text:
The Communications Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy as it underlies the operations of all businesses, public safety organizations, and government. Over 25 years, the sector has evolved from predominantly a provider of voice services into a diverse, competitive, and interconnected industry using terrestrial, satellite, and wireless transmission systems. The transmission of these services has become interconnected; satellite, wireless, and wire-line providers depend on each other to carry and terminate their traffic and companies routinely share facilities and technology to ensure interoperability.
The Communications Sector is closely linked to other sectors:
Communications Sector includes:


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Are you up to speed on IBM CL subroutine support?
In days long past, I used to copy small pieces of common code from one section of a program to another section. This common code might be validating input values from a user, adding X days to a date to determine a date in the future (or past), sending messages, or a wide range of other functions. I didn't want to duplicate this common logic to multiple locations within my program (especially if I might have to change the code in the future), but using GOTO to run common code and then trying to resume where I was prior to running the GOTO command can quickly become a real pain. Duplicating the code was often the lesser of the two evils. Thankfully, CL was enhanced awhile back (V5R4 to be specific) with support for subroutines. And in case you're thinking, "I know all about subroutines, I've been using them for years in RPG," I'll just caution you that CL subroutines have a few features that RPG subroutines don't. So don't stop reading just because you're familiar with subroutines in another language.
Using the Subroutine (SUBR) command to define the start of some common logic and the End Subroutine (ENDSUBR) command to define the end of the shared logic, you can now run this common code using the Call Subroutine (CALLSUBR) command. After the subroutine returns, the program then continues to run, resuming at the command following the CALLSUBR command. To my way of thinking, a much improved solution over using GOTOs and/or duplicating code within the program.
Subroutines are physically located in your source code following your main program logic and prior to the ENDPGM command. You can have many subroutines within your program, each delimited by paired SUBR and ENDSUBR commands.
The SUBR command has one parameter, SUBR, which is used to name the subroutine. This name is then used with the SUBR parameter of the CALLSUBR command to identify which subroutine is to be run. The ENDSUBR command defines the end of the common logic that started with the previous SUBR command. The ENDSUBR command has one parameter, RTNVAL, which can be used to specify a return value that can be returned to the caller of the subroutine. This ability to provide a return value from the subroutine is one feature that is not available in languages such as RPG, and it will be reviewed shortly. The CALLSUBR command has two parameters: SUBR, which identifies the subroutine to call, and RTNVAL, which can optionally identify a CL variable to receive the return value of the called subroutine. There is also a Return from subroutine command, RTNSUBR, which can be used to immediately return control to the calling CALLSUBR command without having to run the ENDSUBR command. The RTNSUBR command also has one parameter, RTNVAL, which, like ENDSUBR, allows you to identify a return value to be returned to the calling CALLSUBR.
Subroutines can be called, using CALLSUBR, from anywhere within your program except as the EXEC parameter of a program-level MONMSG command. This "call from almost anywhere" includes the ability to call subroutines while you are currently running in a subroutine. This capability is shown in the following example:
Dcl Var(&Counter) Type(*Dec) Len(1 0)
Dcl Var(&CounterChr) Type(*Char) Len(1)
Dcl Var(&Exit) Type(*Int)
DoUntil Cond(&Exit *EQ 1)
CallSubr Subr(DoCalcs) RtnVal(&Exit)
Subr Subr(DoCalcs)
ChgVar Var(&Counter) Value(&Counter + 1)
CallSubr Subr(DspResults)
If Cond((&Counter / 2) *EQ 2) Then( +
RtnSubr RtnVal(1))
CallSubr Subr(DspResults)
Subr Subr(DspResults)
ChgVar Var(&CounterChr) Value(&Counter)
SndUsrMsg Msg(&CounterChr) MsgType(*Info)
In this example program, there are two subroutines defined. One subroutine, DoCalcs, simply adds 1 to the &Counter variable, calls the DspResults subroutine to display the value of &Counter, and checks to see if dividing &Counter by 2 results in a value of 2. If the result is 2, DoCalcs immediately exits back to the caller, using RTNSUBR, with a return value of 1. If the result is not 2, DoCalcs again calls the subroutine DspResults to display the value of &Counter and then returns to the caller using ENDSUBR with a return value of 0. The default RTNVAL value, for both ENDSUBR and RTNSUBR, is 0, so we did not need to explicitly code RTNVAL(0) on the ENDSUBR command.
