text:
403 error when using a non-cached repository
|Assigned to
|squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu)
Bug Description
Binary package hint: squid-deb-proxy
If you use squid-deb-proxy and have, in your sources.list, a repository not cached by that squid-deb-proxy, you will receive a 403 error :
"not only rely on the proxy, but use raw HTTP(s) if the proxy gives a 403." (Daniel Holbach )
Related branches
- Michael Vogt: Pending requested 2010-11-08
- Ubuntu branches: Pending requested 2010-11-05
Diff: 26 lines (+12/-2)1 file modifiedsquid-deb-proxy.conf (+12/-2)
|Changed in squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu):
|New → Confirmed
|nobody → Michael Vogt (mvo)
|Id2ndR (id2ndr) wrote :
I changed the configuration file /etc/squid-
# and only to ubuntu
-http_access deny !to_ubuntu_mirrors
+#http_access deny !to_ubuntu_mirrors
+cache deny !to_ubuntu_mirrors
+http_access allow !to_ubuntu_mirrors
It seems to be the expected behavior.
|Changed in squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu):
|Undecided → Low
What is the status of this now? If this bug still exists, this makes it hard to use on LANs with several users, as a few are likely to have repositories not cached by the proxy. The beauty of squid-deb-proxy seems to be that it needs no client-side configuration - if the administrator sends mails to people on the LAN (who might be non-technical users) saying "if you have blah blah blah, please edit such and such configuration file", it really spoils things. Some things like Dropbox and the Google Talk plugin automatically add repositories, and a non-technical user may not even know what a repository is! squid-deb-proxy should _just work_ for the clients.
|Dmitry Andreychuk (and-dmitry) wrote :
As for 0.5.2 (from oneiric) this problem still persists.
Also the comments in squid-deb-
# allow access only to official ubuntu mirrors
# uncomment the third and fouth line to permit any unlisted domain
http_access deny !to_ubuntu_mirrors
#http_access allow !to_ubuntu_mirrors
The third line is uncommented in the default config. If I uncomment the fourth line too, it won't change anything, because squid will deny access to unofficial repository at the third line and will never get to the fourth.
The comments for caching look incorrect too for the same reason:
# don't cache domains not listed in the mirrors file
# uncomment the third and fourth line to cache any unlisted domains
cache deny !to_ubuntu_mirrors
#cache allow !to_ubuntu_mirrors
To allow access to unofficial repositories you should comment the third line and there is no need to uncomment the fourth because both official and unofficial repositories will be allowed by this line:
http_access allow allowed_networks
But according to comment https:/
I'm new to squid so please correct me if I'm wrong.
@Prateek, there is still no client-side configuration required, squid-deb-
|Changed in squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu):
|Michael Vogt (mvo) → Dmitrijs Ledkovs (xnox)
|Changed in squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu):
|Dmitrijs Ledkovs (xnox) → nobody
|Brandon Bradley (blbradley) wrote :
I can confirm that the comments in squid-deb-
# allow access only to official archive mirrors
# uncomment the third and fouth line to permit any unlisted domain
#http_access deny !to_archive_mirrors
http_access allow !to_archive_mirrors
# don't cache domains not listed in the mirrors file
# uncomment the third and fourth line to cache any unlisted domains
#cache deny !to_archive_mirrors
cache allow !to_archive_mirrors
--- end
Thanks for mentioning the comments were wrong.
|Brandon Bradley (blbradley) wrote :
Note: That was on Debian, so adjust 'to_archive_
|Brandon Bradley (blbradley) wrote :
Sorry, that just bypasses the cache complete. Still a bug I suppose.
|Christopher Armstrong (radix) wrote :
it would be really nice if squid-deb-proxy would read the apt sources configured on the host and allow connections to any of them (by default or as a special configuration option).
|Andreas Hasenack (ahasenack) wrote :
This is fix released, I just checked.
|Changed in squid-deb-proxy (Ubuntu):
|Confirmed → Fix Released


text:
Talend, a global open source software leader, today announced that Infogroup, the leading provider of high value data and multichannel marketing solutions, is deploying Talend's integration and data management solutions to create a powerful new way to capture and integrate big data. By combining Infogroup's multichannel marketing solutions with Talend's open source integration technology, Infogroup's clients can optimize customer interactions with context and relevance.
Selecting a Fellow Expert in Big Data Technology
Infogroup helps companies increase sales and customer loyalty through its high value data and innovative multichannel digital and offline marketing solutions. It collects, cleanses and analyzes contextually relevant information on more than 235 million individuals and 24 million businesses and provides insight that the company's clients use to develop more effective marketing campaigns. Infogroup needed to create a cost-effective integration framework that would enable clients to build completely custom access to that huge data set via their system of choice, whether it be an in-house inventory management system, or a custom or commercial CRM system. Infogroup chose Talend's enterprise open source technology to provide that access by serving as the integration component of its new Data Axle™ framework.
"Our core competency is assembling data sets and finding linkages so our clients can use them for marketing," said Purandar Das, CTO, Enterprise Solutions, Infogroup, "Instead of continuing to do that with legacy tools and platforms, we wanted to upgrade and embrace modern tools consistent with our technology vision. Part of that vision is adopting open source software, which, among other advantages, promotes faster innovation."
Enhancing Targeted Customer Profiles
The new Talend-based data integration framework strengthens Infogroup's position as both a marketing services provider and a data provider. The company's clients deliver to Infogroup data sets compiled from many sources within their organizations. Infogroup transforms those data sets, building linkages or identifying relationships across the data so clients can get a better sense of what their customers and prospects look like. This enables them to develop and execute sales plans using that information.
"Our vision is to form a partnership where we build a framework that allows other organizations to perform this matching against data sets in some of the emerging NoSQL data stores, such as Cassandra or Hadoop," added Das. "We believe this is an innovative and exclusive capability we can offer, and Talend's integration platform and expertise in data management is a vital component."
Leveraging the Framework for Real-Time Transactional Matching
Talend's MDM and data quality capabilities are a valuable addition to the Infogroup offering, but its integration capabilities are the biggest asset.
"The value of data is highest when the data is in real-time," continued Das. "That's why we're building the Data Axle™ framework – to be able to propagate this information in real-time. Talend plays the important role of enabling clients to access that real-time information by integrating customer solutions or platforms into the Data Axle™ so they can consume or publish to it."
The new Talend-based data integration framework will be rolled out in phases, with the ability for clients to do analysis on their own data sets being the first phase. It will be followed by the capability for accessing value-added data gleaned from Infogroup's own data sets.
About Infogroup
Infogroup helps companies increase sales and customer loyalty through its high-value data and innovative multi-channel digital and offline marketing solutions. Infogroup enables its clients – from local businesses to Fortune 100 companies – to target, connect with and engage their most valuable audiences. With cutting edge technology and analytics bolstered by our proprietary, real-time Data Axle™ of contextually relevant information on more than 235 million individuals and 24 million businesses, Infogroup delivers the complete spectrum of value added data, direct and digital marketing solutions. For more information, please visit www.infogroup.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Love is Forever... Hard cover
Price: 35,00 USD
"In this compelling, absorbing, and easy to read book, Mrs. Carrington, a 100 year old Saint Martiner gives a vivid account of the struggles and sacrifices one might have to endure to attain a fulfilling and lasting marriage. I exhort young and old to grab a copy of this precious book filled with inspirational nuggets." - Oswald Francis, Educator, forthcoming author of In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe.
Love is Forever... soft cover
Price: 20,00 USD
Imagine sitting and talking with a 100-year-old sage about life and relationships and learning from her mistakes and gaining from her triumphs? Imagine leaving her enriched and motivated to make your relationship work? Then Love is Forever... written by Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton, is an ideal book for you, as 100-year-old Mrs. Carmen Hodge Carrington shares her engaging and touching story of love and romance with her late husband, Ralph Carrington. A must read!!


text:
Previously: Chris, however, recognized them both—but showed no sign that she did.
"Our friends Willie and Janet are here in town," Chris observed, "I think Linda, Debra, Wyatt and I should visit the saloon, while the rest of us hang-out around the stable."
"I'm a little concerned that we arrived together," Linda sounding worried, said, "I hope they didn't recognize us."
"We'll know soon enough if they have," Chris replied.
"That much is certain," Linda said.
Episode 1… Scene 3… Inside Nuttal & Mann's Saloon… Linda, Wyatt, Chris and Debra arrived—leaving the boys bed-down the horses at the stable.
As they passed the hotel, they didn't see Jones and Smith.
They hoped they'd be inside the saloon.
They weren't.
They were someplace else.
"Where?" you ask, GENTLE READER™, Tune-in next time!
Season 17—Adventure 11—MANHUNT—Episode 2… Scene 1… Somewhere outside Deadwood… "Welcome, gentlemen."
"Welcome, gentlemen."
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith," Thomas Running-Deer said, "Let's talk money."
"Does an equal split of all profits sound fair?" She replied, "Because that's what Mr. Jones and I are offering."
"I think we can agree to that," John Kramer smiled, "Speaking only for my brother and I, that is."
"What are your plans, Mrs. Smith" Jimmy Kirk asked.
"First—we successfully take control of Deadwood," she replied, "Without bloodshed."
"Starting where?"
"Nuttal and James Saloon," she replied, "It's for sale—and they've already accepted our offer."
"And we expect you fellows to keep our customers happy—and poorer for their experience," Willie Jones added.
"Fleece our customers gently—making them willing to come back," Kirk smiled, "That sounds good to me."
Episode 2… Scene 2… Meanwhile… Inside the Nuttal & Mann's Saloon… Chris led the Posse into the saloon—just to let it be known they were in town.
Unfortunately—they were the only customers.
Unfortunately—they were the only customers.
Then again—the barkeep was there—so the word would get-out.
But, even the barkeep didn't know the saloon was being sold.
"Do you have ale on-tap?" Boomer asked the barkeep.
"Och, Aye sairrr, we hae ale," he replied, mimicking his father's speech, "Coming right up."
The rest of the Posse asked for—and received their respective drinks.
"What's next, Boss?" AJ asked Chris.
"I believe we need to make our presence known around town," Chris replied, "And see what that does."
"That'll be right up our alley," Joey quipped, "We know how."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Chris laughed.
Perhaps she SHOULD be afraid…
Our story will be Continued…


