkerchief
- In 2008 Nike withdrew the Air Stab range from its flagship store in response to bad PR that might have been drawn from rising knife crime in the capital
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