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Payments Tech Is Changing, So the U.K. Changes Regulators
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Technology is rapidly changing payments, turning it into something that more closely resembles a layered ecosystem like an electrical grid than a traditional financial service.
That evolution has regulators in different countries scrambling to ensure the rapid changes serve the public good. A new regulator in the U.K. may be on to something by including staff that has more experience in utilities, public transportation, the internet and other open public services than in the payments industry.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the U.K.s financial regulatory body, has created the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR), a separate entity to regulate the payments industry. The group members' divergent career paths suggest a favorable view toward movements that democratize access to payments.
Hannah Nixon, the FCA's appointee to lead the new group, spent six years as senior partner at the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) and three years as head of regulatory economics at the Office of Rail Regulation. Like the London Underground and the citys electrical grid, payment systems must be reliable and 24/7, said Nixon. But reliability is only one factor. The way people spend, move and manage their money is constantly changing and payment systems need to keep pace with that, she said.
Nixon's experience regulating utilities should come in handy as different ways to access the payment rails emerge and potentially work against each other.
The financial industry frequently discuss ways to add scale and efficiency to payments, similar to the utilities industry. Newer payments companies tend to tout a base layer of payments provided at no cost, acting more like a public good. Its a position shared by an increasing number of more established entities, such as the British government, which in the early 2000s mandated the Faster Payments System. The banks allow nearly all U.K. consumers access to the rails to send real-time person-to-person payments without cost.
After her appointment, Nixon appointed Mark Falcon to serve on the new group as well. Falcon was previously head of economic regulation at Hutchison 3G, a mobile phone network and broadband internet provider. This is especially important as more commerce moves online and more consumers use their mobile device, be it a tablet or a smartphone to shop and buy. According to Statista, 7.8 billion pounds of retail sales will be initiated through a smartphone in the U.K. in 2018, nearly doubling from its 2014 prediction. In 2014, Statista predicted that mobile commerce would account for 18% of total online commerce but the results haven't come in yet. Plus, Falcons prior experience is relevant as mobile network operators war with startups to find a place to add value in mobile payments, as well as pursue financial inclusion through efforts such as mobile money platform, M-PESA.
Nixon additionally appointed Louise Buckley, who helped organizations with reputation management at Stracey Wheeler Consulting, and Carole Begent from the Competition and Markets Authority, a government agency that promotes competition for the benefit of consumers.
Amelia Fletcher, a professor of competition policy at the University of East Anglia who prior was the chief economist at the Office of Fair Trading is on the PSR's board. And also on the board is Christopher Woolard, who was previously the group director at the Office of Communications, a U.K. governmental regulatory body for broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries.
The PSR is beginning an in-depth look at the U.K's Faster Payment system and the bank-owned company that manages it, VocaLink. Some in the U.K. have complained that the system has challenged innovation, since startups have a high regulatory and relationship barrier to meet before they can build on the Faster Payments rails.
The PSR's expertise in competition policy can help inform standards for payment systems, which are run by private companies but use government-built interbank networks to provision electronic transfer systems, said Bill Maurer, professor of anthropology at the University of California Irvine.
Maybe its OK to let people pay more for moving value faster across the rails, Maurer said, ambivalently.
While proponents of net neutrality argue against tying fees to internet speed, the model is already taking off in the payments industry. Exclusive payment networks are using both social and financial means to tier access.
For example, alternative payments provider, Ashe Pay charges a monthly fee$1 for consumers and $10 for merchantsfor access to its prepaid payment network which eradicates both transaction fees and chargebacks. Flooz, a French person-to-person payment platform, has erected a steep social barrier to entry. Only consumers that get invited by the company itself or by existing users can transact on the Venmo-like platform.
The establishment of the PSR is a recognition that payment systems are essentially a form of financial infrastructure and innovation in finance requires competitive access to such infrastructure, said Lui Smyth, U.K. lead at CoinJar, a Bitcoin exchange and consumer services provider that was founded in Australia. Smyth is the one-man show that leads CoinJars European expansion from Level 39, Londons largest tech incubator at Canary Wharf. While Bitcoin has its own set of rails, Smyth is making a statement about banks inaptitude to work with Bitcoin businesses. By not banking cryptocurrency startups, financial institutions are inadvertently (or some might say knowingly) keeping them down and out of the market.
The metaphor between payments and the railroads (which has been used for decades) has bubbled to the surface again as the industry fleshes out the difference between Bitcoin the payment rail and bitcoin the currency.
The industry frequently discusses how revolutionary blockchain technology is without bitcoin, but these two things are difficult to separate. While another blockchain could be built without a cryptocurrency token, for a decentralized system to work, there must be an incentive for distributed entities to provide the work. Bitcoin, the currency, incentivizes miners to input computing power and foot the high electricity bill.
For the past several years, the industry has been collapsing the [currency] token into the rail, making them inseparable, said Maurer. Although he doesn't think this is necessarily a bad thing, it is a trend to watch for foul play.
The growth of loyalty points is another example of the industry cementing a payment instrument to a rail. Loyalty points are private tokens that must be used within a closed system. And while many larger companies are partnering to allow customers to spend points on more sites--Amex Points can be used to purchase items on Amazon.com for exampleMaurer said, this could pose a problem in the future. Providers could lock people into a certain system, allowing them to only transact within that system or shunt consumers into relationships with specific merchants.
While establishing a team to regulate payment systems that lacks payment systems experience comes with a substantial amount of risk, the U.K. has developed a team that aligns with the changing perception of money and payments.
Theres definitely a divide between regulators and fintech startups, said Elias Haase, founder of bitsilk, a six-year-old software development company based in London.
Entrepreneurs are risk takers, whereas, regulators tend to be more conservative and cautious because of the hard time they get for both action and inaction. If [regulators] approve a technology and people lose their savings then they will get the blame, Haase said. If they are too slow to approve new technology they will be blamed for protecting monopolies and suppressing potentially profitable markets.
But the makeup and the initial consultation of PSR is promising, Haase said.
Even before publishing its proposed roadmap for regulation in November, the PSR held more than 170 meetings and met with 75 organizations, said Nixon. In December, a formal consultation was attended by more than 200 people and eight roundtable sessions were held to give all the stakeholders a chance to speak to the group.
Im a strong believer that the best type of regulation is made by working together with industry so this is very much a model we will look to continue, Nixon said. Its important that we give everybody a chance to have their say and bring them along with us on this journey.
Nixon declined to name any organizations or stakeholders the PSR spoke with. But the regulator will not only oversee small tech startups but also large, internationally-recognized banks and payment providers.
Its something were seeing more and more all over the world is more regulatory engagement, with regulators actively soliciting input from the industry said Karen Gifford, head of compliance at Ripple Labs, a cryptocurrency startup led by serial financial services entrepreneur, Chris Larsen. Over the last several years, theres been much more outreach on the part of regulators.
The U.S. has also moved to regulate payments startups with a light touch so as not to stifle innovation. High profile regulator, Benjamin Lawsky, superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services has even moved to institute a transitional license, an on-ramp for payments startups including those that operate in Bitcoin.
Regulators that oversee payments are becoming aware of how technology is eliminating inefficiencies in the payment system, opening access to a greater public that hasn't traditionally been a part of the economy. But these technologies also act quite different than the payment methods of the past, so more diverse regulatory thought is necessary, which the U.K. seems to be taking the lead in.
Bailey Reutzel is a reporter at PaymentsSource.


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By Brent Tarter
From the formation of the first institutions of representative government and the use of slavery in the seventeenth century through the American Revolution, the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and into the twenty-first century, Virginia's history has been marked by obstacles to democratic change. In The Grandees of Government, Brent Tarter offers an extended commentary based in primary sources on how these undemocratic institutions and ideas arose and how they were both perpetuated and challenged.
Although much literature on American republicanism focuses on the writings of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, among others, Tarter reveals how their writings were in reality an expression of federalism, not of republican government. Within Virginia, Jefferson, Madison, and others such as John Taylor of Caroline and their contemporaries governed in ways that directly contradicted their statements about representative—and limited—government. Even the democratic rhetoric of the American Revolution worked surprisingly little immediate change in the political practices, institutions, and culture of Virginia. The counterrevolution of the 1880s culminated in the Constitution of 1902 that disfranchised the remainder of African Americans. Virginians who could vote reversed the democratic reforms embodied in the constitutions of 1851, 1864, and 1869, so that the antidemocratic Byrd organization could dominate Virginia's public life for the first two-thirds of the twentieth century.
Offering a thorough reevaluation of the interrelationship between the words and actions of Virginia's political leaders, The Grandees of Government provides an entirely new interpretation of Virginia's political history.
464 Pages, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0813934310, University of Virginia Press, 2013.
428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220 | Mail: P.O. Box 7311, Richmond, VA 23221-0311 | Phone: (toll-free) 1.866.459.3669
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« Bill Gates (and Many Teachers) Take the Ice Bucket Challenge | Main | It's Actually OK to Smile Before Christmas, and Other Tips for New Teachers »
Executed Photojournalist Was Teach For America Alumnus
James Foley, the missing American photojournalist who was executed this week by the Islamic State militant group operating in Iraq and Syria, was known for his courage and fierce commitment to humane causes. He was also, as many news outlets are reporting, a former teacher.
A native of New Hampshire, Foley graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1996 and became a Teach For America corps member the same year. According to TFA, he taught 5th grade bilingual education from 1996 to 1999 at Lowell Elementary School in Phoenix.
"Jim always had a remarkable spirit," TFA said in a statement Wednesday. "As a passionate teacher, he devoted his time to ensuring the success of every studentand as a journalist, he was committed to seeking the truth and reporting with the utmost integrity. He will be severely missed by all of those whose lives he touched."
In blog post written in 2013 after his initial disappearance in Syria, Sarah Fang, a TFA alum who trained with Foley, remembered him as an idealist who was consummately devoted to his students. "As a teacher, Jim dedicated hours to his middle school social studies students at Lowell School," she wrote, "and stayed in touch even when he was no longer their teacher."
Fang also recalled that Foley would "promise students that he'd take them to the Castles and Coasters amusement park if they would come to class every day. Jim is always true to his word."
According a 2013 story in the Columbia Journalism Review, Foley subsequently taught "reading and writing to inmates" in a vocational-rehabilitation program in Chicago.
After obtaining a master's degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in 2008, Foley was drawn to covering areas of conflict. His work, according to a CNN report, sought to show "humanity amid the horror of war."
Foley was abducted in 2012 while on assignment in Syria for the Boston-based GlobalPost. On Tuesday, the Islamic-militant group ISIS posted a graphic video on the Internet (now removed) purportedly showing his beheadingapparently in retaliation for the recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.
"We have never been prouder of our son Jim. He gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people," Foley's mother wrote on Facebook.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with Jim's family, friends, and all of his loved ones at this most difficult time," TFA said in its statement.
Photo: American journalist James Foley is shown in a November 2012 photograph while covering the civil war in Aleppo, Syria.--Nicole Tung/Freejamesfoley.org/AP-File