text:
Patient Invoice Payment Portal
You will receive an email confirmation as a receipt of your payment.
For any questions, please call our Billing Department at (858) 357-9450
Dear Patients:
As most of you are aware, over the last several days and weeks we have been learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it is impacting our world. At Synergy Orthopedic Specialists, we have one goal that we strive for, and that is to keep you, our patients, and our employees safe. This has been the topic of our planning and conversations and we have implemented several measures to ensure that we do everything possible to reduce the threat of this disease.
Our offices are regularly cleaned and sanitized, but we are now ramping up those procedures to include wiping down counters and other surfaces more frequently. Additionally, we have hand sanitizer available, and washrooms for thorough hand washing. We are closely following the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidelines and recommendations to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Our employees have been instructed to frequently use antiseptic hand cleaner as well as handwashing per the CDC instructions. We also encourage our patients to do the same. If our employees feel sick or begin running a temperature, they have been instructed to stay home. Similarly, we request that patients who are not feeling well, reschedule their appointments and not come to our clinics while they are ill.
If our employees become ill, our offices may be functioning with less that optimal staffing; therefore, we request your patience if there are longer than average wait times or other delays. Any location that may have any direct exposure, will be quarantined for cleaning.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do all that we can to protect you and our employees. For more information and guidelines on the Covid-19, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Thank you


text:
Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Delhi
Velocity Fitness Clinic, Your Pain Healer & best physiotherapy clinic in Delhi. We try to print in our sessions the utmost professionalism and possible humanely. We are fortunate to enjoy our work and try to solve your problems in the most effective way. If you have any pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to ask if we can help. We offer complete physiotherapy solutions in Delhi.


text:
Places to eat in Cape Town - Bantry Bay
Filter by country, province or region:
Info Magazine Series
The SA Info publication range is a unique product combining print media, digital and video exposure. The publications are A4 glossy format and are also published digitally as an ezine magazine. The publications include information on a town or area for travelers - activities, restaurants, day trips, s... Read more
Kreativ Celebrations is an all encompassing Event Management Company that creates Bespoke Weddings and Events based in Cape Town, Western Cape Creating Memorable Events We will take care of the finer details so that you can happily enjoy your special da... Read more
Related Articles - View All
The best expenses to spend your restaurant's business finance on
The best expenses to spend your restaurant's business finance on Owning a restaurant is exciting, fun and ...
Cake Trends for 2018/2019
Cake Trends for 2018/2019 Deconstructed Design: The deconstructed...
What is coffee culture… and why do we love it?
What is coffee culture… and why do we love it? Is there anything better than the aroma of freshly brewed...
Stanley Beer Yard Goes Under the Knife
Stanley Beer Yard Goes Under the Knife The much beloved craft beer bar, Stanley Beer Yard, has...


text:
Adventure Rider Print Magazine! We're doing a print magazine this November - 128 pages of high quality adventure riding stories, photography and interviews! Click here to purchase a copy for $9. Limited copies still available.Dismiss Notice
Inexpensive GPS advice wanted
Discussion in 'GPS 101 - Which GPS For Me' started by ShadowMan, Aug 31, 2015.
Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5


text:
The European Tour heads to the Balearic Islands this week for the Iberdrola Open Cala Millor Mallorca. Søren Hansen and Chris Wood are in the field at Pula Golf Club.
This tournament was previously known as the Mallorca Classic but has a new sponsor this year in the shape of Iberdrola – Spain's leading energy company and the world's largest producer of wind power.
Pula Golf Club is one of the Mallorca's best-known courses. Opened in 1995, the layout was re-designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. It has been the venue for this event since it was first played in 2003.
Last year France's Gregory Bourdy triumphed at Pula, beating England's Sam Little by two strokes.
This is one of six European Tour events to be held on Spanish soil in 2010 and will be a good opportunity for one of the upcoming home players to shine. Amongst other Spaniards in the field are Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, Alejandro Canizares and Jose Manuel Lara. They will hope to follow in the footsteps of Miguel Angel Jimenez, Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal – all past winners of this tournament.
Venue: Pula GC, Mallorca, Spain
Date: May 13-16
Course stats: par 70, 6,808 yards
Purse: €800,000 Winner: €133,330
Defending Champion: Grégory Bourdy (-12)
TV Coverage:
Thursday 13 – Live on Sky Sports 1 from 10.30am
Friday 14 – Live on Sky Sports 2 from 10.30am
Saturday 15 – Live on Sky Sports 2 from 12.30pm
Sunday 16 – Live on Sky Sports 3 from 12.30pm
Player Watch:
Søren Hansen – The Dane will start the week as favourite as he looks to firm up his position in the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. He currently sits at a precarious 50th.
Chris Wood – The young Englishman showed signs of form in last week's Italian Open. If he can string four good putting days together, he'll be right up there at the death.
Raphael Jacquelin – He'll be looking to continue the run of French victors in this event after Bourdy's win in 2009. Like Wood, he's been showing glimpses of returning to his best form. He's currently sporting a beard and has vowed to shave it off when he wins again. With a fairly weak field to get past, this is a great opportunity.
Key hole: 16th. A 442 yard dog-leg left demanding a very precise drive to a narrow sloping fairway bounded by water on the left and bunkers on the right. The water continues up the left side and comes into play for the approach shot.
Skills required: Accuracy. This is not a long course by Tour standards but careful placement from the tee is essential for a successful negotiation. Trees line many of the fairways and well-placed water hazards wait to catch errant drives on the 5th, 6th, 9th, 14th and 16th.


text:
Government and the Lessons of Flint
We learned from the failures that followed Hurricane Katrina. Will Flint's calamity teach us as well?
Flint. What is it about this unfolding tragedy that is so painfully compelling? How is it that so many people at so many levels of government did not do nearly enough to protect the public, especially the children? One answer is clear: Rather than making sure that a change in the Michigan city's water supply would do no harm, government leaders focused only on cutting costs.
What's going on now in Flint reminds me in some ways of what happened in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated that city nearly a decade ago. Vulnerable people in the poorest areas and those in nursing homes and hospitals were the most at risk, and governments at all levels were woefully unprepared to help them when disaster struck.
At least government leaders learned from Katrina and its aftermath. Our nation has since improved its emergency preparedness, and most communities have updated their response plans to prioritize the evacuation of vulnerable populations. Can we bring that sense of urgency to every aspect of public service? Can we learn lessons from Flint as we learned from Katrina?
Certainly one lesson might be this: Too often, ongoing fiscal pressures can drive public officials to focus on short-term savings rather than long-term priorities. The cost of fixing Flint's troubled water system will be far greater than the savings that were imagined from switching the city's water source from Detroit's system to the Flint River. And the human cost to the children affected by high levels of lead in their drinking water will not be known for decades.
The repercussions from the Flint water crisis go well beyond individual reputations. One of the greatest costs is the loss of public trust in government. As Warren Buffet has said, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that you'll do things differently."
There were individuals in the city government, the state government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who had concerns. When high levels of lead were reported to the EPA by one resident, an EPA expert expressed concern that lead levels throughout the city might have been underreported because of the state's testing methods. Yet, five months later, an EPA administrator wrote to Flint's mayor that it would be "premature to draw any conclusions."
Clearly there was no sense of urgency about this emerging public health emergency, probably because the culture in these organizations was dominated by financial or political considerations. The city of Flint, in state receivership, was in a hunkered-down mode. And the state government was focused like a laser on getting the city's finances under control.
What can governmental leaders do to develop an organizational culture that makes better decisions -- and prevents future calamities like Flint's? They can encourage employees to speak up when they see something wrong, and they can recognize and reward performance that is accountable and ethical. They can make sure that staff development is a priority and that employees are constantly reminded of core values. The secret of good government is to make every employee and every resident feel they are part of it.
Our government workforce is going through massive changes as baby boomers retire and our nation becomes much more diverse. Governments offer idealistic young people the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. Yes, governments need to hire people with the education and skills required for the job. But perhaps the most important qualification of all is a passion to serve the public interest. That may be the overarching lesson for government from what has happened to the people of Flint.


text:
General information pages about the Music and Dance Library are located on the main library website.
This Guide focuses on Jazz History and Performance. It does not attempt to cover all types of music research tools; for help with more general research in Music, see our Music Research Guide.
For in-depth help doing research in Music Therapy, see the information on the Contact/Need Help? page.
Oxford Music Online and ArticlesPlus (below) are great places to start your research. See other pages in this Guide for more in-depth research.
Many of the resources listed here are limited to use by members of Ohio University. If you are using the Guide off-campus, you will need to do a brief login to identify yourself as a member of Ohio University before you can use these resources.
Start with the two sources below ↓ and then go on to other pages in this Guide for additional sources.
Oxford Music Online is the gateway that incorporates the contents of several music reference resources in one place. It's a great place to get some background information on a person or a topic, as well as definitions of music terminology.
ArticlesPlus is a single database which searches the contents of more than 200 databases all at the same time. Using this one searchbox above, you can find items from:
ArticlesPlus does not include everything. We have numerous additional databases--including about two dozen from ProQuest--that are not included in ArticlesPlus. To find and connect to these, consult the Databases feature in ALICE.


