text:
I remind the House that three Deputies did not have an opportunity to put their questions to the Minister yesterday. I ask everybody to stay in order, although I do not expect any trouble from the Deputies present in any event. We will seek to have as many questions as possible answered.
Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions
Is the Chair implying that Deputies were bold yesterday?
National Broadband Plan Funding
Barry CowenCeist:
1. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the national broadband plan will be paid for between 2020 and 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25799/19]
The total cost of the broadband plan between 2020 and 2043 will now be almost €3 billion. That includes €1.5 billion of additional funding over and above the amount already allocated in the development plan between 2020 and 2027. Of that amount, €782 million will be required between now and 2023.
On "Six-One" some weeks ago and in answer to a parliamentary question that I asked, the Minister said categorically that no project or development plan would be cancelled, delayed or impacted by the decision to proceed with the broadband plan. Will he explain in detail how the broadband plan will be delivered? He says it will be funded by increased revenue in the future but the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, states that is not credible. The Secretary General of the Department has indicated that funding will come from future capital expenditure projects while the Minister states that is not credible. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, stated this morning that taxes might have to be raised. I believe the money will come either from borrowing or cuts in expenditure. Will the Minister enlighten the House as to how the plan will proceed?
As the Deputy is aware, I am responsible for setting the overall multi-annual capital expenditure ceilings and for allocating these resources across Departments. My Department is also subsequently responsible for monitoring expenditure, on a monthly basis, at a departmental level against these agreed ceilings. In this context, the precise schedule of multi-year funding of the national broadband plan will be set out in full in the context of the budgetary process for 2020.
Beyond that, I should explain, as I have on a number of occasions, that the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is the sponsoring agent and the Government is the final sanctioning authority. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring agency for the national broadband plan, although I will be working closely with that Department, to comply with the provisions of the public spending code.
Where the Government is the sanctioning authority, the public spending code makes it clear that the day-to-day oversight functions of a sanctioning authority revert to the relevant line Department which is the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The Government is then involved at the major decision points.
My Department has engaged with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment throughout the process on the economic appraisal of the national broadband plan. In addition, there was also ongoing engagement between the Department of Communications Climate Action and Environment and my Department on the cost and affordability of the project, in particular once it emerged that the cost of the project was not capable of being funded within the allocation that had originally been made for the project in the national development plan.
In monetary terms, the impact of the project on the overall fiscal position will necessitate an additional requirement of approximately €200 million in 2021 and 2022 and approximately €300 million in 2023, which will result in a depreciation in the general Government balance of approximately 0.1% of both GDP and GNI* on an annual basis. I will lay out in budget 2020 and in the run-up thereto how I plan to accommodate that.
I ask the Minister to clarify the comments he made previously, especially those he made on "Six-One" and subsequently. He said categorically that no project within the national development plan would be cancelled, delayed or impacted by the decision to proceed with the national broadband plan, even though it is to cost an extra €1.5 billion. The Minister says the project will require an additional €500 million between now and 2023 but we are also awaiting details of the outstanding €400 million overspend on the children's hospital. In the short term, that amounts to almost €1 billion. Will he indicate where that amount will come from during the budget process? The IFAC states it is not credible that it will come from future revenue. The ESRI states it will possibly come from taxation. The Secretary General of the Minister's Department says that projects will be forgone, although the Minister disagreed with that statement and said it was not credible. These organisations and individuals have laid their cards on the table quite categorically and it is incumbent on the Minister to do likewise on behalf of those we all represent.
As part of the budgetary process for 2020 and beyond, I will engage with Deputies Cowen and Michael McGrath on the matter, as I am required to do.
I repeat that it is my intention that no other projects will be affected as a result of the decision to move ahead with the national broadband plan. There are other reasons beyond any decision on the national broadband plan that projects can be delayed. A project can proceed in a different way than anticipated due to the planning process, decisions taken by Departments or the time required for the tendering process. All those factors can and do arise. I reiterate that it is not my intention to change other projects as a result of going ahead with this decision on the broadband plan.
The Deputy asked me to put my cards on the table. At a certain point in time, Fianna Fáil will need to do the same on the national broadband plan. The issue I have grappled with is that, if one is committed to 100% coverage and the use of fibre optic technology, and wants it to happen on time, this is, on balance, the only way of doing so. If the Deputy feels differently, as is his right, he will need to explain what his alternative is at a certain point in time.
The beauty of the Minister's position is that he is in government and has responsibilities. He has to decide priorities on behalf of this Dáil because he has the majority to do so. Playing games with me about what I would or would not do is not up for discussion here. I need to know what is available in the public finances to deliver a development plan to which this Dáil has agreed. The Minister is not being straight with people when he does not enlighten them in this regard. I ask him to be conscious of that and of the fact that, as I said, others who are independently appraising the national broadband plan have said his position is not credible. It is worrying that he has not sought to clarify his previous comments on his commitment that no project will be affected. He is now saying projects may be affected but he will not enlighten us as to how they will be affected. He said that projects will be delayed. Some €99 million worth of projects have been delayed because this year's commitments in the national broadband plan have not been acceded to and the costs overrun for the national children's hospital.
The Minister has yet to inform us of another €400 million in addition to the €500 million between now and 2023 that he mentioned in his initial reply. What exactly will be delayed? How long will it be delayed ? Will it be delayed for long enough to cause people to forget about the commitments that were made on road trips last year?
I do not need the Deputy to remind me of my responsibilities. I am well aware of them. The Deputy is not without responsibility.
My responsibility is to hold the Minister to account.
If the Deputy feels we have made the wrong decision in the case of the national broadband plan, it is incumbent on him to say at some point what he would do differently. It is clear that he has formed the view that we have made the wrong decision, as he is entitled to do. As already stated, if he believes we are doing the wrong thing, he will have to grapple with the issues with which I have grappled. I reiterate that the decision in this regard will not affect other projects. As we know, every year things happen with other projects that do not result from policy decisions made by me. The original view of the Deputy's party was that Ireland 2040 did not exist and was not going to deliver a material benefit to communities and citizens.
When did I say that?
His party now holds the view that it is of such high value and can make such a difference to people that it is very eager to ensure that it is not affected at all.
When did I say that?
I am moving on.
I ask the Minister to correct the record. When did he hear me say anything like that? I respect the commitments made in the development plan. I acknowledge that it can be a success and can bring benefits, especially in the regions.
I must move on.
I need to know whether the money is there to meet the demands relating to the promises the Minister is making. He is not being straight with the people when he tells them that the money will come from future revenues. He is expecting to have magic money at his disposal.
I have to move on to Question No. 2 in the name of Deputy Jonathan O'Brien.
As I have stated previously, the Minister is the Freddie Mercury of politics, exercising his kind of magic. It is time he came clean to the public on this issue.
No, Deputy-----
No, I take exception to the point the Minister is making. He is here because we have the good grace to allow him to be in government and in a position to give stability to this country. He is riding roughshod over us, and it is a mistake he will regret if he keeps going with this answer.
We are not being fair to other Members. At the outset, I asked everybody to stay in order. I will give the Minister 30 seconds to make some brief remarks.
I have publicly acknowledged on a number of occasions the role Fianna Fáil has played in maintaining stability at a point of difficulty. I stand by the point to the effect that I heard this plan being dismissed as one of spin even though it is one of substance.
I thank the Minister.
Money is needed to match it.
I will be outlining how this plan will be funded. The money is there to make Project Ireland 2040 a reality. That is the truth.
We have gone way over time.
The Minister has stated that projects in health and other areas will be foregone because of the overspend, but he is not showing the same conscience when it comes to this issue.
I have called Deputy O'Brien. I ask Members to allow him put his question.
I am quite happy to let them argue, to be honest.
When Deputies' time is up, they should allow the next person to put his or her question.
Freedom of Information Legislation
Jonathan O'BrienCeist:
2. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if legislative changes are planned to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/19]
In light of recent court cases, is the Government planning to propose changes to the existing freedom of information legislation?
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 revised, updated and consolidated the freedom of information regime in this country, removed the upfront fee for requests and made the system in general more user-friendly.
The success of this initiative is illustrated by the fact that between 2014 and 2017, the latest year for which figures are available, there was a 67% increase in the number of requests made to public bodies. It is expected that the Information Commissioner's next annual report will show that the number of requests in 2018 exceeded the 33,979 received by civil and public sector organisations in 2017 as part of a consistent upward trend.
Some 85% of the freedom of information requests decided on by public bodies in 2017 were granted in full or in part. Just 3.5% of those who made freedom of information requests in 2017 sought an internal review, which involves a reconsideration of the request at a higher grade in the organisation, after the initial decision was made. Almost 60% of requests in 2017 were for personal information, with the majority of those who made requests being clients of the public body concerned.
The Deputy will agree that by any objective standard, all indications suggest that the freedom of information regime is robust and effective in delivering on the objectives of openness, transparency and accountability of public bodies. However, the success illustrated by the recent year-on-year increases in demand has been accompanied by significant challenges, particularly with regard to the demands placed on public resources.
Against this backdrop, the Department's central policy unit for freedom of information has continued to work closely with stakeholders throughout the Civil Service and the public service with a view towards improving freedom of information practice.
Our aims are to ensure that the objectives of those who make freedom of information requests are met as efficiently as possible, to build technical knowledge capacity and to develop an appreciation of the broader significance of freedom of information legislation for the business of relevant organisations.
I agree that the changes have led to a dramatic increase in the number of freedom of information requests. While the Minister is correct in stating that there has been an increase of approximately 60%, I would like to take issue with the figures he cited when he spoke about requests that are granted. According to information we received in response to parliamentary questions, the percentage of requests that went on to be granted decreased from 62% to 51% between 2014 and 2017. Some of them may have been successful on appeal. In light of recent court cases in this area involving the Information Commissioner, one journalist has described the Freedom of Information Act as being "dead". There is concern following two recent court rulings. Can I take it from the Minister's reply that there are no definitive proposals to look at the legislation? The Minister is looking at the capacity to deliver on the existing Act. Is that correct?
That is correct. I am aware of the evaluation that has been formed by some people in respect of the operation of the freedom of information legislation. I do not have any evidence to corroborate the suggestion that predictions of the demise of the freedom of information legislation are being borne out. I have monitored what has happened following the three court judgments to which the Deputy refers, one of which relates to the Department of Health. At this point, it is not clear that the consequences of these judgments will affect the operation of the Bill. It is something I will keep under review. I understand that the Deputy's party is considering the introduction of legislation in this area.
That is correct. We signed off on our Bill yesterday and we look forward to submitting it. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is now denying more requests than it is granting. We are concerned about that trend. The Department received 207 requests last year. Sixty were granted and 67 were refused. We are seeing a gradual trend towards more requests being refused than granted. That is borne out by the figures. As already stated, the percentage of requests granted decreased from 62% to 51% between 2014 and 2017. The trend seems to be going in the wrong direction. That is why we are proposing legislation. I understand that the Minister is looking at this matter and will keep it under review.
I look forward to seeing and considering the Sinn Féin legislation. The fact that there has been a change or an evolution in the number of requests being granted or denied does not mean that the legislation is no longer working. Rather than believing that the legislation is in some way failing to meet its objectives, surely we should be open to the view that officials who make their own independent decisions on these matters are acting in a way that complies fully with the spirit and the letter of the freedom of information legislation. This important legislation plays a really important role in public life. I will look at the consequences of the relevant judgments in order to determine whether they are having any effect on the operation of the legislation. At this time, my assessment is that they are not having any such effect.
Public Service Pay Commission Reports
Barry CowenCeist:
3. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Public Service Pay Commission report will be published; the reason it has not been released to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25800/19]
The Public Service Pay Commission report on the Defence Forces was given to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in early May, or so we were led to believe. Can he confirm that, and tell us when will it be published and why has it not been published to date? Will he be conducting negotiations with the Defence Forces and their representatives prior to, or after its publication?
The Public Service Pay Commission was established to advise the Government on public service remuneration policy. In the current phase, which is the second phase of the commission's work, it was tasked by its terms of reference to undertake an examination of whether, and to what extent, there are difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in key areas of the public service identified in its first report. The Public Service Pay Commission has adopted a modular approach to its work programme for its present exercise. As the Deputy will be aware, the first module was published by the commission in August 2018 and deals with issues relating to nursing, midwifery, non-consultant hospital doctors and consultants. The commission engaged on work in relation to the Defence Forces in accordance with its terms of reference. Written submissions were received, and the commission has now completed its examination of recruitment and retention matters in the Defence Forces and has submitted its report to me for consideration. The report will be submitted to the Government. To answer the Deputy's three questions - I anticipate it will be coming to the Government in the next couple of weeks; I received it in May, although I cannot be sure whether it was early or late May; and we will be engaging with the Defence Forces on the report. However, this will be after its publication, as has been the case with other reports.