text: Brittany of "The House That Lars Built" has a fun St. Patrick's Day tutorial with pattern "5 Ways to wear green on St. Patrick's Day"! I have included a few pictures and you have got see them all, very creative. These are five ways not to get pinched on St. Pat's Day, so give one a try or all five. Thanks so much Brittany for the tutorial and ideas, very cute.


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The project, which ranked #7 on the list, widened 2.5 miles of
roadway along the SR 520 corridor, which connects Seattle and Eastside
communities like Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. The expansion, which was
necessary to accommodate the region's population boom, included expanding the HOV lanes, improving
transit stops, constructing direct access interchanges for transit and HOV, and
building three landscaped freeway bridge structures, called lids. These
improvements are expected to provide greater mobility for all SR 520 travelers,
including drivers, transit commuters, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
This is
the second award won by this project, with the first being the Excellence in Concrete Construction Award from the Washington Aggregates and
Concrete Association.
The SR 520 Eastside Transit and HOV project will be featured in
the November issue of Roads and Bridges magazine.
PCL is a group of independent
construction companies that carries out work across the United States, Canada,
the Caribbean, and in Australia. These diverse operations in the civil
infrastructure, heavy industrial, and buildings markets are supported by a
strategic presence in 31 major centers. Together, these companies have an
annual construction volume of more than $7 billion, making PCL one of the
largest contracting organizations in North America. Watch us build at PCL.com.
Copyright © 2020 PCL Constructors Inc. All rights reserved
Read the latest issue of Horizons, PCL's quarterly publication.
All Issues »


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First up is Material Girl! I absolutely love love love this line! I can't say enough good things about this line. It speaks to my heart completely! :D And I had a ton of fun doing this layout! I'd be happy to do a tutorial on how I did it if anyone would like! :D
Supplies: Paper-all of the Cosmo Cricket Material Girl collection papers; Embellishments-Cosmo Cricket Material Girl Ready Set Chip, Ready Set Chip letters in Red Line; Tools and Other-Marvy 2 1/2 in scallop punch, Provo Craft mini scallop scissors, hole punch, (used a Crate Paper die cut paper as the template for the scallop circle), sewing machine and embroidery thread
Next up is Garden Variety. I went super simple on this one because I love the background paper and wanted it to be a focus of the layout. This is kind of my resolution page for 2010. It just listed tons of things that I want to work on, improve on and change. I wanted to use as many of the paper's patterns as I could, yet not use them-know what I mean? The theme for this line just didn't work with resolutions, but the colors are great! So I just used punches of the papers and lined them up. :D I really like how it turned out.
This layout is my fav that I did. I love the muted colors and the little glassine circles. :D And I went a little punch happy too. :P Oh and once I get the Tiny Type stickers in my new box then I will be adding an m and a o after the 25. :D
Supplies: Paper-all papers from Early Bird collection including the Borders and Elements; Embellishments-Ready Set Chip Extra Extra, Fleuriste Blackboard negative, Basic Grey Opaline Teal/Aquamarine; Tools and other-Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch and 3-in-1 Butterfly punch, Claudine Hellmuth paint in teal, Craft Supply paint in black and white, sewing machine, Provo Craft mini scallop scissors, packing paperThis has got to be my all time fav layout that I think I have ever done. :P I know I say that about quite a few but I this one is really special to me. Oddly enough though, Cosmo Cricket bought it from me for the CHA booth, and now I have to recreate it. LOL! Which is fine with me, I am supplied with more than enough product to do so. :D The journaling is from one of my fav songs, It's Amazing by Mindy Smith. It reads:
Can you see
It's amazing what you do to me
Took my heart and made me feel things
I never felt before
It's changing me
Switched direction so suddenly
Shook me up and threw me around
Helped me learn to breathe
It all in
When I was afraid to reach out
Oh, when I was the one to run
You came along with a new lease on love
To show me how it's done
Supplies: Paper-all Boyfriend papers in collection including Elements; Embellishments- Boyfriend Ready Set Chipboard, Honey Pie brown scallop velvet ribbon, Ready Set Chip Letters Flour Sack; Tools and other-Martha Stewart punches Starburst, Rose Leaf, Frond, 3-in-1 Butterfly, Provo Craft mini scallop scissors, sewing machine
On another note, I am going to soon begin the task of planning my wedding. *I'm so excited!* It is going to be a tiny thing, but I want it to be beautiful and meaningful. If you happen to know of any good DIY or inspiration sites for weddings I would appreciate it soooo much! I am clueless about how to plan, and about what exactly I would like for our special day. It is in December btw, so I have a bit of time. :D Thanks so much!!!