text:
Wisconsin & International Luxury Photographer
its nice to meet you
I am a wedding photographer for the romantic at heart. I believe when you're at your 50th anniversary, when you open your wedding album the tears will still sparkle in your eye as you remember that perfect, timeless day.
Documenting weddings is always such an honor. After shooting over 100+ weddings in just the past five years I personally still have tears during each wedding day as you and your groom see each other for the first time.
more about me >
Ashlea is so amazing at what she does! When I was trying to find a photographer she was the only one who sent me a personal message. When we started messaging we instantly clicked! She was always so great at responding to my questions right away! The day of the wedding went absolutely perfect with her as our photographer. She helped our day go so so smoothly from start to end with her amazing organization skills! She helped all of our awkward groomsmen feel so comfortable for pictures. I couldn't have asked for a better girl for the job.
When we received our pictures less than two weeks after our wedding we were so so so amazed at the beauty of each and every one!! She captured every single special moment of our day. And some without us even knowing she did! I would 100% recommend her time and time again for your special day!
"She helped all of our awkward groomsmen feel so comfortable for pictures. I couldn't have asked for a better girl for the job.
Kelsey and Kyle | Appleton, Wisconsin
I can't possibly say enough great things about Ashlea and her business! First, Ashlea gave me a bridal book that she wrote which was incredibly helpful and great insight! I referred to it several times in the wedding planning process! Second, the day of our wedding she was SO helpful and amazing. She made my big day stress free and easy! Everyone gave us compliments on our pictures and how it looked like we were genuinely having fun, that is because Ashlea made it so much fun and comfortable for us! Her pictures are amazing, something we will always cherish. I am SO thankful and happy that we got to have her as our photographer! Our wedding day would not have been the same without her! THANK YOU ASHLEA!!!!!
"the day of our wedding she was SO helpful and amazing"
Rehanah and Ryan | Green bay, Wisconsin Wedding
"We couldn't have asked for a better photographer"
Rochelle & Brandon
"We TRULY believe Ashlea went above and beyond for our engagement and wedding photos"
Megan & collin
I am beyond EXCITED TO CONNECT WITH YOU!
To inquire, please fill out the form below.
I can not wait to hear from you!


text:
In my earlier post, I explained how to pack all of your trip essentials into a carry-on. This approach also leaves little room to bring anything back from your trip, which can sometimes be a blessing. Over the years, I have learned to curb my shopping by being choosy about what I bring back. Here are my suggestions on what to bring back, aside from photographs:
1. Music
I have to credit my older brother for starting me along this trend. I still remember the Moroccan mixtapes he bought in Tangier, filled with songs we have never, ever, been able to find elsewhere. From Yiddish folk tunes to Lanna music from Chiang Mai, I have a collection of CDs from abroad that are very dear to me. If you hear something you like, Shazam the tune or ask someone about it, because you may never have the opportunity to do so again. Sometimes, I even bring back a musical instrument, though I admit I have yet to master the didgeridoo.
2. Jewelry
I often buy earrings from abroad, not just for myself, but also as a gift. They're tiny, useful (so long as your ears are pierced), and can become a great conversation piece. Just be sure to confirm what material they are made of to avoid any allergy issues.
3. Artwork
I try to pick small artwork pieces, canvases that can be rolled, or fabric work, so that they are easy to pack. One of my favourite pieces is the knotted carpet I brought back from Seljuk, Turkey, which I rolled and carried with me on the plane. When that doesn't work, remember that shipping can also be an option (as I had to do with my didgeridoo). Artwork is a great way to weave stories from your travels into your home decor.
4. A signature item
Looking for a small souvenir on a family cruise at the age of 12, I settled upon a shot glass, whose purpose I didn't quite understand at the time. I thought it was cute, and so began a habit of purchasing a shot glass from every country I visited. I still don't use them for their intended purpose, but the collection grew into a reason to keep collecting, and it limited me to just one piece of kitsch per trip. A few years ago, I finally figured out how I would create something meaningful out them. Pour some wax and a wick into a shot glass, and you have a votive candle. Someday, when I have the space for it, I plan to convert all 60 or so shot glasses of mine into a floor chandelier. Al and I have also started to collect a particular type of decor item that we hope to someday incorporate into a future home, but that is a story that is still early in its making.
5. Knowledge
One of my favourite takeaways from my trip to Thailand in 2011 was the knack for making a delicious Som Tam (green papaya salad). If you like the cuisine of the region you are visiting – take a cooking class! I especially suggest taking one that is geared towards everyday food, because it's a great way to spice up your weekday dinner repertoire. Knowledge is the best thing you can bring back, because it can never be taken away from you.


text:
Motorsport Maste [HACK Money] v 0.9.3
Weight: 71 mb
Android version: 4.1.x
Weight: 71 mb
Android version: 4.1.x
Take your seat on the pitwall and lead your team to victory with your race strategy and driver management skills!
Manage your resources, hire drivers and upgrade your car to climb through the ranks and become the Motorsport Master after beating your opponents in over 40 championships.
Prepare for the race in pre-season by hiring the right team members and pick the right sponsor that can help you achieve the season goals.
Keep working on the car during the season by upgrading it and remember to focus on your Chief Engineer's specialisation. Train your drivers in the weeks before each race and always keep an eye on the driver's market!
Fight for pole position in the qualifying session and find the perfect car setup for the race; then, come race day, take care of your two drivers by picking the tyre choices, managing the pit strategy and giving them Radio Orders to improve their performance on the race track.
Keep an eye out for changes in weather conditions, accidents and reliability issues, if you want to win, you must always have the eye on the ball, and never hesitate when you have to make a decision from the pitwall!
You can talk the talk, so let's see if you can walk the walk! To become the Motorsport Master you must prove your worth by competing in 5 tiers of championships:
Master all of the 50 circuits available in the game, in changing weather conditions over the span of 45 and more seasons.
Survive the ROOKIE selection, prove your TALENT so that you can call yourself a PRO and eventually aspire to become a LEGEND, then and only then you might have a chance at being a true MOTORSPORT MASTER
- Hire/Sell drivers
- Hire a Chief Engineer
- Upgrade your car
- Pick the strategy
- Use Radio Orders to influence the race outcome
- Compete on 50 tracks across 50 Championships
- 5 tiers of difficulty, each one with a new car model


text:
A German containership has been damaged after being struck from behind by another cargo ship in the Kiel Canal.
The incident occurred Friday morning in the Brunsbüttel locks involving the Vera Rambow, which was hit in the stern by the general cargo ship Nordana Sky after both vessels had just transited the canal.
An AIS replay of the incident shows Vera Rambow enter the locks before the trailing Nordana Sky struck the vessel from behind after failing to stop.
The collision starts at 1:25 but check out what happened at :30 seconds:
Media reports say the Vera Rambow suffered severe damage to its stern. The vessel is currently moored at the port of Hamburg.
The so-called "ecobox" Nordana Sky was only recently delivered to its owners Symphony Shipping in March 2015 following its completion at Ferus Smit. The Nordana Sky also sustained damage in the collision, reports say.


text:
The number of travelers at domestic airports in fiscal 2011 dropped 3.7 percent year on year to 220.25 million, the lowest level seen in the past decade, as the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and nuclear calamities scared away passengers, government data showed.
By category, passengers on international routes slipped 4.2 percent, while those on domestic flights shrank 3.5 percent, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry said Thursday in a preliminary report.
The number of travelers who passed through 97 airports across the nation was also affected by the extension of shinkansen lines in northeastern and southwestern Japan that siphoned off customers, the ministry said.
A ministry official said the figure is likely to rise in the current fiscal year through March 31, due in part to the establishment of new routes by low-cost carriers at various domestic airports.
Among the three northeastern prefectures that bore the full brunt of the natural and nuclear disasters in March 2011, the number of travelers using Miyagi Prefecture's Sendai airport plunged 29.6 percent after the facility had to be closed for about a month after the tsunami submerged its runway. Fukushima airport saw its passenger volume plummet some 26.4 percent on account of the triple meltdown crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant.
But the number of travelers who used Hanamaki Airport in Iwate Prefecture spiked 19.9 percent, thanks to a new service with Tokyo's Haneda airport.


text:
Staff Shortages at Nursing Homes a Troubling Trend
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal highlights a troubling and growing problem in American health care: understaffed nursing homes.
The cause of the problem does not appear to be mismanagement or excessive cost-cutting on the part of those who run nursing homes. Rather, jobs at nursing homes tend to be seen as undesirable. The fact that these positions are going unfilled is made all the more significant by three employment trends one might otherwise expect to alleviate the problem. Those trends: high national unemployment; lengthy average unemployment, begetting desperate job-seekers; and a strong growth trend in America's health care sector.
It is not hard to see why staff shortages can lead to nursing home neglect and even nursing home abuse. If a facility is short-staffed, its patients are bound to receive less care and attention. Their health may deteriorate more quickly, their recoveries may lengthen, and any problems they have may go unnoticed longer. And an overworked staffer is more likely to take out his or her frustrations on defenseless seniors who do not deserve it.
If you believe a loved one is not being cared for properly at a nursing home, speak with staff and supervisors. Be specific about the problem and how you expect it to be corrected. Take careful notes about what you tell staff and how they respond. If you cannot resolve the matter by communicating in good faith, you may need an attorney. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney knows the standards applicable and how to hold facilities accountable to them.