I was anxious to know when in May it was received, because it might not have been appropriate if the Minister had it in advance of, or after, the election on 24 May. I do not know, but it is important that we know. Why is there a delay in publishing it and bringing it to the Government? There is a real issue at stake here that was not only recognised at the time it was included in the public service pay agreement in that in recent times, and in the intervening period, it has become patently obvious there are huge issues in the retention of staff within the Defence Forces. Morale, as the Minister knows, is at rock bottom, and it is incumbent on him to ensure this process is adequately, appropriately, and speedily dealt with in order to re-establish that morale, as well as the public's faith in and commitment to the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces have huge work to do, and they continue to do it. We are very proud, and would like to remain proud, of them. We do not want to see its personnel compromised or ill-treated by a process designed to help and assist them, which was entered into by both parties in good faith. I hope the Minister will respond as to when he received the report, and why there is delay in bringing it to Cabinet and publishing it.
I am also conscious of the nursing one to which the Minister referred. It was somewhat flawed, as its chair said, in that the relevant data was not available, which meant its credibility was questioned-----
The Deputy should let the Minister respond. He will have another opportunity to speak.
-----and I hope we will not have the same issues with the commission's report this time.
It has only been a number of weeks since the report was received. I would hope the Deputy would understand that when I receive a report, particularly one that is independent of me, it is necessary that I take time to consider it and reflect on how we can best move forward with the report to a successful conclusion with the Defence Forces. I share pride in the work of our forces with the Deputy, and it was an important moment when Cabinet made agreed to the deployment of a number of our rangers in Mali, highlighting the expertise and work they can do for us across the world. It is a pity the Deputy could not wait to read the report before his party decided to bring forward a Private Members' motion on the issue. Up to that point, his party had been constructive in the area of public pay and had upheld its commitments regarding the public service stability agreement. If the Deputy understands my need to take time to consider the report, I hope that he reads the report himself before deciding on whether we are handling the issue of Defence Forces pay in the appropriate way.
I appreciate the mechanism and machinery that is in place regarding the public service pay agreement and the commitments contained within it. I also acknowledge the right of the nursing fraternity, Defence Forces, and consultants, subject to the conditions associated with that agreement, to allow for agreements to be acted on, bearing in mind that both parties, including the Minister and his Government, signed in good faith. It is surprising that conditionality appears to have been associated with the request to go to the Labour Court regarding the strike action being taken this week. I sought clarification of that matter from SIPTU officials and despite comments from the Taoiseach, it was clarified to me yesterday. I will investigate that further when the time is right, but we will step back from that for the moment while the machinery of industrial relations and the State are working in that realm.
We have every right to bring forward motions on matters that affect those we represent, especially those who were given a commitment within the agreement that the commission's report would be forthcoming. If nothing else, I hope that motion has forced the Minister to act a bit quicker than he has to date in reflecting on what is contained within the report and making recommendations to the Government. I trust and expect that he will make provision, from within the confines of what is available to him from the State, to act on recommendations that emanate from that agreement, considering both parties entered into it in good faith. This is not just about the headline rates-----
Deputy, please.
-----associated with it but the conditions as well, which have led to the processes we have alluded to.
I expect the Deputy's co-operation.
I appreciate the acknowledgment from the Deputy of the good faith I had in participating in this process. I also note the way in which his party has handled the issue of public pay in the years in which I have been dealing with this matter.
The Garda deal was the only bespoke deal, and the Minister gave it that.
Other members of his party decided to move ahead-----
It was not Fianna Fáil.
Allow the Minister to respond without interruption.
-----and form a judgment in relation to the contents of this report-----
The Minister knows that better than I do.
-----before it was published. Fianna Fáil put us in a position where we had to deal with a motion on the Defence Forces' pay and conditions-----
I am listening to the people. I do not need a commission report to tell me there is a problem with retention.
Deputy, please allow the Minister to finish.
-----before the report was even published. The Deputy underestimates the difficulty of managing public pay in a sensitive way in our current economy. Both Fianna Fáil and Deputy Cowen have previously shown a responsible attitude to how public pay is managed, and I regret that, on this occasion, they have not been able to maintain that approach when it comes to the Defence Forces. I look forward to publishing the report and engaging with the Defence Forces and others on how we can respond to the issues within it.
Project Ireland 2040 Funding
Jonathan O'BrienCeist:
4. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital projects that will be delayed, deferred or cancelled as a result of capital project overruns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25967/19]
I refer again to the capital projects which may or may not be delayed or postponed as a result of the recent decision on the national broadband plan.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am responsible for setting the overall five-year multi-annual capital expenditure ceilings, and for allocating these resources across Government Departments. My Department is also subsequently responsible for monitoring expenditure on a monthly basis at a departmental level against these agreed ceilings. Decisions on how and where these allocations are then invested by individual Departments are a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant Minister, in line with the conditions of delegated sanction specified by my Department. It is therefore a matter for individual Ministers to manage their projects within the greatly increased capital ceilings available to them under Project Ireland 2040. As I have previously indicated both in response to Deputy Cowen and at other points, I intend to provide additional capital to ensure the national broadband plan can move ahead, and I stand by the commitments I have made to maintaining projects in other areas. Project Ireland 2040 seeks to reform how public investment is planned and delivered. It sets out an overall vision for Ireland's public capital projects and signals a shift to greater integration in regional investment plans, better co-ordination of strategies, and more rigorous selection and appraisal of projects to secure value for money. A number of decisions have been made within it, relating, in particular, to the work of our delivery board and construction sector group in responding to the various pressures now under way in the delivery of big capital projects.
What we are saying, therefore, is that all the projects that have been publicised will go ahead unless there are delays for reasons other than budgetary ones, such as delays in planning or delays associated with a project just not being ready to commence. Based on what the Minister is saying, all the projects announced will go ahead and none will be cut or postponed for budgetary reasons. The Minister is going to provide the additional capital to meet the shortfall associated with the children's hospital and the national broadband plan. That is what I am taking from the Minister. If it is the case, we require an additional €900 million approximately between now and 2023 to meet the costs of the national children's hospital and national broadband plan. Will additional capital funding be provided without having an effect on projects already announced?
What I am saying is that, as a result of the decisions made on broadband, and in dealing with the national children's hospital, I will not change other projects. The other projects have associated needs, within communities and the country. I want to make sure they move ahead. Projects do not go ahead every year for reasons that have nothing to do with budgetary policy, but this can, in turn, create options for the Government. This is broadly the case in the management of all capital projects and all capital plans.
We have to presume all the projects will go ahead and that none will be delayed, for whatever reason. Some may be delayed because of planning issues but we do not know from month to month how delayed a project may be. Does the Minister know? Does he know how much could be re-profiled for next year? My understanding is that no projects are to be cancelled for budgetary reasons. If so, an additional €900 million, at a maximum, could have to be added to the cost of the capital programme. If this is added to what the Minister has already doubled down this week in terms of tax cuts, it represents a lot of money. He has not indicated where it is coming from yet. That is why there is concern.
The Minister criticises us in the Opposition for fantasy finances and for seeking to spend so much money. He has not indicated where he is going to find all the money in question, however. Therefore, it is not fair to be criticising us for coming up with figures and then not providing the very figures himself.
I have done it for this year in the context of what happened with the national children's hospital. As we moved through the year, we managed to respond regarding the additional funding needs of the hospital and maintain commitments we have made elsewhere.
The national broadband plan will require funding beyond what was included within the capital ceilings. Given the magnitude of that decision and the number of years for which a cost will be incurred, what I have said is the case, and it is what I am going to be honouring. In the run-up to budget 2020, with all its staging posts, I will have to outline how we will come up with the additional funding to deliver on the capital projects. I am confident that, in the context of the very significantly enhanced capital plan we have and our national finances moving into a position of surplus, we will be able to do that.
Public Procurement Contracts
Joan BurtonCeist:
5. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to ensure the Office of Government Procurement revises its tendering processes to allow for the purchase of carbon neutral products for use within State offices and buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25710/19]
Has the Minister's Department plans to ensure the Office of Government Procurement revises its tendering processes to allow for the purchase of carbon-neutral products for use within State organisations and buildings and for use by organisations funded by the State? Although the State is probably the biggest purchaser of materials for projects, we have no guidelines on carbon neutrality.
I apologise for being a little delayed. I was opening a conference.
The Government supports the move towards more green public procurement and recognises that the public service must demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and use its influence to persuade others of the changes required to reduce our collective impact on the environment.
Work to promote the incorporation of social and environmental considerations in public procurement is being progressed by the Office of Government Procurement, OGP, under the national public procurement policy framework, which is the overarching policy framework for public procurement in Ireland. Under this framework, proposals to implement environmental considerations in public procurement are being developed through the cross-departmental social considerations advisory group, chaired by the OGP.
The Minister and I have been in discussions with our colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment on green public procurement in the context of our climate action plan. We have agreed that the incorporation of green criteria into public procurement will be achieved in a structured manner, with progressive implementation focusing on areas that have the greatest impact.
In this regard, the OGP, in co-operation with the Department of Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, is currently developing a circular for Departments and offices on promoting the use of environmental and social considerations in public procurement. The circular will direct Departments and offices to consider including environmental criteria in their procurement, where such clearly defined, quantifiable, verifiable and measurable criteria have been developed by the Department of Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
An overarching objective of all public procurement is the achievement of value for money. In implementing environmental considerations in public procurement, it is crucial that an approach is adopted that will further Government policy while also ensuring a competitive market place where suppliers can compete aggressively, resulting in the desired pricing outcome. In areas where the market is not yet sufficiently competitive, a phased approach to environmental considerations in public procurement may be necessary to encourage the emergence of new suppliers with innovative solutions. Care should be taken to ensure the addition of environmental considerations to public contracts is achieved in a manner that does not mitigate against small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs as they may not be in a position to bear the additional costs or administrative burden.
I believe the Minister of State will acknowledge that his response is largely a repeat of an answer given previously by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. Since the Minister's answer was given some time ago, has anything happened? The Government has gone on a bus to Grangegorman and has launched another long document, with 200 headings. This is all about process. May I give the Minister of State some examples?
Is there a cost-benefit analysis, on a carbon emissions basis, on the BusConnects project? There are changes proposed to the bus services in Dublin. Some are very acceptable and others are not. The proposal involves the destruction of a great number of trees, which clean the air. It also involves significant losses, potentially of gardens. Hedging is the most effective resource in reducing asthma in children. The of State's response is a repeat of one given by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. Can the Minister of State identify and give us some examples of the actual progress he is making?
I can, actually. The concept of social considerations, of which environmental considerations are part, was part of an initiative by our Department some time ago before the recent discussion on the climate change agenda was ramped up with the publication of the action plan on climate change. On foot of a visit to my office by a former Member of the Oireachtas, Ms Kathleen O'Meara, who is from the Deputy's party and who is head of Rehab, I wanted to try to advance the concept of social considerations contained in the EU directive, particularly in the area of disabilities. It is in this context that my Department established a working group with the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. In the development of policy in this area, we have to be very mindful. My interaction with Deputies on all sides of the House on procurement policy invariably comes back to the protection of the SME sector, in addition to efficiency and value for money.
It is something we must be mindful of in the context of the directive. We are working through it. It is something we take very seriously. On the specific matter raised by the Deputy -----
The Minister of State will have a further minute to answer.
I am trying to open a conversation with the Minister of State so that we might discuss examples. For instance, the Government is ordering six vehicles which will take some account of carbon but there is no other concrete example, although those six vehicles may be followed by 600 others in the next couple of years.
When the Minister of State goes to the self-service restaurant in Leinster House to have a cup of tea or coffee, he might look to find the green bins that would allow people to recycle their waste there. We can start with very small examples that will help people change. Over the last ten to 20 years, many lighting systems in public buildings have been changed so that when a room is vacated the lights go off. Those are the kinds of examples I seek. I can appreciate from the Minister of State's answer that discussions are only starting.
Last night, I was at a community centre with a couple of hundred people-----
The Deputy's time is up. I thank the Deputy.
It is threatened with closure. It is in Hartstown in my constituency. Its ceiling lights are deemed by everybody to be the most polluting kind of public lighting.
The Deputy will have more time later. Please.
Will the Minister of State please give concrete examples of what the Government proposes?
We are making great strides on public lighting across the country. Deputies will have seen this in the replacement of public street lighting which is now using LEDs which is far more efficient. These are cropping up all over the country. I cannot comment on the specific matters raised by the Deputy earlier. I cannot comment on the hedges because I do not have the details.
From her time in government the Deputy will appreciate that we must be very careful that we do not give a monopoly-type situation an unfair advantage in procurement. That would be very unfair. On transport, we are purchasing buses from an existing framework which must be concluded before we may move on to a new one. However, Irish Rail has already committed to the procurement of carriages. We are moving to a new agenda.
Returning to social considerations, we are doing a lot of work in this area. I welcome the opportunity to have that dialogue but I have already written to all spokespersons for examples of how we can continue the procurement reform agenda in the context of the EU directive. I would look forward to any kind of engagement on this.