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Tie Defender upgrades incoming. Here is my two pence.
I've never been one to write articles on stuff that's not completely released but this one is really exciting. The first ship Imperial ships I bought after the core set, was the Tie Interceptor and Tie Defender. The Defender has had a few games since its early forays but it's never quite worked out.
After initially playing with the generic Defenders, I looked at the named ships. I had a go with trying to make Rexlar work with moderate success but never took the tournament plunge with him. This is what I tried:
Sontir Fel with PTL and Auto Thrusters
Black Squadron Tie Fighter with Wingman
Rexlar Brath with PTL, heavy laser cannon, engine upgrade.
99 points
The problems lay around the functionality. The black squadron pilot had to keep within Range one of Rexlar as much as possible, whilst Sontir free styled. Maybe I should have stuck with it more but the damage output was not all that and getting Rexlar's pilot ability off was few and far between. Combine that by not having any green turns, only straights and you eventually become predictable.
Colonel Vessery on the other hand has a fantastic pilot ability and as I'm a fan of the Tie advanced and Advanced Targeting Computer makes Vessery very handy. I've run him few times in recent months with Vader and Colzet and I feel there is potential. As you are extremely unlikely to spend the target locks from Vader and Colzet in the combat phase, Vessery will gain his free target locks. The key thing here is it allows him to spend his action either on repositioning or focusing without harming his damage output.
The Dial does cause issues still as although you have a hard one and two they are red. Vessery's ability does help mitigate that and its handy as it does free up his EPT slot for more options. Oddly, to an extent he does not really need the EPT slot.
Naturally I've got the Imperial Veterans on pre order and the new options available to the Tie Defender is intriguing. In my opinion we will see them flocking to the tournament scene, both generic and named pilots with the new Title TIE/D.
This title is a bit like the BTL A4 on the Y wing but better as it forces your opponent into choices as the secondary weapon shoots first. Of course the Defender player has similar decisions about whether to spend target lock or focus on the first attack or not. This is where Vessery will shine as he will get a target lock for both attacks providing that a wing mate has lit them up.
The Tie/D could be quite obnoxious with Ruthlessness, even with a tractor cannon as you could move a ship into range one of another for the primary attack to cause the splash damage.
What gun?
Flechette Cannon: causes one damage and a stress if not already stressed. Its okay but won't always hurt as much if the target is already stressed.
Ion Cannon: cause one damage and ionizes. Very useful especially against low agility ships with turrets and limited ranges. TLT Y wings, we are looking at you. Downside is if running just the one, then you need to hit large ships twice.
Tractor beam: no damage but assigns a tractor token. Reduces agility by one with no damage caused till the end of the round. Added bonus of being able to make a small ship barrel roll or do a straight 1 boost once regeadless of number of tractor cannon hits.
Some options being banded around are;
3 Onyx Squadron pilots with Tie/D and Tractor Beam 99 points.
Or one Onyx Squadron pilot with tractor Cannon and Tie/D and 5 obsidians 98 points.
Every time a tractor beam hits it makes the potential damage suffered greater, although it means putting all your attack modifying into the tractor beam attack to gain any benefit. Against lower agility ships the Ion and Flechette cannons can potentially do more damage and add a control element for the next round which is where the white 4 K turn can come into its own.
You could cover your bases and have three defenders with one of each weapon:
Onyx with Tractor cannon
Onyx with Ion Cannon
Delta with Flechette cannon.
100 points
Ideally you are looking to shoot with the tractor cannon first so that the rest of the squad can hit home with their shots. This will also apply to an ace build as well. My preference for an ace currently lies in and Ion cannon but tractor cannon could work on something like this:
Sontir Fel with targeting computer
Colonel Vessery with Crack shot and Tractor cannon, TIE/D
Two Black Squadron Tie fighters with Crack Shot
99 points
Sontir slaps a target lock down and goes defensive, Vessery tractors and the Ties pummel. Alternatively you could look at Rexlar with VI to boost him to PS 10.
Rexlar Brath with Veteran Instincts and Tractor cannon, TIE/D
Sontir Fel with targeting computer and Auto thrusters
2 Obsidian Tie Fighters
99 points.
The TIE/D title does bring with it the benefits of the TLT with the bonus of the second shot being a primary weapon attack with all hits counting. The decision as the player is whether to opt for potentially more maximum damage caused directly by the Defender by running either an Ion cannon or flechette cannon or spreading the love with the Tractor cannon.
There's another Title?
Ahh the TIE/X7. A minus 2 point card with the buff of if doing a speed 3,4 or 5 manoeuvre you get a free evade token. Possible garbage? I can see this of being of use on a Defender with push the limit and twin Ion engines to make all its banks green. A triple action defender could be handy on both Rexlar and Vessary although I feel Vessary would be the better option for it, as you could move, get a free evade, focus as an action, barrel roll if PTL is the EPT then get free target locks in the shooting phase if you have someone to do the honours.
Rexlar could be a bit more boss with it with perhaps predator so as to make it less stressful than running PTL.
When you consider the fact that it has a white speed 4 K Turn then it could turn out to be the hidden gem of the two titles in this age of TLTs and regenerating rebel scum. Personally I feel The TIE/D title has the more obvious and practical options but I would not completely dismiss the TIE/X7
New Pilots
Personally I find it hard to see past Colonel Vessery if opting for just the one defender in a squad. We don't yet know the pilot abilities of Marak Steele and the other named pilot and its hard to tell by the text whether or not Steele has the same Pilot ability as he does in the Tie Advanced. Looking at the Ghost preview where they have duplicated the same abilities on different ships for the same pilots it's a maybe. I would suggest he is better in a Tie Advanced with ATC if it's the same.
The Royal Guard generics with PS 6 and access to an EPT slot sound good but will probably sit at either 33 or 34 points. Vessery is 35 points. I rest my case on that unless maybe sticking the TIE/7 title on them with a cheap EPT if running more than one.
The Defender with the Tie/D title does offer a good platform for the tractor cannon with the option of pulling an enemy ship into range one then hitting them with four dice. There is even the possibility of moving them out of arc on either the defender or other squad mates. I feel the gimmickry of the tractor cannon will sound better on paper than in application for the most part. Without sounding like a broken record or CD on repeat I feel that Colonel Vessary is still the best platform if you can get another ship to stick a target lock on the target.
The new titles will certainly fix the Defender and make it appear all over the shop but I would not get too carried away about it. It's still a hard ship to fly in formation with only green moves being straight unless you opt for twin Ion engines.
All in all I'm looking forward to it and adding a defender into my squad again.


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Stuart, FWIW, I don't have anything particularly against the amended formulation but I am wondering whether we are not already covered with the current spec. In several places we state that routing, message exchange patterns, etc. are features and as such we expect that they may be defined although it is out of scope for us to say how. Btw, I agree that not having a standardized mechanism would be bad but I don't think we should say anything about when and how that might happen in the spec. Hopefully the spec will stay around for a long time! Henrik -----Original Message----- From: Williams, Stuart [mailto:email@example.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2002 03:46 To: 'email@example.com' Cc: firstname.lastname@example.com Subject: RE: Final Proposal for Issue 41 Amr, A couple of things... firstly the issue is about the there being no provision *within a SOAP envelope* to identify the target "program, service or object " so... I think the first sentence need to be extended with "...within a SOAP Envelope." I think this is true of the ultimate recipient, but we do provide a means (within the envelope) to identify the role that SOAP header blocks are targetted to. I am also uncomfortable that we place the responsibility on application designers to effectively develop routing extensions for themselves. I think applications designers will be looking to us for a set of standardised SOAP extensions - otherwise we head for an interoperability nightmare.So, I believe that responsibility comes back to this group (probably under some future charter) to provide a single standardised extension for the expression of message paths and the identification of ultimate recipients. <amended proposal> Add the following text to (Part 1 Section 7: Use of URI in SOAP): SOAP 1.2 does not provide any normative means to carry the identity of the ultimate recipient within a SOAP envelope. SOAP 1.2 does provide a means to identify the roles that a SOAP header block is targetted to. SOAP 1.2 does not provide any normative means for the expression of a message path with a SOAP envelope. However, it does provide means for the development of SOAP extensions that provides for such expression within SOAP header blocks. [Work to define a message routing extension for SOAP may be the subject of future WG activity within the W3C.] </amended proposal> For the most part we have not actually addressed the issue, and I think we should say so rather than cast it as a responsibility on the app.developer. I've put the lats sentence in [] to make it optional, since it sets some expectation - which may be inappropriate given that they lay outside our current charter. Regards StuartReceived on Tuesday, 12 March 2002 15:20:22 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Friday, 17 January 2020 23:11:47 UTC


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5 must see places in Lagos
Lagos Portugal is a magnificent place with a lot of treasures waiting to be discovered. Here are five we recommend you don't miss! 1. Praia do Pinhao When you come to Lagos, its no doubt chilling on white sandy beaches … Continue reading
Why now is the time to head to Lagos Portugal
Who else wants to sun bake in March!? Most of Europe has seeped into winter; the grey cloud cover and winter jackets have become all too familiar, and we´ve unwillingly accepted that we won´t be sporting a t-shirt and shorts for the … Continue reading
10 things every visitor to Lagos should know
A few words from a Lagos local, offering some words of daily knowledge… 1. The seagulls are huge, and so is what they splatter from above. Entertaining, unless it happens to you. 2. A small beer is called an Imperial. … Continue reading
Goodtimes Lagos App, check it out!
In March 2014 the Goodtimes Lagos App was released and made available for free dowload in the app store. It is titled "Algarve Goodtimes" as it covers not only Lagos, but the gorgeous Westcoast too. The app has offline content, meaning … Continue reading
Coming in 2014… A new Goodtimes Guide!
In 2014, Goodtimes Guides will unveil a new edition… A Goodtimes guide to Sagres and the Algarve´s west coast! We are very excited! After years of seeing visitors wanting to head west, but having little idea of what to do … Continue reading
The freshest, healthy, wholesome lunch spot
PRIZE FEATURE: Cafe Fresco provides a great, fresh breakfast and lunch option in Lagos. Their menu includes interesting and well presented meals, thoughtfully combining great flavours. Start off with a fresh fruit smoothie or juice which will leave you feeling revitalized … Continue reading


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for macOS
Use this page to configure behavior of the Debugger and customize its view.
Common options
|Focus application on breakpoint
|If this checkbox is selected, on hitting a breakpoint, PyCharm Edu will show the location of this breakpoint in the editor and will attempt to bring its frame to the front.
|Show debug window on breakpoint
|Is this checkbox is selected, PyCharm Edu activates the Debug Tool Window on hitting a breakpoint.
|Hide debug window on process termination
|Automatically hide the Debug window when the debugged program terminates.
|Scroll execution point to center
|If this checkbox is selected, the line with the current execution point will be kept in the middle of the screen.
Data Views
|Sort values alphabetically
|Select this option to sort the values in the Variables pane of the Debug Tool Window.
|Enable auto expressions in Variables view
Select this option if you want the PyCharm Edu debugger to automatically evaluate expressions and show the corresponding values in the Variables pane of the Debug Tool Window.
The debugger analyzes the context near the breakpoint (the current statement, one statement before, and one after). It does so to find various expressions in the source code (if available) such as, for example,
If such expressions don't contain explicit method invocations, the debugger evaluates them and shows the corresponding values in the Variables view.
|Show values inline
|Select this option to enable the Inline Values View feature that allows viewing the values of variables right next to their usage in the editor.
|Value tooltips delay (ms)
|Specify the delay (in milliseconds) between the moment when the mouse pointer hovers over an object in the Variables pane of the Debug Tool Window, and the moment when a tooltip with the object's value is displayed.


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Let's take a look a the latest data on pending sales volume versus closed sales volume.
For this series I roll the pending sales and closed sales data up by quarter, with pending sales offset by one month. In other words, the second quarter numbers below represent pending sales from March, April, and May and closed sales from April, May, and June.
As of the second quarter, one in four pending sales (25.2 percent) were still failing to ever show up in the closed sales numbers.
With the housing market as hot as it has been for most of the last year and a half, I had been expecting this number to shrink down to closer to 10 percent, but it has instead actually risen since this same time last year, when 23.8 percent of pending sales failed to close.
Apparently one in four pending sales falling out of contract for one reason or another has become the new normal for the housing market. This is likely due to a combination of various factors, including the NWMLS' redefinition of "pending" in July 2008 as well as buyers simply becoming a lot more picky.
This is good news for buyers, since many homes that quickly go pending may end up back on the market, giving buyers a second chance.
It will be interesting to see if this number changes much over the next year, but given how long we've seen it at these ~20%+ levels, I've become doubtful that we'll be seeing it drop down to 10 percent any time soon.


