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Mediation can help you to clarify issues, resolve conflicts and reach agreement without needing to go to court. This guide provides a practical summary of the mediation process to help you participate in and prepare for mediation in the Environment Court.
This guide defines mediation and other commonly used terms and explains how mediation sits within the framework of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). It is intended for anyone who is a party to an appeal in the Environment Court. It explains how you can become involved in mediation, and how you can decide whether mediation is right for you.
The guide also covers:
- how you should prepare for mediation
- what you can expect at mediated meetings
- what is expected of you and other parties in terms of appropriate behaviour and conduct
- what happens once the mediation process ends
- where you can go for further information.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process to resolve disputes. People get together with the help of a mediator to isolate issues, develop options, consider alternatives and reach an agreement everyone can live with, rather than having a settlement imposed on them by a formal body such as a court.
Mediation should not be considered an easy option. You will need to work hard and be willing to compromise.
Mediation can help parties 'get unstuck' from the stalemate of their dispute. It provides an alternative to traditional methods of resolving disputes, like going to court. Parties work together to find solutions by looking at their interests, rather than focusing on their 'legal rights'.
Mediation allows people to explain how they see the problem and how they feel about it. Initial discussion at mediated meetings focuses on what people value and need, rather than the positions they may hold or what they demand. By taking a step back from those positions, parties can share and gain an understanding of each other's opinions and the values that underlie their attitudes to particular disputes. In this way, disputes can be looked at afresh. The principles of mediation are closely related to those of manaaki, which recognises the values that all parties bring to the table, and provides for those parties to treat each other and their ideas with respect. As mediation is a face-to-face consensus decision-making approach, it also sits comfortably with Māori decision-making processes.
The stages of mediation
Read text version of this diagram
- [start] Agreement of parties to resolve dispute by mediation
- Private session
- Mediator opens meeting and gets agreement on roles and rules
- Parties say what their needs and priorities are
- Everybody agrees what the issues are
- Everybody thinks of ways to deal with each issue
- Each idea is tested to see if it will work
- Either:
- Everybody agrees on a solution that satisfies everybody! [stop]
- Agreement not reached. Court hearing. [stop]
Advantages of mediation
- Parties often develop and agree upon creative, constructive, achievable, workable and mutually acceptable solutions.
- Mediation can be much cheaper and far more satisfying than litigation or arbitration. Often mediation eliminates any need for formal court appearances.
- Even if mediation doesn't result in agreement, the process of isolating issues and agreeing undisputed facts can be helpful if an appeal has to be heard by the Environment Court.
- Mediated discussions often help to restore happier relationships, as well as resolving the issues at hand.
- Confidence can be gained and goodwill developed.
Mediation basics
Voluntary involvement
Mediation can be initiated by the parties themselves, or offered by the Judge. Any party may end the process at any time. You shouldn't feel pressured to be or stay involved.
Active participation in good faith
Effective mediation is conducted face-to-face. Active participation, with good communication by all parties, is essential if you are going to reach an effective agreement. Mediation requires good intentions on the part of all parties.
Driven by you
Mediation assumes that the parties are competent, informed and able to reach agreements that suit their needs. Each party must have at least one representative who is consistent in that role throughout the mediation process. Control of the dispute and the terms of settlement remain in the hands of the parties to the mediation. The representative of each party must be fully authorised to participate, and a resolution will only occur if the parties agree.
Independent and impartial mediator
The mediator acts as a facilitator, communicator, motivator and scene-setter, creating the right environment for the process to be effective. He or she must be independent of both the parties and the Environment Judge who will review any agreement you reach.
The mediator must not give legal advice, offer opinions or coerce parties into agreement.
The mediator does check that all parties fully understand what they are agreeing to.
Mutual respect
The process allows the parties (including the mediator) to develop trust and confidence in themselves, in each other, and in the process.
Flexible outcomes
If you want, you can discuss matters apart from the appeal during the mediation process – for example, you might want to talk about your business or personal relationships with the other parties. This openness can increase the chances of a satisfactory resolution and even achieve outcomes that the Court itself is unable to secure (such as formal apologies or the recognition of effort).
Confidential process
All discussions that take place in mediation must be completely confidential. In Environment Court mediations no formal record is kept, except an agreed decision (called a consent order) that is approved by the Court and forms part of the public record.
The mediator may meet separately with any party or parties, and may be offered information that must be kept confidential from other parties.
What goes on in the mediation process cannot influence or be referred to in other Court proceedings – if the process is not successful, anything discussed or offered during mediation can't be raised when the dispute goes to Court.
Finality of agreements
Where agreements are reached through mediation, they are final and seen as binding on the parties who have agreed. However, participation in mediation does not prejudice the existing legal rights of the parties.
Fairness and equity
All parties must be given a fair hearing and have equal access to information.
What does the RMA say about mediation?
The RMA allows conflicts to be addressed informally through mediation as a way of reducing or avoiding unnecessary litigation. All parties to proceedings before the Environment Court are entitled and encouraged to join the mediation process. This includes appellants and respondents, the original applicants for resource consent, and submitters to a resource consent application or a proposed plan or policy statement. If you are a submitter, you need to have notified the Court that you want to become a party to the proceedings in accordance with section 274 of the RMA, within 15 working days after the period for lodging a notice of appeal ends.
In addition, the RMA allows people with an interest greater than the public in general to join an appeal (and thus take part in mediation), unless their concerns relate to trade competition. People who meet this definition must notify the Court in advance.
Mediation to resolve the dispute can be initiated at any time after the appeal or other court proceedings are lodged. The Court may ask one or more of its Environment Commissioners to conduct mediation, but all parties must agree. The Court cannot force parties to enter into mediation: it is a voluntary process.
Where the parties agree to mediation by an Environment Commissioner, the service is free. But you may wish to hire a private mediator instead, in which case you have to pay their fees and expenses (these costs can be shared between the parties). If you want a private mediator you should tell the Court as soon as possible.
Any agreement reached in mediation is normally written up by the parties as a draft consent order. This spells out the terms of your agreement, which are enforceable under the RMA. All draft consent orders must be reviewed and approved by the Court (unless you withdraw your appeal), which will make clear that the order cannot be changed by anyone. The RMA allows Court-provided mediators to review the agreements, but in practice, Environment Court Commissioners don't act as decision-makers at a later stage. Instead, an Environment Judge who didn't hear and can't be influenced by the private discussions that took place in mediation properly checks any agreement.
If you don't reach an agreement, then your dispute may go to Court for a hearing. If you choose not to go into mediation the Court will not hold this against you when deciding the case or whether to impose costs on any of the parties. You shouldn't seek to recover any costs incurred as a result of mediation from any other party, as a mutual and genuine attempt to try and settle issues has been made.
What triggers mediation?
Mediation may be initiated in a number of ways. In most cases, the Court will ask all parties to report on the steps they have taken previously to negotiate and/or mediate, and what the outcome was. An Environment Judge may then suggest that you consider mediation. If all parties agree to Court-assisted mediation, then a time and venue will be set by the Registrar of the Court. All the information about the appeal and its background is forwarded to the Environment Court Commissioner who will conduct the mediation. Mediation can only be arranged once the statutory period for interested parties to join has ended, and all parties agree.
Any of the parties to an appeal can also request mediation at any time. The earlier you make such a request, the better it is for everyone involved and the more likely it is that an agreement will be reached. You certainly shouldn't see it as an option of last resort.
Is mediation right for me?
Consider these benefits and limitations before deciding whether to enter mediation.
|Main benefits
|Main limitations
The process is confidential and avoids undesirable publicity and attention. Sensitive cultural and commercial information can be shielded.
Sometimes seen as more time consuming and costly in the short-term.
The atmosphere in meetings is informal and topics for discussion can be as wide as necessary. This allows people to get 'things off their chests' and move beyond narrow or extreme positions in a face-saving way. It can result in creative and flexible solutions.
It is not helpful in situations where the parties view the dispute as a heroic battle, or have become extremely irrational.
Mediation can start any time after appeals are lodged. You can wait considerably longer for a Court hearing date.
There are no guarantees that Court action will be avoided. You may consider that some of your interests and values and values are non-negotiable. Some of the issues raised in an appeal may be unsuccessfully addressed at mediation and may need to be revisited in Court hearings.
The process can help get negotiations started, without fear of showing weakness.
The greatest level of resource investment is 'upfront'. You need time to prepare and go to meetings. You need to be ready and willing to understand the other person's point of view.
Mediation is often cheaper than Court appearances. Disputes can be resolved or narrowed sooner.
Participation can be reactive if you have not clearly identified your needs, the way the meeting(s) will be run and how best to participate.
Gives you control over resolving your dispute and a sense of 'ownership' in the outcome.
Meetings can be tailored to suit your needs. If need be, they can reflect tikanga Māori.
A successful outcome relies on the goodwill of the parties and the skills of the mediator.
Examples where mediation can be successful
Mediation can be successful in a wide range of situations. Some examples of resource management disputes where mediation may be appropriate include:
- questions over the extent and integrity of consultation by councils with iwi
- how sites of particular value should be managed in district plans, such as heritage places, wāhi tapu and stands of indigenous vegetation
- the allocation of water rights in catchments with a small or heavily used resource
- the appropriateness of conditions attached to a resource consent
- the granting of resource consents for infill housing close to neighbouring properties in residential areas
- the granting of resource consents for major projects in rural areas such as landfills, lifestyle block subdivision and sawmills.
Should I agree to mediation?
Think it through
Bear in mind that if the Registrar has written to you about mediation, then the Environment Judge thinks that mediation is suitable for your case. But it is up to you to decide whether the process is right for you. Talk is not always productive. You may want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have an important relationship that you wish to protect or improve (ie, with a neighbour)?
- Do you know what the real issues and interests are?
- Do you have enough knowledge to have some influence over the outcome of mediation?
- Do you think enough goodwill exists to try and reach an understanding? You must not see mediation as a means to delay or obstruct, to attract support or membership, to secure leadership, or to establish a 'principle'.
- Do you have the emotional resources to participate in activities such as airing differences, active listening and problem solving?
- Do you think the issues are tangible enough for practical solutions to be found?
- Would a compromise solution be acceptable to you?
- Is a safe and confidential environment needed to explain your values (and kaupapa Māori)?
- Do you want to avoid adverse publicity or attention?
- Would you gain or lose anything by entering into mediation, such as the sharing of sensitive commercial or cultural information (within the confines of a mediated meeting)?
- Is the timing right? There must be enough time for meetings and follow-up action such as the preparation of consent orders.
- Will litigation serve your real needs and interests? How?
Getting ready
Mediation can be flexible and the process, timing and location can be adapted to meet the needs of all parties. Attention to these details can keep the process on the right track and help ensure an outcome that suits everyone. Good preparation by all parties is vital for effective mediation.
Who should represent you?
It is most important that as a party to an appeal, you attend mediation yourself. You must make sure you have at least one consistent representative throughout the mediation process (this may be you: after all, you know about your needs, values and priorities). Think carefully about representation at meetings. Where you appoint a representative to attend mediation, ensure they have full authority to settle the dispute or issues at stake.
Moral support
Take friends, relatives or whānau with you if it will make you more comfortable. They can help to point out options and generally offer moral support. But remember, people can't just wander in and out of the mediation.
TIP: Tell the mediator who the members of your group are.
Legal representation
Mediated meetings are informal. Legal advisors are not present as advocates, although they can be very useful. Their role is simply to assist and advise you and, potentially, to draft the terms of any settlement reached.
Reporting back
If you are represented by lawyers, consultants, kaumatua or some other person, make sure they report back to you and get your agreement before proceeding to the next stage.
Status of representatives
If you need a representative they should have the authority to make on-the-spot judgements and decisions, and to formulate agreements on behalf of the parties they represent. Any pre-determined limits on authority may deny such people the opportunity to fully explore options for resolution. Senior representatives of corporate parties should be prepared to make a personal commitment to mediation.
Mana whenua
It is for iwi to establish who has mana whenua and the right to attend mediation.
Sharing your intentions
To prevent surprises or imbalances in representation, make sure you make the other parties aware of who will be attending.
Trained mediators
Mediating is often demanding, and the mediator will need to demonstrate a range of skills and attributes. All Environment Court Commissioners are experienced and trained in mediation. If a private mediator is preferred, all parties have the right to select one. They should ensure the mediator is:
- a good listener
- confident in dealing with a wide range of people
- independent
- sensitive
- able to command respect
- impartial
- trustworthy
- able to create a comfortable atmosphere
- able to deal with tense moments
- able to focus on what the parties need
- able to ask the right questions.
Crucially, the mediator must have sensitivity to such matters as legal process, environmental legislation, scientific and technical issues, local government and business culture, and Māori protocol. Such sensitivity may be more important than a demonstrated knowledge of these matters.
In addition, iwi may need a mediator who is:
- skilled at encouraging iwi power sharing
- bicultural or able to work with kaumatua
- familiar with tāngata whenua protocols, tikanga and Māori structures.
Preparing your approach before meetings
The Registrar will arrange the time, date and venue for the mediation. The date will be set according to the Commissioner's availability, not that of the participants. However, the Registrar will provide good notice (at least 15 working days) of the mediation so that you can make arrangements to attend. If you can't attend or have someone represent your interests, any requests to defer the mediation must be made in writing to the Registrar. You must also copy your request to all of the other participants. The Commissioner will then decide whether your request is warranted.
Before mediation begins, make sure you have answers to the following:
- Are you happy you understand the process?
- Will there be additional costs (eg, for research or document preparation)?
- Do you have all the information you need to represent your interests?
- Do your support persons know their role and how they can assist the process?
Preparing what to say at meetings
Develop objectives
What would make you feel the mediation was successful? List these objectives: they might offer a range of settlement possibilities.
Identify your needs and concerns
Examine your own position to discover what your real concerns, interests and needs are. It may help to prioritise these needs or at least work out what values (rather than positions) you would not be prepared to compromise.
Identify the other party's needs and concerns
Think about what the other party's real concerns, needs and interests are. Without compromising your fundamental needs, what can you offer to help the other party meet something of their needs?
Gather information
Gather information to help explain your views. Work out whether enough information is available or whether further research is required. Decide whether your information can be shared at a meeting, bearing in mind that all mediation discussions remain confidential. Alternatively, work out whether access to the information could be restricted in some way (eg, by communication between trusted individuals with the outcome reported to the meeting).
Expert information
Decide whether particular issues require specialist input (eg, engineering, archaeology or ecology). Think about who should be responsible for gathering that information and how (if at all) the costs should be shared between the parties.
Presenting information
Explore presentation options. These might include site visits, visual representations (photos, diagrams, plans) and verbal records.
Identify options known at this stage
Start this list to use and add to later in the process. Aim to avoid being locked into particular solutions at the beginning of mediation. Solutions could be symbolic as well as tangible.
