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Pietro A. Shakarian
2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution of 1917, a highly consequential event for both Russian and world history. Unsurprisingly, in the decades following the revolution, its historical interpretation became a matter of intense debate among scholars of Russian and Soviet history. Those academics of the "authoritarian" school, such as Martin Malia, characterized "Red October" as a coup financed by German money. By contrast, academics of the "revisionist" school, most notably Alexander Rabinowitch, characterized October 1917 as a genuine revolution, with real popular support. Such debates continue into the present day. Some historians, notably Michael David-Fox have sought to move beyond such debates and examine the October Revolution through an entirely new perspective, notably in the form of life-cycles.
Classical accounts of the October Revolution, such as Rabinowitch's The Bolsheviks Come to Power, focus on the revolutionary developments in Petrograd in 1917. However, other studies have taken slightly different perspectives, by examining the revolution as it unfolded in other parts of the Russian Empire. In The Baku Commune, the eminent Ronald Grigor Suny studied the Bolshevik Revolution in Baku in 1918 led by the Armenian Bolshevik Stepan Shahumyan, also known as the "Lenin of the Caucasus." In his work, Suny critically examined the relationship between class and nationality in this episode of the revolution.
Another distinguished historian, Donald J. Raleigh, examined the revolution in Saratov in his Revolution on the Volga. His account was the first English-language study to observe the events of 1917 specifically in the Russian heartland. In his Making War, Forging Revolution, Peter Holquist, another prominent Russia scholar, examined the revolution in the Don region. He used the study to argue that the revolutionary events of 1917 and the Civil War formed part of a "continuum of crisis" that also encompassed Russia's participation in World War I.
In addition to these localized episodes, there were others that demonstrated the complex ways in which revolutionary events of 1917 were shaping developments elsewhere in the former tsarist empire. One such case was the Armenian Bolshevik Uprising in the city of Aleksandropol (today Gyumri, Armenia), an event whose interpretation remains a matter of dispute in post-Soviet Armenia.
The Uprising
Following the Bolshevik Revolution and the start of the Russian Civil War, Russian authority in Transcaucasia collapsed. A short-lived Transcaucasian Federation was declared in April 1918, but it quickly dissolved into three tenuously independent republics in May—Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
Of all three states, independent Armenia was in the most precarious position. Its very existence was constantly under military threat from Ottoman Turkey. The latter initiated a genocide of its Armenian populace beginning in 1915, in which 1.5 million Armenians died. The Armenian Republic also faced territorial disputes with its new neighbors Georgia and especially Azerbaijan. The dispute over Mountainous (or Nagorno) Karabakh with the latter was particularly contentious.
In addition, the Armenian Republic was beset by a large number of refugees who had fled from the genocide in Turkey, and it lacked the modern infrastructure necessary to accommodate them. The capital city, Yerevan, still maintained the feel of a dusty Persian frontier town. Poverty, misery, starvation, disease, and death were widespread.
The Armenian Republic was governed by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, also known as the Dashnaktsutyun or the Dashnaks, an Armenian nationalist and socialist party founded in Tiflis (Tbilisi, Georgia) in 1890. The Dashnaks were the dominant party in Armenia, but there was also a vocal minority of Armenian Bolsheviks. By Spring 1920, these Armenian Bolsheviks became stronger as a result of the deteriorating social situation in Armenia. Moreover, the tide of the Russian Civil War had turned in the favor of the Bolsheviks. In April, the Red Army invaded the short-lived Azerbaijan Republic and took the capital Baku. This event greatly encouraged the Bolsheviks in Armenia, who hoped for the establishment of an Armenian Soviet Republic and who decided to demonstrate their strength in the May Day celebrations of 1920.
On May Day 1920, the Bolsheviks of Armenia organized demonstrations throughout the country. These demonstrations erupted into clashes with the ruling Dashnaks. To the surprise of even the Armenian Bolsheviks, the situation resulted in a Bolshevik uprising in Aleksandropol. Playing upon the population's feelings regarding privations, the Armenian Bolsheviks managed to gain a popular following. The revolt soon expanded to include dissatisfied troops from the Armenian army as well as railway workers and the armored train "Vartan Zoravar" commanded by Sargis Musayelyan. Soon the revolt spread to the cities of Kars and Sarikamish (both in present-day northeastern Turkey), as well as to the town of Novo-Bayazet (Gavar) near Lake Sevan. It also extended to Dilijan, Ijevan, and other parts of the forested region of Tavush in northeastern Armenia where pro-Soviet sentiments among the local Armenian population were strong.
In response, the Dashnak government cast the rebels as "Turkish agents," causing a loss in the Bolsheviks' popular support. The uprising was ultimately crushed by the government and the participants were executed. In addition, the government banned the Armenian Communist Party. Nevertheless, in Tavush, where popular support for the Armenian Bolsheviks was strongest, the local Armenian villagers resisted the government. Their resistance lasted until the end of June 1920 when they were finally defeated by Dashnak forces. However, the Dashnak government itself only lasted a few more months. In December, it fell to an advancing Red Army and Armenia was officially proclaimed a Soviet republic.
Historiography Contested
From the outset, the interpretation of the May Uprising was contested by those associated with the respective sides of the conflict, betraying their political biases. To the Soviet Armenian government, the uprising was a valiant, albeit failed, effort to establish Soviet power in the country. To exiled Dashnaks in the Armenian Diaspora, the uprising was an act of treason against the Armenian state. These differences only intensified with the onset of the Cold War.
A good example of the Soviet interpretation of the May Uprising can be found in volume VII of the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia (Հայկական սովետական հանրագիտարան, Haykakan sovetakan hanragitaran). In this account, the uprising is predictably glorified and depicted in glowing, even romantic terms, declaring the attempt to establish a Soviet government "the will of the workers, peasants, and red troops of Armenia." Although overtly sympathetic, this account is also not uncritical and admonishes the Armenian Bolsheviks for their disorganization and lack of coordination in their attempt to establish Soviet rule. It is therefore depicted as a "learnt lesson" for the Armenian Bolsheviks, preceding the Sovietization of Armenia. Notably, earlier Soviet historians of the May Uprising emphasized the lack of a strong Armenian proletariat and the necessity of support from Soviet Russia. By contrast, later Soviet historians emphasized that the objective conditions for a revolt did exist and that the issue was poor and uncoordinated leadership.
In English-language scholarship, the uprising is discussed by Firuz Kazemzadeh in his Struggle for Transcaucasia, one of the first English-language accounts of the Russian Revolution and Civil War in the Caucasus. Born to an Iranian father and a Russian mother, Kazemzadeh's interpretation is reasonably objective, albeit slightly sympathetic to the Bolshevik rebels. Following Kazemzadeh, Volume III of Richard Hovannisian's Republic of Armenia book series presents perhaps the more detailed account of the uprising in the English language. However, Hovannisian's account too is not free from bias. It is clear that his sympathies are with the Dashnak government and not the Armenian Bolsheviks. Nevertheless, his detailed account refrains from depicting the Armenian Bolsheviks in an entirely negative light. In fact, he even highlights their positive attributes, such as the "heroically romantic" valor of Hovhannes Sarukhanyan, the Armenian Bolshevik leader from Novo-Bayazet who "faced the firing squad" of the Dashnaks "bravely."
Legacy in Post-Soviet Armenia
Since the independence of Armenia from the USSR in 1991, the May Uprising has become a controversial subject. Many Armenians, especially those nostalgic for the Soviet past, still regard the rebels as heroic revolutionaries, while others contend that they were traitors to the cause of Armenian independence. This tension of the politics of history and memory between Soviet-era nostalgia and post-Soviet nationalism can also be observed in the debates about Anastas Mikoyan or street signs named after Soviet figures. In turn, these debates reflect broader discussions on the Soviet past in the post-Soviet space generally, especially in Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. Notably, in post-Soviet Armenian school textbooks, the language used to describe the May Uprising is neutral, allowing students to reach their own conclusions.
The debate over the legacy of the May Uprising in Armenia is further complicated by the status of certain historical Armenian territories. At the end of 1920, Kemalist Turkey invaded the Armenian Republic and managed to secure military control over a significant portion of eastern Armenia before the Red Army gained control of most of it. The Turkish-occupied area included the regions of Kars, Ardahan, and Surmali. The latter territory was particularly significant to Armenians as the location of Mount Ararat, the spiritual and national symbol of the Armenian people. Turkey's control of these areas was later formalized in the treaties of Moscow and Kars. Some Armenian scholars and politicians, including Armenia's first post-Soviet president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, contend that if the Dashnaks had ceded power to the Armenian Bolsheviks in May 1920, Armenia might have retained these territories that were later lost to Turkey.
Significantly, it was a Soviet-era Armenian film that best illustrated this complex and controversial history. The Saroyan Brothers (1968) depicts the tragic conflict between two brothers, Hayk and Gevorg, who find themselves on opposite sides of the political conflict in Armenia during the Russian Civil War (Gevorg is a Dashnak and Hayk is a Bolshevik). Directed by Khoren Abrahamyan and Arkady Hayrapetyan and starring Abrahamyan and Frunze Dovlatyan, the film depicts the civil war era as a time of national tragedy for all Armenians. This is perhaps the best way to remember this difficult chapter in the history of Armenia and the Caucasus.
The Saroyan Brothers (1968).
Full film (Russian-language version) from Armenfilm.
Further Reading
- "Մայիսյան ապստամբություն 1920 [May Uprising 1920]." In Հայկական Սովետական Հանրագիտարան, Հատոր 7 [Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, Vol. 7] edited by Viktor Hambardzumyan, 201-202. Yerevan: The National Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR, 1981.
- Մայիսյան ապստամբությունը Հայաստանում 1920-1930 (Հիշողություններ յեվ դոկումենտների ժողովածու) [The May Uprising in Armenia, 1920-1930 (Memories and Collected Documents)]. Yerevan: State Publishing House of the Armenian SSR, 1930.
- Aleksanyan, Karine. "Մայիսյան ապստամբության պատմությունից [On the History of the May Uprising]." Armenian National Academy of Sciences: Center for Armenian Studies in Shirak: Scientific Works no. 3 (2000): 121-128.
- Cohen, Stephen F. "Bolshevism and Stalinism" In Rethinking the Soviet Experience: Politics & History Since 1917 by Stephen F. Cohen, 38-70. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985.
- Hovannisian, Richard G. "The May Uprising in Armenia" In The Republic of Armenia, Vol. III: From London to Sèvres, February–August, 1920 by Richard G. Hovannisian, 209-253. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996.
- Karyan, S. M. "1920թ. Մայիսյան ապստամբության հիմնահարցը խորհրդահայ պատմագրության մեջ [The Problem of the 1920 May Uprising in Soviet Armenian Historiography]." Herald of the Social Sciences of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences no. 1 (2003): 61-71.
- Kazemzadeh, Firuz. The Struggle for Transcaucasia (1917-1921). New York: Philosophical Library, 1951.
- Melkonyan, A. H. "Մայիսյան ապստամբության սովետահայ պատմագրությունը (Ապստամբության 50-ամյակի առթիվ) [Soviet Armenian Historiography of the May Uprising]." Historical-Philological Journal of the National Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR no. 2 (1970): 197-201.
- Panossian, Razmik. The Armenians: From Kings and Priests to Merchants and Commissars. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006.
- Suny, Ronald Grigor. Red Flag Unfurled: History, Historians, and the Russian Revolution. New York: Verso, 2017.
- Tsutsiev, Artur Arkadevich. Atlas of the Ethno-Political History of the Caucasus. Translated by Nora Seligman Favorov. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2014.
Pietro Shakarian is a PhD candidate in History at The Ohio State University. His main interest is 19th and 20th century Russian and Eurasian history, with a focus on the history of the Caucasus region, particularly Armenia and Georgia.
SEEB is currently accepting blog post ideas and submissions from graduate students and faculty members. Please visit this page to learn more about our submission guidelines. We look forward to working with you!