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Home / 5 Keys to Maintaining Team Review-ocity and Avoiding Review-itis / daily-pull-requests
Derek Tiffany is a Technical Manager at 3Pillar Global. He holds technical responsibility for the implementation and delivery of software development projects using a variety of technologies and frameworks, including blockchain, .NET Core, and Java/J2EE. In addition to implementation, Derek also assists 3Pillar clients in validating and defining their new product strategies taking advantage of emerging technologies. This currently includes cryptocurrency and Serverless applications in production. In the past it also involved developing some of the first applications for Windows Phone. Derek has spent over 20 years as a developer in the Washington, DC area at both professional services and product companies.


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Equifax Data Breach
The following is some very good information from the Federal Trade Commission's website about the Equifax Data Breach. There are several links within this page to other information on the FTC website to clarify some information.
If you have a credit report, there's a good chance that you're one of the 143 million American consumers whose sensitive personal information was exposed in a data breach at Equifax, one of the nation's three major credit reporting agencies.
Here are the facts, according to Equifax. The breach lasted from mid-May through July. The hackers accessed people's names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver's license numbers. They also stole credit card numbers for about 209,000 people and dispute documents with personal identifying information for about 182,000 people. And they grabbed personal information of people in the UK and Canada too.
There are steps to take to help protect your information from being misused. Visit Equifax's website, www.equifaxsecurity2017.com.
- Find out if your information was exposed. Click on the "Potential Impact" tab and enter your last name and the last six digits of your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is sensitive information, so make sure you're on a secure computer and an encrypted network connection any time you enter it. The site will tell you if you've been affected by this breach.
- Whether or not your information was exposed, U.S. consumers can get a year of free credit monitoring and other services. The site will give you a date when you can come back to enroll. Write down the date and come back to the site and click "Enroll" on that date. You have until November 21, 2017 to enroll.
- You also can access frequently asked questions at the site.
- Here are some other steps to take to help protect you after a data breach:
- Check your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — for free — by visiting annualcreditreport.com. Accounts or activity that you don't recognize could indicate identity theft. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to find out what to do.
- Consider placing a credit freeze on your files. A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. Keep in mind that a credit freeze won't prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts. There may be a nominal fee to place a freeze. You can contact the three credit agencies at the following numbers:
- Equifax — 1-800-349-9960
- Experian — 1 888-397-3742
- TransUnion — 1-888-909-8872
- Monitor your existing credit card and bank accounts closely for charges you don't recognize.
- If you decide against a credit freeze, consider placing a fraud alert on your files. A fraud alert warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and that they should verify that anyone seeking credit in your name really is you.
- File your taxes early — as soon as you have the tax information you need, before a scammer can. Tax identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Respond right away to letters from the IRS.
- Visit Identitytheft.gov/databreach to learn more about protecting yourself after a data breach.
Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts:
Many people have had very sensitive personal information exposed in the Equifax breach — Social Security numbers, account numbers, even drivers' license numbers. Equifax is offering free credit freezes until November 21, 2017. The company also will refund fees to anyone who already paid for freezes since September 7, when it announced the breach. If you're thinking of placing a freeze, read this first.
A freeze means that no one (including you) can access your credit file until you unfreeze it, using a PIN or passphrase. That makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
To be effective, you must place a freeze with all three credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Transunion and Experian. That's because when a thief tries to take out new credit, a business can pull your credit report from any of the three agencies. If you've only frozen your Equifax file and the business checks with Experian or Transunion, your Equifax freeze does you no good.
There's also cost to consider. A freeze can cost you money every time you freeze and unfreeze your file. While Equifax will let you place or lift a freeze for free until November 21, TransUnion and Experian are not offering free freezes. And, as of now, Equifax's offer will end on November 21. That means that any time you need to get new credit, you'll need to lift the freeze, then place it again, with each of the three agencies — at a cost of $5 to $10 per agency each time, depending on your state's law.
But wait, you say, I heard that freezes are free for identity theft victims. So, will I get free freezes from the other two agencies too? No. An identity theft victim is someone whose information not only has been exposed, but also has been misused. If you're a data breach victim, your information is at greater risk of misuse but unless that happens, you're not an identity theft victim and not entitled to free freezes on that basis.
To learn more about credit freezes, read Credit Freeze FAQs and Extended Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes. If you want a free credit freeze from Equifax you can call them at 800-349-9960 or visit them online at freeze.equifax.com.
If you're looking for an alternative to a credit freeze, consider a fraud alert. Although a fraud alert won't lock your credit like a freeze does, it will tell anyone who runs your credit that they should check with you before opening a new account. Fraud alerts are free but they end after 90 days, unless you remember to renew them. You may also want to sign up for Equifax's free credit monitoring, which lets you know about changes to your credit file. But remember that the free credit monitoring doesn't stop someone from opening accounts in your name. Also, it lasts only one year and the threat of identity theft relating to the breach is likely to last a lot longer than that.


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Play it Again, Sam.
Okay – I know that quote never happened, but what did happen is Hollywood's template that it still uses today: love story, playful characters, happy ending, good always prevails.
American Film Institutes Ranking: #2/100
Awards: Nominated for eight winning three: Picture, Director and Writing/Screenplay.
My Rating:
This movie.
From the first moments in Rick's cafe, I realized that I was going to really enjoy this one. What Hollywood does so well is pulling the wool over our eyes. The movie's plot and characters feigned, pushing against the boundaries of reality, but time and time again we find the magic produced so enticing we suspend our thinking minds and tap into our imaginations.
This doozy of a WWII flick combines anything you can consider to be Hollywood and does it at a high level. The dialogue, the characters, the setting, and the plot all swept me up, transporting me to a time that no longer exists (and truthfully never did) for one of the best films of all time.
Continue reading "Top 100 Movie Review: #2 – Casablanca (1942)"


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Sweet potato tacos with black beans are an easy and yummy dinner made with wholesome ingredients!
Sweet potatoes are one of my top picks for any mexican related recipes.
These sweet potato tacos are full of smoky flavor and are so filling and delicious!
Sweet potatoes are perfect for vegetarian mexican recipes, because they are not only nutrient dense (and filling), but their sweetness contrasts perfectly with those smoky flavors and fresh zing-y lime juice.
I prefer to roast mine at super high heat to get some crispy edges.
Ingredients to make sweet potato black bean tacos
- sweet potatoes
- spices
- olive oil
- garlic
- onion
- black beans
- limes
- cilantro
- toppings of choice
Simple, and packed full of so much fresh flavor!
I buy sweet potatoes almost every week and love to roast them.
Gone are the days of my childhood where I only ate sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving.
I had no idea what I was missing!
how to make sweet potato tacos
First, you're going to peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small chunks.
Toss them with spices and olive oil, and transfer to a large nonstick baking sheet.
Edges are preferable, to keep the sweet potatoes from falling off when it's time to flip and stir them.
Why to roast my sweet potatoes at 450 degrees
They cook faster (only 3o minutes!)
They get crispy edges (and texture is so important!)
Next, cook up some fresh garlic and onion (always always), then add in your black beans, fresh lime juice, and your cooked sweet potatoes.
Scoop some of that yummy filling into soft taco shells and it's time to eat!
Garnish tacos with chopped cilantro and toppings of choice.
Around here, we love sour cream and salsa.
Jarred jalapenos are also a great choice if you like that spicy sweet flavor combo!
Plant based, simple, filling, and flavorful.
More Mexican Recipes You Might Like
- 5 Minute Homemade Refried Beans
- Sweet Potato Refried Bean Nachos
- 5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Vegan Portobello Fajitas
- Tofu Mexican Rice Casserole
- The Best Guacamole Recipe
- Vegan Quesadillas
- The Best Veggie Enchiladas
- Easy Vegan Taco Bake
Are you making this recipe? I want to see! Be sure to tag me on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite.
Be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST & INSTAGRAMto never miss a recipe!
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a star rating below!
Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe
Sweet Potato Tacos
Easy and delicious sweet potato tacos with black beans and fresh cilantro
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small chunks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- juice of 1 - 2 limes
- soft taco shells, for s
- cilantro, for serving
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- Peel and dice sweet potatoes and place in a bowl
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and enough olive oil to coat (I used 1/4 cup)
- Toss well to combine
- Transfer sweet potatoes to a nonstick baking sheet and roast at 450 degrees for 15 minutes
- Stir and flip potatoes, and roast an additional 10 - 15 minutes, until edges are crispy
- While potatoes are cooking, add diced onion, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a large skillet or jumbo cooker
- Cook on medium high heat for 7 - 10 minutes, until onion is soft
- Add black beans, lime juice, and cooked sweet potatoes and stir until heated through
- Taste and adjust seasonings (I didn't add any more seasoning)
- Serve filling on soft taco shells
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro
- Add toppings of choice (we like sour cream and salsa)
- Use lime juice to your taste. I personally love lime juice, and used the juice of 2 whole limes for my filling
- Use vegan sour cream if you are dairy free
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 158Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 599mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 6gSugar: 9gProtein: 4g