What can I expect at mediated meetings?
This can vary: a mediator always tries to gauge the 'feel' of the meeting and run the process accordingly. The actual discussion can sometimes go back and forth, although the aim remains to work through the steps outlined below.
The Environment Court Commissioner arrives before the other parties. The mediator may use a whiteboard to record points made during mediation. These notes are a helpful reminder to the parties during the meeting, but do not form part of the public record.
More than one meeting may be required, depending on the size and complexity of the issue. The mediator will try to ensure meetings start and end as promptly and efficiently as possible. They will aim to conclude the mediation in one session if possible; the consent of all participants is needed before additional sessions can be arranged.
Private meetings
The mediator may wish to meet each party privately during a break-out session to help explain and weigh up the options. Mediation is adjourned while private meetings take place. Here, parties may raise facts that might bring the dispute closer to a resolution but which they don't want to disclose in open session. The mediator will respect any confidences. The mediator will also make sure all parties have the same access to him or her if they require it.
While the way mediation meetings are run will reflect the style and preferences of the parties and the mediator, they will generally involve the following steps:
Step one: getting started
The mediator:
- May open the meeting with a prayer or karakia if the parties consider that this would be appropriate.
- Will welcome everyone, introduce him or herself, check that all the parties are there and invite them to introduce themselves.
- Will make a short statement explaining what mediation is all about and their own role, and ensure that the parties are willing to enter freely into the spirit of mediation.
- May invite agreement on guidelines for conduct.
- May ask whether a site inspection would be appropriate.
- May advise the parties of the possible outcomes and the potential costs if they choose to proceed with court action.
- Will find out if the people present have signing authority, and whether they have to report back to any wider group they represent.
Main goal
To gain agreement on the protocol and process of mediation, and to begin to establish trust in the process and the mediator.
Tasks for participants
- Check you agree on the agenda.
- Ensure you, and others, understand what to expect from the mediation.
- Ensure you have memorised the names of everyone present (take notes if necessary).
- Aim to agree on the protocol and ground rules for mediation.
Step two: information gathering
The mediator may invite each party to give an overview of how they see the issues today. Interruptions are discouraged.
Main goal
For everyone to get a feel for each other's needs, concerns and aspirations.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Express your concerns and feelings in an overview; you want others to understand your perspective.
- Explain what you think you might need if the future is to be better than your past experience with this dispute.
Step three: confirming the issues to be understood or resolved
The mediator identifies the points of agreement and dispute between the parties. He or she may explain technical matters for the benefit of parties who do not have access to legal advice.
Main goal
To agree on a list of issues that will help provide a new way of viewing the dispute and give a focus for the discussions. This stage helps identify what is common ground for all parties.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Check that the list of issues covers the areas you need to discuss.
Step four: discussing the issues
The mediator will facilitate discussion between the parties over the issues. The mediator may discourage discussion about potential solutions for the time being, to allow all issues to be comprehensively dealt with. While resolution may seem remote at this stage, a good airing of the issues means that the next stages usually proceed quite rapidly.
Main goal
To ensure everyone understands each other's views on the issues.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Explain what is important to you, and what you are trying to achieve through these discussions.
- Listen to what is important to the other parties and what they are trying to achieve.
- Ask and allow questions of each other, and discuss any areas of misunderstanding.
- Suggest what new information might be required for future meetings, and discuss who should gather it and how. Make sure you are satisfied with what's agreed. Discuss how technical information might be presented so everyone can understand it.
- Be aware that the process may feel 'stuck' at this stage – bear with it. This is quite normal and doesn't mean that mediation isn't working.
Adjourning mediation
At any time during the process, the mediator can adjourn mediation. An adjournment might, for example, allow you to meet and get agreement from the wider group (such as iwi) that you represent, or to gain their approval for the final wording of the agreement to be signed. Mediators will normally set a tight timeframe for reporting back after an adjournment to ensure the discussions remain fresh and the process does not lose momentum. Depending on the length of any particular mediated meeting, the mediator will always take the opportunity to break for refreshments to allow the parties to talk informally.
Step five: identifying the options
The mediator will invite parties to suggest how the identified issues might be resolved. A degree of 'brainstorming' is involved. There may be agreements 'in principle' to be confirmed at this stage.
Main goal
To give everyone the opportunity to raise various options that can be safely evaluated before making any commitments.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Confirm that any options raised now carry no commitments; they are simply ideas to discuss (ie, they are discussed 'without prejudice').
- Put your ideas forward on what might be workable solutions.
- Look for options that will also satisfy the other parties.
- Avoid evaluating options until everyone is confident that all possibilities have been listed.
Step six: evaluating the options
The mediator helps the parties consider whether the proposed solutions would work in practice and what the implications are. The various options can be ranked at this stage.
Main goal
To assess the options fairly, so the solution that satisfies as many people as possible can be found.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Check options have been found for all the issues.
- Suggest objective and fair ways to evaluate the options raised (eg, that a solution must satisfy as many needs as possible).
- Discuss the options against objective criteria, such as people's needs and legal requirements.
- Ask for a private meeting with your group and/or your mediator if you wish to. The mediator will adjourn mediation so this can occur.
- Ask questions and make sure you understand the implications of all the options.
- Check that it is still a good idea to remain in mediation. If you don't want to remain in mediation, then consider seeking leave from the mediator to withdraw from the discussions.
Step seven: confirming an agreement
The mediator will help the parties agree (if possible) about the preferred solutions to the issues raised during mediation.
Main goal
To ensure the best solutions are found and that the parties are committed to them.
For participants: how you can contribute
- Be clear about your authority (eg, whether you need your group's approval) to sign the agreement (see note above on private meetings).
- Decide whether in fact agreement can be reached. Unless all the parties agree and are comfortable with the proposed resolution, the mediator will not proceed and may suggest that the process be terminated. In this case, the parties may decide to proceed to litigation (see next section).
Step eight: writing the agreement
Assuming agreement has been reached, the parties prepare a draft consent order confirming what has been agreed, which will then be presented to the Environment Court for its approval. Agreements and consent orders are usually drawn up and signed on the spot so the parties leave the mediation confident that the dispute has been resolved. The mediator may close the meeting with a prayer or karakia, and will thank the parties for their involvement and their commitment to resolution.
Main goal
To form an agreement that is specific, clear, understandable and workable. It should truly reflect the real needs of the parties.
For participants: how you can contribute
- You (or someone the parties choose) write a draft consent order (see note on consent orders in next section).
- In addition, private contracts or heads of agreement may be entered into (see note on private agreements in next section).
- Check that the draft agreement reflects what you (or your group) are prepared to accept. You may wish to have someone check the agreement for you before signing, such as a lawyer.
- Give feedback on how you feel about the mediation process.
Avoiding common pitfalls
During mediation:
- Switch off your mobile phone and pager – or at least turn them on to silent mode.
- Don't assume that you understand other parties and that they understand you. Check for understanding by:
- summarising what you think they are saying
- asking if you have summarised correctly
- asking the other parties to summarise what they thought you said
- giving them feedback on whether they heard you accurately
- repeating messages until they are clearly understood.
- Avoid working from different sets of information and knowledge. Agree at the start on a common set of information on technical topics. Agree on who will undertake research and how information will be gathered.
- Be proactive. People need to know that everyone is participating equally and not simply reacting to what others say.
- Don't feel forced to stick with mediation. Try not to be pressured. Ask yourself, is the agreement worth making? If another process (for example, a Court hearing) will better achieve your objectives, leave the mediation.
- Remember the other parties are human too. They are likely to be feeling the same frustrations, anxiety, anticipation and pressure as you may be. Allow them to express their emotions without taking it personally.
- Respect each other's right to speak without interruption. Don't use personal attacks or put-downs.
- Be aware of how long and how often you speak so all parties have an opportunity to contribute to discussion.
- Speak for yourself (for example, say 'I think …' and 'I feel …' rather than 'Everyone knows …' or 'You should …'
- Avoid lengthy silence. There is a risk of other parties assuming the worst due to lack of feedback.
- Recognise the value of both viewing issues holistically and also having a specific focus. Accept ambiguity and check you have understood the basic underlying themes in what has been said.
- Ask for clarification from the mediator or other parties at any stage.
- Stay to the end, unless you wish to formally leave the mediation process.
- If you want to communicate with the mediator outside a mediation session, this can only take place through the Court's Registry and with notice to all parties.
What happens once the process finishes?
Court review of consent orders
A consent order is an Environment Court order that endorses the agreement reached by the parties during mediation. The Court has the power and responsibility to ensure that a consent order is consistent with the purpose of the RMA, any relevant policy statement or plan, and the terms of the original proceedings that were under appeal.
This is a form of 'quality control' that helps to ensure the integrity of the mediation process. It shows that issues have not been dealt with superficially and that no party has been intimidated into agreement.
When a consent order is confirmed by the Court, the proceedings are usually at least partially withdrawn at the same time.
Entering private agreements
A private contract may be entered into by the parties to provide for any aspects of agreement that may not be enforceable under the RMA. Depending on how they are drawn up, they may be legally enforceable as a contract and any disagreements, or breaches, can be referred to a civil court (eg, the District Court).
Resorting to litigation
Where there is no agreement after mediation, or the parties 'agree to disagree,' they may proceed to litigation. This does not mean that mediation has failed. The process may have provided parties with a better understanding of the issues, helped them gain a new perspective on a dispute, or offered a positive insight into the attitudes of others. Mediation can also help the parties isolate, refine and narrow the nature of the dispute. All these outcomes can help reduce Court time and hence costs if the parties do proceed with litigation. A hearing at the Environment Court can be seen as a powerful backstop to mediation, because:
- all the issues originating from the dispute will be reviewed
- the formal presence of a Court setting can motivate people to reach an outcome
- the Environment Judge remains completely independent from the matters that may have been discussed in mediation. The Judge will not be aware of any details of the mediation and no party will be blamed for failing to reach an agreement
- an Environment Commissioner involved in a mediation process that did not completely resolve the issues at stake will generally disqualify themselves from any hearing.
This guide is part of the Ministry for the Environment's series, 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA'. This series, and additional information about the Resource Management Act, can be viewed online at: www.mfe.govt.nz/rma.
For details about Environment Court practices and procedures, you should refer to the Court's Practice Notes before lodging any proceedings. They are available on www.courts.govt.nz/courts/environment-court/legislation-and-resources/practice-notes/practice-notes or copies can be obtained from the Environment Court Registrar nearest you (contact details provided below).
Questions about particular cases before the Environment Court, and opportunities for mediation in those cases, should be directed to your nearest Environment Court Registry.
About the Environment Court
The Environment Court operates under the Resource Management Act 1991. It has the same powers as the District Court in the District Court's civil jurisdiction. Parties that lodge proceedings with the Court are generally dissatisfied with a decision made by a council on a resource consent application, proposed plan or other decision (eg, a designation or heritage order).
The Court hears matters that have been considered by councils, and certain matters referred to it by the Minister for the Environment. Environment Court decisions may be appealed to the High Court on points of law only.
The Court comprises an Environment Judge and Environment Commissioners. Commissioners have knowledge and experience in such areas as mediation, local government, resource management, environmental science and the Treaty of Waitangi. The Principal Environment Judge can give the power to hear and decide proceedings to an Environment Commissioner. Environment Commissioners often conduct mediation to facilitate the resolution of matters arising in cases before the Court.
For more information about the Environment Court, see 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA' booklet 6.1Your Guide to the Environment Court.
Court registries
Auckland Registry
The Deputy Registrar
Level 1, Specialist Courts and Tribunals, 41 Federal Street,
PO Box 7147, Wellesley Street
Auckland 1141, New Zealand
Phone (09) 916 9091 Fax (09) 916 9090
Wellington Registrary
The Environment Court
District Court Building
49 Ballance Street
PO Box 5027
Wellington 6145
Phone (04) 918 8300 Fax (04) 918 8303
Christchurch Registry
The Deputy Registrar
Level 1, District Court Building, 282 Durham Street,
PO Box 2069, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Phone (03) 365 0905 Fax (03) 365 1740
The Environment Court
About the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ)
The Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) is a not-for-profit incorporated society that represents the New Zealand profession of arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution generally. The aims of AMINZ include promoting the awareness and use of dispute resolution, and the facilitation of training.
AMINZ can provide you with a panel list of suitably qualified and experienced mediators who are available to help parties resolve their disputes. It can also provide information if you are interested in receiving mediation training.
AMINZ's members include environment mediators who work with the parties to resolve disputes that are on their way to the Environment Court. Panel members' curriculum vitae are available on request. The terms and conditions of engagement (including fees) are negotiable before appointment.
Head Office
Level 3, Hallenstein House, 276 – 278 Lambton Quay
PO Box 1477
Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Phone (04) 499 9384 Fax (04) 499 9387
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
About Leading Experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (LEADR)
Leading Experts in Alternative Dispute Resolution (LEADR) is an Australasian non-profit membership-based organisation established in 1989 to promote the use and awareness of alternative dispute resolution. The New Zealand chapter was formed in 1991 and is administered by a National Board and an Executive Officer.
Initially set up by lawyers, it now covers the wide range of professionals working in this area. LEADR NZ has panels of accredited mediators and offers a referral service. It also conducts training in mediation and offers information about alternative dispute resolution generally.
Head Office
Level 8, Terrace Legal House, The Terrace
PO Box 10-991
Wellington 6143, New Zealand
Phone (04) 470 0110 Fax (04) 470 0111
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Additional references
Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand Inc, Guide to Mediation (and Conciliation), Wellington, New Zealand, 1999.
Carol Powell, Uses & Benefits of ADR & Environment Cases, Resource Management News, February/March 1995.
Department of Planning & Development (in association with the Departments of Justice and Infrastructure and the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria), How to Get the Best Out of Planning: A Guide to Facilitating Meetings, Melbourne, Australia, August 1997.
Jenny Rowan and John Mills (Environment Commissioners), Mediation: Practice & Principles (workshop paper).
The Environment Court, Practice note on alternative dispute resolution, expert witnesses, and amendment to practice note on case management, March 2005.
The Environment Court. Case Management in the Environment Court. Practice Note (under section 269 Resource Management Act 1991), April 2004.
Ministry for the Environment, Resource Management Law Reform: Resource Management Disputes: Part B: Mediation, Wellington, New Zealand, November 1988.
New Zealand Law Society (in association with LEADR), Introduction to Mediation (seminar papers).
Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Public Participation Under the RMA: The Management of Conflict, Wellington, New Zealand, December 1996.
The contributions of the Environment Court in preparing this guide are gratefully acknowledged.
Although every effort has been made to ensure that this guide is as accurate as possible, the Ministry for the Environment will not be held responsible for any action arising out of its use. If the reader is uncertain about issues raised in this guide then direct reference should be made to the Resource Management Act and further expert advice sought if necessary.
Third edition published in March 2015 by the
Ministry for the Environment
Manatū Mō Te Taiao
PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143, New Zealand
Publication number: ME 1191
For more information on the Resource Management Act:


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Survey shows demand for swimming pool in Swaffham
PUBLISHED: 12:57 08 October 2018 | UPDATED: 13:18 08 October 2018
A survey conducted in Swaffham has shown a clear demand for a new swimming pool facility in the town.
The survey of 1,057 people, organised by the Swaffham Swimming Pool Group, shows almost 97pc of those who completed it stating they would swim more often if there was a pool within Swaffham, as well as many comments praising the idea.
Sport England gave a basis for the questions used in the survey, which also revealed that 60pc would join a gym if it was offered as part of the facility and 41pc would make use of a soft play area.
The survey will now be used to lobby Breckland Council for a new facility.
A Breckland Council spokesperson said: "Breckland Council and Sport England recently met with the Swaffham Swimming Pool Association to discuss the challenges and need for strong evidence to support their proposal.
"Since the meeting we have received survey results from the group and look forward to discussing this with them at the end of the month."
The survey shows that 34pc of people who said they would swim more often would visit the pool once every week, with almost 25pc saying they would use it twice a week and nearly 28pc confirming they would go more than twice a week.
Of the 1,053 people who answered the question, the majority said they would be happy to pay around £3 to £5 for an adult swim and £2 to £3.50 for a child's swim.
Almost 37pc of those who said they would join a new gym also said they would use it twice a week.
Comments submitted in support of the proposal for a new facility included "Swaffham needs a pool to keep it an appealing place to live" and "I think a facility like this would thrive in Swaffham and would pay for itself due to the usage it would get".
One resident also said "a swimming pool would be a great addition to the town and community" with another stating that "swimming pools are too far away to go to at the moment, we need one in Swaffham".
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Eastern Daily Press. Click the link in the orange box above for details.