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Wineries seeking representation
Bodega Valdrinal
Bodega Valdrinal was established by a fourth generation winemaking family in 2000. The winery is based in Aldehorno, Segovia, and has 25 hectares of Tempranillo under vine, spread across the villages of Aldehorno, Fuentenebro and Moradillo de Roa (Burgos).
The vineyards are planted at altitudes of 910 – 1050m, making them some of the highest in Ribera. The vines grow on two different soil types; gravelly limestone and clay. Bodega Valdrinal is dedicated to meticulous work in the vineyards, so only the best quality grapes come in. The winemaking team is led by Isaac Fernández.
Ex-Cellar Price: 3.80 €/ bt
Valdrinal Tradición Crianza 2016
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Click on wine for tech sheet

subset: commoncrawl


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RSMSSB has released an Official Notification for the posts Forester and Forest Guard Vacancy from 10th, 12th pass candidates . All Interested Candidates can apply before the last date. Last date for submission of application form is 29/03/2022
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Date of Written Exam - October 2022
Notification - click here.


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Regardless of your opinion of SEGA's upcoming Sonic Boom franchise, you gotta admit it's nice to see some creative SEGA TV ads. Unlike past adverts for Sonic titles, which used actors in body costumes, the Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric TV ad features CG renderings of Sonic and his friends in the real world, using their teamwork to rescue a real cat (not Big, sadly) from a tree. Sonic Boom the TV show is set to air this coming Saturday at 7am EST, while the Wii U and 3DS games are set for a November 11th release in the US, and a November 21st release in Europe. The comic book is in stores now, and you can read our full review right here. Stay tuned to SEGAbits and Sonic Retro for all your Sonic Boom news, reviews, and information.
Ad:One response to "Sonic and friends rescue a cat from a tree in a new Sonic Boom commercial"
that. . .that was actually pretty cute


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Lagos State Government has moved to introduce a unified central database that will curb incidents of fraudulent and unprofessional practices in the real estate agency.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu alongside his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who spoke at the event held in Victoria Island, Lagos noted that: ''apart from facilitating business relationships between people selling or buying, leasing or renting landed properties across the State, your activities also in no small measure, contribute to the State Gross Domestic Product''.
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While also reiterating the commitment of his Administration to bridging the housing deficit gap with the active participation of the private sector, the Governor urged participants to embrace and ''explore the deployment of new technology to create a platform for establishing business relationship with potential clients and maintaining existing ones''.
Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka hinted that the plan of the State is to positively affect the operational environment by creating ''an innovative and sustainable environment to promote Lagos as a real estate investment destination''.
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In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the summit was a timely response to the need to curb fraudulent practices that are currently on the increase among some unscrupulous real estate agents/property developers practitioners in the course of their dealings with prospective customers.
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He stated that housing, apart from being one of the major needs of a man, holds great potential for the economic wellbeing of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.