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Devlins, Perth
Devlins was founded by Simon Devlin in 1997 and is the spot to go for your cigars whilst in the most isolated City in the world.
They have a wide range of cigars from all over the world and a great selection of Cuban cigars and accesories.
It is a retail outlet but also has a members only area with private keeps, im sure if your from out of town Simon and his friendly team will make you welcome in the lounge to smoke your cigar of choice.
Devlin's Cigar Divan, London Court Is one of our premium retail outlets, offering excellent cuban and non-cuban cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco and all the premium accessories you could desire. Devlin's Cigar Divan is Perth's largest purveyor of premium cigars, pipes, tobaccos and all related accessories. Stocking one of Australia's largest ranges of Cuban cigars, Devlin's Cigar Divan has a world wide reputation for quality and service. Located in the heart of the city in one of Perth's most famous arcades, London Court, Devlin's Cigar Divan is the place for the cigar aficionado.
Devlin's, 411 Hay St Subiaco The Subiaco store joins the Perth shop in London court Featuring two walk-in humidors, huge range of cigars and accessories, private cigar lockers with personal keys. Devlin's now offers for the man who has everything the finest shirts and hand made ties from Italy, an amazing range of fine writing instruments. Superb leathergoods from Dunhill of London including belts and wallets. This is the store for the hardest person to buy for
Devlins 411 Hay St Subiaco, WA, 6006 (Monday - Saturday 10am-8pm Sunday 11am - 5pm)


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10 Things You Didn't Know about Siphiwe Tshabalala
1. Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalala was born on the 25th September 1984 in Soweto.
2. Shabba" or "Ntho tse Monate" was born in Seanamarena to Isaac Tshabalala and Rebecca Hadifele Makhubu.
3. Tshabalala played at the Kaizer Chiefs academy but only broke through to the senior team after spells withAlexandra United and Free State Stars,
4. He has been one of the most influential players locally leading the club to several cup wins..
5. He has endorsements with Nike, Shield and Pro-Nutro..
6. Tshabalala made his national team debut in a friendly against Egypt on 14 January 2006.
7. Siphiwe Tshabalala wanted to be a chartered accountant if he wasn't a football player.
8. Benni McCarthy has been Siphiwe's greatest South African inspiration.
9.On 11 June 2010, Tshabalala scored the first goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Mexico in the 55th minute.
10. Siphiwe Tshabalala was 2010's Safa Footballer of the Year.


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Parade Flag Sets & Supplies
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Neal Schon on Journey's ''Sopranos'' moment
Guitarist Neal Schon says it's ''awesome'' that his band's ''Don't Stop Believin','' a song he cowrote back in 1981, closed out one of the most critically acclaimed series of all time
Who cares if Tony's dead or alive? The real question lingering after Sunday night's finale of The Sopranos is why did creator David Chase choose Journey's power ballad "Don't Stop Believin"' to play during the last scene?! It certainly resonated with viewers: The tune had climbed its way into iTunes' Top 40 as of Tuesday morning. But what does it all mean? Does Chase want us to hold on to the feeeel-ay-y-ay-ing? Oh the questions, they go on and on and on and on…. We called up Journey guitarist Neal Schon, who cowrote the chart-topping "Don't Stop Believin"' back in 1981, for some answers.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: I hear you haven't seen the episode yet, but I'm sure a million people have talked to you about it by now.
NEAL SCHON: [Laughs] I woke up to calls today — my phone was, like, ringin' off the hook. I was a big fan of the show, I just don't watch TV a lot. I've been working in the studio lately, writing some new material, and so I didn't even know it was on last night. I mean, the first notion I even had that it was gonna be on the show was the guy that works our publishing trying to get [our music] into different TV shows and whatnot e-mailed me the other day and said there was a possibility that it might get in the show. He didn't say that it did. But I heard about it from everybody today and everybody said it was great.
What was your reaction when you found out that "Don't Stop Believin"' had made the cut?
I was like, awesome!
Why do you think David Chase chose that song?
I think there's probably a hidden message why they wanted to use that song. "Don't Stop Believin"' means that they're gonna be back with a new series.
Really? You think that's why?
I mean, that's a given to me. That's the way I take it. I'm originally from New Jersey, and I've got Italian blood in me, so I was like, I hope they ask me to do a guest appearance if they rework the show and come back with a new series. I could be playing some blues guitar in a bar somewhere with a pool table. [Laughs] As far as it being a positive [for us], I can't believe that this song just surfaces in so many great shows and when the Chicago White Sox won [the World Series in 2005] and the St. Louis Cardinals winning games last year. The song just continues to be a big hit. So it doesn't even matter that we did it back in 1983 or whatever it was. [It was 1981.] It's a feel-good song and it's got a positive message.
Hearing your song play when Carmela walked in the restaurant to meet Tony got me all choked up. Your music moved me, man!
It's funny: I just ran into John Cain, the writer on the song with Steve Perry and me. He saw the show last night. He said, "It was great — wait till you see it! They played the whole song. It stops on 'Don't stop!' And then it goes black." I go, Wow that's pretty heavy, that's great. Good for us! Good for them, good for us! [Laughs]
Are you going to watch the episode today?
Yeah, definitely. To be on the last episode of a show like that, the last scene, the closing of everything — everybody's talking about it. I'm actually pissed off that my agent didn't e-mail me and say, "Watch tonight." I'm gonna drill him! Like I told you, last thing I knew was [HBO] were asking permission [to use the song]. We turn down a lot of stuff. And the reason that we turn down a lot of stuff is because this is what happens from turning down cheesy stuff.
What, being immortalized in one of the most critically beloved TV series of all time?
Yeah, exactly.