subset: commoncrawl


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On the cover of his memoir, Rob Lowe, pictured in a black-and-white head shot worthy of Vogue, shields his eyes with his hands, as though he's staring into a golden Pacific sunset. His hair is thick and dark, his nose perfectly straight, his jaw chiseled and covered with stubble that's mostly pepper, but with a perfectly judged dash of salt.
I looked down at his book's title, "Stories I Only Tell My Friends," and recalled the scandal that occurred after a videotape of Lowe having sex with two girls (one of them underage) surfaced. So I thought, right, stories of sun, surf and sex in Malibu. What else could someone so good-looking and successful write about?
I soon realized I was wrong, wrong, wrong. He only briefly discusses the incident (a "mess," a "doozy" of a problem), assuming (no doubt correctly) that nearly everyone knows the details. He does recall losing his virginity at 14 as a girlfriend's birthday present to him and acknowledges that by a certain point in his life, he seldom went without sex for more than 30 hours. But otherwise most of the stories he only tells his friends in this appealing and attitude-free autobiography are shot through with pain, anxiety and unhappiness.
Lowe spent his early years far from Malibu, in Dayton, Ohio. On a humid afternoon when he was 5, his mother told him she was divorcing his father, ending an unhappy marriage in which "claw hammers were thrown" and "lipstick was found in places it shouldn't be." Long after that day, Lowe writes, "anything painful surrounding my parents' breakup I sealed off and buried, left unexplored and undisturbed, like nuclear waste."
Trauma and abandonment can create a young actor's perfect storm, and Lowe stepped right into his, whirling off to an early acting audition that played like a scene from "Gypsy." In Columbus, he met producer John Kenley. "He appears to be wearing whiteface and red lipstick like Cesar Romero as the Joker from 'Batman,' " Lowe writes. "He looks anywhere from 80 to 180 years old." On the way home, a woman told Lowe that during winter months in Florida, John Kenley became Joan Kenley.
Lowe eventually did get to Malibu, when his mother, after divorce No. 2, packed him and his brothers into a car and struck out for California's cleaner air. Lowe's life there as a young teenager was often bizarre. One classmate, thinking he was doing cocaine, snorted rat poison and died instantly. Another friend lost control of a 10-speed, impaled his head on a eucalyptus tree and bled to death. "The ranks of the Lost Boys of Malibu," Lowe writes, "grew at a steady rate."
When Lowe sought escape from these nightmares by acting in plays, classmates shunned him as "an acting fag." He had the good luck to fall in with neighbors Sean and Chris Penn, Emilio Estevez and brother Charlie Sheen as they (mostly) steadied their lives by ardently learning the actors' craft and trade. After appearing in some ABC after-school specials, Lowe copped his first movie role in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders."
He recalls being on location in Tulsa and putting in 14-hour days that became "a euphoric and toxic mix of excitement, boredom, anonymity, recognizability, and loneliness." Coppola's weekly food-and-wine festivals and the "frenzied, available" local girls soothed Lowe's nerves.
Officially a movie star after "The Outsiders," Lowe worked a lot in films and played a lot more in bars, clubs and bedrooms. Fans broke into his house to steal his underwear. He even ended up in bed with Michael J. Fox at 4:30 one morning, but it wasn't what you might think. By age 25, he felt he was "way past warranty." Finally, one night in 1990, when he was "so hammered [he could] barely stand," he decided to check into an Arizona rehab facility.
The years since recovery have brought Lowe marriage, two sons and a four-season run on the hit TV series "The West Wing," followed by three more TV series and a film — "I Melt With You" — to be released this year. Looking back at his life, he sounds wise, mature and content. "Nothing in life is unfair," he writes. "It is just life. To the extent that I had any inner turmoil, I had only myself to blame."
Lowe's writing lacks a distinctive voice, but his attitude is so straightforward and vulnerable that many readers, appreciating his cautionary tale, might want to shake his hand. That possibility may answer a question I asked when his book crossed my desk: Why did Lowe, just 47, pen a memoir? Considering his frequent, enthusiastic involvement with liberal political causes, which he mentions throughout the book, I wondered if he was planting clues. As the former star of a TV series set in a fictional Washington, is he thinking of working in a real Washington? Idle speculation, I admit. Yet actors less good-looking — and less self-reflective — have made that transition.
Gerald Bartell is an arts and travel writer in Manhattan.
An Autobiography
By Rob Lowe
Henry Holt. 308 pp. $26.


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The thing that really shocks me here is the prosecutor who thinks that 5 years is an appropriate punishment for having consensual oral sex with someone 2 years younger than you. I think that any punishment is too much, but I could imagine a prude thinking that a couple hundred hours of community service were in order. 5 years in prison? That's just insane.
There's obviously no real political pressure on the prosecutor to release the kid, which means that a lot of other people agree that jail time is appropriate for a blow job. Insane.