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Some of you might say we've left the best to last, but we feel we've left the most sophisticated new Microgaming site until last. Calvin Casino is a slick website, designed to give gambling a more mature edge, as illustrated by the subtle yet luxurious aesthetics of the pages. Inside this den of luxury, you'll find a license from Curacao, currently the only regulator in place here. But what else does this 2017 launched casino have? For starters, it has a diverse means of contacting support, providing us with several points of reference, such as live chat and email. Then you have the fact that there's some promotions involved with the bonuses, to keep all walks of customers happy. And then, last on our list, are the games; these vary across the board, with even sports betting allowed. No matter if you prefer live casino or slot machines, you'll be catered to here.


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Editor's note: At this writing, some 272,726 of Canada's 812,858 cases have been reported in Québec. The province reports 10,112 fatalities. On an encouraging note, active cases in the province are reported by CTV News' Daniel Rowe to have dropped to 10,994, the first time they've been below 11,000 since November. —Porter Anderson
By Olivia Snaije | @OliviaSnaije
'A Mature, Autonomous, and Dynamic Market'
As in many book markets of the world publishing industry, the business in the French-language publishing sector in Québec has been doing decidedly well despite the challenges of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.A separate industry from Canada's English-language publishing business, Québec—with its population of 8.4 million—produces approximately 5,000 new titles in French each year.
Sébastien Lefebvre is the export projects manager for Québec Édition—the international arm of the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres (ANEL), the French-language publishers association in Canada. He says the Québec market has performed well in the pandemic, showing its "vitality and robustness.
"In my view," he says, "it's a mature, autonomous, and dynamic market on par with any book market with a population of its size."
Lefebvre says that Québec's publishers have benefited from a strategy in place since the 1960s when the province decided to go ahead with its own diplomacy, including cultural diplomacy. Québec Éditions is an active player, working with Québec's ministries of culture and foreign affairs.
Figures reflected by the Société de gestion de la Banque de titres de langue française (BTLF)—which keeps track of titles published in French in Canada—indicate that in 2020, there were 20 percent fewer books published, and yet there was a 5.8-percent increase in revenue for literature, children's books, self-help, comics, and biographies.
Moreover, book sales by Québec publishers in December were up 11.2 percent, while sales by foreign publishers were up 1.2 percent.
There's a sense of community in the French-language book industry in Canada, and it was evident in a strong rally for local book sales. Publishers and booksellers, supported by the Québec government, ran a loyalty campaign, Je lis Québécois, to encourage citizens to read (and buy) books from Québec. The public responded and the result was palpable.
France, with more than 65 million potential readers, is Québec's most important market, and a number of publishers have recently opted to sell directly to bookshops in France, hiring local marketing and sales representatives, rather than selling rights to French publishers. This served Québec publishers well during the past year—which could have been disastrous for sales, but with local help turned out to be the opposite.
An Upbeat Outlook from La Peuplade
The Chicoutimi-based publisher La Peuplade was founded in 2006 by Simon-Philippe Turcot and Mylène Bouchard. Julien Delorme is French and was hired by the publishing house three years ago as its director of European sales and marketing.
Delorme says that the pandemic year has been exceptional for La Peuplade, both in Québec and in France, where their sales increased considerably. La Peuplade sells half of its books to France, but this is transitory, says Delorme. He says he expects this figure to increase as he continues to build the publisher's brand in France and in other Francophone countries in Europe.
During the past year, "What changed with COVID," Delorme says, "was that I couldn't travel and see booksellers directly."
Because there are more than 3,000 independent bookstores in France, working with booksellers is key to a publisher's success. By the time France's second lockdown was imposed in October many booksellers were operating with the "click and collect" system and were overwhelmed with work.
Delorme says he tried to be less intrusive "because I knew they were so busy.
"I worked on social media a lot and individually with booksellers with newsletters, hoping they wouldn't get lost in the shuffle. I tried to adapt to what booksellers needed, which meant being more selective about our books and being respectful of their time, not forcing anything on them but remaining available to them."
'People Were Out There Buying Books'
Simon de Jocas, familiar to Publishing Perspectives readers as the president of Québec Édition and owner of the children's publishing company, Les 400 Coups, says that last March and April, "Sales were horrendous.
"In France, I sold 41 books. Normally I'd sell 1,000 in April. Then in May, France opened bookstores and suddenly it was manna from heaven. During the pandemic, we sold more during those four summer months in France than usual. People went crazy buying books."
Besides usually traveling to all book fairs in Europe, de Jocas also attends sales meetings and visits bookshop owners and librarians in cities in France, Switzerland, and Belgium with other publishers from Québec, part of a three-year-old project piloted by Dominique Janelle at Québec Édition. Of course, last year, following de Jocas' presence at the Brussels book fair in March, there was to be no more travel. "We have zoom meetings now. At least it's been continuous, and the bookstore owners have been present and supportive."
De Jocas also collaborates on an e-magazine called Je dirais même plus with Belgian and French children's book publishers which goes out to 25,000 libraries and books sellers every 3 months, highlighting new publications. In the spring 2020 edition of the magazine de Jocas affirmed in an editorial that books now more than ever, continue to be part of people's basic needs.
In Québec, de Jocas says, although the children's book market is thriving, at the beginning of the pandemic he thought "things would go from bad to worse. My fears were that sales would crash."
But after a rough spring, "Québec's book market went up 18 percent in May, June, and July. That made us feel that things were good.
"What really helped us was the fact that the federal and provincial governments came out and gave us a hand. The amount of aid we usually receive in October was given to us in April, so that we had cash flow. This made the difference between being worried and knowing you could make it. People were out there buying books too."
Still, de Jocas says he had to lay off two people at his company. He now has rehired them.
He says he's not sure that sales from early 2021 will be as good as last year's, but "The book chain in Québec is solidly knit.
"The Association des libraires du Québec—the Québec booksellers association—is there to help us and to push our books a little bit more."
More from Publishing Perspectives on Québec and its publishing industry is here, more on the Canadian market is here, and more from us on publishing and the French language is here.
More on the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international book publishing is here.


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text: Mr. Stephen Schneider represented my husband throughout his Worker's Comp case. In spite of the fact that we went through a very long and difficult fight, Mr. Schneider and his Assistant, Holly, stood beside us and fought for us the entire time. Mr. Schneider was very patient and made sure to explain everything to us in detail and also made sure that we understood all of our options. He and Holly were always very easy to reach and communicate with. I can't even say how much my husband and I appreciate all of the tremendous help and support that we got from our attorney. We never would've made it through this arduous process without the help of Mr. Schneider and Holly.