text:
⁃ Mid-rise fit
⁃ Curved hem with side panel inserts
⁃ Elasticated waistband
⁃ Open side pockets
⁃ Patch pocket to back with classic Gymshark logo
⁃ 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester
⁃ Model is 5'9" and wears size XS
⁃ Label Color: Slate Blue
Built for lifting; designed for the Legacy. The Legacy Fitness Shorts put every rep of your training first, with an elastic waistband and stretchy side inserts for freedom of movement throughout. Finished with a classic Gymshark logo to the pocket to ensure you're never short of inspiration either.


text:
First, you have to see the video,
La Machine
The 'dragon' and the 'spider' have sprung forth from a French street theatre group known as La Machine and the La Machine 'experience' is making its début in North America in Ottawa, Ontario (July 27 – 30, 2017) as part of Canada's 150th celebration.
Here's more about La Machine and the 'experience' from the city of Ottawa's event page,
Making its debut in North America, La Machine will captivate the public with its travelling urban theatre in the streets of downtown Ottawa.
Wandering around in public spaces, the protagonists will invade the heart of the capital in a show entitled "The Spirit of the Dragon-Horse, With Stolen Wings". They will live among us for 24 hours a day over the course of four days as they pursue their quest and fulfill their destiny.
Part dragon and part horse, LongMa stands 12 metres high, 5 metres wide and weighs 45 tons. Although his body is made of wood and steel, we quickly fall under his spell and connect with him on an ethereal level. From the top of his hooves, he trots with elegance, gallops, rears himself up and lies down.
With his piercing gaze, LongMa scours the crowd and interacts with them thanks as his neck rises, lowers and oscillates from left to right. His ribcage swells under the pressure of his lungs. But be careful, the warm breath coming out of his nostrils could quickly be transformed into fire coming out of his mouth.
The Spider
Beautiful and repulsive, aggressive and gentle, the giant spider will give you chills. Her eight legs and body that synchronize as she crawls around town gracefully. Like a dancer, she wanders, steps over trees, streetlights and bus shelters… At rest, she is 5.7 metres high and 6 metres wide, but she can reach up to 13 metres when in motion. Fully outstretched, she is about 20 metres long.
Will she extinguish LongMa's flames with the water deployed from her abdomen?
About La Machine Company
La Machine is a street theatre company founded in 1999 and leaded by François Delarozière. Its conception is thanks to artists, technicians and theatre designers working together for the construction of unusual theatre objects. Today, La Machine develops many projects in the field of urban development as well as for street theatre. At the heart of La Machine's artistic approach, movement is read as a language, as a source of emotion. Through each of these living architectures, the idea is to dream of tomorrow's cities, and thanks to this, transform the way we look at our towns. To bring its creations to life, La Machine has set up two workshops, one in Nantes and one in Tournefeuille. They bring together many different trades and crafts from theatre and the arts, to industry and advanced technology. People and their skills are the very essence of the creative process.
Ottawa and La Machine
I think this Ottawa event is much more engaging than Toronto's giant rubber duck (which has proved to be controversial( e.g. June ?, 2017 posting on blogTO and Alina Bykova's June 30, 3017 article for thestar.com) on July 1, 2017. Getting back to Ottawa, Judy Trinh's June 1, 2016 article for CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) news online previews and provides some inside scoop about the 2017 event (Note: A link has been removed),
A giant mechanical dragon and spider from France will roam the streets of Ottawa next summer as part of celebrations for Canada's 150th birthday.
It will be the first time the fire-breathing and water spraying creatures invade North America.
Securing the performance of the monsters from La Machine, a production company based in Nantes, France comes at a cost of $3 million — an amount that will be shared by both the public and private sector.
The Ottawa 2017 organizing committee has been working on booking the show for nearly a year and a half.
Negotiations didn't just involve the City of Ottawa and the French production company. It also involved a Chinese businessman — Adam Yu, an entrepreneur based in Beijing who owns the rights to the dragon for La Machine.
Laflamme [executive director of Ottawa 2017, Guy Laflamme] said mayor Jim Watson set aside time during his economic mission to China to meet with Yu and make the case for loaning the dragon to Ottawa.
Organizers have just started "storyboarding" the show with La Machine's artistic director, François Delarozière.
Although he's reticent to describe what the show will look like, Laflamme does provide some hints: the operators will be dressed like they stepped out of the movie, The Matrix [movi e description], and the giant robots will make stops at Ottawa landmarks and interact with spectators.
Local musicians will also be hired to form a travelling orchestra for the soundtrack to the dragon's and spider's adventures.
If I read that rightly, planning seems to have started in 2014.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
While La Machine is in Ottawa with their mechanicals, there will be a preview (from an Ingenium [formerly Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation] July 12, 2017 notice received via email), Note: Links have been removed,
Presented as part of Ottawa 2017
Making its debut in North America, _La Machine_ will captivate the
public with its dramatic urban theatre experience – and you can get
exclusive access at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum!
From July 15 to 24 [2017; emphasis mine], the Museum will be hosting a variety of
larger-than-life activities leading up to the big performance.
Activities include special viewing areas, a mini exhibition about _La
Machine_, a film about Long Ma the Dragon-Horse, creative activities and
a special lecture with _La Machine_'s creator. All activities are FREE
with Museum admission. Find out more by visiting our website. [3]
Join François Delarozière, the visionary artistic director and
engineer behind the wonders of _La Machine_, for an afternoon of insight
and conversation exploring the street theatre company's history and
the creative process behind its fantastical mechanical masterpieces.
(Bilingual presentation)
Saturday, July 15, 2017
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Mauril Bélanger Theatre
Présenté dans le cadre d'Ottawa 2017
Pour la première fois en Amérique du Nord,_ La Machine_ s'apprête
à captiver le public avec son impressionnant théâtre urbain. De plus,
vous aurez droit à un accès exclusif au Musée de l'aviation et de
l'espace du Canada!
Du 15 au 24 juillet, le Musée tiendra une série d'activités hors du
commun dans l'attente de la grande représentation. On y comptera des
projections spéciales; une mini-exposition sur _La Machine_; un film
racontant l'histoire de Long Ma, le cheval-dragon; des activités
créatives et une conférence spéciale en compagnie du créateur de _La
Machine_. Tous les activités sont comprises dans le prix d'entrée au
Musée. Visitez notre site Web [6] pour obtenir plus de renseignements.
Venez échanger avec François Delarozière, directeur artistique de _La
Machine_ et concepteur visionnaire de ces merveilles mécaniques, et
découvrez l'histoire de cette compagnie de théâtre de rue et le
processus ayant mené à la création de ses fantastiques
chefs-d'œuvre mécaniques. (Présentation bilingue)
Samedi 15 juillet 2017
De 14 h à 15 h
Musée de l'aviation et de l'espace du Canada
Théâtre Mauril Bélanger
You can sign up for the talk with François Delarozière here. It is a bilingual presentation included with the entrance fee (as noted previously) to the museum entitling you to a seat assuming you sign up quickly.
For the curious, you can find more about La Machine at its website. The images on the banner are stunning.