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The Flying Geese Quilt Block
The Flying Geese Quilt Block is another quick and easy frugal quilt block that is used over and over in quilts as a building block. One of its most common uses is to combine it with rectangles to make the points for stars.
There are many shortcut methods to make this block. However it is very quick to make with just one rectangle and a couple of squares, and is a good frugal use for leftover fabric.
The trick is the sizes of the rectangle and squares. When it comes to a finished flying geese block, the rectangle is always exactly twice as long as it is wide.
To achieve a 2x4 inch flying geese block, cut the rectangle 4 1/2 inches wide, and the squares 2 1/2 inches wide.
The raw small squares must be a little larger then half the size of the rectangle so that they will overlap after you sew them to the rectangle. They must overlap in order to give your the 1/4 inch seam allowance from the point of the flying geese to the edge of the fabric.
In the picture to the side you first sew the the line on the left. Then press the seam down towards the bottom.
Then pin on the other side, as shown; although the left small square must be turned back when you pin on the second small square.
When you are done sewing on the 2nd small square and you press it back, the seams will overlap, giving you the 1/4 inch seam allowance, as pictured on the block at the top of the page.
You are going to have to do some trimming with this patch. You are going to have two extra layers to remove from sewing on the squares. Be sure and layer them. I cut them with my scissors. I usually do the first layer at about 1/4 inch, and the second a little wider to reduce bulk.
Some quilters would have you keep all the layers in case your sewing isn't perfect and when you turn back the squares they don't align perfectly with the fabric underneath.
If you mark carefully, you will not have a problem It is very easy to use your iron to mark the sewing line. Just fold the small squares in half diagonally, and press.
My personal opinion is that leaving the extra layers causes uneven bulk which affects the appearance of the quilt.
When sewing the flying geese block to another piece of fabric, always sew with the geese on top so you can see the points and not cut them off.
Here is a picture of the center of a quilt I made with lots of flying geese and some quarter square triangles. As you can see, it is very scrappy, frugal quilt.
The Quilt Gallery