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Elder Clark received a bachelor of arts, a master of arts, and a PhD, all in economics, from Harvard University. He became a faculty member at the Harvard Business School in 1978 and was named dean of that school in 1995. He served in that capacity until the summer of 2005, when he was named the president of Brigham Young University–Idaho.
Elder Clark has served in a number of Church callings, including full-time missionary in the South German Mission, elders quorum president, ward executive secretary, counselor in a bishopric, bishop, high councilor, and counselor in a stake mission presidency.
Kim Bryce Clark was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 20, 1949. He married Sue Lorraine Hunt in June 1971. They are the parents of seven children.
Becoming a Disciple-Leader
My dear brothers and sisters, it is a joy to be with you today. I feel great love for you and great hope for the good you will do in your lives.
You are in the early years of your adult lives and of your college education. It is the year 2020, and it is a time of turmoil and uncertainty. A worldwide pandemic has killed hundreds of thousands of people, disrupted lives and caused misery and sorrow and pain all across the earth. We have experienced a turbulent and difficult economy, and terrible wildfires and hurricanes. It is a time of heartache and uncertainty, of contention and anger.
I am not at the beginning of my college education, but I remember it vividly. I know how you feel because I began my college education in the late 1960s. It also was a time of turmoil and uncertainty. It was the height of the Vietnam War, a time of upheaval in moral values and a time heartache, contention and anger.
In that time of my early college education, I felt fear, uncertainty and worry. I remember wondering if I would ever have a family, ever have children, ever play with my children in the backyard. Here I am, more than 50 years later, blessed by the Lord with a remarkable eternal companion, seven children with whom I have played a lot, and 26 grandchildren. I declare my witness, brothers and sisters, that we live in a day of miracles, a day of great light and spiritual power. There is hope, joy, happiness and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. And there is divine direction and guidance. In these tumultuous times, we are blessed to have the scriptures, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and living prophets and Apostles who lead and guide the Lord's true and living Church under His direction.
In this day of miracles, President Nelson has invited us to transform our homes into "sanctuar[ies] of faith" and "center[s] of Gospel learning." 1. He has urged us to "…stretch beyond [our] current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation," warning us that in the days ahead "…it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."2. He has called us "…to do better and be better,"3. and to "…become more valiant disciples of the Lord, standing up for Him, and speaking up for Him, wherever we are."4.
I believe this is a call to become true disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in our families, in the Church, in our work, and in our communities. It is a call to become disciple-leaders. This is the focus of my talk today.
I begin with discipleship. A disciple of Jesus Christ acts with faith in Him to repent of sin and to follow Him into the waters of baptism. A true disciple receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost and all the covenants of salvation and exaltation through sacred ordinances. A true disciple keeps those covenants, takes on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeks to always remember Him, obey His commandments, repent, and endure whatever comes with faith in Him.
I love the images the Savior used to teach about what it means to be a true disciple. Please consider with me the following images:
The first image is a tree with a trunk, branches and fruit:
The Savior said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."5.
The second image is a Rock and a House:
The Savior used this image to describe a true disciple: "He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock, and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."6.
The third image is a yoke:
The Savior invites us to come unto Him and become His true disciples by taking upon ourselves His yoke: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."7.
The last image is birth:
Jesus taught that His true disciples must experience a spiritual re-birth: "Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."8.
These images underscore the depth of the connection between Jesus Christ and His true disciples.
In the branch and the trunk the connection is deep at the cellular level. Cells, tissues, and fibers grow out of the trunk, creating the wood of the branch, its bark, and its channels. Like the branch, disciples of Christ abide in Christ. They stay with Him and in Him. Their obedience to His commandments opens the spiritual channels through which His life-giving light, power and love flow into them. They grow and bear fruit.
Likewise, disciples of Christ dig deep and build their lives on a foundation of covenants that are anchored deep in the bedrock of the Savior and His Gospel. They connect their daily lives to the Rock of our Redeemer by keeping their covenants and doing what the Lord Jesus Christ asks them to do with all their heart and soul.
The Lord invites His true disciples to be yoked together with Him in His work, to learn from Him, and about Him. True disciples work with the Lord in tandem, totally in synch with Him, united with Him. They come to know Him, and He knows them because they have been yoked together with Him in His work.
When true disciples come unto Jesus Christ, act with faith in Him to repent, and make and keep sacred covenants, they experience a mighty change of heart. Through His redeeming power and the ministry of the Holy Ghost, they become His daughters and His sons, spiritually born of Him. 9.
Brothers and sisters, the Lord Jesus Christ invites us to become His true disciples and more and more like Him. He wants His gospel to go down deep into our hearts. He wants to change our very nature, so that His power, light, and love will be in us. I know He can do this. I know He can change our hearts and our deepest desires. Let me share an experience with you.
When Elder Bednar was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Sue and I were watching General Conference in our family room with our son Jonathan and his wife Deborah. After we sustained Elder Bednar, Jonathan said, "Dad, you're going to be the next president of BYU-Idaho!" At the time I was serving as the dean of the Harvard Business School. I looked at him in surprise and said, "What? I don't think so."
Two days later one of my friends asked me if I would be interested in the job at BYU-Idaho. I said, "Well, if President Hinckley called me to do it, I would do it. But I don't think it makes sense professionally." I was right. It did not make any sense professionally, but as soon as I said those words I got a sick feeling in my stomach, and the Spirit whispered to me, "Wrong answer." I went home and told Sue what had happened. We decided that we better learn more about BYU-Idaho.
Over the next seven months, the Lord educated our desires. He changed our hearts, so that we would want what He wanted. Little by little, we learned more. We talked with people the Lord put in our path who had experience at BYU-Idaho. We prayed for guidance and insight and the desire to go to BYU-Idaho grew in us. By the time President Hinckley called me to be the president of BYU-Idaho, I really wanted to go there. I was so grateful for that change of heart, because President Hinckley asked me if I would be interested in presiding over BYU-Idaho. I was happy to be able to say, "I would."
Well, as you can see, Sue and I went to BYU-Idaho in 2005, and we had a marvelous experience. And the Lord kept on changing my heart, and that is still happening.
It is my prayer that we all will seek to become true disciples of Jesus Christ, with a deep, abiding love for Him. I know as we act with faith and hope in Him, yielding our hearts to Him, we will become more and more like Him. His light, power and love will grow in us and in our lives.
I now turn to leadership, the second part of becoming a disciple-leader. Through many years of experience, and through much study and prayer, I have come to embrace this definition of leadership:10
Leadership is the work that mobilizes people in a process of action, learning and change to improve the long-term viability and vitality of the organization in three ways:
•Purpose is realized more effectively
•People experience increased personal growth, meaning and purpose in their work and lives
•Productivity is strengthened
This definition of leadership has profound implications for all who seek to lead, including you, the rising generation of disciple-leaders. I focus today on just one of those implications: leadership has significant moral consequences.
Leadership seeks to do good. It seeks to mobilize people to take action to make things better, to create a flourishing, vibrant organization that meets deep human needs. It seeks to lift and strengthen people and help them thrive. The implication is clear: leaders hold the lives of people in their hands. Leadership is everywhere and always a moral act.
This means that a central, essential part of leadership is to generate light in the organization and to drive out darkness from it.
Darkness refers to behaviors, attitudes, and practices that damage people, destroy value, and bring destruction great and small. Examples include Arrogance, Abuse, Corruption, Mediocrity, Harassment, Discrimination, and many others. Light refers to behaviors, attitudes, and practices that lift people, enhance value, and create conditions for growth and increased strength. Examples include Kindness and Generosity, Integrity, Trust, Love, Community, High Standards of Excellence, and many others. Darkness is like a giant tax on the organization, reducing its performance and limiting its potential. Light is like an energy source that fuels a growing, vibrant, flourishing organization. Generating light and driving out darkness is a critical part of the work of leadership. Indeed, it is essential to achieving its objectives. The organization cannot flourish, unless leaders do that work.
Yet, that work can only be done by people who choose to make light a central part of their lives, and their identity. These are people who abhor deception and fraud and seek to be honest and trustworthy. These are people who deplore mediocrity and the waste of talent, who seek to live by high standards of excellence and who have integrity and moral discipline – doing the right thing because it is right, even when it is hard.
This definition of leadership, its implications and the principles that underly it, work in any organization and in any part of an organization. They work in the family, in the Church, at work, and in the community.
So, what does this mean for you, in your lives, right now? You are in school at Ensign College. This is a truly remarkable school, and you are blessed to be here. You are pursuing certificates and degrees in many fields. Yet, what you are learning in your studies is only part of why you are here. Your experiences in this school will help you become true disciples of Jesus Christ, and leaders in your families, the Church, your work, and your communities. You are here to become disciple-leaders. The very best way to become a disciple-leader is to do the work of a disciple-leader now, during your years at Ensign College, in your spheres of responsibility and influence.
As members of this school, in your classes, in the groups you are part of, in your work, you should ask yourselves three questions:
1. What is my purpose?
2. How can I lift, strengthen, and build the people around me?
3. How can I add value?
My dear brothers and sisters, these are the questions of the disciple-leader, and they are the objectives of leadership. No matter where you are, whether at home, in the Church, at school or work, in the community, and no matter what roles you are asked to play, you should always ask yourselves these questions. And you should always take these questions to your Heavenly Father. I promise you, if you will ask and listen, you will get answers.
Spiritual Resources
As you act on these questions, you will generate light and drive out darkness wherever you are. I know that is true. You have been called to be disciple-leaders. You should approach the work of leadership in any of these settings as a disciple of Christ. He is your guide and your example, and He has blessed you with tremendous resources to help you do the work of discipleship and leadership.
I want to highlight four of the resources the Lord has given you. They come from the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of the Holy Ghost to you. They are interactive, working together to bless your life.
First is identity.
You know who you are! You know that you are a spirit daughter or son of Heavenly Parents. You have a divine nature; there is divinity within you. You have a divine destiny; if you are true and faithful, you will be an heir of eternal life. You are a child of God, and He will bless you!
Second is truth.
You know the truth. You know the great plan of salvation, with the Atonement of Jesus Christ at its center. You know the doctrine of Christ, the fullness of His gospel, and His blessings of forgiveness, mercy, and grace. You know priceless eternal principles. You know that when you act according to truth, power flows into your life.
Third is eternal perspective.
You see yourself and the world around you through the lens of the Father's plan of salvation. You see yourself and others as spirit children of God having a mortal experience. With the eye of faith, you see the Lord Jesus Christ working in your life, and the lives of others, and you see His promises to you fulfilled. You see Him and love Him, and through Him you have hope and strength beyond your own.
Fourth is spiritual power.
You have the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He teaches you, comforts you, guides you, purifies your heart and blesses you with spiritual gifts. You have priesthood power and authority – the power and authority of God - in your life. In due time you will be endowed in the temple of the Lord. You will be, "…armed with [His] power, His name [will] be upon [you], [His] glory…round about [you], and [His] angels [will] have charge over [you]."11
If you are true and faithful to your covenants, these marvelous resources will be in your life, in your discipleship, and your leadership. You will find powerful answers to the questions of the disciple-leader.
What is my purpose?
The Holy Ghost will be your companion; you will have the spirit of revelation, spiritual gifts like discernment and the ability to teach, and the pure love of Christ. Through sincere and faithful prayer, your Father in Heaven will teach you about His purposes, so that His purpose can become your purpose. You will know your eternal identity and purpose, and you will know your specific purpose in your family, the Church, your work, and your community.
How can I lift and strengthen the people around me?
You will become more and more like the Savior, and His light, power, and love will be in you. As you develop Christ-like attributes, especially His love, you will turn outward to the Savior, and focus on doing His work, the work of the disciple-leader, with the people around you. The Lord will bless you with gifts and talents, with experiences and insights and with the capacity to love and support His children. You will establish trust with other people, and you will connect with them and know how to lift and strengthen them.
How can I add value?
You will know and live true principles that drive out darkness, and bring light and power to the work of leadership. It does not matter whether you are at school, in class, in a small group, in your family, in the Church, at work, or in your community, you can always find ways to make things better. Through the inspiration of the Lord you will know what to do to add value wherever you are. And the Lord will bless you with the capacity to do it.
These are true promises of the Lord, summarized in this remarkable revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
"And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you…"12
Brother and sisters, we live in a day of miracles. You are a miracle. This school is a miracle. Miracles are all around us. I testify of our loving Heavenly Father, whose great plan of redemption, salvation and happiness is perfect. I testify of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. His atoning sacrifice is complete, infinite and eternal. Through the love of our Heavenly Father, and the grace and redeeming power of Jesus Christ, you will become His true disciples and leaders in your families, in the Kingdom of God, in your work, and your communities. I know that is true. You will become the Lord's disciple-leaders. I so testify, and leave you with my love, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1. Russell M. Nelson, "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints", Ensign, November 2018
2. Russel M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", May 2018
3. Russell M. Nelson, "We Can Do Better and Be Better", Ensign, May 2019
4. Russell M. Nelson, "Go Forward in Faith", Ensign, May 2020
5. John 15
6. Luke 6:48
7. Matthew 11:28-30
8. John 3
9. Mosiah 5
10. This definition is based on ongoing research with Erin E. Clark, and Jonathan R. Clark. It may be helpful to note the following about the definition:
Leadership is work. It is a particular kind of work, but it is work. Indeed, it can be hard work. Leadership requires sustained physical, mental and emotional effort.
Leadership is a process. It is a series of activities with a sequence and phases focused on making things better.
Third, the word mobilize underscores the central role of encouraging, inspiring, motivating and empowering people to take appropriate action to accomplish the objectives and to learn from their experience.
Viability means that the organization is capable of continued growth, development and success. Adding vitality means that the organization is moving forward with energy and vigor, and an animating spirit of inspiring purpose.
The objectives of purpose, people and productivity address the ultimate ends of the organization; the well-being of its people; and the growth of productivity of all the resources that are critical to long term viability and vitality.
11. Doctrine and Covenants 109:22
12. Doctrine and Covenants 50:24-25