The program itself starts off with a DOUNTIL loop conditioned by CL variable &Exit not being set to the value of 1. Within the DOUNTIL command group, the program calls the DoCalcs subroutine, identifying CL variable &Exit as the variable to receive any return value from the DoCalcs subroutine. When DoCalcs returns a value of 1, using the RTNSUBR command, the DOUNTIL command group is exited. &Exit is defined as a 4-byte integer variable, which is the required definition for subroutine return value parameters.
Different RTNVAL variables can be identified with the CALLSUBR command. So, while not shown in the sample program, you could at one point in the program CALLSUBR SUBR(DoCalcs) RTNVAL(&Exit) and at another point in the program CALLSUBR SUBR(DoCalcs) RTNVAL(&Y). This ability to explicitly define a return variable, external to the subroutine, can be quite useful when calling a subroutine from multiple locations within a program and not wanting to worry about saving and restoring status information across the various callers. You can also use CL variables as RTNVAL arguments with the ENDSUBR and RTNSUBR commands, so literal values such as the '1' used in the example are not required.
Running the earlier sample program will result in the following messages being displayed.
I mentioned earlier that subroutines can call other subroutines. In the case of CL, this also includes the ability for a subroutine to call itself—another difference from RPG. In the following example, the DOUNTIL loop is eliminated and DoCalcs simply calls itself until the result of dividing &Counter by 2 is 2. At this point, DoCalcs returns to its caller using the RTNSUBR command. If the caller was an earlier instance of DoCalcs, then this preceding instance will next run the ENDSUBR command, following the CALLSUBR command, and so the subroutine stack will return (eventually) to the initial CALLSUBR of the main program logic and then run the RETURN command, ending the program.
Dcl Var(&Counter) Type(*Dec) Len(1 0)
Dcl Var(&CounterChr) Type(*Char) Len(1)
CallSubr Subr(DoCalcs)
Subr Subr(DoCalcs)
ChgVar Var(&Counter) Value(&Counter + 1)
CallSubr Subr(DspResults)
If Cond((&Counter / 2) *EQ 2) Then(RtnSubr)
CallSubr Subr(DspResults)
CallSubr Subr(DoCalcs)
Subr Subr(DspResults)
ChgVar Var(&CounterChr) Value(&Counter)
SndUsrMsg Msg(&CounterChr) MsgType(*Info)
Running this version of the program will result in the same output as the previous program.
There is one more command related to subroutines, Declare Processing Options (DCLPRCOPT). By default, there can be up to 99 subroutines active, or nested, within a program. You can have as many subroutines defined in the program as you want (or at least I'm not aware of any set definition limit imposed by CL), but you cannot nest more than 99 CALLSUBR commands within the program's execution path. For most business applications, 99 nested CALLSUBR commands should be more than sufficient. But you can, with the DCLPRCOPT command and its Subroutine stack depth (SUBRSTACK) parameter, change the supported nesting maximum to a value within the range of 20 to 9999.
Subroutines represent a very flexible tool to add to your programming arsenal. They can provide reduced duplication of common code within your source and be utilized with a variety of programming styles.
More CL Questions?
as/400, os/400, iseries, system i, i5/os, ibm i, power systems, 6.1, 7.1, V7,

subset: commoncrawl


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Research Scientist in Bioinformatics
You will support the innovation portfolio as well as the commercial business by generating results...