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Do you guys still exist?? How can one purchase Be-pole products?? IE..matches? City portraits?? I've been looking on-line w/out much luck. Ideas?? Thanks!!
Documenting… a series dedicated to finding the unique and the stylish –
places you will want to visit, explore or know about – as seen through the eyes of CATHERINEGRACE
Le studio be-pôles, 4e arrondissement, Paris
Le sac en papier – the perfect example of the adage less is more. Is there anything more beautifully simple than the famous paper storage bag created by Le studio be-pôles? I think not. Yet read on, as there is much more to this graphic design studio, with offices in Paris and New York, than its famous paper bag.It is said that graphic design is most difficult when the objective is to be simple. I, too, find this when styling. Le studio be-pôles, however, have built an extraordinary portfolio of graphic design work, each splendidly simple, and just a week or so ago I had the incredible privilege of taking a sneak peek into their studio.
While we may know Le studio be-pôles for its clever paper storage solution, believe me, this is just a fraction of their brilliance. To begin with, there is a new player on the lust-list. Meet Le sac en kraft brun.Launched during Maison et Objet in Paris in September 2014. Le sac en kraft brun has twice the capacity of the original and it is sure to find favour with current sac fans, as well as a new following who just won't be able to resist its krafty goodness! First available at HEIMELIG, a German multi-brand design concept store, it will now be rolling out through current stockists of Le sac en papier. Some of my favourite stores – Norsu, Leo & Bella, Thirteen Red Shoes & For Keeps – will be stocking le sac en kraft brun {and Norsu are also getting the gorgeous pencils below}. Get in quick, these will surely run out the door.So what else is new? A stunning collection of drawing pencils, Le crayon de papier, developed in conjunction with Swiss stationery brand Caran d'Ache, manufacturers of specifically art and writing instruments. Sold in a set of 7 unique pencils on the graphite grading scale, the pencils are presented on a block of raw pencils in the state they exist prior to separating them into individual writing implements. With the simple and instantly recognisable branding of the be-pôles team on the pencils' box, I, for one, am in love!I was lucky enough to have a little peek at the original prototype for these beautiful pencils {stored in a special glass box at the be-pôles studio in Paris}. An 18K gold pencil "ring" {made by French ethical jewellery brand, JEM} designed to be worn as a pendant with its accompanying chain when not drawing and as a non-slip pencil grip when creativity strikes, is included in the package. The entire concept is the brainchild of Le studio be-pôles and if you have a spare 1700 Euros you can still nab yourself a special set of writing implements or indulge your fantasy with this gorgeous website and film about the product. Given the hype that surrounds the products coming out of the be-pôles studio {much to the surprise of the designers at the studio}, you would be forgiven for thinking products and collaborations are their main business. In fact, Le studio be-pôles is primarily a graphic design studio, producing work for clients, as well as design work for the studio itself, with every detail from typeface, paper, finish and even the blank space throughly thought through to optimise the result.There may be no clearer example of the be-pôles aesthetic than the Portraits de Villes series. A city is chosen, together with an artist who be-pôles feels resonates with the brand. The artist is given carte blanche to photograph the beat of the city as he or she chooses. Each Portrait is unique, yet the series retains cohesiveness due to the strict artistic requirements, both in content and form, set out by be-pôles. As I watched Romain carefully wrap the Nice Portraits de Villes booklet in the be-pôles signature wrapping paper – consisting of a world map printed on one side with wax paper underneath – I was informed it was a gift for me {I had just mentioned that we had visited Nice}. Talented and generous!The full range of Portraits sits neatly on a nearby shelf and the best news… Melbourne is next {at the time of my visit a photographer was yet to be determined, so I won't give away the few names Romain tossed about with excitement}.Inspired by vintage French postcards, be-pôles have now launched the Portraits de Villes series in mini postcard form and oh goodness – I think perhaps these mini versions are my favourite, although best to have the booklet and the postcards just to be sure!be-pôles designed the advertising for Maison et Objet held in Paris this past September and again in January 2015, in Singapore in March 2015 and Miami Beach in May 2015. A series of witty postcards forms part of the publicity, created with the studio's acclaimed dry wit and signature design style.Le studio be-pôles also works with Merci on its graphic design and point of sale products and together they have created an adorable set of matches in familiar be-pôles design and patriotic French colours!Oh, and as if that wasn't enough – they make a great espresso…After bidding my farewells, I stepped out into the street – inspired both by the graphic design and the generosity of spirit of this quite special design house.
To find le sac en papier in the Australasian area {although most ship anywhere} get in touch with my friends at Norsu, Home Apparel, Leo & Bella, Thirteen Red Shoes or For Keeps – but be warned… you are unlikely to be able to stop at le sac when you see all the gorgeous goodies these guys stock!
For more in the Documenting… series click here.
Disclosure note: I contacted Le studio be-pôles while I was in France to ask if they would be part of my Documenting… series, to which they agreed. I was unexpectedly gifted a Nice edition of the Portraits de Villes and a box of the Merci collaboration matches during my visit. I was not paid to visit the studio or prepare this post.
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Do you guys still exist?? How can one purchase Be-pole products?? IE..matches? City portraits?? I've been looking on-line w/out much luck. Ideas?? Thanks!!


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Gather supplies
Punch out and assemble die cut flowers as shown or use ready made paper flowers (or make your own from the Time to Flourish 6x6 Pad and a flower die). Use fingers to curl layers. Ink edges if desired.
Cut out your favorite images from the Graphic 45 Time to Flourish November Cut A Part sheet. Ink paper edges, if desired.
If adding burlap to your wreath, stretch and tighten burlap in hoop and cut off excess.
If making wreath w/o the burlap, use the strip on right side of the November sheet to tighten in hoop, as pictured. Cut off excess. I added mine so it would be 'backwards' for a shadow box effect.
Start adding desired cut a parts to wreath. Gluing it to the burlap or the paper strip, whichever you have decided to use. Use foam dimensional squares to layer and add depth.
Add your flowers to the embroidery hoop rim.
Finish layering paper cut outs. Add ribbon by making a bow or looping through hoop, as desired.
Whether you like a more rustic or a more simple look for your wreath, you are ready to welcome Autumn with your fun and easy new home decor piece!


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Our Freshly Roasted Premium Gourmet Coffees
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee as we know it today.
Grown exclusively in the Sidamo Province of Ethiopia, this coffee is known for its chocolate-like taste and floral aromas.
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There are a number of decisions and calculations involved in the safe transportation of potentially dangerous radioactive materials. Along with considerations such as selecting the right containers (our 7A Type A Drums are great choice for many of these shipping solutions), a crucial rating is the Transportation Index (TI).
Despite its importance, it's easy to lose the definition of the Transportation Index (TI) among the deluge of terminology, ratings, and regulations. It's a daunting task to keep track of it all. If you see "TI", and know that it means "___ sticker goes on the drum," but would like to fully understand what the term refers to, here is a quick explainer:
The TI is a measurement of radiation that is considered when shipping radioactive material. It does not, however, reflect any relationship with a human body or any maximum safe dose regulations. Rather, it is the measurement of the maximum dose of radiation you would receive one meter away from a package containing radioactive material.
This measurement is then utilized in conjunction with the metrics that establish which colored label a container requires. If a container has a white "Radioactive I" label, no Transportation Index is necessary because these packages produce a negligible reading at one meter. For a package with a yellow "Radioactive II" label, the TI must not exceed 0.01 mSv h-1, and packages with a yellow "Radioactive III" label have a TI that exceeds 0.01 mSv h-1.
There are additional rules for packages that are shipped together. In general, if multiple radioactive packages are being transported together in a common carrier vehicle, the sums of the TIs for all packages must not exceed 0.5 mSv h-1. However, if the vehicle is being used exclusively for the transport of radioactive material, the TI allowances are increased.
These are only a few of the rules and regulations that use the transportation index as a factor. Always consult with the Department of Transportation to make sure you're fully compliant. However, we hope this helps provide some clarity as you navigate the rules surrounding shipping radioactive materials. Armed with the right information, and perhaps a Skolnik 7A drum, should make the task less intimidating.Tags: 7a, 7a containers, 7a drums, 7a type a drums, department of transportation, dot, hazardous materials, hazmat, hazmat containment experts, radioactive II, radioactive III, radioactive material, radioactive material packaging, radioactive material transportation, radioactive materials, radioactivity, shipping drums, shipping radioactive materials, skolnik 7a drum, skolnik industries, skolnik steel drums, TI, transportation index


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Police probe Beckenham road rage case
Police are seeking information on a possible case of road rage that left a 35-year-old Forrestfield man seriously injured earlier this month.
At about 1.50pm on June 5 the man was on a motorcycle traveling on Roe Highway, Beckenham near the Albany Highway overpass.
Police believe a road rage incident may have occurred involving another vehicle tailgating the motorcyclist.
The rider moved to the side and it appeared the vehicle then cut him off, causing him to fall.
There was no contact between the motorcycle and the other vehicle.
The motorcycle slid into a bridge support pylon, and the rider came to rest just 5m short of the same pylon.
The vehicle involved has been described as an older model four door sedan, similar to a Hyundai sedan.
The vehicle is believed to be a faded red colour, possibly with a blue panel on it.
Anyone with information about this crash can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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text: I keep searching for wheelchair lifts for vans....more so vehicles. My son is a C5-6 and young and really doesn't want a van......Check out this lift that fits a van but is used in sedans also. Of course it is a German company but I have emailed them anyway. Why isn't there something like this in the USA? Hope the link works. Highlight it and paste it to the www.