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About the Whitepaper
With today's rules necessitating the implementation of robust control frameworks, it's vital for firms to have the proper reporting mechanisms in place as well as ensure that they are being governed by robust control points. Since accurate data is key to accurate reporting, those control points need to take into consideration the health of a firm's data. The constant introduction of new regulations can make it particularly challenging for firms to stay up to date with new changes whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy in their reporting. Managing data is also a challenge, especially when it is being accessed across multiple systems. To ensure accurate, complete, and timely reports, it's important for firms to have a strong data quality component as part of their control frameworks. Firms that fail to act on data validation and maintaining data accuracy face the risk of imposed fines and so it is crucial for firms to uphold a high regulatory reporting standard.
In response to this Connect Global Group and Smartstream gathered an expert panel so discuss:
The key components to a good control framework
How firms are currently navigating the regulatory environment
Challenges firms face when dealing with data, reporting and regulations
How firms can tackle these challenges and maintain strong data accuracy and a robust control framework
Related Content
About our Partner
SmartStream is a global software and managed services provider that in challenging markets conditions has outpaced its rivals in the financial markets sector, creating an impressive base of more than 1,500 customers. This includes more than 70 of the world's top 100 banks alongside the world's leading asset managers, custodians and broker dealers.
At the heart of this success is the ability to react to client, market and regulatory changes through innovative solutions. That is why, even in challenging market conditions, the company continues to invest more than 20% of revenue back into research and development.
The combination of SmartStream's post-trade processing solutions, together with its unique Data Management Services, creates a real-time and pre-emptive approach to reducing trade failures while also accelerating and automating trade processes.