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Alberta Tar Sands: Sickness and despair in Michigan
The Alberta Tar Sands is not only an apparent 'Crime Against Humanity'. It is a crime against our planet Earth. The ego-drive elites who seek to commercially profit from the Tar Sands spread human suffering, destruction and death not only among First Nations communities in northern Alberta. The destructive path of the Tar Sands has reached Michigan, south of the border, as the above video, and article below reveals.
The Alberta Tar Sands is not only an apparent 'Crime Against Humanity'. It is a crime against our planet Earth. The ego-drive elites who seek to commercially profit from the Tar Sands spread human suffering, destruction and death not only among First Nations communities in northern Alberta. The destructive path of the Tar Sands has reached Michigan, south of the border, as the above video, and article below reveals.
Deb Miller lives less than 30 metres from the Kalamazoo River in central Michigan, site of one of the largest inland tar sands oil disasters in US history.
In July 2010, nearly four million litres of toxic tar sands crude oil gushed into the river following the rupture of the Lakehead Pipeline 6B belonging to Enbridge Energy Partners, a Canadian oil and gas transportation company.
Meeting with other area residents at the office she owns with her husband on the banks of the Kalamazoo, Miller describes the adverse health effects she has suffered in the wake of the spill, including migraine headaches, burning eyes, a persistent sore throat, and a "cloudy brain" condition that she half-jokingly refers to as "Oil Alzheimer's".
The Lakehead Pipeline 6B that burst was built in 1969 to transport regular oil, not tar sands crude - which is as thick as peanut butter and must be injected with chemicals in order to enable transportation.
The Michigan spill is Enbridge Energy's largest to date in the United States.
Outside the office window, oil cleanup workers wearing white Tyvek suits arrive in a boat, apparently to collect samples from the silvery sheen of the river's surface.
The river has been closed for over a year.
Rashes and seizures
Despite grave health concerns among the local community, Miller told Al Jazeera that she has yet to receive a visit from her county or state health department.
Susan Connolly, a paralegal who resides in the nearby town of Marshall, said her children showed signs of exposure immediately after the spill occurred: "My son started vomiting and my daughter got a weird rash five days into it."
Factory worker Sherri Baldwin, whose house is approximately 100 metres from the Kalamazoo, is also concerned about her children.
"They've been sick off and on over the last year," she told Al Jazeera. "My 12-year-old, David, has been really sick, with rashes all over his body, and his allergies have gotten far worse. My 10-year-old has a rash all over his stomach and back."
Confirming that her grandson is now using a nebuliser as a result of respiratory difficulties, Baldwin added:
"We are also having problems with our memory. I can't remember anything anymore. I don't let my kids go outside anymore because I don't want them to keep breathing all that crap. My kids are telling me they can't remember things they did even just a short while ago."
Nicolas Forte, a 22-year-old construction worker and carpenter who also lives 100 metres from the contaminated river, has meanwhile suffered a total of 43 seizures since the oil spill occurred last July. Forte emphasized to Al Jazeera: "I've never had health problems before this. I was in perfect health before the spill."
A survey conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health three weeks after the Kalamazoo incident found that 60 per cent of nearby residents were experiencing headaches, vomiting, respiratory troubles and other health problems due to the spill.
Enbridge's CV
Enbridge has a long history of spills throughout both the US and Canada.
According to Ottawa-based advocacy group the Polaris Institute, Enbridge is responsible for 610 spills - involving more than 22 million litres of oil - between 1999 and 2008. This is approximately half the amount of oil spilled during the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska in 1989.
Less than two months after the 6B rupture, an Enbridge pipeline leak near Chicago brought on a civil suit against the company by the state of Illinois, which alleged that Enbridge endangered public health and created a public nuisance.
Around this same time, the Wisconsin Department of Justice announced that Enbridge had agreed to settle another lawsuit for $1m over air pollution violations at a storage terminal in the city of Superior. The firm had already pledged to pay $1,100,000 to the state of Wisconsin to settle environmental claims regarding its failure to obtain and abide by permits governing its construction of pipelines through wetlands and waterways.
That a semblance of justice is often more difficult to come by is clear, however, from testimony by citizens whose lives and livelihoods have been harmed by Enbridge's activities.
Consider, for example, the Kalamazoo corn and soybean farmer who described the aftermath of the spill to Al Jazeera as follows: "I would be in my fields and could taste the chemicals, and I began to feel nauseous and shortness of breath."
The farmer, who wished to remain anonymous for personal reasons, explained while coughing:
"I gave Enbridge the paperwork they asked for about how I was being affected, both physically and with my crops, and they 'lost' my paperwork. The Enbridge guy I was working with was transferred to Australia, and now I'm going to have least $300,000 of losses in crops from not being able to irrigate them."
As for Enbridge's cleanup efforts in the area, Dr Stephen Hamilton - professor of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry at Michigan State University and president of the board of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council - criticised the company's cosmetic approach and its focus on merely disappearing the most visible effects of the disaster, like sheen.
At a meeting with Watershed Council members, Hamilton told Al Jazeera:
"Public involvement and transparency has been lacking, and we know this because we [the Council] were an environmental advisor in the cleanup effort. We can't tell you who [at Enbridge] is making the decisions, and what information they have, because they only tell us what they want us to know."
Noting that the Kalamazoo spill "has totally fouled the river environment and floodplain, as the river was out of its bank and flooding when the spill occurred", Hamilton also expressed frustration at how Enbridge's lack of transparency is impeding a clear assessment of the disaster's impact on area wildlife.
Mike Murray, staff scientist for the Great Lakes Regional Centre of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), meanwhile warned of oil's chronic effects on ecosystems:
"I have a big concern with longer term impacts from the chemicals in the oil, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, [which] tend to be larger molecules and more persistent and can bio-accumulate in the food web and cause harmful effects to fish and wildlife, reproduction, and other problems."
Al Jazeera asked Enbridge if the company would comment on safety concerns many people have about their operating practices, as well as for additional information (beyond what has already been provided to the public) about what the company is doing to prevent future spills.
Enbridge refused to be interviewed.
Government response?
Robert Whitesides, a board member of the Watershed Council, blames the state of Michigan for simply parroting Enbridge's own assessments of the disaster.
Instead of acting independently, Whitesides told Al Jazeera, the state "started issuing reports generated by Enbridge".
A number of residents have additionally accused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of acting as little more than an apologist for the energy transportation company, and have criticised both Enbridge and the government for what was widely perceived as an inept response to the spill.
According to Murray of the NWF, "[t]here was lack of government and company preparedness ... There were definitely a lot of breakdowns [with regards to] implementation [of the response plan] - finding the oil, assessing the size of the spill and allowing independent entities to come in and provide more accurate information."
Todd Heywood, a senior reporter who has been covering the Kalamazoo spill for the Michigan Messenger, remarked to Al Jazeera:
"Enbridge did not give the EPA and other emergency responders the proper MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheets] to respond to until about a week after the spill. There should have been an immediate mandatory evacuation order, but that didn't happen because Enbridge didn't give them the proper information."
County Health Officer Jim Rutherford told Al Jazeera that the county response was slowed down by the fact that air-monitoring canisters had to be brought up from the Gulf of Mexico, site of the then recent BP oil spill. Beth Wallace, the Community Outreach Regional Coordinator for the NWF, meanwhile took issue with Enbridge's distribution of a waiver for area residents to sign if they desired air monitoring near their home or business, which included a pledge not to sue the company.
Heywood also criticised the EPA and the Michigan Department of Community Health for their relative lack of concern when EPA tests revealed a presence of heavy metals along the mouth of the Kalamazoo, largely in the pockets of submerged oil that formed as a result of the spill. Warned Heywood: "[T]hose heavy metals stay within the bio-system."
As for accusations of EPA lenience vis-a-vis Enbridge, EPA incident commander Ralph Dollhopf indeed had nothing but positive things to say in an interview with Al Jazeera about the company's response to the disaster. Asserted Dollhopf:
"Their actions reflect an acknowledgement of the severity of the discharge, they take our orders seriously, and they are maintaining a strong workforce of between 600 and 700 people, with a high of around 2,500. They appear to be committed to cleaning up the spill."
Significantly, while escorting Al Jazeera through the security checkpoint to the interview with Dollhopf, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Don de Blasio specified that the agency would not be able to answer any questions pertaining to the human health impact of the Enbridge spill.
Enbridge itself refused to be interviewed or to provide precise information addressing specific questions about what the company is doing to prevent future spills.
Precedents, parallels, future prospects
Dr Riki Ott, a toxicologist and survivor of the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska, is much less reluctant to speculate as to the effects of manmade disasters on human life.
"Tar sands crude oil is 10 times more toxic than regular crude oil," Ott explained to Al Jazeera. "So of course, we're seeing the same health problems in those exposed to the chemicals in the oil in Michigan as we are seeing in those exposed to BP's oil in the Gulf of Mexico."
Al Jazeera has spoken with dozens of victims of the April 2010 BP oil spill, such as Paul Doom, a 22-year-old from Navarre, Florida, who became extremely ill after swimming in the Gulf. His symptoms, which resemble those reported by the residents of Kalamazoo, have included two to five seizures per day, severe headaches, internal bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding from the ears, diarrhea, paralysis in the left leg and arm and failing vision.
"I've had two blood tests for Volatile Organic Compounds which are in BP's oil and dispersants, and they both came back with alarmingly high levels," Doom told Al Jazeera.
John Gooding, a resident of Pass Christian, Mississippi, meanwhile stated: "I can't live at my home address anymore because it's too close to the coast ... [T]here is a constant steady chemical smell coming off the Gulf. Even both my dogs had seizures and died."
Gooding himself also experiences seizures and suffers from various respiratory and other health problems. Although chemicals used in oil dispersants have been found in his blood as well, the claim he filed with BP in the hopes of obtaining compensation has been denied.
Gooding recently travelled to Washington, DC to protest the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which -- if approved by US President Barack Obama -- would transport tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada to Texas.
He commented to Al Jazeera: "I was telling those people living near the proposed pipeline, 'We are your future, because when you have oil spills, this is what your life is going to look like'."
Given that tar sands crude is more corrosive than regular oil and is thus far more likely to cause spills, Gooding's prophecy is entirely credible.
Keystone XL and the environment
One cause for concern among opponents of the Keystone XL pipeline is its potential to leak into and damage the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies 78 per cent of the public water supply in Nebraska and one-third of all the water used for irrigation in the US.
John Stansbury, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Nebraska, recently warned in an independent risk analysis of the pipeline:
"Even a small, undetected leak from an underground rupture of the pipeline in the Nebraska Sandhills could pollute almost five billion gallons of groundwater with benzene at concentrations exceeding safe drinking water levels."
Twenty of the top scientists in the US recently sent the Obama administration a letter outlining how the Keystone XL pipeline constitutes an environmental disaster from a climate change perspective, while Jim Hansen, NASA's chief climate scientist, has said that if the tar sands are tapped heavily for oil, it will be "essentially game over for the climate".
On October 5, the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups sued the US State Department and US Fish and Wildlife Service to halt what they termed "illegal construction" on the pipeline.
Meanwhile, Robert Whitesides of the Watershed Council in Kalamazoo recently remarked to Al Jazeera: "TransCanada claims they can detect and shut down a leak in six minutes, but the Michigan pipeline rupture gushed tar sands oil for 12 hours before it was detected."
Pro-pipeline attitude at the State Department?
The environmental uproar has somewhat obscured debate over the purpose of the 2,740km, $7bn Keystone XL project, proposed by the Canadian oil and gas company TransCanada and sold to the American public as a means to reducing dependence on foreign oil.
According to the watchdog group Oil Change International, oil demand in the US has in fact dropped due to the economic crisis, and, for the first time since 1970, domestic oil production is up as a result of shale oil production in North Dakota and Texas. Noting that TransCanada has already secured contracts with companies that are openly planning to export oil - such as Valero, Motiva, and Total - Oil Change International observes that TransCanada's actual intention is to refine the tar sands oil into diesel fuel in order to ship it to the European market, where demand is high.
In a report entitled "Exporting Energy Security: Keystone XL Exposed", the group predicts: "The construction of the Keystone XL will not lessen dependence on foreign oil - rather, it will feed the growing trend of exporting refined products out of the United States, thereby doing nothing to enhance energy security or to stabilize oil prices or gasoline prices at the pump. If completed, it will successfully achieve a long term objective of Canadian tar sands producers - access to export markets beyond the US."
The environmental group Friends of the Earth has, via a Freedom of Information Act request, obtained internal emails revealing amicable ties between a State Department official and a top lobbyist for TransCanada. According to Friends of the Earth, the documents are "deeply disturbing" and indicate "pro-pipeline bias and complicity at the State Department", which oversees TransCanada's application to build the pipeline.
Further evidence of bias might be detected in the State Department's final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Keystone XL, issued in August, which acknowledged the adverse impact of oil spills on wildlife:
"Some of the possible toxic effects include direct mortality, interference with feeding or reproductive capacity, disorientation, reduced resistance to disease, tumours, reduction or loss of various sensory perceptions, and interference with metabolic, biochemical, and genetic processes."
A far rosier conclusion was, however, reached with regard to human immunity from oil spill damage:
"Crude oil spills are not likely to have toxic effects on the general public because of the many restrictions that local, state and federal agencies impose to avoid environmental exposure after a spill."
Susan Connelly provided testimony at a State Department public hearing on October 7 that drew attention to a coalition of landowners, conservationists, indigenous peoples, national security experts and religious leaders who urged US President Barack Obama to reject the pipeline proposal.
Because the Keystone XL pipeline project involves crossing the US border, it requires a Presidential Permit.
The final say on whether to build the pipeline rests with President Obama. His decision is expected before the end of the year.
Internet site reference: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/10/2011101151776808.html
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We accommodate both conference and private guests with all imaginable luxuries, whether the group is small or large. 274 rooms, conference facilities for 2 to 450 persons, full bar, Winothek, newly renovated restaurant and kitchen with well-renowned chefs, an-archipelago-SPA with a large hot spring, 25 metres indoor pool, sauna landscape. There is also a sandy beach, wood-heated sauna and summer restaurant down beside the dock and much moore. And of course all of the usual benefits that a conference venue in the archipelago can offer, from boule competitions to RIB boat races.
All this, and a fine view out over the blue waves of the Kanholm Bay, just 35 minutes by car or bus from Stockholm. Welcome to Djurönäset.
Here you you can enjoy your free time with family and friends . Give yourself a little relaxation in an environment that is completely unique.
A new opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment where you disappear into a world with a variety of saunas, showers and relaxation areas, with a view of the ever changing nature of the archipelago. An oasis of water and heat