text:
Quick – name the cable network that is in the most homes in America.
Wrong wrong and wrong. Go on.
Disney? MTV? Fox News?
Still wrong.
87.5% of the people in America with cable TV in their home have The Weather Channel, making it the most reached cable network in America. So what is it about this niche network that makes it more important to the american people than news, sports or even re-runs of Full House?
"The Weather Channel is like that warm wool blanket you pull out a few times every winter," concludes Peter Schwartz former Executive Producer at The Weather Channel. "You know its always there if you need it.
"When its sunny and 70s and everything's hunky-dory that's awesome. But when threatening weather is on the horizon, The Weather Channel is always there as a valuable resource. It's also kind of like insurance. You always have to have it to be on the safe side because when you really need it, you really need it."
After nearly a decade working in Sports television, Schwartz transitioned to The Weather Channel, and the difference might not be as great as you think.
"Sports is mostly about data: scores, stats, standings, records,"adds Schwartz. "Same with weather: temperatures, rain/snow totals, wind speeds, historical data. It's what you do with the data and information that sets you apart."
For more on what it's like working at The Weather Channel, here's more with Peter Schwartz.
Explain your daily role as and Executive Producer at The Weather Channel.
Schwartz: Executive Producers are the content drivers, the ones who determines how rundowns are built, where resources such as live crews, reporters, writers, even graphic designers are allocated, and what happens next.
Executive Producers steer the ship and must always be thinking about next, tomorrow, and always have a contingency plan. As the morning's show moves into cruise control, it's time to shift focus to the next day or to other project that require check-ins and adjustments.
Technology has made weather information available to anyone at any time – with that in mind, how has the Weather Channel shifted its content strategy to remain relevant?
Schwartz: This is a big challenge as weather forecasting is becoming a commodity, available through many providers via web, mobile or TV. The Weather Channel's differentiation is in its expertise.
When significant weather impacts you, you want to go where you know you'll get the most comprehensive coverage, from the basic forecast to the unique perspective and forecasting only available through The Weather Channel. It goes beyond merely producing the content—how is it being marketed and distributed so consumers can understand and appreciate the difference?
What are the three most important skills that someone who wants to work in television needs to have in today's job market?
Schwartz: Enthusiasm and passion. The hours and days are not easy and resources aren't what they used to be. So, you really have to love it to enjoy your life.
Creativity and resourcefulness. Newsrooms aren't staffed the way they used to be. How can you make the most with what you've got?
Expansive skillset. Today's job market is much more muddied than it used to be. Those who can multi-task or excel in a variety of areas will be of greater value to an employer.
My advice: if you don't know it, learn it, or at least know how it works. This especially goes for things that you cross every day.
You've worked in sports television and now in weather – what are the biggest differences on a day to day basis?
Schwartz: Sports are scheduled today, tomorrow, next month, next year, even 10+ years from now in terms of host cities for Olympics and World Cups. However, weather is completely opposite.
Even if we know there will be a tornado threat, we have no idea where it will happen. We have to be prepared for anything to happen anywhere in a region that could range from a few counties to a few states. In sports, scheduled events only happen where the events take place. Weather's stadium is not a fixed place, which means you have to be able to get to remote areas really quickly.
Difficult weather makes for good television, but also can lead to tragic results; do you ever feel conflicted during coverage?
Schwartz: All the time. It's very difficult to root for good ratings. That usually means people's lives are in danger.
We flip that around however and recognize extra importance in our jobs—we have the ability to go beyond forecasting dangerous storms but also preparing our audience what to do before, during and after a dangerous event.
I'm sure you have interns come and go at the Weather Channel – what advice to you try to impart on them?
Schwartz: Interns should use the experience to determine if this is really what they want to do. It's also an opportunity to gain an understanding how a newsroom works.
I'm not sure there's a better environment for someone to acquire organizational and communication skills.
The Weather Channel does much more than just provide a 5-day forecast in major cities – you also handle the news surrounding weather – how important of a discussion is climate change?
Schwartz: The importance of climate change cannot be overemphasized. It will change the way we live. The more the current and next generation learn about it, the more that can be done to alleviate the pressure human place on the environment.
More to the point, this is not a political issue.
Democrats and Republicans might campaign for or against policies surrounding it, but the data and proof are incontrovertible. Global Warming and Climate Change are happening. Science has proved that. Politicians can ignore it, but citizens can't.
Neither can The Weather Channel, which talks about climate change through the prism of weather, leaving the politics out of it.
The Weather Channel started naming winter storms, much like hurricanes, and you've had some great names like Brutus, Magnus and Gandolf… please tell me you get to sit in a conference room and make a pitch for a certain name…
Schwartz: Better than that, I CAME UP WITH THE LIST!!! No joke. When we talked about naming winter storms, we had a small group on an email chain brainstorming what these names would be. First I started with animals, then moved to colors, then emailed "Athena, Brutus, Caesar" to a Senior Manager and he said to keep going…
Those were the first 3 names the first year when most of my initial list was used!
Then a Latin class in Bozeman, MT contacted the Weather Channel and they came up with a 6-year list and after the first year of mostly my names, we've been using modified versions of their list.


text:
Different Parts of a Mercury Thermometer
Mercury thermometers provide accurate, repeatable temperature readings from -40 degrees Celsius (which is also -40 degrees Fahrenheit) to 650 degrees Celsius (1202 degrees Fahrenheit). The range is affected by the metal with which mercury is amalgamated. Materials, such as alcohol, cling to the inside of glass containers, which can influence repeated temperature readings. Mercury does not cling to glass, and it expands and contracts at a predictable rate. Environmental concerns about mercury are prompting manufacturers to look for substitute materials, but many mercury thermometers are still in use.
The Bulb
A swelling, or bulb, at the bottom of the thermometer stores the mercury used in calculating temperature readings. As temperatures increase, mercury moves out of the bulb's reservoir. As temperatures decrease, the mercury has some place to go as it recedes back into the bulb. The bulb is typically made of glass, but some thermometers may have bulbs made of stainless steel instead.
The Stem and Capillary Bore
Magnified glass makes up the outside jacket of the thermometer, which is called the stem. A thin bore inside the stem gives mercury a route of travel as it expands and contracts. The thin bore is called a capillary. Magnified glass makes reading the mercury level easier. A scale scribed on the outside of the stem gives the temperature reading. Since mercury moves predictably at various temperatures, the scribed markings portray an accurate measure of the temperature at points along the capillary. Some thermometers are called partial immersion types, and these include a line engraved across the stem that marks the depth at which the thermometer should be immersed in a substance in order to get a good temperature reading.
Expansion Chamber
Gases and air inside the capillary must have a place to collect as mercury rises. The expansion chamber is a small widening of the capillary on the end opposite the bulb, and it provides the necessary space. Gases compress inside the expansion chamber until the mercury flows back down the capillary and into the bulb as temperatures fall.
Contraction Chamber
The contraction chamber slows the mercury's descent down the capillary. The contraction chamber affords the person taking a temperature reading a little time to get an accurate reading after removing the thermometer from a heated source. Some thermometers also have a tight restriction just above the contraction chamber. This pinched point virtually stops the flow of mercury back into the bulb for an extended time. The person must shake the thermometer to get it to read below the temperature just taken.
Photo Credits
- Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images


text:
As a data scientist of COBENA, you will represent the very essence of the company. The role requires a deep foundation in computer science and applications, modelling, statistics, analytics and math as well as a strong business acumen, coupled with the ability to communicate findings to both business and IT leaders. A data scientist at COBENA will have the responsibility of spearheading the transformation strategies of our clients. You will need to master the capabilities of being part analyst, part artist; a Renaissance individual.
A COBENA data scientist does not simply collect and report on data, but also looks at it from many angles, determines what it means, then recommends ways to apply the data.
Technical Skills (Analytics and Computer Science):
Non-Technical Skills
Personal Attributes:


text:
CANBERRA – Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has dismissed criticism that he is politicising the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and declared there will "always be suspicions" the Prime Minister is prepared to water down gun laws in return for votes.
Despite clarifications from Malcolm Turnbull Tuesday that Australia's gun laws are "set in stone," several MPs and Senators from the Government's junior coalition partner, the Nationals, are agitating for a relaxation of a particular lever action shotgun ban.
The gun in question - the seven shot, rapid fire, lever-action Adler A110 - is also, crucially, a weapon that crossbench Senator David Leyonhjelm has been lobbying the Government to allow back in the country.
The Liberal Democrat has accused the Turnbull Government of deceiving and "dudding" him on a deal to vote in the Senate for the Government's industrial relations laws, which have just passed the House.
The Nationals' agitation, and Leyonhjelm's warning that his relationship with the government will now be "difficult," have been seized on by the Labor Leader.
"We will always be suspicious now that Malcolm Turnbull's prepared to water down gun laws in return for a vote," Bill Shorten told reporters in Canberra.
"Australians know they can't trust Malcolm Turnbull with proper strong gun laws."
What it is about the Adler shotgun?
A temporary ban was placed on the seven-shot, lever-action shotgun in 2015
A magazine can be emptied in a matter of seconds
It can fire seven rounds with capacity for an eighth
Proponents want it help deal with feral animals
Opponents say it is too powerful and could end up in the wrong hands
The future of the seven-shot lever-action Adler shotgun is separate to the national firearms agreement struck by them Prime Minister John Howard in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Separately, after Lindt café siege in Sydney, the Federal Government wanted a review of the Adler's classification and imposed a temporary ban while states and territory justice ministers reviewed the weapon.
In Australia, guns are classed as A, B, C or D depending on their capability. A is relatively easy to get, while C or D are highly difficult. There is no current consensus on the seven shot Adler, but a five shot, leaver-action Adler is available.
"The ban will remain in place until such time as the state and territory governments conclude the review because they are responsible for the regulation of firearms," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters in Canberra.
Federal Nationals MP Mark Coulton, Senator Bridget McKenzie and NSW Nationals Minister Troy Grant want a relaxation of the ban, citing problems for "law-abiding citizens" with feral animals like pigs.
"I'm very frustrated that this has become a political issue when it's really one about compliance and process," Coulton told the ABC.
"It's one that requires the agreement between the states and the Commonwealth. It's been going on for some time and how this could be portrayed as watering down gun laws is beyond me."
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson has attacked Labor for raising the Port Arthur massacre as it criticises the government for "horse trading."
"I absolutely condemn the way in which Labor is using the Port Arthur massacre in its grubby politics," Henderson said.
"20 years ago, I was there. It is incredibly distressing that Labor would invoke the memory of those victims, would use the Port Arthur massacre in this grubby political game."
But the Opposition Leader is unrepentant, accusing the Prime Minister of weakness.
"The National Party, they know a weak Liberal PM when they see one and they are cracking the whip again," declared Shorten.
"Malcolm Turnbull, at best, was contemplating a deal, at worst he had done a deal."
"He should have ruled this matter out when the first question from the first journalist came. He didn't. Now the National Party sense blood in the water."


text:
The UnArrington
I know it might begin to feel as if the "fake" Web site trend could be waning after the unmasking of the popular Fake Steve Jobs. (Is it just me or do you feel a touch of ennui, like after Sam and Diane finally did it on "Cheers"?)
But judging from the fake CrunchFood site, a parody of tech blogger Michael Arrington's work, the genre is still cooking–literally.
And this post on rosé wine, which I print in its entirety, is as close to genius as it could get in the fake voice of Arrington:
We all grew up drinking wine, but after a while the same old red and white became … I don't know. Uninspiring? Sure, they got us drunk, but frankly over time they became just like every other alcoholic beverage: borrring.
"But I just got tipped off to something significantly better, and it's solid gold: Rosé.
"This is a no-brainer, why-didn't-I-think-of-that drink—a dead simple mashup of one-half red wine and one-half white. Every self-respecting drinker should be slapping himself/herself upside the head over having not thought of this.
"In my opinion, rosé could soon be in a battle to the death with wine coolers for supremacy in the Effeminate Alcohol 2.0 space."