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Compared to his professional debut last season, Harry Robinson's bow with Crusaders last month was a tame and rather sedate affair.
The young forward, signed over the summer on loan from Oldham until January, is back is his native Northern Ireland on a dual mission – to help give Crusaders the edge in this already enthralling campaign, arguably unprecedented in the scope and quality of the contenders for honours, and to catch the eye of his parent club over on the mainland.
The 18-year-old son of former Northern Ireland midfielder Stephen has made two appearances so far for his new club, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 stroll at home to Dungannon last month and then starting in last Tuesday's Co Antrim Shield rout of Sirocco.
And he admits they were relatively stress-free compared to the frenetic nature of his call-up to the Latics first team last year.
Academy youngsters playing at clubs far away from their families are typically excused from duty over Christmas, usually getting about 10 days off over the festive season to spend with their nearest and dearest.
But Robinson smiles as he recalls how his was brutally cut short last December, waking from a rare lie-in to urgent orders from his manager to get on the next flight to Manchester.
"So I woke up one morning, I actually slept in that day, and I had three missed calls from the manager and three missed calls from the captain saying I needed to get a flight because I was needed on the pitch," laughed Robinson.
He never made it off the bench for that game against Port Vale, but did two days later as he made his first professional appearance against Notts County on New Year's Day.
"The manager told me two hours before kick-off I was on the bench and to be ready to come on," added Robinson, "and it was unreal to finally come on.
"There was a bit of frustration leading up to it because you always think you are ready as a player and you just want to get that chance to go out and prove yourself.
"But when you get the call eventually, you are a bit nervous, you think, 'Here we go, I have to prove myself after saying I was ready', but no, once I got on the pitch it was unreal.
"I wasn't nervous at all. I was nervous warming up, but once you get on the pitch you are fine."
The advent of full-time football here – both Larne and Crusaders are leading the way there, with Linfield and Glentoran not far behind – has, almost over- night, opened up the Irish League to loanees like Robinson and Larne's Sean Graham.
Instead of being shipped off to another strange town in a country which for many of our teenage pros is still slightly alien, they can return home briefly to a familiar land and a familiar league to get the first team football they crave.
For Robinson, Crusaders were the perfect fit. The fact Seaview is situated within a 10-minute drive of his family home is hugely advantageous, of course, but the main thing recommending the club is the standards they have been setting over recent years.
The young winger is labouring under no illusions, however, as to how difficult it will be to dislodge the likes of Ross Clarke and Paul Heatley – both on fire at the start of the season.
"I was just looking around for the best option for me, I looked at the Conference and I looked at the Irish League and to be fair, Crusaders is a winning environment.
"They want to be winning every game and there's the pressure to win the league and I want to be involved in that type of thing rather than go to a mid-table Conference team," said Robinson, who signed his first professional contract with Oldham last year, a one-year deal with the option of another.
"It's been great so far, all the boys have been really good with me.
"It's full-time training as well, so it is a lot better than when I left the Irish League a few years ago.
"It's a lot better quality and the training is top quality too, it's as close to England as you're going to get.
"It's not much different, other than the training times, because some boys obviously work.
"But it's near enough every day and the training is just as intense so it's really good. There's a lot of competition for places so it's going to be hard but there are a lot of games and that's what the manager said to me. There are four competitions and everyone can't play every game so it's up to me to take my chance when I get it.
"Over at Oldham, I came back pre-season and a new manager was there, some people think you are ready, some people think you are not, but I just thought I needed to go and play men's football rather than sit on the bench to get 20 minutes here or there.
"So I thought it would be better to get even half a season or a full season on loan getting men's games because I missed a lot of football with injury last season."
Professional football can be a nomadic existence and with his dad involved in the game, Robinson moved around quite a bit during his childhood.
He was born in Preston and lived in Milton Keynes for seven years before Robinson senior, a cult hero at Luton Town, retired from playing and returned home to take up a job as Steve Beaglehole's replacement as Northern Ireland under-21s manager.
So from no age, football is all the younger Robinson has known.
"I've been playing football for as long as I can remember," he said.
"I was living in England and dad retired, came back over here, got a job with the IFA and I've been living over here since.
"I started at Holywood, then went to Linfield, Ballymena, Ridgeway, Glenavon, I've had quite a few clubs over here, it's been my life really."
Robinson made his Irish League debut with Glenavon four seasons ago, coming on in the second half against Linfield aged just 15, before moving across the water on a scholarship.
Initially, he was trialling at Burnley and the Clarets were keen to keep him, but Robinson was swayed by Tony Philliskirk's overtures and Oldham's proven track record of nurturing and blooding youngsters, including the likes of Robinson's countryman Carl Wincester – now at Forest Green Rovers – who moved to Boundary Park straight from Linfield as a youngster.
Three years on and he finds himself back in the Irish League, but in much-changed circumstances as he looks to show everyone at the Crues, as well as those at his parent club, what he is made of in the short space of time he has at Seaview.
"The difference from the last time I was here is massive," said Robinson.
"It's ridiculous how much change there has been, the training, the professionalism around it, the standard of training has gone up, I just think everything in the Irish League has improved to be honest.
"And there are about eight teams who could go for the title this year.
"What I want from the loan is to try and do as well as I can for the Crues, to play as many games and get as many minutes as I can, do well for the team and go back to Oldham and prove that everyone was right to give me a new contract – to go back to them flying."
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The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, along with a number of other jurisdictions, have responded to the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine by adopting new, additional and/or enhanced economic sanctions, trade restrictions and other restrictive measures targeting, in different ways, Russia, Belarus, and the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, which Russia has purported to recognize as independent states. Russia, in turn, has responded to these restrictive measures by adopting its own countermeasures and related regulations affecting, for example, certain dealings involving non-Russians in Russia.
Provided below are links to the summaries of the measures adopted by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia and other jurisdictions, along with a chart summarizing the U.S., EU, UK and Swiss sanctions designation status of certain noteworthy Russian entities and individuals.
The pages linked below will continue to be updated regularly to reflect new developments.
EU On Alert Towards Russian FDI
Support for "Reverse CFIUS" Outbound Investment Screening Regime Grows
Authorities in U.S. Take Steps to Strengthen Enforcement of U.S. Measures Against Russia
United Kingdom Broadens Scope of Potential Russian Sanctions Targets
Economic Sanctions: Developments and Considerations
Updated Guidance for Section 232 of CAATSA Published
UK Sanctions Regulator Issues its Largest Fine to Date