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How severe is my bunion? December 17 2015
Many that suffer from a bunion think that they will require surgery to correct it, and often leave it to get worse before seeking help. We believe that many symptoms of severe bunions could be prevented if only the sufferers realised that there were alternative bunion treatments out there for them and Bunion Sleeve is one such treatment.
Bunion Sleeve is a lightweight, corrective barrier for use with mild to moderate bunions. Not only does it protect the foot and toes against any further damage, but it slowly separates the toes by releasing tension while straightening the big toe to improve gait.
Knowing the options available regarding treatment for bunion symptoms is the first step in removing bunion pain from your life.
Basic pain relief such as Paracetamol, along-side anti-inflammatories; like Ibuprofen, is recommended for day-to-day pain caused by bunions.
Toe splints and orthotic shoe inserts are used to try and reduce the bunion and how you use your foot when walking.
Wearing fitted shoes that are wider at the toe will prevent a bunion from deteriorating and causing further pain.
Bunion symptoms include a bony lump on the outside edge of your toe caused by the misalignment of the big toe; pain, swelling of the toe joints, overlapping toes, sore skin on the foot and increased pain whilst active or wearing shoes.
Here at Bunion Sleeve, we have devised a method of bunion correction that is wearable, unrestrictive and rehabilitating. Our option of bunion treatment without surgery is ideal for mild to moderate bunions, as well as being the perfect post-bunion surgery rehabilitation product.
How bad is it?
Now we have reviewed the symptoms and available treatments, how bad does your bunion feel and what do you need to do about it? It is always better to act sooner rather than later when it comes to a painful hallux valgus. This handy infographic describes the different stages of a bunion and when it is advisable to seek help or wear your Bunion Sleeve.


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Every single year we go through the Moon Wars. Muslims all around the start looking out for the moon and rely on social media, for someone somewhere saying they've sighted the moon so… Ramadhan Kareem or Eid Mubarak.
These one month a year Islamic scholars.
For 30 days a year, Muslims who drink – stop drinking. Those who don't pray 5 times a day – start praying. Whatever it is that they're not supposed to do generally, you know, because they're Muslim, stop to repent and respect the month of Ramadhan. I was even told once by a friend that "you know you're supposed to stop drinking alchol 40 days before Ramadhan or your Namaz is not accepted."
It's noble. It's humbling. It's cleansing. Which is great if you stop all together. But as soon as Ramadhan is over, they get back at it until the next Ramadhan.
Sorry I got sidetracked by my emotions and thoughts…
So my dear one month a year Islamic scholars, you've read the Quran, you pray and are righteous so you should ALSO understand how the Moon Sighting works?
You see, way back in the day, when even your great great great grandfather wasn't born, the Prophets we read about in the now books, didn't have cell phones and the Internet to check if the moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, or Australia, or Jordan, Malyasia, the neighboring country. They had to wait in the city they were in, look up at the sky, and see the moon with their own eyes and know that it's time to fast. They weren't going to wait for a man to arrive on a camel traveling from Saudi Arabia all the way to Lebanon to tell them the moon has been sighted.
But of course as years have gone by, human beings have evolved and now do things that suit them best, for their own convenience.
We've created an Islamic Calendar which is meant to GUIDE us, not dictate to us.
In actuality, if you're a religious person and fast, you're meant to wait to see the moon with your own eyes in the city you're in. Not because Saudi Arabia said so.
It's pure logic.
Such a great way to prove that religion has lost its way and the world is following things blindly without reading history or facts.


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Home :: Candy Brands ::
The Willy Wonka Candy Factory produces some of the most fun, innovative, high quality candies in the world. Willy Wonka's "scrumdidlyuptious" candy which was inspired by the famous books and movie, is unsurpassed in appearance, flavor and packaging. It provides a deliciously different eating experience that sparks the imagination in kids of all ages.


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That synching feeling
A recent US industry study carried out by AT Kearney estimated that $40bn, or 3.5 per cent, of total sales lost each year are due to supply chain information inefficiencies. The study showed that 30 per cent of item data in retail catalogues contains mistakes, which cost between $60 and $80 each to put right and consume 25 minutes of manual cleaning for each stock keeping unit.
Overall, there are errors in the documentation associated with 40 per cent of all items that pass through the supply chain according to Robin Howe, chief executive of UDEX, a company that sells services for checking product data.
'Software stops the transmission and someone has to re-key it,' explains Howe. 'As a result that item is stalled and is carrying more cost than was expected. Some 12 per cent of errors pertain to pallet and case diversions, so warehouse management systems' space allocation can't work properly. In the same way, planogram systems in stores can't be used either.'
Weight problem?
Around 30 per cent of problems come from weight and volume errors which impacts shipping, claims Howe. The same proportion of errors involves inaccurate descriptions of products. For example, packets with an extra 10 per cent contents may have a bar code that refers to the standard pack size. So, systems can't differentiate the sales of promotional items from those of ordinary packages.
Data gets out of kilter when manufacturers and retailers don't use the same product descriptions or item numbers, or when there is no centralised way of updating product listings or adding new products. It is just too big a task for each business partner to synchronise data individually with one another. Currently, manufacturers have to provide multiple versions of the same information about their product lines.
So big companies such as Wal-Mart and Procter & Gamble and have decided to try and cut down on the waste by ensuring that everyone refers to products and their attributes in the same way. They are backing an initiative called the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN), created by the EAN-UCC standards body.
GDSN involves creating a single registry of product data backed up by a series of local data pools around the world. Manufacturers post detailed information to the pools. Retailers query the central registry and are directed to a pool to download the information via the Internet to their back office systems.
One of these data pools, called UCCNet has already been set up in the US and the UK's e-centre expects to have the first standard pool in Europe up and running with an initial 2,500 suppliers on board by the end of the year.
However, suppliers have been slow to join UCCNet. One of the reasons for this is that getting accurate data posted in the pools involves a lot of hard work. Information has to be collected from different parts of a manufacturing organisation, individual products must be weighed and measured. Details of up to 151 attributes must be entered into the system and checked for accuracy.
Retailers have been cracking the whip with deadlines for their suppliers to get their data posted but there are good reasons why the GDSN will catch on. Proponents point to significant savings. UDEX, for example, says that price synchronisation alone can increase the first time pass rate on invoices from 48 per cent to 80 per cent with suppliers getting
paid quicker.
The growing popularity of online trade also demands more efficient fulfilment which is only possible with well-synchronised data.
In addition, the expected shift to radio frequency identification over the next few years will trigger a need for accurate, easily-accessed product information. RFID's electronic product code (EPC) uses the same product identification standards as GDSN.
The benefits of data synchronisation may need some hard graft to realise, but over the past year the calls to action from retailers have turned synchronisation into a no-brainer for many manufacturers. The realisation of the financial benefits of sharing common data may take a little longer, but there is no doubt of its importance to e-commerce and to taking Sod's Law off the statute book.


text: Classroom Locations BCourses are taught in the classrooms of the various schools of the consortium. Please note that courses do not always meet in the buildings of the school sponsoring the course. The course schedule uses the following codes: BST (formerly ABSW) - 2606 Dwight Way, Berkeley CDSP - 2451 Ridge Road, Berkeley DSPT - 2301 Vine Street, Berkeley FLHL - Flora Lamson Hewlett Library at 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley (includes Conference Room and Collaborative Learning Space) GTU - DEAN: GTU Dean's Office on the 3rd floor of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Road; HEDCO: 2nd floor seminar... Current Student Resources


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June 22, 2017
Red Circle Sponsors: Norman and Mirella Smith
Manifest your creative wish and take this fun rubber stamp carving class! Create your own personal symbol or sigil -- we'll learn step by step how to turn your idea into a design infused with intention, and carved into a stamp you can use over and over again. A Sigil is an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power, a seal, sign, or symbol. The design can be as simple as you care to make it.
Artist Coralette Damme, aka The Crafty Hag, shares her insight and experience in this fun hands-on printmaking workshop. You'll make your own one of a kind rubber stamp using the same carving methods as woodcut or linoleum block printmakers. All supplies will be provided for you, just come with a word or simple phrase that you want to focus on.
$45 registration fee payable online or at the door. Call The Studio@620, 727-895-6260 for additional information.
Red Member Tickets are not accepted for this event.