text:
The goal was always to do it bigger and better.
And at the end of a long Academy season, those that needed to take notice did.
The sun has set on another Philadelphia Union Academy season, its first as part of U.S. Soccer's Development Academy system, but not before the Union's youth system swept a few award categories in the Eastern Conference.
On Tuesday afternoon, Major League Soccer released the 2013-14 award lists, which saw the Union take the Community Award in addition to accolades for "best training facility" and most importantly "best overall club."
Individually, the clubs did okay for themselves as all three finished the season with winning records and some pretty astonishing statistics.
Philadelphia Union U18s
The U18s finished the season with a 10-4-11 overall record in USDDA play, good enough for fourth best in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Forward Matt Greer led the way with 10 goals this season, followed by nine from Brandon Levano and eight from Neicko Williams. The club even ended the season with a 4-1 win over Oakwood SC last month.
As for one player in particular in Williams, he also became a first for the Academy, becoming the first ever graduate of YSC Academy, the pristine new school in Wayne that educates various members of the club's academy system.
Williams, 19, a native of Jamaica says the chance to grow his game and get a high quality education was something he'll never be able to repay.
"This experience has been one of the best of my life," Williams told philadelphiaunion.com on his graduation day. "The people and coaches I have met here have definitely helped me become the man I wanted to be. I learned a lot of great things here, both on and off the soccer pitch that I hope to take with me for the rest of my life."
Williams' next move could be that of a shot to play for one of the Union's developmental affiliates in either Reading or Harrisburg, thus continuing his quest of becoming the ultimate first: coming up through the school and hopefully make his way to the Union first team, after honing his game on the developmental level.
Even more important, he's a pretty bright kid too.
"Soccer aside, I think he longer he spent here he realized that academically, he could also do it," said Union U18 coach Peter Fuller. "He was in an environment too that made it possible for him to succeed. Going forward, he's a good player and he's got some good qualities that would lead you to believe that he will earn a chance to make it. I think an environment like college will be really good for him in terms of really understanding the game, I think right now that will be the place where he will be the most successful in his career off the bat and then we'll see from there."
U18s last game today as a Union team, what a great season, let's finish with a win pic.twitter.com/kcMnn6hGV0
— Phila Union Academy (@PhilaUnion_Acad) June 26, 2014
Philadelphia Union U16s
With a record of 13-7-5 overall, the U16s finished sixth best in the Atlantic Division and enjoyed months in which they went undefeated. Most recently was the month of May in which the club went 3-0-1, outscoring opponents 7-1 in those four matches. Kevin Carvalho led the squad with a team high 10 goal effort and the U16s also received five goals apiece from Conor Bradley and Derek Amaniampong.
"Our aim [as coaches, players and staff] was to look at performance," said Union U16 coach Jeff Cook. "What we always wanted to drive home was that we can and should be competing at the highest level and we expect this kind of effort from them week in and week out. Being an MLS Academy, there is always pressure from non-MLS academies because those clubs always play us tough. We needed to go out there and assert ourselves and I think we did. Is there room for improvement? Sure, you can always improve and that's what we'll try to do."
Philadelphia Union U14s
These young men not only represented the Union but did so with some devastating final scores. Ending the first half of the season with a 2-0 loss, the U14s took little time off during the winter break and ripped through the second half of the season undefeated in for over three months, outscoring opponents by a staggering margin: 53-6.
Yes, that's 53 goals for the Union and just six for their opponents during the month of March, April and May.
But while we gasp at score lines, for U14 head coach Chris Brewer has his eye on the bigger picture.
"Surprising for sure, but I also think it's pleasing," Brewer said. "[Having a season like this] is a very good arbiter for things to come. The challenge now is to make sure that we instill humility and that we continue to grow…collectively. As you get better as a player more opportunities will arise, you have to make sure that you are having the same outlook about where you want your game to go and not let those little accolades swell your head."
Waiting for their opportunity to shine. @PhilaUnion_Acad #OpportunityKnocks #AcademyShowcase pic.twitter.com/MYYoqpjXCE
— U.S. Soccer Academy (@ussoccer_acad) June 13, 2014
Follow the Philadelphia Union youth academies on Twitter and Instagram.
Contact Union digital editor Kerith Gabriel at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Friday's Odds and Ends
Posted by mcm0704 on September 3, 2010 | ∞
What is it with some people and their attitude toward kids? In one week's news in Dallas there was a story about a woman who killed her boyfriend's son by setting his bed on fire. The father woke up, but was unable to save the boy. Another story was about a mother who bit her […]
Tags: comic strips, odds and ends, Pickles, social commentary


text:
Harborough district covers an area of 238 square miles in rural south and east Leicestershire.
The population in 2016 was estimated at 90,300. Much of the district's population lives in the market towns of Market Harborough and Lutterworth and in the large villages of Broughton Astley, Great Glen, Kibworth and Fleckney. A relatively high proportion of the district's population lives in small rural settlements.
The district has a very attractive rural environment and a rich cultural heritage, with a growing tourism sector visiting attractions such as Foxton Locks and Market Harborough itself.
The district is home to Magna Park, one of the largest dedicated strategic logistics parks in the UK, where large businesses have their regional or national headquarters, for example DHL, Walmart and George.
The attachment below relates to the local Harborough economy. Further information can be accessed via the Nomis website.


text:
In the Foreign Policy special report "Unconventional Wisdom", a series of essays purporting to challenge conventional beliefs on a broad range of topics, Leslie H. Gelb asserts that with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "America Pressures Israel Plenty". Gelb describes as "myths" the notion that Israelis "have been the main stumbling block to peace" and that the U.S. "has failed to use its influence to pressure Israel". Examining Gelb's argument in favor of the respective corollaries – that "Israel has a long and compelling history of making major concessions to Arabs", and that the U.S. "has pushed and pulled Israel" in that direction at "each step" – is instructive.
The validity of the latter assertion depends upon that of the former, for which Gelb offers several ostensible examples: Israel's return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt under the terms of the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty of 1979, and repeated offers to return most of the West Bank to the Palestinians. The Sinai, writes Gelb, was "booty of a war it did not start and an act of territorial generosity unprecedented in modern history." Gelb doesn't name the war in which Israel conquered the Sinai for readers not familiar with the history. This is perhaps just as well, since it is difficult to reconcile the claim Israel "did not start" the June 1967 "Six Day War" with the completely uncontroversial fact that it was Israel who fired the first shot.
Gelb cannot be unaware of that fact, so presumably he is clinging here to the conventional wisdom that Israel's surprise attack on Egypt was "preemptive". It would be an understatement to say that there is scant evidentiary basis for the implication that Egypt had intended to launch an offensive war against Israel. Indeed, the documentary record contradicts that claim, its enormous and somewhat inexplicable popularity notwithstanding. When U.S. President Lyndon Johnson later asked Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser why he had amassed troops in the Sinai, Nasser replied, "Whether you believe it or not, we were in fear of an attack from Israel. We had been informed that the Israelis were massing troops on the Syrian border with the idea of first attacking Syria, there they did not expect to meet great resistance, and then commence their attack on the UAR." Johnson had little cause to disbelieve Nasser's explanation; he had been informed prior to the war by his Director of Central Intelligence Richard Helms that Israel could "defend successfully against simultaneous Arab attacks on all fronts … or hold on any three fronts while mounting successfully a major offensive on the fourth." The CIA assessed that "Israel could almost certainly attain air supremacy over the Sinai Peninsula in less than 24 hours after taking the initiative or in two or three days if the UAR struck first." The CIA also described Egypt's military positions in the Sinai as a "defense line".
Israel's own intelligence assessment concurred with the U.S.'s that the likelihood of an Egyptian attack was slim. As current Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael B. Oren observes in his book Six Days of War, "By all reports Israel received from the Americans, and according to its own intelligence, Nasser had no interest in bloodshed." In Israel's own view, "Nasser would have to be deranged" to attack first, and war "could only come about if Nasser felt he had complete military superiority over the IDF, if Israel were caught up in a domestic crisis, and, most crucially, was isolated internationally—a most unlikely confluence." Yitzhak Rabin, later Prime Minister, told Le Monde the year following the war, "I do not think Nasser wanted war. The two divisions he sent to the Sinai would not have been sufficient to launch an offensive war. He knew it and we knew it." Prime Minister Menachem Begin similarly acknowledged that Israel's war on Egypt in 1956 was a war of "choice" and that "In June 1967 we again had a choice. The Egyptian army concentrations in the Sinai approaches do not prove that Nasser was really about to attack us. We must be honest with ourselves. We decided to attack him."
Gelb in effect purports to challenge one series of "myths" by propagating others. But the historical accuracy of his argument – or lack thereof, rather – is not the only fallacy here. Gelb's rejection of international law, implicit in his description of territorial gains as "booty" and the return of that territory as "concessions" and acts of "generosity", is also instructive. The underlying assumption of these characterizations is that Israel had some kind of right or legitimate claim to that territory. Yet "the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war" is a well-established principle under international law. This principle is cited, for example, in United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 calling upon Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied during the '67 war: the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, the Syrian Golan Heights, and the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza Strip. As Dr. Norman Finkelstein (author most recently of 'This Time We Went Too Far' about the consequences of Israel's '08-'09 devastating invasion of Gaza) has observed, if one operates in a framework of what Israel is entitled to under international law, rather than in the framework of what Israel wants, then it becomes apparent that the number of "concessions" Israel has made in this regard has been precisely zero. Less than zero, actually. Returning to Gelb's argument, consider Israel's "generosity" in supposedly offering to return "more than 90 percent of the West Bank" – a demand for a major territorial concession from the Palestinians. Respecting international law, Gelb's argument crumbles.
Gelb's claim of U.S. "pressure" to get Israel to make "concessions" falls apart as a corollary, but is nevertheless worth further examination. He cites "President Barack Obama's recent scolding of Israel over its West Bank settlements" as evidence. The issue of Israeli settlements –illegal under international law – has been ongoing since Obama took office, with this claim of "pressure" on Israel from his administration being a familiar refrain. The first chorus was heard shortly after coming into office when the administration initially called upon Israel to cease settlement activity in the interests of furthering peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. This request coincided with the announcement that under no circumstances would the U.S. consider scaling back U.S. support for Israel that effectively empowers Israel to carry on its policies of continued settlement expansion and ongoing occupation. The message was not lost upon the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
The more recent incident of "pressure" Gelb refers to came in the form of an offer to reward Israel with 20 F-35 jet fighters and promises to protect Israel diplomatically, such as through use of the U.S. veto in the U.N. Security Council. In other words, a continuation of the status quo. (Consider the Obama administration's vow to ensure that the findings and recommendations of the U.N. Goldstone report – which found that both Israel and Hamas had committed war crimes during Israel's assault on Gaza – would not be endorsed by the Security Council, or its expressions of solidarity in response to Israel's having killed nine peace activists in an illegal assault upon the humanitarian vessel the Mavi Marmara in international waters). All that was requested in return is that Israel would cease settlement expansion for 90 days, East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice has observed is "occupied Palestinian territory" under international law, excluded. Implicit in the terms of this proposal was that Israel could return to its illegal activities elsewhere in the West Bank after the allotted time, and yet retain the F-35s (courtesy of U.S. taxpayers) and continue to be assured of U.S. diplomatic support. Also revealing is the fact that there was no hint that if Israel refused this offer, the U.S. would stray from the status quo arrangement. The arms deal is expected to go forward despite the failure of talks (and despite the suspension of production of the F-35 line). In short, U.S. "pressure" consisted in this case of an offer to continue the U.S. policy of effectively rewarding Israel for violating international law, with ongoing illegal settlement construction in East Jerusalem and just a brief hiatus elsewhere in the West Bank, with it being well understood that if this offer is refused, the status quo will continue anyhow.
The actual facts and true nature of the U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership notwithstanding, Gelb still manages to express dismay that the "Arabs have not wanted to credit Washington's role as a peacemaker because they think the United States is capable of exerting even more pressure on Israel." Gasp! It is certainly true, as his next sentence declares, that "the American role has been real and substantial" – but not in the way Gelb intends it. The irony that in his ostensible effort to challenge faulty conventional wisdom, Gelb actually sticks very much to it should not be lost upon the reader.