subset: commoncrawl


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East News Archive
East News
Full Remote Schedule
Red Ribbon Week is here!
Help us celebrate "Red Ribbon Week"!
For more information and the daily dress up themes,
click to download HERE
Guidance Department Information
Students and families, information about the CHE Guidance Department can be found online here.
Student Welcome Back Letter
East students, you can view the August 28, 2020 Welcome Back Letter from Dr. Perry online here.
Request for Schedule Change
Please refer to this letter when seeking a schedule change.
2020 Request for Schedule Change
Thank you,
-East Guidance Department
East Guidance Appointment Request
Please complete this form online to request a Summer Appointment with a counselor. All summer appointments are currently being held virtually.
The East Guidance Office is currently closed for in person appointments but counselors are working remotely until the building is able to be open to the public. Please email your student's counselor with any individual questions or complete the form above to have a virtual appointment scheduled.
Please also visit our Guidance Eboard at EastGuidance.cherryhill.site.eboard.com.
Important Message from Dr. Perry
Attention East students and families, please click here to read this important message online from Dr. Perry regarding procedures for successfully closing out the school year. This message contains directions for students to return textbooks, novels and other items borrowed during the school year along with students art work, sports equipment and musical instruments to be retrieved from High School East. Teachers will make students aware of items that are to be returned to school. Students, who ordered Yearbooks, will be able to pick them up on their designated day. Seniors will also receive their caps and gowns.
Cum Laude Induction Ceremony
East's annual Cum Laude Induction Ceremony will be hosted virtually on Microsoft Teams next Thursday evening, 5/14, at 7 PM.
Directions for Viewing:
1. To join the Live Stream Event as a viewer, you will first click on the Join Live Stream link above.
2. If you're viewing the Live Event on a desktop or laptop, select cancel at the pop-up window when prompted to open Microsoft Teams.
3. If you're viewing the Live Event on a mobile device, you will have to download Microsoft Teams.
4. Next, if on a desktop or laptop select Watch on the Web. If viewing from a mobile device, Microsoft Teams will open.
5. Finally, select Join Anonymously.
Letter Regarding Exterior Wall Issue at High School West
An issue discovered on March 4, 2020 concerning sheathing on an exterior wall of Cherry Hill High School West is being addressed. Please see details in this letter from High School West Principal Dr. Kwame Morton.
2/19/20 Important Letter Regarding Lockout
Parents and Guardians, an important letter from Dr. Dennis Perry regarding the lockout at East on 2/19/20 is now available online.
POSTPONED: Parent University and Resource Fair
This event is postponed until further notice.
The Cherry Hill Alliance on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Cherry Hill Public Schools will later host an evening filled with useful information and helpful resources for both you and your children.
Please view this online flyer for more information.
2020 Summer Tutorial Workshops
We look forward in seeing you! Please fill out the registration form below...
Thank you!
East PTA Membership Form
Click HERE to download a copy of the form.
Back to School Night, September 18, 2019
Information on Back to School Night can be viewed in this letter online from Dr. Perry. Please note that on this evening, parents/guardians should report directly to their child's first period class on Day 1.
Coronavirus Information
Information from the NJ Department of Health pertaining to the Coronavirus for K-12 Schools can be viewed online here.
Further information can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Welcome Back Letter to Students