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Property 2014 is the premier conference for property professionals in Scotland. This event will bring together key decision makers and influencers in the Scottish property industry as well as practitioners in supporting organisations such as agents, architects, asset managers, consultants and funders.
The density and nature of city populations are key to generating economic activity and growth, and this is reflected in this year's conference theme: The role of cities post-recession.
The conference is being hosted by Shepperd and Wedderburn. For every delegate fee paid, the organiser will make a donation of £3 to LandAid.


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Latest Price verified on 24-Sep-2020
Siku Mercedes SLS
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Product's features:
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Other Brand
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- When an exchange offer is available, it will be displayed in the list above besides the store name.
- The same online price is applicable in all major cities of India which includes Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune and Kolkatta. For any variance, please check the product shopping page.
- Refurbished products are indicated in the list above with the "Refurbished" tag besides the "In Stock" Label, the others are new products.
Siku Mercedes SLS - EMI & Online Purchase Details
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- EMI on Credit Cards is generally supported on the following bank cards: ICICI, American Express, HDFC, Citibank, Kotak, IndusInd, SBI, HSBC and Axis. Other cards may be supported as well, please check on the payment page.
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- There will be no upfront charges (no downpayment), the first installment would appear in your next credit card bill.
- The minimum order value to avail the EMI payment option is Rs 4,000.
- Siku Mercedes SLS may be available on COD (Cash on Delivery), please enter your pincode on the Store Page after you click on Go To Store button.


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A two-wheeled snack seller was upended in Kampong Chhnang province on Sunday after a drunken motorbike driver crashed into her bicycle.
The 30-year-old was on her usual route when the bike collided with her, leaving her with serious injuries.
The man, as to be expected by the trend of past blotter stories, fled into the wild on his still-functioning moto.
The woman was sent to hospital, and police are looking for the hit-and-run culprit. RASMEY KAMPUCHEA


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Reeses Barkery Home
Welcome To Reeses
Reeses Barkery & Pawtique is an independent pet and supply store, specializing in homemade treats and premium pet foods for your dogs and cats. We carry a variety of foods such as Orijen, Fromm,Farmina, NutriLife, NutriSource, Nature's Variety, Zignature, Born Free, and Canidae. We also carry collars, leashes, toys and accessories. We truly care about your pets and their health. As a team we are dedicated to the continued support of domesticated animals in McHenry. Come see how you can make a difference in the life of your pet today. We'd love to see you and your pet. Now offering dog training.
Flash Required
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Hours: Mon- 11am- 5pm, Tues - Fri.- 9am-6pm, Sat.- 8am-5pm, Sun.- 8am-12pm
Closed on all major Holidays
Also on these sites: Yelp, Twitter and Foursquare,
1313 N Riverside Dr, McHenry - 815.363.7297
We are please to announce
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Welcome to the Careers Section of JGP. Here you will find information about the current vacancies available within the organisation. We actively promote our employees as being "best in class" and delivering best value to our customers. We maintain Investors in People National Standard and continue to support and encourage staff CPD, including operating a training scheme approved by the ICE.
If you would like to be considered for any of the Current Vacancies below, please forward your CV to email@example.com.
If there are no jobs posted and you feel you have a suitable skill set JGP might be interested in, please get in touch via email. We always welcome hearing from exceptional candidates.


text:
New Delhi. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) RM Lodha said he was "surprised" after a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. The Collegium must reveal the reasons why the decision was upturned, Justice Lodha said.
On January 10, the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, recommended the elevation of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of the Delhi High Court. But the names of senior judges Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon were being considered in December. The elevation of both the judges was confirmed by President Ram Nath Kovind today.
"What I always feel is that the Collegium should act in a transparent manner, and people must know why a decision was upturned. The Collegium works as an institution. It is an institutional body; it is not an individual's decision. A junior judge was superseded to the Supreme Court, it surprises me," Justice Lodha said.
Top sources in the judiciary, however, told that there was no final decision on Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon and it was only after the Collegium received some material against one of the judges that the names were changed and Justices Dinesh Maheswari and Sanjeev Khanna were recommended to the centre.
"There are a number of instances where junior judges have been elevated to the top court. Also, the Collegium has on many occasions in the past changed its earlier decision before sending it to the government," sources added.
Former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir had on Tuesday had described the recommendation for out-of-turn elevation of two judges as "appalling" and "outrageous".
If the recommendation for the elevation — which in one case will supercede more than 30 senior judges — is accepted, the "historical blunder" will ruin the credibility of the country's top court, the former judge wrote in a letter to the President.
"The question is after Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, there are two more judges, Justice Gita Mittal, the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Justice S Ravinder Bhatt. The Karnataka High Court Judge, who is from Rajasthan, was superseded six weeks ago, was not found to be, as per reports, deserving for being elevated to the Supreme Court," Justice Lodha told news agency ANI.
Supreme Court judge SK Kaul had reportedly written to Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi against the elevation of Justice Sanjeev Khanna, ignoring the seniority of Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and said that while he had nothing against Justice Khanna, he could have waited for his turn.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has also termed the elevation as "unjust and improper".
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a statement, said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon is being viewed as "whimsical and arbitrary".
"They are men of integrity and judicial competence. The decision of January 10, 2019 will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts," Mr Mishra said. Several councils and associations have proposed to organise nationwide protests on this issue, the BCI said.