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Looking To Purchase Router Bits? Ask Yourself These Three Questions To Help You Find The Right One For Your Job
One router bit can drastically differ from another. The shape, size and materials each bit is made from vary. This can make it challenging to know which router bit is ideal for your job. If you are not positive as to which is right for you, here are three questions to ask yourself. They will help guide you to the right type of router bit for your woodworking job.
What Type of Cut, Profile or Edge Are You Looking to Make?
[Read More]


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Los Angeles County notified a federal judge Wednesday that it has made its first payment of $17.6 million to the city of Los Angeles in compliance with an agreement to provide beds and services for people experiencing homelessness in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The county and city reached an agreement in June to provide a total of 6,700 beds and services for the homeless in Los Angeles within 18 months.
According to the pact, the city is responsible for creating 5,300 new beds by April and 700 additional new beds by December 2021 for a total of 6,000 new beds.
The city also must provide an additional 700 beds by April that "may be beds previously captured in an agreement or plan between the city and county," according to the county's notice filed in Los Angeles federal court.
The county has committed to pay up to $293 million over the next five years to support the city's obligation to provide the 6,000 new beds. The first payment of $17.6 million to the city was made on Sept. 1 in compliance with a binding term sheet, the notice states.
The agreement is part of the settlement of a lawsuit brought by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights -- a coalition of Skid Row-area business owners, formerly homeless and disabled city dwellers -- accusing the city and county of not doing enough to combat the homelessness situation in the region, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Attorneys for the defendants say the city is working to establish a variety of different types of shelters as quickly as possible, "with each intervention being selected because it is the most appropriate to serve the people experiencing homelessness in each particular location."
A status conference in the suit is scheduled to take place Thursday.


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When you've put blood, sweat, and tears into a beautiful piece of cabinetry, you want to go for a big finish. Find out what decorative hardware can do to make your work shine with style and flair. Check out styles, designs, and materials that will going look period-perfect on that five panel door restoration or the cabinetry for that as modern as five minutes ago bath. The International Woodworkers Fair has something for every woodworker from the veteran fine cabinetmaker to a new journeyman.
Supplies You Demand
When your work edges into the definitions of fine cabinetry, there's a certain level of quality that customers expect, and that comes with a price tag. Finish details such as decorative hardware have to be top quality, and for restoration or reproduction, you want to be spot on. Your best bet for finding everything you need and maybe a few things you didn't know you need is at the International Woodworkers Fair in Atlanta. Coming up in 2016, you can find all the little details to please the most exacting restorer and make that old house look Sears catalog new.
Decorative hardware suppliers shows allow small shop owners to network and establish their own supply network, and meet and network with other professional woodworkers. The party-hearty image of conventions is a stark contrast to the reality where people come to do business, attend live demos, classes, and symposiums that help them to run their shops. Check out some of the top names in decorative hardware like Nob Hill, Schaub & Company, and Liberty that will put just the right finishing touch on your next project.
Perfect Harmony
Attending trade shows and decorative hardware supplier shows are the perfect way for small shops to expand the range of products they offer, as well as keeping up to date on the latest products. Exhibitors are small-business friendly, and you'll learn a lot in just a few days. By investing a few days, professional woodworkers can reap a lifetime of value and build lasting relationships that will enhance their knowledge over all areas of their business, from the shop floor to the back office. Come to Atlanta and see just what the IWF has to offer you and your business in 2016. We think that you'll be impressed, and that you'll value the experience enough to come back year after year.


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Sue C Grant
I re -read all your Christmas books for Christmas but the book I have loved the most was "Silent Melody" having a deaf son and a deaf step daughter who both played in the school band for a time. It was a wonderful book, thank you so much.
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SEVEN SPRINGS HUNGRY HORSE - Charlton Kings
We are seeking to appoint a new Assistant Manager who has sound experience of operating a highly successful food operation. Through numerous promotions of existing Assistant Managers we now have the opportunity for our next 'rising star'. If you think that you have what it takes to manage your own pub then apply today. Full training and support is given along with a comprehensive training plan for your development. Salary is negotiable depending on experience. If you would like to become a Pub Manager, submit your CV or call Darren on 07812 257082. |
As a Hungry Horse chef, you must be able to;
As a Hungry Horse line Chef you'll need to make sure our standard of service remains high at all times, ensure your section is running smoothly, keep up with the pace in the kitchen and work as a team to deliver fantastic dishes throughout the day. In return we offer fantastic training and great opportunities coupled with a competitive salary but more importantly the chance to grow and develop your career and to be part of a very popular branded operation. Call Darren on 01242 870219 or 07812 257082 to discuss further. |
Multi award winning restaurant! We are experiencing consistent growth at The Seven Springs Hungry Horse so therefore need to increase the size and strength of our team. If you are hard working, dedicated, motivated and have a genuine passion for great customer service then we need you. Please apply today to be part of a hugely successful and multi award winning team. Full training will be given with excellent career prospects available. Whether you are looking for part time or full time hours we have the opportunity for you, in return all we ask for is a 'can do' attitude. Career prospects are available depending on individual requirements. Call Darren on 01242 870219 or 07812 257082 to discuss further. |


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Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 23 / Trend A.Akhundov /
The Turkish parliament ratified two Turkish-Azerbaijani inter-governmental agreements at a meeting yesterday.
The parliament ratified an agreement on cooperation between the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan in the field of copyright and intellectual property rights signed on June 30, 2005 and a supplementary agreement to the Social Security Treaty signed between the governments of Turkey and Azerbaijan on July 17, 1998.
"These agreements will come into force following their ratification by the president," the parliament said.
The Turkish Parliamentary Foreign Relations Commission developed final bills to approve the agreements at a meeting on Jan. 5, after which they were submitted to parliament for consideration.


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Safety on the Internet
Internet safety is a huge issue nowadays specially in the light of predators and al kinds of crazies online. For you parents out there and even some adults who aren't sure what information you should and should post online – this site is for you. This comprehensive site uses videos and… Continue reading


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Before Chris Meaux started Waitr, he was living in a quiet area of the Dallas Metroplex called Southlake in the early 2010s. But he realized that there was something lacking in small markets like his at the time — big food delivery players such as Grubhub.
Then he moved to another smaller market — Lake Charles, Louisiana — and realized there was a potential for food delivery outside big cities. In all, he identified 422 cities as potential markets.
They all had something in common: Each is a small to mid-sized market with a population between 75,000 and 750,000. And when he finally launched Waitr, that was its sweet spot.