text:
Of all the low income housing programs, tax credit apartment, or income primarily based flats are probably the most hassle free. When I imply renting is cheaper I am talking of the Inland Empire and I am able to work normal hours and afford rent right here. The flat comprises living room,bedroom,kitchen, dinning room,toilet and bathroom…the rent is four hundred Euro monthly together with all payments and the refundable security deposit is 500 Euro. The landlord came in final week and glued it all up, and is now asking for the 3 months hire that they owe. Search ® leases listings to check out properties for rent and apartments for hire in cities and towns throughout the United States.
Or, draw a field across the space of curiosity and immediately find all rental properties obtainable, then use the filtering instruments to seek out your good flats. If you're in search of to cash in on residence equity to invest in any of the houses on the market in Boston Massachusetts you may wish to guarantee that you've got sufficient equity to afford this move. The residences in Florence are located within the historical center of Florence, within the Chianti and in Tuscany. Mascot Central flats and buying centre in one of the best South Sydney areas. I am Reverend Rev David Verbales, the proprietor of the condominium you make inquiry about.
If he is cheap, and willing to use his discretion and present compassion in the direction of your unfair remedy by your former flatmates, he may accept; this would scale back the legal responsibility of the guarantor to 6 weeks of rent. You could have parking charges as well relying if the condo you rent has an underground car park. In many places the month-to-month lease for 2-bed room residences and bungalows is $200 to $300.
For every flat, the percentage fee is written, from 0% to 100% (one month rent), and the advanced search is powerful (metro station, how removed from the metro, worth range,..). You can find rentals of assorted length. Just cruise around neighborhoods you like and look for both for rent indicators or for apartments that don't have fitted aircon models (usually vacant) then discuss to the guards on these buildings.
She was from Brooklyn NY which gave me something to speak to her about having spent a while there and having a very good story about getting stopped by the police while sitting at a light going the flawed direction on a one way avenue. These second flooring apartments help you really feel at home with cable TV in every room, WiFi, full U.S.-type kitchen (except for studio which has a mini-kitchen), linens, tub and beach towels, hot water (not all locations in Cartagena have this!), and clothes washer and dryer. We have gotten the most effective assets, just contact and your new low lease is residence is ready for you.


text:
In the highly competitive residential market, developers who adapt quickly to changing trends and market situations enjoy a competitive edge. Defining the ideal home type and style takes a keen eye and appreciation of aesthetics in a market where consumers are becoming more discerning.
With technological advancements, residential developments are also integrating smart technologies into their total offering, appealing to the new generation of consumers.
Familiarity with local government's latest regulations is crucial to optimising real estate return on investment.
When it comes to planning, designing and engineering your residential development, look no further than Meinhardt with our decades' long local market experience working with top developers around the world.
Our innovative engineering solutions help developers save time and money during the construction phase while our smart city solutions prepare developments for the next generation consumer.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed with many of our client's sell-out projects garnering prestigious international awards.
Speak to our experts today to see how we can help you develop the next most talked about residential development in town.
- Civil & Structural
- Façade
- Fire Safety
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing
- Project Management & Construction Management
- Sustainability & ESD Designs
Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2001) has finally aged into the post-college housing market. They're an altogether different market to cater to, preferring a more urban environment paired with different expectations for their living spaces than previous generations. They are even more tech-savvy than millennials since they were born into the age of computers. They've already had a tremendous impact on the tech and retail markets, and real estate agents will increasingly find them among their customers in 2018.
Mivida City Islamabad is the first-ever eco-sustainable city in Pakistan. It is a project by […]
- Client
- MIVIDA Islamabad
- Date
- July 9, 2020
The proposed project aims to rehabilitate and develop the dying River Ravi into a perennial […]
- Client
- Lahore Development Authority (LDA)
- Date
- July 8, 2020
"Elite Estates" the proud owner of "Eighteen", a mixed use project in Islamabad, Pakistan, which […]
- Client
- Elite Estates Pvt. Ltd
- Date
- July 16, 2019
A mixed-use development comprising residential and office complex, with a total GFA of 160,000sqm. Meinhardt […]
- Client
- Sembol Construction, Kazakhstan
- Date
- July 5, 2019


text:
The Los Angeles County Health Department issued a heat advisory for the Antelope, San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys and Pomona from Monday through Friday as temps climb up to 110 in some areas.
Similar temps are expected for the Inland Empire. Riverside County officials issued a heat warning for the entire county for the next seven days.
Coastal areas will be cooler with beach temps settling in the 70s.
The jump in daytime temperatures is due to strong high pressure over the Southwest combined with weak onshore flow. It will also get more humid as the week goes on.
Nights will also be warmer than usual during this stretch, with lows ranging from the mid to upper 60s in the valleys to low to mid 70s in the foothills and Antelope Valley.
Officials are reminding the public to drink plenty of water and stay in cool, shaded areas.


text:
United Kingdom
Family Break In Braunston With Canal Boating
Do you know that a canal boating holiday in Braunston can be that perfect family break? A lot of people who are coming here would always have their vacation complete with different activities. The canal boating is one of the activities that can change the way you see your stay with the family. You got more than two thousand miles of waterways to move around in Wales and England when are ready for this family break.
It is not always that you go to great locations like London, Vienna or even London for your activities. You can go to a place as quiet as Braunston to ensure that you got a lot of experiences. This is what you can do when the vacation or even a family break is spent inside a luxury boat.
A lot of people have come around to explore the activities that are available on ground. It is different from a lot of places where you can do boating activities. It is far different from camping because the rain can beat you. There is no place to run to but the fun is simply amazing. For the family break, no boy would want to miss out in this fun. Even the girls would always have this confidence that they can do a lot of things.
A lot of celebrities are often seen making use of this canal boating in Braunston. A lot of people who wish to have a great time can come to Braunston and get that perfect activity in the waters. The boats that are used for this boating are designed to fit anyone. You can enjoy loads of surprises like sleeping with duvets, that is if you are not interested in coming out of the open, a free WiFi, the availability of radiators, hot running waters, flushing loos, and lots more. You can have a great relaxation here.
Twitter Followers | Instagram Followers
More Pinterest Followers
Link Exchange Platform | SEO Tips
LinkedIn Followers | Tumblr
Compare Prodcuts
Burn Fat
There are a lot of routes that you can make use of when you are here. It is either you are going for a long distance or a short boating activities for the newbies. You can tour the Northamptonshire countryside. Taking through Braunston Tunnel, it can take you about20 minutes before you can get to Buckby, which is the home of the 'Buckby can'. There are things you can buy here like ice creams and souvenirs. The Blisworth tunnel is more than two thousand metres long and three bricks in depth, this is one of the places that you can come and have a relaxed moment in a boat. It has taken 12 years for the Irish navy to build with candles in the night.
If you have saved some money for your holiday, the Canal Museum can be the perfect place you can visit with your family. It is not expensive to be here and if you are the exploring type, you can move around the waters for a long time. This is what makes canal boating in Braunston exceptional different from other places.
The Perfect Destination For Family Holiday- Cromer
Tourist Cultural Activities In Britain In May
Best Places For London's Afternoon Teas
Holiday Cottage Getaway In Devon
Beautiful Tourists' Quiet Destinations In England
Best Cities To Visit In England
Greatest Safaris In Britain
Most Visited Grave Sites In Britain
Top Uk Swimming Spots To Stay Calm
Glorious Short Break In Perthshire,scotland
Magical Alton Towers In Fairytale Woodland
Tourist Luxury Service In Hotel Du Vin Cambridge
Tourists' Foodie Paradise Of Northumberland
Five Most Amazing Places To Visit In London
Cheap hotels in London
United Kingdom(England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales) Travel Blog
Cheap hotels in United Kingdom(England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
Travel Blog
I'm Feeling Lucky