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"The last big strikes of teacher unions in the United States were in the late 1980s and early 1990s," said Rebecca Tarlau, an assistant professor of education and labor and employment relations at Penn State. "In 2012 there was the Chicago teachers' strike, which gave new momentum to teacher unions. Then in 2018, there was this huge mobilization of teachers in West Virginia, which took everybody by surprise, and then there were strikes and walkouts in Oklahoma, Arizona, Kentucky, North Carolina and Colorado. Why now? Why were teacher unions demobilized for so long and why are they suddenly very mobilized?"
Tarlau, an ethnographic researcher whose research is funded by a National Academy of Education and Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, knew the best way to answer her questions was to immerse herself in the culture of teacher unions and speak with the union leaders and members across the country.
"My ethnography is about teacher movements within unions, so what I've been doing is trying to participate in teacher actions when they happen," she said, adding that she spent a week in Los Angeles in January during the recent teacher strike. She also spent time this year in Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Oakland, California.
"I was not only interviewing people but also participating in the actions of the union. I was part of a volunteer team with the Unified Teachers of Los Angeles and I was able to observe their inner workings and help out during the rallies. It gave me this unique insight into what was happening on the ground," she said.
The big finding, she said, is that unions are now focused on social justice for students and not just teacher salaries and benefits, which were the primary foci throughout much of teacher unions' histories. Tarlau traces this new focus back to 2012.
"In 2012, Chicago teachers went on strike and they introduced a new phrase to their fight. They said, 'We're fighting for the schools that Chicago students deserve,'" Tarlau said. "During that strike, the Chicago teacher union and the Teachers 4 Social Justice (T4SJ) network joined forces to merge education and racial justice. You had communities of color where schools were getting shut down and the union helping to fight against that."
"The political economy of public schools has transformed since the early 2000s with No Child Left Behind and the rise of high-stakes standardized testing, merit pay, and school-choice and voucher policies. Teachers have a lot more precarious jobs and they're treated not as intellectuals in the classroom but really as technocrats who often have to follow a scripted curriculum."
— Rebecca Tarlau, assistant professor of education and labor and employment relations
Three impactful changes
But why did that happen? What caused the merger? That is something Tarlau is still investigating but she said she has identified a few emerging themes.
"The political economy of public schools has transformed since the early 2000s with No Child Left Behind and the rise of high-stakes standardized testing, merit pay, and school-choice and voucher policies," she said. "Teachers have a lot more precarious jobs and they're treated not as intellectuals in the classroom but really as technocrats who often have to follow a scripted curriculum."
Education is one of the biggest new markets for profits due to the number of education startups that are full of people who want a piece of the education pie, Tarlau said.
There's also been an increase in progressive organizers within unions who have been working for years to make change and to promote broader social justice goals.
"There's always been these little groups of people who have these broader visions within unions and sometimes they are able to take power," Tarlau said. "In LA, a group of very progressive people who were often linked to other social movements in the city took power of the teacher union in the early 2000s, but it was really hard to transform this monstrous union of 34,000 teachers and change the culture from a service culture to an organizing culture."
Although the LA teacher activists were not successful in transforming their union in the early 2000s, they did influence other unions.
"Once the LA leadership changed, Chicago teacher union organizers met with the LA union and brought those same ideas back to Chicago," she said. "They decided they needed to form a caucus and began to organize with communities of color and networks like T4SJ. They changed the dialogue from teachers' salaries to students and their schools."
In 2010, the organizer of that caucus took over leadership of the union and in 2012 the Chicago Teachers Union led its first strike in 25 years.
"I think Chicago represents a new moment in teacher union history," Tarlau said. "Since then, the focus of most teacher strikes has been on education quality, access, equality — all of these social justice issues."
"When I was in LA in the picket lines, I would ask people why there were there and they would say things like 'privatization, charter schools, lack of funding, we're trying to save LA's public schools,'" she said.
Having these progressive organizers within unions rise to power and merge the historic divide between unions and communities of color has been one of the greatest changes in the fight for public education, she said.
"I think teacher unions are always a good thing because they protect teacher rights and that's always important. But what I'm interested in is when do teacher unions become broader social movements fighting for changes and why does that happen?"
— Rebecca Tarlau
A crossroads for public education
Although public education is an issue at the forefront of society, research on teacher unions is lacking. According to Tarlau, most researchers who study teacher unions are political scientists; however, colleges of education are lacking in their research on these groups.
"I think teacher unions are always a good thing because they protect teacher rights and that's always important," Tarlau said. "But what I'm interested in is when do teacher unions become broader social movements fighting for changes and why does that happen?"
"I am still collecting data and will continue to collect data throughout the next year," Tarlau said, adding that although she has been studying the topic of education and social movements for 10 years, this focus on teacher unions is more recent. "Right now, I am spending time in West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona and trying to understand how the 2018 strikes transformed the unions."
In contrast to LA and Chicago, she said, the "red state rebellions" were much more spontaneous and prompted by specific issues such as changes in health care or lack of state funding. However, even in these contexts, strikes were organized by local advocates and were fueled by a "bottom-up momentum," Tarlau said.
"What I'm looking at is what those activists are doing now. How the union leadership has responded and how they are trying to keep up with the grassroots momentum," she said.
Teacher unions are very dynamic organizations with internal disputes and diverse movements that take place from within, Tarlau said. However, the general public views teacher unions as homogenous and unilateral. Understanding unions from the inside offers insight into how these organizations work and influence public education.
"We're at a crossroads in the United States about the direction of public education. We have two very different visions about what public education should look like," Tarlau said. "On one side, there is the idea of more school choice, more charters, more standardized testing, which increases accountability, more merit pay, etc. And then there's a current in public education being led by teacher unions right now, which is that teachers are intellectuals and shouldn't be treated like low-skill workers. They should be given more autonomy and as a society, we need to defend and reinvest in public education."
It is these current moments and mobilizations that Tarlau believes will define what public education in the United States looks like in 10 to 20 years.
"The LA strike was not a strike just for teachers in LA. It was a strike against a paradigm of educational policy that the union successfully pushed back against," she said. "Anybody who cares about public education should care about these teacher strikes because they are shaping our educational future."
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Volume 11
Issue 4
- Even vampires can be cute
- A New Beginning for an Old Mine
- Bats 101: High School Students and Field Research
- Tips on Establishing Research Partnerships Between Schools and Wildlife Agencies
- Folklore and the Origin of Bats
- Guam National Wildlife Refuge Under Fire
- Motorola Supports Bat House Research Project
- BCI Helps Protect Pennsylvania Mine for Bats
- BCI-Sponsored Education Campaign in Mexico Leads to Cave Protection
- Annual Report Available
- Look for "Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats"
Bat conservation in Latin America relies heavily on successful education initiatives and the availability of educational materials about bats. Throughout Latin America, fear of vampire bats leads to the annual destruction of millions of beneficial bats, many of them Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) from the U.S. that spend the winter in northern Mexico.
With the help of Mexican biologist Arnulfo Moreno, BCI completed a pilot study in 1991, revealing that half of the ten bat overwintering caves surveyed had lost 95-100 percent of their bats [BATS, Summer 1991]. The most frequent cause of decline was burning of cave roosts. Most of the sites are mined to use fresh guano for fertilizer or to obtain phosphate from old deposits. Since the miners do not want to work with bats in the cave, they set fires in the entrances, killing huge numbers of bats at a time. In other cases, caves are burned or dynamited in attempts to kill vampire bats. Throughout Latin America, ranchers lose an estimated $50-100 million each year to vampire-related livestock deaths.
These results revealed the critical need for conservation education in the communities near the caves most affected. Highlighting this urgency, one of the most sensitive caves identified in the 1991 study has since lost all of its bats, a colony of some 250,000 free-tails. While it may be too late for some bat populations, others can still recover. With a grant from The Brown Foundation, an intensive and highly successful education campaign was mounted earlier this year. Moreno, who teaches biology at a local college, visited 58 educational and government institutions in four cities in northern Mexico, reaching many thousands of people, including key decision makers.
During the campaign, Moreno made good use of BCI's Spanish-language educational materials, donating 40 videos of "Los Murcielagos de America Latina" to schools and 1,000 BCI-produced brochures on vampire control. Originally planned to be completed in a month, the campaign generated so much interest that it was expanded to four months to accommodate all of the groups that wanted to learn more about their local bats. To continue to reach others, Moreno trained 22 of his students to make presentations on bat conservation.
In conjunction with the campaign, a BCI-sponsored bat exhibit at the Cultural Center of Tamaulipas was seen by some 15,000 people, including the state's governor and secretary of ecology. Moreno also reached a number of environmental educators at a wildlife symposium and generated positive publicity about the campaign in articles that appeared in all the area's leading newspapers, including a major story in El Norte, the most widely read paper in northern Mexico.
As a result of these efforts, two important free-tailed bat caves are now being protected as special nature reserves, and Moreno is seeking protection for others. Such an impressive outcome demonstrates the value of both education and publicity of the issues. BCI will continue to assist with such efforts.
Arnulfo Moreno (left) led a highly successful educational campaign in northern Mexico, reaching many thousands of people.


text: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight Strategic Initiatives to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in communities. Called the "Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA's Roles and Actions 2011-2014," the reports concludes that behavioral health disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide by 2020. The plan calls for technology to be used to combat this alarming finding. See this webpage for more information.


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You can expect all current show dates to change until we get more information about when we can reopen. If you have tickets to a show, we will contact you as soon as we are able to confirm the reschedule date. Your tickets and reservations will be honored for the new date and you won't need to do anything further. In the event we are unable to reschedule an artist and they must cancel their performance at The Coach House, we will notify those ticket holders immediately and a refund will be issued.
Please note that we will be having online livestream shows for you to enjoy while we wait this out. You can stay up to date on our announcements via our website, email newsletter, and social media accounts.
The health and safety of our customers, staff, and artists is our number one priority. We are doing everything we can to buckle down and navigate these unfortunate circumstances.
We are grateful for your support and patience until we can see you here again!


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NéoNoé MM
Mixing the Monogram motif with animal patterns, the NéoNoé takes on a savage look as part of the LV Jungle capsule collection. This bucket bag is both boldly fashionable and remarkably practical, thanks to its body-friendly and light-weight construction. Its adjustable strap enables three carrying styles: short or long shoulder and cross-body.
Detailed Features
26.0 x 26.0 x 17.5 cm
( length x height x width )
( length x height x width )
- Caramel
- Monogram coated canvas
- Monogram coated-canvas trim
- Textile lining
- Gold-color hardware
- 2 compartments
- Zipped central flat pocket
- Drawstring
- Metal eyelets
- Strap: Removable, adjustable
- Strap Drop: 33.0 cm
- Strap Drop Max.: 56.0 cm
The reference is either made in France, Spain, Italy or in the US.
Product CareTo preserve the beauty of your product, we recommend following these guidelines for its care:
- Be careful not to scratch or rub your product against abrasives surfaces, especially the leather trim.
- Protect your product from humidity and keep it away from direct sources of heat, such as radiators and the inside of cars in summer.
- When not in use, store the item in the dust bag provided with your purchase. Do not store in high temperatures, high humidity or unventilated areas.
- To clean the canvas, use a soft cloth, dampened with slightly soapy water, avoiding the leather parts. Never use solvent
- Avoid contact with hand cream, hand sanitizer, make-up and perfume.


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By Chris Adams
When people hear of a diagnosis of dementia, they most commonly associate it with a decline in memory. But the disease can also cause severe changes in mood or personality, as well as agitation or aggression.
To deal with those symptoms, some health care providers prescribe – and often over-prescribe – antipsychotic drugs.
In a session with National Press Foundation fellows, Lori Achman of the U.S. Government Accountability Office detailed the use of antipsychotics in elderly dementia patients, as well as the steps the government is taking to reduce it.
"Antipsychotic drugs should be a last resort," Achman said. "They should only be used if the patient is a threat to themselves or others."
Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are not approved to treat the behavioral symptoms than can come with dementia, but doctors are allowed to prescribe them that way if they think an "off-label" use is medically beneficial.
The problem, investigators have found, is that some nursing homes are too quick to prescribe the drugs, thus subjecting elderly patients to the risks that come with any prescription drug – particularly a powerful one such as an antipsychotic (some brand names: Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon, Abilify).
Achman's GAO report on the issue found that such drugs have been found to increase the risk of death for older adults with a diagnosis of dementia. The drugs carry a Food and Drug Administration-required black box warning that says they are associated with higher risk of death.
They still are being used, although Achman detailed how that use has decreased.
Through an analysis of Medicare data, the GAO found that about a third of nursing home patients had some sort of dementia diagnosis; of those patients, about a third had received a prescription for an antipsychotic drug.
The GAO found that some nursing homes were simply more likely to prescribe antipsychotics, and when a new patient went to one of those homes they were 40 percent more likely to get such a prescription themselves (even after controlling for patient-specific factors).
The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services has been pushing to reduce those numbers, with some success. In 2011, 24 percent of long-stay nursing home residents were on antipsychotics; by 2018, that had dropped to 15 percent.