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Hey Bandit, this is the Snowman – you got your ears on? CB talk, fast cars, Coors beer, southern charm, handsome stars – Smokey a …
Hey Bandit, this is the Snowman – you got your ears on? CB talk, fast cars, Coors beer, southern charm, handsome stars – Smokey and the Bandit had it all in the Summer of 1977. Bring the family to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds in June, because 42 years after the now iconic Bandit Trans-Am took flight, the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals and Northeast Ohio Dukes will replicate something NEVER seen before by anyone at Carlisle.
The "Bandit Jump" is coming to Carlisle as part of Chevrolet Nationals weekend, June 21-22. The Jump itself takes flight on June 22. This isn't just a family friendly jump, this is something you'll want to involve your friends with too. In fact, go knock on a neighbor's door right now and tell them that Carlisle is hosting the "Bandit Jump."
As a tribute to Mr. Reynolds who passed away in September of 2018 as well as a nod to one of the most iconic cars and car movies of all time, a Bandit Trans Am will FLY THROUGH THE AIR at the Chevrolet Nationals. Saturday afternoon, June 22 the professionals from Northeast Ohio Dukes will put the pedal to the metal, the thing to the floor, they'll wind it up and let it roar! As the Bandit would say, "it ain't never been done before" and it sure ain't never been done before at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds! At 1 p.m. the wheels will leave the ground; the car will set sail and your heart will pound as you witness this spectacular stunt in person.
A can't-miss Saturday at the fairgrounds for the family, Carlisle Events is offering a VIP Family 4-Pack of tickets for just $69. This price point includes general parking, entry for 4 and entry into the coveted VIP jump zone for the best lines of sight, photos, video and more. This package is the only way to enjoy VIP access to the jump. Watch from up close as the Bandit takes flight! VIP Packages are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
The jump is one of many great features coming to Carlisle and the Chevrolet Nationals. Planned is a 60th Anniversary celebration of the El Camino, the 50th Birthday of the Blazer, the 50th birthday of the GTO Judge and more!
In addition, Carlisle hosts Hurst branded cars as part of a special Hurst Showcase. The showcase welcomes Hurst specific showfield classes, a featured vehicle display under a tent, Hurst products and memorabilia on display, seminars, special guests and more. Speaking of guests, we can confirm that five men with ties to Hurst are slated to appear. Those guests include Hurst Engineer Don Glover, Jim Kerr, an original Hurst Customer Service team member, Steve Weiner, a Sales Engineer, Marky Danko from Hurst Production/Engineering, Don Lane, a Hurst Engineer/Designer and others to be announced once confirmed.
Joining the Hurst Showcase will be an all-new Chevy Trucks feature. The all-new show within a show called Chevy/GMC Truck Madness comes to Carlisle and will celebrate all Chevy and GMC Trucks from 1947 to 1987. This special judged event takes place June 21-22 and includes 21 new classes as part of a professionally judged showfield. This includes special categories for classic Chevrolet Cameos, GMC, Suburbans, NAPCO Four-Wheel-Drive trucks and more!
Further details about the jump are forthcoming, so be sure to follow the Chevrolet Nationals on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChevroletNationals/ on online at the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com. Tickets for this amazing "Bandit Jump" at Chevrolet Nationals weekend can be purchased direct at store.carlisleevents.com or by calling 717-243-7855. That same store page also offers access to register for the NPD Showfield, so don't miss out!
We Gone!
February in Florida is a dream for most; sunny skies, warm temps and cool cars – lots of them! All that and then some came together for …
February in Florida is a dream for most; sunny skies, warm temps and cool cars – lots of them! All that and then some came together for Winter AutoFest in Lakeland. Spanning February 22-24, 2019 at the SUN 'n FUN Campus, the event proved to be the best Lakeland offering yet for Carlisle Events. The event success was due in part to a dedicated core of automotive enthusiasts within the Sunshine State and beyond.
Winter AutoFest was billed as a Friday through Sunday show, but people showed up Thursday jonesing for an automotive fix. While some got an early jump on the automotive flea market shopping on set up day, it was the Friday through Sunday morning offerings that really brought show-goers out.
When gates opened Friday at 8 a.m., there were lines of anxious enthusiasts, proving that the demand for an event like this is real. Once on grounds, the lines snaked past hundreds of cars parked within the FREE cruise-in as well as vendors who set up in the blue field. Waiting for these same guests past the tree line at SUN 'n FUN were hundreds more vendors, thousands more pieces, parts, merchandise and collectibles, plus nearly 1,500 cars spanning the auction, car corral, free cruise-in, NCRS Winter Regional event, Corvette Fun Field and Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County Mustang showcase. Of that estimate, the Corvette and Mustang camps were able to boast over 300 cars each. Of course there was a hearty line of people at the food stands too, enjoying the unique fair-style offerings.
Saturday ushered in even more guests and cars for a full day of festivities. GM Certified Technician Paul Koerner returned for another day of tech sessions and tech talks, former FBI agent and 9/11 first-responder Wes Wong spoke at the auction, while the Fly Adventure team from St. Augustine was up and down all day with their vintage Stearman Bi-Plane offering rides high above the facility. Speaking of the aforementioned auction, it offered yet another entertainment option with two days of live fun. The top seller was a 1965 Corvette, going for $72,760, with the top 5 overall garnering $274,455. All dollar amounts include fees applicable to the sale.
Other highlights included seminars from Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair Inc, Corvette vs. Cobra from Fabulous Restorations and a Resto Mod talk from Extreme Mid-Years LLC. There was also a special screening of The Quest, a Corvette documentary film directed and produced by Michael Brown. Brown, Mackay and Lance Miller were also on hand to sign copies of the DVD following the screening with monies benefiting the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.
As the show wrapped on Sunday, guests had one last chance to pick up a little something within the automotive flea market, make a deal on a car corral sale or work with the auction team on a Still for Sale consignment.
Another piece of news coming out of the show was Carlisle Auctions announcement of a two-day auction only event in Sarasota, Florida. Suncoast-Carlisle spans November 8-9, 2019. More details will be released on this event in the coming weeks, but complete info on Winter AutoFest can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com, while auction news comes via www.CarlisleAuctions.com. Save the date, because Winter AutoFest 2020 returns to SUN 'n FUN February 21-23.
It's showtime in Lakeland, Florida for Carlisle Auctions and car lovers throughout the Sunshine State and southeast region will converge on t …
It's showtime in Lakeland, Florida for Carlisle Auctions and car lovers throughout the Sunshine State and southeast region will converge on the SUN 'n FUN Campus for two amazing days of classic and collector car excitement. Auction wise, it all starts on February 22 at 10:30 a.m. when the first of some 400+ consignments cross the block, consignments that will offer a little something for everyone's automotive tastes.
While each consignment could easily have its own dedicated write-up, the best way to sum up the available lots are to say that decades of history will be up for grabs. Consignments span nearly 100 years and much of that rich production history will be available. Those looking to bid and buy can attend and do so with the confidence that many years, many makes and many models specific to their tastes could be theirs for the right price. There literally is something for everyone as part of this automotive history lesson.
But why this auction? First of all, it's in Florida and unless a Polar Vortex and bone-chilling cold is your kind of fun, the sun of the Sunshine State is draw in and of itself. Add that in to an automotive flea market, car corral, car show, air plane rides and more, and Winter AutoFest is one of many great entertainment venues to consider too!
As noted above, Carlisle Auctions will feature a wide array of consignments, but this year is extra special due to a heavy Corvette presence at the show. For the first-time ever, the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) brings its Winter Regional Meet to Winter AutoFest. As such, Carlisle Auctions will feature an all-Corvette power hour on Saturday, February 23 at approximately 12:30 p.m.. Consignments are expected to span all seven generations, from the solid axel C1 of the early '50s to the modern-day powerhouse C7.
"The Carlisle Auction team is thrilled to be returning to Lakeland, Florida for Winter AutoFest," noted Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline. "With well over 400 consignments, we are looking forward to the biggest and best auction that we have ever presented in Lakeland."Complete details about this and every other auction produced by Carlisle Auctions is available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. Register to bid, consign to sell or simply inquire about our FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, Carlisle Auctions is looking forward to working with you!
There's nothing user friendly about the phrase "Polar Vortex." The cold, winds and snow that it brings are nothing to laugh …
There's nothing user friendly about the phrase "Polar Vortex." The cold, winds and snow that it brings are nothing to laugh about and are quite serious to animals and people alike. This type of bone-chilling cold swept through a large portion of the country during the week of January 28, with a "warm up" finally happening during the first weekend of February. That cold turned water to ice in many places, including the bay in Ocean City, New Jersey. With snow falling on ice covered waters, Carlisle Events co-owner, Corvettes at Carlisle Event Manager and Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation President Lance Miller had an idea. "What would it take for me to jump into the frozen waters of the bay and who can benefit from my craziness?"
Miller didn't have to look too far, as the selfie mode on his camera revealed that he was both the cause and solution to what he was wondering. The end result? Miller took to Facebook to solicit donations for his beloved Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation and found that his faithful followers were eager to see him strip down to little more than board shorts to take the plunge. At first, Miller asked for $1,000. That total was reached with ease, then as the dollar amounts climbed, there were additional enticements, like friends of the foundation jumping in and if by chance $7,500 was reached, a Speedo was discussed. As the donation window played out, the Speedo never happened, but the plunge sure did.
The time was right for a jump into the deep freeze on Friday, February 1 around 3 p.m. It was snowing, temperatures were in the 20's and some of the people who said they'd do it bailed, but Miller forged on. With his wife, daughter and friends egging him on, Miller jumped feet first (and topless) into the bay. Based on the video evidence, he stayed in for about 7 seconds before running as fast as he could on the snow-covered deck to a warm (or at least dry) towel. After that, it was time to go inside to assess the physical damage and review the financial support.
When the dust settled, Miller walked away with redness on his chest, abrasions from the ice on the sides of his torso and most important, over $4,000 raised for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation. For some perspective, this total ranked right up there with a handful of foundation events in 2018 and required a lot less logistical planning.
"My father was my best friend and I watched him sacrifice and give so much of himself personally and professionally," noted Miller. "It didn't matter if he was healthy and happy at a Corvette event or weakened by Amyloidosis, dad was always giving and I wanted to do what I could to give back and honor my father's legacy," continued Miller. "So…I woke up one morning and thought, it's cold, I should jump in this water, but if I'm going to do it, I want to be sure my crazy actions benefit the foundation. The power of social media is amazing, continued Miller, because when I reached out and asked for donations, I had no idea that my simple goal of $1,000 would be blown away to the tune of over $4,000. I want to thank everyone who helped me do what I did and more so, thank you everyone who helped the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation."
While Miller won't be doing something like this anytime soon, he is excited to re-connect with the CMAF family as part of the 2019 events and awareness schedule. This schedule includes the 16th Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest, Taste of Ocean City & Slide for Amyloidosis, 3rd Annual Chip Miller '80s Themed Skate Fest, an Evening of Corvettes as part of Corvettes at Carlisle, the Hugh Claus Memorial 5K run/walk and the always popular fall car show known as Corvettes for Chip.
As with all events, prices and participation vary, but complete details on the 2019 season can be found online at www.ChipMiller.org or via the CMAF Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwarenes.
Book online or call (800) 216-1876


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March 16, 2011
Instant Thunder started from an idea we had a couple years ago. We wanted a program that could change a person's life immediately. Like instantly!
We wanted it like Boom! You are a recruiter.
Boom! You know how to build depth.
Boom! You know how to get people to personally produce.
Boom! You know how to edify.
Boom! You know how to personally produce.
We wanted that type of instant success. So I was doing research on a Harvard or Google site, where you type instant explosion, instant change, instant success and I came up with a story about Operation Instant Thunder.
The U.S. named a planned air strike during the Gulf War Operation Instant Thunder, and it was really just a preliminary mission designed by John A. Warden III that would be an overwhelming strike which would devastate the Iraqi military with a minimum loss of civilian and American lives. The planning of the operation made use of Warden's Five Rings intellectual model. The name was a way to pay homage to Operation Rolling Thunder, which took place during the Vietnam War.
Operation Instant Thunder had three phases to it. The shortest was the first phase, which would use "defense suppression" to establish control of the air space above Iraq and Kuwait. Doing this eliminated enemy radar; blocked runways used by the Iraqi military and neutralized all surface-to-air missile batteries. Basically, this was the shortest phase, but it was very important in setting up the next two phases. The first phase also included bombing select command posts and suspected locations of chemical weapons in the region. A total of 84 targets were identified, but this number was later increased.
The second phase would be an attempt to incapacitate the Iraqi military and destroy the country's infrastructure. This meant bombing weapon depots, refineries and other locations that were critical to the success of the Iraqi military. These intense strikes would cripple the Iraqi military and disabled Iraq's ability to manufacture or repair weaponry. Next, the U.S. focused on the civil infrastructure of Iraq, taking out power plants, telephone communications and water treatment plans.
Phase three would involve Americans engaging the Iraqis in direct combat. Weakened by the first two stages, it was thought that the Iraqi military would be unable to put up much resistance.
Operation Instant Thunder planning began Aug. 5, 1990. By the time fighting began on Jan. 17, 1991, the three phases were consolidated into Operation Desert Storm, due to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell was hesitant to support any action which did not include a ground offensive. The tactics used by the American military during the operation would serve as a model for future conflicts involving the U.S.
The U.S. and its coalition flew more than 100,000 sorties, dropping 88,500 tons of bombs and widely destroyed military and civilian infrastructure. The air campaign was commanded by Air Force Lieutenant General Chuck Horner, who briefly served as Commander-in-Chief-Forward of U.S. Central Command while General Norman Schwarzkopf was still in the U.S.
They hit them from the air, from the sea and from the land. It was crazy and it was amazing. It was all out.
So my goal was to have that type of instant result with our company. We didn't want people that weren't capable. We wanted sharp people that were ready, willing and able.
Ready, willing and able.
Ready meaning they have money, they are not broke and they know how to sell. They are bringing in cash; they are bringing in premium so they are ready.
You don't want a person to be great who is sitting there broke and poor and they can't travel and they are not willing to do anything.
Willing meaning they have that desire burning in them. They have that desire to make a ton of money. They are open, humble, they are respectful and they are a fertile soil and are ready to avail themselves to the teaching.
Able meaning you want smart people that have been lucky in life, gotten to know us over time and there's something about that person that lets us know we want them on our team. Maybe we met them through a spouse, playing golf or at a sporting event. They've got something there that has drawn us to them. They are intelligent and are able.
Ready, willing and able is like our troops hitting Iraq by air, sea and land.
So far we've had four of these Instant Thunder events and the results have been phenomenal. It takes an invite, but there is a Web site coming where you can sign up for future events. We feel like these sessions are a great training ground for our future superstars. It's two days, quick-hitting teaching but in-depth teaching and we've found that it is successful for our agents.
If you haven't been to an Instant Thunder yet, please make every possible effort to do so in the future.
Are you ready, willing and able? Boom!
That's what you get with Instant Thunder!