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Two soldiers have appeared in court in Cape Verde after being arrested for brawling.
The men were part of a group of troops who had been bound for the Falkland Islands, but found themselves off the north-west coast of Africa when their plane developed a fault.
It is understood they had been drinking before the incident happened, and were arrested by police.
Those involved in the trouble now face disciplinary action.
An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that two soldiers have appeared in court in Cape Verde and have been fined.
"Anyone found to have fallen short of the Army's high standards will be dealt with administratively and may face sanctions up to and including dismissal."
The RAF transport plane had touched down on Cape Verde for a scheduled re-fuelling stop, but was delayed in taking off again after the technical problem was discovered.
The soldiers were put up in resorts, including the five-star Melia Tortuga, according to The Sun.
"One minute they were being sent to the bottom of the world – the next they're on a sunshine break complete with a free bar. They couldn't believe their luck," a source told the newspaper.
"As soon as they arrived at the hotel they got 'all inclusive' wristbands and went straight to the bar. Tables were piled high with drinks.
"There were very loud arguments by the evening when a lot of them were worse for wear.
"Holidaymakers, including families, were shocked by squaddies swearing at bar staff, ordering multiple cocktails and sunbathing in their underwear."
Army chiefs imposed a curfew and banned soldiers from drinking on Wednesday, the newspaper reported.


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Trap Awards!
I know we've all dreamed of something that would be something like a trap influenced fashion show. It gets so boring listening to the same style runway music. I'm here to tell you, dream no more! The Trap Awards will take place on January 31st through February 2nd at the Ramada Plaza in Atlanta, GA. This ceremony will consist of the fashion show, a day party, a showcase, and even an award show. With this award show, awards will be given to the winners of these prospective categories…
Trap Legacy
Trap God
Trap Royalty
Trap Technology
Rising Female Executive
Creative Influencer
The red carpet starts at 5:00 PM and the show starts at 7:00 PM! This is something you do not want to miss, get your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trap-awards-super-bowl-weekend-tickets-50365272887


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New logo for Museum of Model Art, Sanquhar
1:24 is the scale of (most of) the models displayed in the Museum of Model Art. This small museum in Sanquhar successfully registered 'MoMA' in its yellow mark in the UK (UK00003410571). The New York based Museum of Modern Art has a longstanding use of 'MoMA' and had registered 'MoMA' in the EU. The New York based museum believes there may be some confusion 'as to the source, origin or sponsorship of (the Sanquhar museum's) services'. Although the New York museum didn't oppose the registration of the Museum of Model Art's yellow MoMA mark in the two month international consultation as required they have recently threatened a crippling court action if the acronym 'MoMA' continues to be used in association with the Sanquhar museum. The Museum of Model Art will introduce the '1:24' logo in the coming weeks, subject to its successful registration. To avoid litigation we have been asked by the law firm representing the Museum of Modern Art to recommend not using 'MoMA' as an acronym for the Museum of Model Art.


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"The sizable fines proposed here reflect the breadth of hazards found during our inspections and the fact that the company had been cited for similar conditions in the past," said Robert Kowalski, OSHA's area director in Bridgeport. "Left uncorrected, these conditions expose employees to hazards such as lacerations, amputation, crushing, falls, fire, electrocution, asphyxiation, burns and struck-by injuries. These hazards must be addressed promptly, effectively and continuously."
Specifically, Ansonia Copper and Brass has been issued 58 serious citations, accounting for $168,800 in fines, for deficient or damaged lifting hoists and slings; damaged, defective or inadequate crane components and safeguards; obstructed exit routes; respirator deficiencies; emergency eyewashes not maintained; lack of hazard communication information and training; uncovered floor pits; no hazard assessment or training for personal protective equipment; failure to evaluate, test, provide training for and restrict entry to confined spaces; untrained operators of powered industrial trucks; locations for fire extinguishers not identified; lack of fire extinguisher training; unsecured gas cylinders; missing guardrails and stair railings; electrical hazards; and numerous instances of unguarded moving machine parts, saws and abrasive grinders. A serious citation is issued when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
The company also has been issued five repeat citations, with $40,800 in fines, for: oil- and water-covered floors in work areas; lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures and equipment to prevent accidental energization start-ups; unlabeled electrical devices; and failing to remove defective powered industrial trucks from service. OSHA cited Ansonia Copper and Brass for similar hazards in 2005 and 2006.
Seven other-than-serious hazards, with $2,400 in fines, have been issued for incomplete recording of workplace injuries and illnesses and other conditions.
Ansonia Copper and Brass has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to meet with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.


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When you decide who will one day receive your assets, you will want to keep some things in mind so that your generosity makes their lives better and does not cause problems for them. Despite your good intentions, failing to take into account certain factors could cause unintended consequences.
Every situation is different, so it can help to talk to a California estate planning attorney about your estate plan. Here are five mistakes to avoid with respect to beneficiary designations:
Not Considering How the Bequest Could Affect the Beneficiary
Giving money or other assets directly to certain individuals could cause more harm than good. For instance, if disabled beneficiaries receive government assistance like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits that provide for their healthcare and other essential goods and services, receiving financial resources could cause them to lose eligibility for those benefits.
A bequest of even a few thousand dollars could disqualify housing, food, medical care, and income programs. Instead of naming such individuals as direct beneficiaries, you could have the money deposited into a special needs trust that would protect their eligibility for benefits programs.
If some of your intended beneficiaries are minors or others who might find a sudden windfall challenging to manage, you could have their future assets put into a trust for them. People who struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, gambling, and financial stability can do well with a spendthrift trust that distributes money to them for predetermined items, like housing or other basic living expenses.
Naming Your Estate as the Beneficiary on All of Your Assets
While it may seem easier to simply designate your estate as the beneficiary of all of your accounts and other assets, it can be a mistake to do so. Some things, like life insurance proceeds, can get to the beneficiaries much faster if the insurer pays the individuals directly rather than having to go through probate. There may also be tax benefits to naming beneficiaries directly.
Naming Only One Beneficiary and Trusting That Person to Share with the Others
No matter how much you love a close relative, you cannot expect them to share freely with others if you give them everything. Sometimes people will list only one sibling, for example, as the beneficiary of an asset, like a house, with the unwritten assumption that the named beneficiary will sell the asset and split the proceeds with the other siblings. When there is no legal obligation to do that, many beneficiaries will keep everything for themselves and their spouses, if given the option, resulting in unfairness and likely conflict.
Not Updating Your Beneficiary Designations After a Divorce or Death
When one of your beneficiaries dies, you need to update your beneficiary designations and estate planning documents. Otherwise, your heirs may find themselves in a lawsuit to determine what happens to the deceased person's share.
Also, you will need to review and update your estate plan and beneficiary designations when you divorce. A divorce may invalidate your existing instruments, and you could die intestate (without a valid will or trust) if you do not make new estate planning documents.
The divorce will not necessarily change the beneficiary designations on things like life insurance policies and retirement accounts. Forgetting to change these beneficiaries can mean that your former spouse could get an unexpected windfall one day at the expense of your expected heirs.
Not Adding New Beneficiaries When There Is a Marriage, Birth, or Adoption
Finally, you will want to make sure that you update your estate planning documents and beneficiary designations when you get married or after the birth or adoption of a child or grandchild. Overlooking this step could result in some intended heirs getting "disinherited" by oversight.
A California elder law attorney can review your documents and accounts with you to help you avoid these and other potential beneficiary designation mistakes. Contact us today for more information.