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Congratulations to the winners of the February Release Giveaway!
Thanks to everyone who responded. I understand that with so many cute dies to choose from, it would be quite impossible to guess which 2x2 and 4x4 sold the best. But according to our sales record as of last Friday, these were the top dies ordered from retailers:
2x2 – Chick KS-0930
4x4 – Tree REV-0182-D
Here are the winners:
Chick guessers: Tree Guessers:
Kaylyn B Deanna
Helen Jen M
Kelley Jenn Lynn
Each winner will receive either two shapes from the release of their choice or the Chick-a-Dee alphabet if they prefer. Since Kelley was also the first one to get both correct she'll receive two shapes and the alphabet. So if you're listed as a winner above, email me at firstname.lastname@example.com
I'm feeling extra generous today so I'm going to reward one more person. It's apparent that the chick and egg (or eggs with legs as you call it) shape is a new favorite. When I first saw this shape I immediately thought of the cartoon character Sheldon from a popular Saturday morning show I watched growing up. Since that time our office has referred to this shape (both the 2x2 and 4x4) lovingly as Sheldon. The first person to reference the show Sheldon was on correctly will also receive a prize. Good Luck!
Just for the record, the rain puddle is my favortie die. Maybe it's because I have big yellow rain boots just like that or perhaps it's because playing in the rain and jumping in puddles is a favorite past time of mine. Anyway, it's cute.
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. My husband and I are preparing to witness history on Friday for a one night only concert with MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice. It's certain to be a night to remember.


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Because money and personality are two topics I love to mesh together.
Your Personality, Using the Big Five Personality Traits
Before we go on, we have to spend some time talking about personalities – what is its definition? In comes behavioural science.
The book Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being by Professor Brian R. Little gave me some great info about the categorisation of personalities, so I'm going to use that. There are many ways to test personality types, including the popular Myers-Briggs model, but Prof Little said the one I'm about to share is the most peer-approved one.
Note: It's important to remember that for most people, it's never as clear-cut as A or B (ie, introvert or extrovert). It's more like a spectrum. Not only we can have qualities of both, we can adjust it to the situation as well.
The Big Five Personality Traits which can be used to explain the spectrum of our personalities are:


text: The island of the gods is home to some of the worlds best restaurants. International cuisines have migrated to Bali from the far reaches of the globe, which makes it possible to enjoy food from every continent. Many restaurants in Bali offer Falafel on their menu's but we believe the dish deserves a restaurant devoted solely to its greatness. Combining original recipes from the Middle East with local produce and flavors, we aim to create something unique. A typical Bali restaurant has a sit down cafe style to it. Although we offer seating at our restaurant, we wanted to keep things as simple as possible. This is why our establishment is small, and we recommend ordering for takeaway. This allows our guests to walk around the market as they eat! Our specialized focus allows us to make sure what we are doing is great. Through our focus on this wonderful dish, not only do we strive to be one of the best restaurants in Ubud and Bali, but we want to make the best falafel in Asia.


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Contact the Albany HVAC Pros
Albany HVAC is the leading provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in Albany, NY and the Capital Region. Our team of highly trained HVAC experts take pride in delivering outstanding heating and cooling solutions and exceeding your expectations for quality, reliability, and speed at an affordable price.
As the top hvac company in Albany for the past 35 years, Albany HVAC is committed to being your go-to hvac contractor when you're in need. From heater installation to air conditioner repair, our licensed technicians offer cutting edge hvac products and unsurpassed workmanship.
Albany HVAC values you and we thank you for your continued support of our local heating and cooling business. For anything you need HVAC related, contact us at 518-963-0366 and we'll get you back on the way to a better day. Call today!
Albany HVAC
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 518-963-0366
URL: https://www.hvacalbany.com/
Albany, NY
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 518-963-0366
URL: https://www.hvacalbany.com/
Albany, NY
HVAC services in Albany, NY !! Call: 518-963-0366


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Job opportunity- restorative justice development officer at Why me?
Why me? is looking for a restorative justice development officer who will be responsible for the development of restorative justice with communities and individuals affected by hate in the Greater London. The work will involve connecting with and developing relationships with primary and secondary groups accessed by individuals affected. In addition, the post holder will be responsible for building on Why me? contacts with people involved in criminal justice and community safety. The goal will be to set up restorative justice awareness sessions and community events with groups, which will be provided by our team of restorative justice facilitators and staff. The work will also entail recruitment of community ambassadors, who have perpetrated or suffered hate crime, to work with us.
The post holder will be line managed by and report to the director, Lucy Jaffé. Strategic governance of the project is by the board of trustees.
Hours: 25-35 hours/week - to be discussed
Salary: £32,000 pro-rata
Holiday: 20 days pro-rata plus bank holiday pro-rata
Location: Can Mezzanine, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR at the time of writing. This may change. Working from home by negotiation.
Special requirements: This post is subject to registration with and clearance from the Disclosure & Barring Service. Hours of work will involve some weekends and anti-social hours.
Deadline for applications: 16th December midnight. Interviews on 19th December and 20th December
For further information including the full job description, please visit https://why-me.org/2018/vacancy-restorative-justice-development-officer/


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Women's Link Worldwide along with other organizations that form part of the Strategic Group for the Decriminalization of Therapeutic Abortion in NICARAGUA -- including the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights, the OB-GYN Society, the New Family Association (ANFAN), the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), and IPAS Central America -- recently requested the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) to order the Nicaraguan government to adopt urgent precautionary measures to protect the life of a 27-year-old Nicaraguan woman and mother of a 10-year-old child. The case is premised on the fact that the Nicaraguan health system refused "Amalia" (or "Amelia" -- the petitioner's pseudonym) both a therapeutic abortion and treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) for metastatic cancer.
On February 26, in an unprecedented move, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, under the leadership of President Luz Patricia Mejia Guerrero (right), apparently adopted urgent precautionary measures on behalf of the petitioner (the text of the measures is not yet available on the Commission's website, see more here, here and here). Women's Link Worldwide reports that in its ruling, the IACHR called on the government of Nicaragua to
- ensure that the petitioner has access to appropriate medical treatment for her condition, and
- undertake this treatment in consultation with Amalia and her designated representatives.
Nicaragua is under considerable internal and external pressure to amend its law. At the recent session of the U.N. Human Rights Council that considered Nicaragua's first Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record, the Council recommended that the law be abolished. Nicaragua reportedly took note of the recommendation, but did not accept it or even offer to study it as it did with respect to other recommendations. The Nicaraguan representative countered that the law was a reflection of Nicaragua's sovereignty. In addition, four other human rights bodies -- the Committee against Torture, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women -- have determined that the law violates Nicaragua's treaty-based human rights obligations. Amnesty International has taken up the case, and feminist activists have launched an Urgent Action on Amelia's behalf. The Constitutional Court has yet to rule on the constitutionality of the measure.
Stay tuned....


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3-D Dental Imaging in Charleston, SC
One of our goals is to always provide the most modern, comprehensive dentistry available to our patients in the Charleston area. Incorporating advanced technology gives us a number of advantages so you can have optimal care and optimal results.
At James Island Dental Associates, we are excited to offer a new way of imaging to our patients.
Dr. Thomas and Dr. Weir now have the ability to perform CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) of our patients' jaws with our new low-radiation Planmeca ProMax 3D.
What Is CBCT?
This system allows us to look at our patients' jaws and teeth in 3-D. This technology is especially helpful when we are:
- Planning for implants (single tooth or multiple)
- Planning an extraction of third molars (wisdom teeth)
- Evaluating endodontic (root canal) teeth and TMJ issues
Instead of producing a two-dimensional image like a standard or panoramic x-ray, CBCT produces a 3-D image. This image allows Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas to accurately and precisely visualize not just your teeth but also all the supporting structures, including muscles and sinus cavities. Using this information, we can plan your treatment from start to finish and know exactly what to expect.
With a high-tech and precise image like those produced with CBCT, the guesswork is removed. This allows for highly successful treatments, whether we're extracting an impacted wisdom tooth or replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant. While surprises can be fun on your birthday, nobody ever wants a surprise when they are receiving medical care!
Convenience for You
When we are selecting new technologies for our practice, we carefully consider the ways in which our patients will benefit from our investment. In addition to making treatment more comfortable and accurate and avoiding potential problems, our patients no longer need to go to an imaging center to have scanning done. Instead, you will be able to be scanned right here in our office, preventing additional running around and other nuisances.
Along with being scanned for implant placement, we will be utilizing Romexis software so that we can digitally place implants. Dr. Weir and Dr. Thomas can make a thorough plan for your implant surgery before any incisions are made. They will consult with you so that you can feel comfortable and understand the outcomes of your surgery.
Learn More about the Services We Offer
Are you considering dental implants to replace a missing tooth? If you live in the Charleston area, please call our office. We can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate. We know you'll appreciate the comfort and convenience of having your entire treatment completed right here in our comfortable office with our compassionate and friendly team.