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In regard to content, it's imperative that you keep the content simple and short as that would permit you to place an image as well if you are purchasing a display advertisement. There are hundreds and hundreds of card templates online, which means you shouldn't have any difficulty finding one that is appropriate for you. They can be modified the way you want according to your requirement.
These headings are meant as an overall guide. Getting published is very tricky. Ultimately, in the event the publication accepts photos, decide which pictures you want to include.
Characteristics of Obituary Templates
Then begin writing, don't forget the very first draft does not need to be fancy and just requires a couple of clicks to edit. The second paragraph incorporates additional particulars of the deceased individual. Using a photo forms the ideal reminder which people can have of the deceased.
The template also has sample obituary wording to assist you with your version. The templates are made to be simple to use, with an easy, fill-in-the-blank structure. It's possible to also see free of charge obituary program template.
Therefore PSD Obituary templates are extremely useful and popularly utilised in the digital era. Brochure is simple to modify and utilize totally free fonts. Sharp and Clean Indesign Template Brochure will save you time and money in developing a professional company informant.
Downloading to print or share is really simple too. Fully layered and quite easy to customize.
Funeral homes provide obituary card solutions, but in case you'd love to have total control over what your obituary card resembles and says, create your own by making use of a card template you may come across online. Developing a custom funeral prayer card is straightforward and affordable at FuneralPrints.com. Since the expense of running an obituary generally varies by length, it is advisable to take note of the line rate for each paper you desire the obituary to appear in before you start your composition.
From time to time, the obituary contains the reason for death, but almost always, there's a reference to the brief gift the child was during their short life. Some might want to include the reason behind death. The reason behind death could be listed if you select.
It is a means to let people are aware of the death. Students will observe the significance of voting and that each vote counts. Where they should make a memorial contribution.
The funeral program might be a tiny token but it's a significant part the funeral or memorial services. The very first task that you should do when you plan the funeral is the way to compose an obituary. It can be useful to use an obituary writing template, as it can be tough to capture a person's life within an obituary, especially while grieving.
Obituary Templates Ideas
The biographical information inside an obituary can be hugely beneficial to genealogists and people researching their family histories, as well as being a memorial to an individual's life. A funeral program is utilised to give information to persons that are attending a funeral. An Obituary template is a superb approach to make sure you the absolute most important information of the deceased with family members and friends.


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We are committed to providing resources for parents who value signing with their children. Our sign language dictionary includes over 400 common signs including the top starter sings for your baby. For each word, there is a video, diagram, and teaching notes to make learning new signs easy. Many of our signs include free downloadable ASL Flashcards to help reinforce the signs taught in our series.
Frog in Sign Language
Learn how to sign frog in ASL (American Sign Language) and have some fun with this silly slippery, jumpy, toad like creature!
- Bring one hand up under your chin, fingers lightly curled in, top of the hand resting on the bottom of the chin.
- Keeping the top of the hand connected to the chin, "hop" or flick your pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb forward.
- This sign is reminiscent of a little frog hopping quickly forward. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.
Teaching Tips – to learn how to sign frog in ASL
- For children, games are key to learning. This is especially true when they can move and grove as a part of the learning experience. Watch a few videos of frogs online and observe together how they move. We know they hop, but what else do they do (swim, rest and stay very still)? Practice moving like a frog in different ways and sign frog as you play.
- Learn about the life cycle of a frog, from egg to tadpole, to full-grown. Talk together about the different ways the frog has to live in each stage of life.
Your fingers hop out from under your chin! Show me frog.
Download the Flashcard (click on the image. The file contains a few color and black-and-white options. Print according to your needs.)


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Of course it's further down the beach. But I don't care. I'm here for the solitude anyway. I always get a no smoking room (even though I smoke) because the smoking rooms just stink. So the balcony is a bonus, so I don't have to wander outside if I don't want to.
But yeah, I had a pretty good day. The Offspring drove down from Houston and met me at Guido's where I pigged out on shrimp and beer! And while we were there I had a call from alleycat2681 to wish me a Happy B-day too! My girls are goood.
After lunch The Offspring and I wandered around the strand for a while, till she had to go back to town. I then drove down the seawall and headed for the ferry that goes to the Bolivar Peninsula and cruised on 87 through Crystal Beach and beyond, until it dead ends, basically in the ocean. That road was never the same after Hurricane Alicia, I think, way back in the 1980's. I can remember driving down 87 and even before Alicia, the Gulf was mighty close to the road. Matter of fact I'd seen it up and over the road before that. It finally did just wash out...After that I turned around and headed back.
Took over 70 pictures today. Some of them might even make it to flickr! Haha! Probably won't get them uploaded here. The freakin' connection seems to be really slow.
Anyhoo, I need to go out and scavenge some dinner, apparently while a handfull of pictures uploads...thbthbthb! More laterzzz!


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Looking back at the year…and even beyond to when I first moved to New York, I am stuck between feeling like very LITTLE has happened and a LOT has happened.
In terms of jobs, I have definitely gotten my feet wet in a wide variety of occupations or more aptly named "things that make me money".
I have worked as a receptionist at a branding/market company on 5th Avenue.
I have walked in a parade in front of an MMA fighter while holding a banner for a cable company that I hated so much that I ditched cable altogether.
I have been paid to give my "expert" opinion on luxury makeup products. (Folks, marketing surveys can be lucrative.)
I have served many a cocktail to lovers of song in a karaoke bar, including Precious who I tried to protect from "fans" (Can I add "security" to the list?)
|Don't worry. I got your back!
I have held platters of food with shaking arms for parties on roof top bars which I myself liked to enjoy during beautiful New York summer nights (it's nicer when you're actually the patron).
I have been a job interviewer on camera for corporate videos.
I have studied sushi on flash cards during my stints as a waitress at two Japanese restaurants.
I have also taught Spanish to little kiddies who are probably fluent in the language, not to mention dug through a bag of clothes to give to a student who peed himself.
Ah, so much one can do in life, my friends. I am sure I have forgotten a few of my experiences, which is why journaling is good.
|I know I'm a job whore, but geesh….
As for my career in film and television, I look forward to 2011 for more opportunities…and well-paid ones for that matter. I'm pumped! I want more! Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all that 2010 has offered, including opportunities to interview people on the red carpet, play prostitutes, and get my SAG waivers for the highly difficult task of "portraying" an Asian. But now it's time to get serious, right?
My friends ask me what my plan is for my future failure. Ok, they don't ask it like that. But yes, the reality of what is my back up plan if I don't get to my ideal goal after many years. I honestly don't know. My head is too into making it that I haven't thought about the "what if I don't" fears. Or perhaps I push them away because that is just too scary to fathom. I tell myself in the end, it will all be ok.
I'm not asking for super duper giant steps in my career. For this upcoming year, I'd like to move from less background work to principal/speaking roles. And I would love to take more classes. Not bad goals, right? (That sounds weird, but I was trying to be grammatically correct instead of saying "not a bad goal". Alright, I digress.)
I have to be honest, though. Many fun moments have been shared in holding (where we are "held" until needed) or on set with other extras. I've met so many fantastic people who have taught me a lot about the business and/or just keep me laughing.
We often held deep conversations about the important stuff in life, as seen below:
1) Tomatoes. Do they really bring anything to the table? Their main function in life seems to be to bring sogginess to otherwise yummy food. Exhibit A: Sandwiches that fall apart from soaking the juices of those evil tomatoes. (I actually am a fan of tomatoes. This is merely another's opinion. See, I'm fair. Though I do suffer from disintegrating hamburger buns at the hands of that ruby pseudo-fruit.)
|Psst, hey you, tomato. I heard that some people hate you.
2) Mixing foods. During this time of holiday fattiness and plates overflowing with different sides, you have to ask yourself this question: Do you care if your various sides touch each other? I don't. My cranberry sauce and gravy can molest each other as much as they want. Others leave behind tainted mashed potato walls that had protected the rest of the mashed potato from the corn. This person's stand on food mixing: "You can't do it. Why do you like mashed potatoes? Because the creamy, silky texture. It's so smooth you can slurp it. You cannot RUIN it with corn kennels all in it…like rabbit pellets!" Nice visual.
|You just may need one of these bad boys for holiday meals.
3) Your taco or hot-dog eating style: I feel like most people eat them like a typewriter, from left to right. I eat from one side and switch back and forth until only a little nub formerly known as the middle is left to pop into my mouth. Typewriter eaters say they may use my tactic when the condiment is about to spill from the opposite side.
4) The need for a non-union civil rights movement: A lot of times in holding, they will separate us by non-union and union groups. There will be a room divided in half with tables and pieces of paper taped to them, declaring themselves specifically as SAG furniture. The non-SAG tables just didn't have labels. I think I've even heard of union people getting chairs in some rooms and non-union being forced to stand around. Union people usually eat before non-union, and they even get much better meals on some productions. We like to exaggerate the issue by calling it SAG-regation and telling stories of water fountains labeled SAG and non-SAG. And yes, some SAG people do get haughty. It is hilarious when they do.
Perhaps the last part confused you if you're not in acting. Just sharing some of our convo's.
Well, one thing that I've been really, REALLY happy with is the amount of traveling I have been able to do in the past year and a half. True blessings! I got to visit Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil. Traveling is one thing I HAVE to do more of next year. So, friends, let's plan those trips, please!!
I'll leave you with a video of a little island in Panama that Thuy and I visited back in the day. May it inspire all of us to see more of the world and relax….even if we're broke doing it!!
And just because I love them, here's to my friends who have made 2010 an awesome year! You have all given me so much support and happy memories this year. And you are not all pictured here because I have a horribly organized iPhoto folder and it's bathroom time.
|And then there's my BEST friend, Olivia Munn. No really, she is.