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Friday, 4 November 2011
Valeria Avendaño
Miss Earth Bolivia 2011
Valeria Avendaño
Miss Earth 2011
Valeria, Miss La Paz, strike a pose during the swimsuit competition at Saturday's Miss Bolivia 2011 pageant. She came in fourth over all earning the title Miss Earth Bolivia 2011. Valeria is 23 years old and stands 1.75 m. She will represent Bolivia in Miss Earth 2011.
La Paz, June 12 - Valeria Avila Odilia Avendano, 22, was elected last night Miss La Paz 2011, the representative of El Alto, Tania Salas Vargas won the title of Miss La Paz and Andrea Pinell Medinaceli the Miss Illimani.
Ten beautiful women participated in the final night of Miss pageant and Miss La Paz that took place in the classroom Diamont. The candidates that were announced last month for the first time in facilities of the Interior, showed last night, the preparation you had for seven months.
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VOUS High is the junior high and high school community of VOUS Church. We are committed to creating a place where young people can belong, grow, and encounter God. We meet through VOUS Crews and seasonal events. Check out the information below to get involved!
Every week VOUS High sits together in our 5PM Sunday service. We get to be a part of setting the tone and bringing the energy, and we have a seat just for you. Meet us at 4:15pm at the VOUS High tent on Sundays for our VOUS High huddle "Pre-Hang."See you there!
We're just a few weeks away from our second VOUS High Nite of the year and we are so excited! On this night we will be hearing from Special Guest, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Minkah is a first round draft pick and player for the Miami Dolphins and he is going to be sharing some of his story.
Don't miss the chance to hang with us at ACE PROPS MIAMI on Thursday, May 2. We will have free food, giveaways and more! Doors will open at 7:00PM. Tell everyone you know and we will meet you there!
**Must be between 6th and 12th grade.**
Vous High Crews are gatherings of junior high and high school students from VOUS Church who meet at different cafés around Miami to hang, eat and talk about life. These gatherings take place every other week. We would love for you to join us at any of our crews—simply choose a crew, sign up online and we will see you at dinner!
The vision for Vous Church emerged out of the weekly gathering of The Rendezvous in Miami Gardens. The mission is to create a church in Downtown Miami that would be a home to all ages and represent the diversity of our beautiful city. We believe in the next generation and value the wisdom and guidance of those that have gone before us.
VOUS High is the youth ministry at VOUS Church. Catering to the middle school and high school age group our goal is to help students find, grow, and nurture their relationship with Jesus and walk their lives out in freedom together. We believe you shouldn't do life alone.
VOUS High Crews exist to help students find community and stay connected to God. As students attend their crew the goal is also for them to grow through mentorships and friendships with others. As the next generation, we believe in nurturing a strong relationship in Christ and helping students to establish leadership skills by getting plugged into a team at VOUS.
We are so glad you asked! Right near every VOUS High Crew location you can find an adult crew that meets at the same time. We care about the growth of the whole family and believe that when you and your child attend a crew the whole family finds freedom together.
Middle school students will need a parent present at pick up to be dismissed. High school students will be dismissed at 9pm at the conclusion of the crew.
Each VOUS High Crew is lead by two adult crew leaders of the opposite gender and will have at least 2-4 adult leaders on every crew night.
On a crew night the first half hour is dedicated to fellowship. This is a great time for kids to get to know each other, connect, and eat some yummy food. After that we move into an icebreaker activity, praise report, gender based discussions, and a prayer moment. We like to celebrate together and pray together!
Each VOUS High Crew takes place at a restaurant or food court to ensure that kids have the opportunity to purchase food. However, it is not mandatory that they buy food.
Click the button below and complete the form to sign up for a VOUS High Crew.join a crew
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again!
Have a question, need prayer, want to share some good news?
Oops! Something went wrong. Please check the form for errors.


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The Center for Reproductive Rights has an opening for a qualified individual with a degree in law and a passion for protecting women's rights and human rights. The legal fellow will be responsible for researching and analyzing international law that impacts Latin America and the Caribbean and for assisting with the center's litigation strategy. This role requires high level writing and editing skills, as composing legal documents like briefs, pleadings and reports that will be submitted to government agencies, courts and the UN is integral to the work. During the one-year fellowship, the legal fellow must be willing to travel beyond the base of operation in Bogota, Colombia, throughout the region. Candidates must be fluent in both English and Spanish to be considered for the position.
The Council of Europe protects the citizens of its 47 member states and works to strengthen democracy and fight for human rights throughout Europe and the rest of the world. At the present time, the COE has an opening for a qualified individual, preferably one with experience conducting investigations in the public sector, to serve as investigator working out of Strasbourg, France. The investigator is responsible for objectively analyzing evidence and evaluating cases and then preparing and presenting reports on the findings. Proposing recommendations for action are also part of the key job duties of the investigator. To qualify for the position, candidates must have a degree in finance, law, auditing or a related field and possess strong risk analysis skills. Experience with interviewing and writing professional reports is also required.
Fragomen Worldwide, a leading provider of corporate immigration services, has an opening for an Immigration Coordinator at their location in Brussels, Belgium. The Immigration Coordinator is responsible for serving as the key point of contact for a corporate client and their assignee to help them navigate the immigration process. Job duties include completing immigration packages, communicating with authorities, updating clients and submitting billing information in a timely manner. Qualified candidates will have formal education as a legal assistant or paralegal or hold a degree in human sciences. Individuals with extensive knowledge of French immigration rules and previous work with both immigration services and corporate clients will be considered. Advanced listening and writing skills and fluency in both English and French are additional job requirements.
Solidar is currently seeking a policy fellow to work in their International Cooperation segment in Brussels, Belgium. Expected to last for up to 7 months, the fellowship will start in mid-September. The policy fellow will be tasked with compiling a series of academic papers that relate to the 2030 Agenda and impact the development, trade strategies and investments of the European Union. Job duties will include working with the Progressive Lab for Sustainable Advisory Group to choose abstracts and full papers and then editing and compiling them. In addition, the policy fellow will be responsible for planning and organizing the peer review Symposium at the European Parliament. Qualified candidates will hold an advanced degree and show strong evidence of experience with academic research. English native speakers who are fluent in French will be considered for the post.


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Floor Stripping
Floor Stripping in Grove City, OH
Although vinyl, stone, linoleum, and hardwood floors can be extremely durable, they require proper maintenance to preserve their resilience and shine. So if you're in need of floor stripping services, you can trust our team to get the job done right. Our goal is to restore the look of your floor surface and make it appear as good as new.
At Your Service
At Grove City Carpet Cleaning Pros, we go out of our way to serve our customers. Whether you want us to tackle a small room in your home or your entire office complex, we're at your service and up to the challenge. We pride ourselves on total professionalism and our detail-oriented approach to all we do; and we welcome the opportunity to show you what sets our team apart.
Breathe new life into your floors with floor stripping services from Grove City Carpet Cleaning Pros. Call today for more information or to schedule your appointment.


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In response to The Daily Post's writing prompt: "A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma."
This Daily Prompt was from a few days ago, but I'm given it a go for today!
Something the most people probably don't know about me….
Well, some people know about this, particularly my close relatives, but most people don't know that I, Kelli, am addicted to journals.
There is something exhilarating about filling the wonderfully blank pages with my thoughts, findings and ideas throughout my days. I have a journal from middle school, from high school, from my years at Purdue, from my internship/summer in Chicago in 2012, from my summer in Boston in 2013, from my 12 days in Europe and I currently have one that I started when I began classes at DePaul. But also, I have one I write film/creative ideas in, I have one I write poetry in, I have one I write quotes in, I have one I write about my family in, I have one I make goal lists and write about milestones in, I have one I write about sound in, one I write about editing in, one that I draw in and one that I carry with me in my purse for notes on the go.
Maybe this is too many…but some how I keep it straight. And I love it. My life is going to be well documented, and since about 2010, a lot of it is documented in cursive, because why not…it's a dying art.
Now that people like my mom and my aunt know about my journal fetish…they buy me more. And sometimes I just can't pass up a deal at TJ Maxx or Target…"Journal for $3.00! Yeah okay, I'll use it eventually!"
My journals have sort of become scrapbooks as well. When I was in Boston I started taping in little memories of the places I went to go along with my writing. I'm the kind of person who likes to save silly stuff like a napkin from a coffee shop with its logo on it (don't worry it's unused) so I decided why not incorporate those things in my journals instead of having a box of stuff I don't always remember where I saved it from.
It's a strange bit of my life that not a lot of people know about, that's for sure. But it's a very important part that brings me so much joy. I get to read what my past self wrote (some of it really childish and goofy) and realize that I really am growing as a person, as a writer and as a creative thinker.
Cheers to all that write in journals, keep it up!