text:
How the Stars Are Spending Thanksgiving
Travolta, Mayer, Swift, Keys and more on how they celebrate Turkey day.
Nov. 27, 2008 -- Mere mortals aren't the only Americans chowing down on turkey today.
For many stars, Thanksgiving is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, time to spend with loved ones new and old.
Below, check out how celebrities from the movie and music worlds plan to spend the holiday and what blessings they're counting this year:
John Travolta
On what he's thankful for: "On a personal level, my family's health, and on a global level, you know, everyone still has hope."
Liev Schreiber
On what he's thankful for: "I have Sasha [his son]. I have Naomi [Watts, his wife]. I have my favorite corduroy suit. And I have another baby coming inDecember."
Taylor Swift
On the family members she spends Thanksgiving with: "They're all on my mom's side, and they're all women, and they're really loud. They're obnoxiously loud and they all have this genetic cackle. And they stand in the kitchen and it's the loudest sound. It like, breaks noise barriers, and it's like out of a movie. I mean, my cousins have, like, 49 cats and dogs. It's really fun to go there and have somewhere I know I'm gonna be every Thanksgiving."
John Mayer
On what he's thankful for: "I'm really thankful for the way that I was raised and whatever I'm sort of born with that gives me a lot of inspiration and ... I'm not a quitter. So I'm really thankful for that 'get up and fight' sort of, get to work -- I just go to the studio every day and go to work like everyone else does."
Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers
On what the band's thankful for: "I think we want to be, most of all, thankful for the fans. This year, they've been always sticking around for us and always been there for us. The fans are the best. They've come to every concert. They've slept outside for venues, and we can't thank them enough. You know, we love our fans so much."
Alicia Keys
On what she's thankful for: "I'm thankful for being able to do things like this [a recent fundraiser for her charity Keep A Child Alive], for being able to have a voice to use, for my organization, Keep a Child Alive. I'm thankful for my family, I'm thankful for every time I travel, that I get there safely."
On how he's fortunate this holiday: "I've watched a lot of friends come and go this year ... unfortunately I've lost some friends. I'm just thankful to actually be here to accomplish more things. It's been a sad year for a lot of people, I mean all the way down to our economy and everything else, but I think 2009's gonna definitely pick up and it only made us stronger to be able move forward in the future."
David Cook
On how he'll spend the holiday: "Every year in Kansas City ... there's this area of town called the Plaza and it's like this nice shopping and restaurant district and they do this on Thanksgiving night, they have somebody come in every year and flip the switch and turn the Christmas lights on, it's this big ceremony and this year they were kind enough to ask me to do it. So I'm gonna go home and flip the switch. More than anything, it's just an excuse for me to get home for a few days and see family."
Barry Manilow
On what he's thankful for: "Health. It's all about health. My health. My loved ones' health. We're all here. We're all OK. You know, as I get older, we all hang on. What's going to happen next year? So far, we made it through another one."
Melissa Etheridge
On what she's thankful for: "Life. You know, life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here, at this time, in this reality with everyone, in this life right now."


text:
A study by Virgin Pulse, Driven by Distractions: Why Employees' Focus Is Waning at Work & What You Can Do about It, says that 95 percent of 1,000 respondents said they were distracted during the workday.
More than half (52 percent) say they are distracted 1 to 20 percent of the time during a workday, while for 43 percent distractions occur in the range of 21 to 75 percent, or more, of the time. And 70 percent say their health habits have a noticeable impact on their ability to focus at work.
The survey found that the biggest distractions were:
- 54 percent say the biggest distraction is fellow co-workers looking to chat and socialize;
- 45 percent cited email and text messages; and
- 22 percent said personal stress like worries over relationships, family or money.
Employees cited two things that help them focus: 68 percent say proper sleep is the number one way to maintain focus at work, and 43 percent say taking a mid-day walk or getting some exercise helps them get and stay focused at work.
"Every day, employees are grappling with attention-stealing stress, job pressures and all of life's priorities, so in order to create a high-performing, productive workforce, it's more important than ever for employers to support their employees' well-being and help them to improve their ability to focus," said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse. "Supporting all aspects of employees' health and well-being is a great place for companies to start and will help their people feel their best so they can hone in on their most important tasks."


text:
* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
What programmes need funding and what delivery mechanisms should be in place?
We are fast approaching the annual COP season of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted this year in the Polish capital Warsaw. One theme certain to be high on the agenda is climate finance. This remains a contentious part of the convention discussions, reflecting a longstanding divergence between developed and developing countries.
There is consensus (of sorts) that additional public funding is needed to help the most vulnerable communities and countries respond to changing climatic conditions. But how much is needed, how it should be managed and the expected impact of this spending are much argued about.
Considerable intellectual effort has gone into identifying the supply of climate finance; less attention has been directed at the demand side of the equation. What programmes need funding and what delivery mechanisms should be in place to ensure that financing meets the needs of the most vulnerable?
We at the Overseas Development Institute have focused on this issue over the last four years, examining the delivery of climate finance in least developed countries. We co-hosted a side event at the 2011 Durban COP and have continued our analysis in a number of countries since then.
We have just completed two country studies – in Uganda and Tanzania – working with national partners: ACODE in Kampala and the Centre for Climate Change Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam. These country studies offer important insights into the demand for climate finance and the prospects for the effective use of such funding when it is deployed.
Climate finance is a term coined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. As such, it is more a political label than a category of expenditure. So, we begin with a major definitional challenge: what counts?
We have examined this definitional challenge from an adaptation, mitigation and REDD perspective; ultimately, national definitions need to drive the debate, something that has been supported in our country studies.
Assuming that public spending on mitigation or adaptation can be identified, can it be tracked from budget allocations to actual expenditures? Marcus Manuel has raised the challenge of budget transparency in many countries – this general observation also holds true for climate finance.
Empirical studies, such as our work in Uganda and Tanzania, that try to track climate finance delivery therefore really matter in helping to raise awareness of how national governments are responding to climate change through their budgetary systems.
Empirical work of this nature is difficult and initial estimates of climate change spending are imprecise. In Tanzania, we identified a considerable amount of spending taking place across a broad spectrum of government ministries, with $495 million budgeted for climate change relevant actions in 2011/12. Much less spending appeared to be taking place in Uganda, where in the same year $28 million was spent through the national budget.
Climate finance can come from a variety of sources: international climate funds, bilateral and multilateral donor funds, national public funds and private sector finance. The contribution of these different sources varies between countries, but everywhere national public funds are an important early source of finance.
Our work demonstrates that the public funding element of climate finance is, in the final analysis, just another category of public expenditure, and hence its effectiveness is determined in large part by the national public finance management system in which it is embedded. Philipp Krause has recently highlighted just how challenging reforming such systems can be.
One insight from our work is that the financing of climate change actions is presently treated as a budgetary rather than a policy issue. In other words, insufficient policy attention is being given to identify funding priorities, to determine how different funding sources can be managed, and to find out how best to secure the most effective funding channels.
First, how much is being spent on climate change actions needs to be known for the same reasons that we need to know the level of public spending on health and education. It may be more difficult to determine, but this is an important starting point for policy debate.
Our analyses provide an important early building block in this effort, but more is needed to support decision making so that finite resources can be targeted towards strategic investments.
Second, Ministries of Finance need to adopt a stronger role in administrating climate finance and ensuring that broader public finance management systems allow for climate finance to be delivered effectively. This means continuing to strengthen national budgetary systems.
Simple things matter: the credibility of the annual budget often needs to be raised to reduce within-year re-allocations so that climate change programmes can go ahead as planned.
Third, the level of awareness on climate change needs to undergo a step change within government line ministries. Most climate change relevant expenditure identified by the study teams in Uganda (64 percent) and Tanzania (84 percent) during 2011/12 was within programmes where tackling climate change was not a stated objective of the expenditure. Sector planners need support to see the relevance of their planning for climate change.
Finally, and to come back to the theme of ensuring that the most vulnerable are supported, greater emphasis should go to strengthening national to sub-national funding flows. Incorporating climate change activities in the conditional grant transfer arrangements from central government would provide one opportunity to open the fiscal space for local governments to take action now.
Neil Bird is an Overseas Development Institute research fellow. His current research focuses on climate change policy, the international aid architecture and its relation to climate finance. At the national level, his research interests include the delivery mechanisms for climate finance, national budgetary processes, sector policies and the institutional development of public sector agencies.
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.