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Exact copy of the original
perfect fit
High quality stainless steel 304 with 20% chrome
does not corrode or peel
Polished by hand
perfect chrome shine
Possibility to bump out and repolish when damaged
in contrary to chrome
Personal and reliable service since 2008
high level of knowhow and tailored advice
The only and perfect alternative to rechroming.
Jaguar E-type XK-E Serie 1 bumpers (1961-1966)
Jaguar E-Type XKE Series 1 bumpers (1961-1966).
Kit consists of 2 front bumpers, 2 rear bumpers and 4 overriders.
We produce bumpers with different brackets, mounted from the inside (internal thread in bumper) or bolted from the outside (through the excision of bottom bumper) with bolts in the cars body.
Jaguar produced different types of mounting. Some bumpers are fixed internally, others fixed externally. To make things even more complicated, some cars have front internal fix, rear external fix and vice versa! its not an age related difference
After receiving your order you will get clear pictures to show the exact difference.
€ 1.399,00
Including VAT
More Jaguar bumpers
1 - 12 of 16 bumpers
We deliver our bumpers as complete sets: front bumper and rear bumper.


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Awesome Happy Monster
Awesome Happy Monster
• Published Feb 6th, 2017 with 5951 plays
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- Mouse interaction
The fighting will be harsh. You'll have multiple animal beasts at your disposal. Train them and get them to such a level that they'll be able to defeat all your opponents. The individual days can be sped up. Let your warriors rest, so that they can train for another day. When you're confident enough that your warriors will do well, get into your first real fight. The controls are very simple.


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Hey Swoon Readers!
It's been a busy six months for me, writing and editing (and editing some more!) my latest book. It's a fun YA romance that takes place in a tranquil mountain setting with characters who are anything but tranquil. Here's the quick synopsis:
Paige knows exactly what she wants—to graduate from Wallingford Academy and become a pilot in the US Air Force. She's inherited her father's no-nonsense attitude and whip-smart intelligence, all of which have made her the perfect Wallingford cadet.
Wallingford Academy is the last place in the world Logan wants to be. But after his girlfriend borrows his car and commits a crime, Logan takes the fall and ends up there with hopes of striking a decent plea bargain. For him, graduation can't come soon enough.
When Paige is asked to mentor Logan, it's the perfect opportunity to prove her leadership skills—but she doesn't account for the feelings that start to develop or the baggage from Logan's past which could threaten both of their futures.
So, it's a YA take on a military romance with the typical gender roles reversed and much more at stake than just love. Have I piqued your interest? I sure hope so! If not, keep reading. 😊
While I always enjoy writing novels, this one was especially fun because the voices for Logan and Paige are so different and distinct. Paige's voice is a lot like my own (probably because I was raised by an ex-Marine), so it was easy to get into her head and imagine how she'd react in every situation. Logan, on the other hand, was more challenging, which made him that much more endearing to me when I finally finished. His kind heart, sense of humor, and laid-back attitude are a nice contrast to Paige's uptight ways.
Anyone who has read my other books know they often have a Lifetime-movie feel to them, and this one is no different. The stakes are high, and so is the drama. I've thrown in a few surprises, too, and hope readers will be glued to the pages, rooting for Paige and Logan despite their differences and the major obstacles they encounter.
You're probably wondering what the title of this book is, right? Well, without further ado, it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you (drum roll, please) … Risking It All! Here's the awesome cover that is so simple yet reveals so many clues about the story.
Check out Risking It All next June to find out whether Paige follows orders … or her heart!


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Articles by Laine Mitchell
- In pictures: The most expensive real estate listings around the Edmonton region
- 17-year-old charged in Leduc house party homicide
- Joey Moss, Edmonton sports icon, dead at 57
- RCMP ask public's help in finding person who shot Bigstone Cree Nation man in his home
- COVID-19 cases at Edmonton General balloon over weekend
- 'We're ecstatic': Alberta family wins drug lottery for toddler's rare condition
- One new death in COVID-19 outbreak at Mill Woods care home
Laine MitchellContact
Laine Mitchell is a digital journalist and writer with CTV News Edmonton.
He attended SAIT in Calgary specializing in Broadcast News and in 2018, joined the CTV Edmonton newsroom.
Originally from the small community of Drayton Valley, he enjoys photography, concerts and exploring the wilderness as often as possible.
When he's not in the newsroom he can be found running stairs in the river valley, visiting the mountains or grabbing coffee with friends.
Laine speaks English.


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Test Busters have many years experience and we class ourselves as being the premium
driving school in Ipswich. Whether you are looking to take your theory or
practical driving test we can help you pass your test with confidence!
Give us a call today to make a booking.
You need to pass the theory test before you can apply for the practical driving
test. You can take the theory test as soon as you are 17 years of age. The
current fee to take the test is £31.00.
You Do Not Need To Pass The Theory Test Before You Start To Learn To Drive
Booking Your Test
Your test can be booked by phone 0300 200 1122 or
online at:
you will require your licence number to hand when booking
At Test Buster's we have a booking service for our pupils.
The Theory Test Is Divided Into Two Parts
The hazard perception element
The multiple choice element.
Both parts of the test are taken at the same time.
The Multiple Choice Test Is Taken First
You select answers by simply touching a computer screen. This 'touch screen' system has been carefully designed to make sure it is easy to use.
You have an opportunity to work through a practice session lasting up to 15 minutes to get used to the system before starting the actual test. Staff at the test centre will be on hand to help you if you have any difficulties in using the system. The screens are easy to read. Only one question appears on the screen at a time and you can move backwards and forwards through the questions.
You have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions and you need to answer 43 questions correctly to pass this element of the theory test.
The Hazard Perception Test
This is taken immediately after the multiple choice test and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What Does Hazard Perception Mean?
Hazard perception means the ability and skill to identify hazardous situations as they arise, and take appropriate action as and when necessary.
Only Developing Hazards Are Scored
(responses made to other hazards will not lose points)
The hazard perception test consists of 14 one minute video clips, filmed from a car. Each clip contains at least one developing hazards with one clip containing two which the candidate has to identify. Candidates are asked to indicate (by clicking the mouse) as soon as they see a hazard which may require them to take action e.g. changing speed or direction, the developing hazard
Marks are based on the candidate's responses to the hazards (mouse clicks). The sooner a hazard is detected the higher the score thirteen clips five to zero with one clip ten to zero, the pass mark for this section is 44 out of the possible 75 points,
You will be given your results for both the multiple choice test and the hazard perception test before you leave the test centre. You will need to have passed BOTH the hazard perception test and the multiple choice test to obtain your theory pass certificate. ....... Good luck
Your Theory Test Pass Certificate
Valid for two years from the date of passing your test. If you have not passed your practical test by then, you'll need to take and sit the theory test again.


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Love Yourself Expo took place yesterday at Milton Keynes' DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Hosted by GemMedia, the event featured a number of extremely informative mindset seminars focused on personal growth and achievement through positive thinking.
The Love Yourself Expo concept
Love Yourself is a Life Coaching & Online Counselling platform, created to help people live a happier lifestyle. The concept is simple – Through Fitness, Wellbeing, Lifestyle and Healthy Eating, we can all live a life we love. Event organiser Gemma Burnikell of GemMedia Events says "in this modern age, it's important we put ourselves first. That's why Love Yourself Expo is coming to positively kickstart 2019".
Love Yourself Expo Exhibitors
Love Yourself Expo also featured a number of exhibitors promoting health products, activewear catwalk, healthy nutrition and physical wellbeing.
Guest speakers at Love Yourself Expo
1. Tanya Cox Coaching 11.00am – Self Esteem and Confidence issues.
2. Nicole Goodman mindset and life coach12:00pm – Body Positivity.
3. Ruth Crawford 1:00pm – Body Image and Self Esteem.
4. In Courage Counselling & Psychotherapy 1:30pm – How to find happiness within yourself.
5. Be Moore 2:00pm – The need the get reconnected to your true self which in turn makes challenges to
face in life.
6. Amanda Mountney – Mind Management 3:00pm – Self Love.
7. HealthBuddy 4.00pm – How to be Fabulous & Fit at Forty!
We hope so see more events like Love Yourself Expo events in 2019. More information on future events can be found on gemmediaevents.com.


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Like any other product, cars can be bought online. Whether it be through classified ads or a car finder, consumers are looking for the easiest way to purchase a motor vehicle without having to haggle for hours with a car salesman. Launching an eCommerce store like carsearchbrokers.com.au within the automotive vertical is the perfect way
Archives: eCommerce
Careful & Scrupulous Planning Gives Our Interactive And Well Designed Websites
In today's time and age, if you don't own a good online presence, you may be in for some trouble. It is guaranteed that a good online presence can bring in the much needed visibility which in turn can turn you into a popular mate among your target audiences. Whoever said it is the digital


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Lake Forest & Lake Bluff
The Lake Forest / Lake Bluff Chamber celebrates the vitality of our communities and the commerce that drives it.
We strive to be the ultimate resource for you and your family whether you live, work or play here...
Our office is closed … but we continue to serve you!
Chamber Services Contact us: firstname.lastname@example.com
COVID-19 Resources: Businesses - Residents
The Chamber offers multiple communication points on social media where businesses and consumers alike can connect and share.
Click to Follow us and Join our Groups


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Great Britain wins Olympic men's track cycling team sprint
Great Britain won the men's track cycling team sprint at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Callum Skinner crossed the line at 42.44 seconds to set a new Olympic record in the event and edge out New Zealand, who entered the race as the favorite as the defending world champions. New Zealand's silver medal was its first ever medal in the event.
From the start, Great Britain was able to keep its three riders — Skinner, Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny — on each other's wheels. The New Zealand riders had to expend energy to get back on the wheel of their lead man, which potentially accounts for the 0.1-second difference in time.
France won the bronze medal, just edging out Australia by 0.15 seconds. The bronze was the 66th track cycling medal ever won by France at the Olympics, which is more than any other nation.
Great Britain has now won three consecutive gold medals in the event, and four total with a silver medal in 2000. France has yet to fail to medal in the event, taking gold in 2000, bronze in 2004, and silver in 2008 and 2012.


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Building can cost a lot of money so how can you borrow? We examine a few of the options available for people, including remortgaging, loans, overdrafts and from savings. Your home is just about the single biggest investment you ever make. You can put that investment to work for you today!
A personal loan can help you increase the value of your investment, using the equity already built up in your home. This is a great and easy way to tap into the value of your home and to help increase it still further.
So what can the loan be used for? Many people use the loan to finance a loft conversion, build a conservatory or extension, add a garage or replace the roof?
Few people are lucky enough to move into a home that is exactly the way they want it. For the rest of us, a few home improvements might be necessary. Common home improvements include converting the loft, building a sun-lounge, kitchen extension, new bathroom or building a garage.
Whatever the exact nature of the work, it can be an expensive business; although it may well add to the value of the home if the improvement is well-planned.
The main options when it comes to paying for improvements are
If you are looking at a large outlay, then the most cost-effective way to pay for home improvements is by increasing the size of your mortgage - simply because home loans are generally cheaper than other forms of finance.
Your mortgage lender will usually lend you the extra money so long as two conditions are met:
The increased loan fits within their lending guidelines as a multiple of your salary.
They have not lent you more than the house is worth after the work has been carried out. If you have substantial equity in the property this is less likely to be a problem. Equity is the figure you get by subtracting the mortgage from the value of the property, i.e. 'your share' of the value of the house.
It is advisable to budget for any immediate improvements before you buy the property, as this will save you having to extend your loan at a later date. A flexible mortgage allows you to only draw down funds when needed.
The main reasons for financing your home improvements with one of these options are:
You wish to pay off the money you borrow more quickly than you could with a mortgage (unless it is a flexible mortgage).
You are unable to obtain the additional funds from your mortgage lender.
Personal loans and overdrafts are more expensive because they are not secured against your property, and so you can usually expect to pay at least two or three percent more in interest each year than you would for a mortgage.
However, if you repay this loan within a few years, the total cost should be considerably lower than paying it off as part of your mortgage for up to 25 years.
By far the best option, you can enjoy the improvements in your property and your savings being invested for the future.
Before carrying out any structural alterations, you need approval from your mortgage lender, even if you are not seeking an increased loan. Structural alteration includes anything that could undermine the integrity of the property, such as knocking down walls or building new staircases. Check with your mortgage lender if you are in any doubt.
Before you decide to go ahead with any improvements and apply for the necessary finance, get detailed advice before proceeding.
Please note these articles do not constitute regulated financial advice, which recommends a course of action based upon the specifics of your personal circumstances. These articles are intended to provide general personal financial information. We urge you to consult an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) before making any important decisions about your finances.


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Your Company NameEmail us at firstname.lastname@example.com to rent this page.
Key Biscayne Air Conditioning Specialist
We are proud to provide HVAC services to residential and business customers in Key Biscayne. Our company is licensed and insured and we will be glad to provide you with a no-cost estimate for our services. If you are renovating our building a home, we would welcome the opportunity to be selected as your air conditioning contractor. If you have an existing heating and cooling system that needs service, repair or to be replaced, we would be thrilled to work with you. We've can provide you with some great testimonials in addition to the ones you see below.
We employ certified technicians who receive hours of continuing education to ensure we get the job done correctly, every time. With our reputation as a quality air conditioning installation company, it is very important to us that from the first phone call to the completed installation, you are pleased with our service. We are the Key Biscayne air conditioning experts, we'll keep you cool in the hot Miami summer.
If you are in Key Biscayne and need home heating and cooling system installation, service or repair, we'd love to hear from you. Call the number listed on this page to speak with someone directly or use the handy contact form and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Are you an Air Conditioning company that services Key Biscayne and you'd like to rent this page to promote your business? Email firstname.lastname@example.com or fill out the form on our Get Listed page.
Get in Touch!
Contact Information
This is where we'll put information about your Air Conditioning Installation Services.
Phone: Your Phone Number Here
Fax: Your Fax Number Here
eMail: email@example.com
Location & Hours
Use this spot to tell consumers where your Air Conditioning services company is located and what your hours are.
Address: 123 Your Business Street
Your City, Florida, 32123
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00AM-6:00PM
This is a testimonial form one of your clients.Customer One
This is a testimonial form another of your clients.Customer Two
This is a testimonial form a third customer.Customer Three
Want your business information here? Rent this page by contacting firstname.lastname@example.com or filling our our contact form.
If you own an air conditioning business, get in touch with us and learn how you can increase your leads this month.


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The Financial Times reports that Netflix is going after TV movie rights so they won't have to wait 10 years for a movie to be available for streaming.
Netflix is keen to add more, said Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, in a Financial Times interview. The company recently licensed films from DreamWorks Animation, which has a long-term deal with HBO, and documentaries and foreign films including The Artist from The Weinstein Company, which has a long term deal with Showtime, part of CBS.
The agreements studios have with pay-TV channels are typically worth hundreds of millions of dollars per year to each studio. The channels get the films exclusively for the first two to three years: after that the studios are free to license the titles to free TV channels, before the films revert back to the pay-TV operators.
But with free TV channels buying fewer movies and pay-TV operators increasingly concentrating on producing their own original programming, an opportunity has arisen for Netflix.
Thanks to Noor for sending this in.


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Italy's unofficial shortlist for its foreign Oscar candidate features Nanni Moretti's The Son's Room, Gabriele Muccino's The Last Kiss and Ferzan Ozpetek's Ignorant Fairies.
All three movies swept the David di Donatello local awards in April, and are among the highest-grossing Italian films of the year.
Widely tipped as the favourite, Moretti has garnered unanimous critical support for The Son's Room, winning the Cannes Palme d'Or for his drama about a middle-class couple whose teenage son dies in a diving accident.
The Last Kiss, which is written and directed by young Italian filmmaker Gabriele Muccino is an ensemble light drama about a group of thirty-somethings, and screened at the Toronto Film Festival in September. It has grossed over $10m in Italy.
Turkish-Italian director Ferzan Ozpetek's Ignorant Fairies, which, like The Last Kiss, stars actor-of-the-moment Stefano Accorsi, tells the story of a woman (Margherita Buy) who discovers that her late husband had a gay lover. The film screened in competition at the Berlin Film Festival.
Meanwhile, Italian auteur Ermanno Olmi, whose 16th century battle epic The Profession Of Arms screened in competition at Cannes, released a press statement, saying that he did not wish his film to be considered for Italy's shortlist, preferring instead to support Moretti's nomination.
Italy's official Oscar candidate will be announced on November 13.