Chr. Hansen A/S
Research Scientist in Bioinformatics with a strong background in Biology
The Human Health Discovery Team within Human Health & Microbiome Innovation is looking for a Research Scientist in Bioinformatics with a strong understanding of microbiology and/or human biology.
The Human Health Division of Chr. Hansen produces probiotic bacteria to support and improve health. In the Discovery Team we cover the entire value chain from identifying new microbial candidates to performing in vitro screening assays, animal trials and clinical studies. As a Bioinformatician in the Discovery team, you will support the innovation portfolio as well as the commercial business by generating results for a variety of different projects.
Your role and responsibilities
- Screen bacterial genomes for genes / gene clusters required for specific properties (e.g. enzymes for degrading specific substrates or producing specific metabolites)
- Perform genome comparisons of bacteria to identify genomic and potential phenotypic differences among strains
- Analyze multiple -omics datasets from in vitro, animal and clinical trials and provide biological insights into bacterial-host interactions
- Support your colleagues by providing ad hoc bioinformatic and statistical analyses
- Interact internally with colleagues in diverse roles and externally with clients or at scientific conferences
Qualifications and competences
The ideal candidate has a PhD in Bioinformatics or a related discipline. It is essential that you have a strong understanding of biology and extensive knowledge within next generation sequencing analysis. Knowledge of probiotics and the human microbiome is an advantage. Experience with analyzing clinical data is desirable.
You have:
- Demonstrated experience using operating systems and bioinformatics tools, including Linux and R-based programs, is essential. Expert command in at least one programming language (perl, python, R, etc.) and basic command of several programming languages.
- Knowledge of statistics is required.
- Willingness to take on new tasks and learn new methods.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong skills in visualizing and presenting results to both scientists who are not bioinformaticians and non-scientists (for example colleagues and customers in business and marketing roles).
- Desire to work in a team and ability to engage with a variety of people.
- Excellent spoken and written English skills.
Further information
You will join an international team of dedicated and diverse colleagues in Human Health Discovery consisting of 4 scientists, 2 lab technicians, 1 PostDoc and 2 PhD students. You will be the only bioinformatician in a team of molecular and human biologists; therefore, it is necessary that you enjoy collaborating with experimental biologists and thrive in the role of a bioinformatics expert.
However, there will be opportunities to collaborate with other bioinformaticians in neighboring departments at Chr. Hansen. You will be based in Hørsholm (near Copenhagen) and will report to the Discovery Department Manager. If you have any questions related to this position, please feel free to contact Senior Manager Adam Baker at e-mail: email@example.com.
The application deadline is February 22, 2019. To apply for this role, please submit your CV with a cover letter by clicking the link "Ansøg".
Read more about a career at Chr. Hansen here
Please write in your application that you've seen the job at Jobfinder.


text:
OQ 80 suitable for machines from 25-40 tons. OQ 80 is a fully automatic quick coupler system, which suits all excavators from 25 to 40 t and allow fast tool changes between mechanical and hydraulic attachments. The coupler is sturdy, backlash-free and can withstand tough treatment. OQ 80 provides the ability to use tools that require two separate hydraulic and leakage management. The bracket is also an additional link to be used for central lubrication, water flushing or similar. Optional electrical connector.
- Fast and efficient: The OilQuick quick coupler system enables the operator to change quickly between various mechanical and hydraulic attachments from inside the cab. As a result, he has the right tool for the job in every situation and can work faster and more efficiently.
- Highest quality: OilQuick quick couplers and tool adapters are of the highest quality and ensure a precision fit. The coupler locks the attachments in place at full system pressure. This ensures engagement with no play resulting in minimum wear and long service life for the coupler system.
- Safe quick coupler system: OilQuick quick coupler systems are regarded as the safest on the market. Safety features also include double hose break valves, a system for constantly readjusting the locking bolts hydraulically, a lock switch with double function, a warning light and alarm.
- Improved working conditions: As work tools are changed and coupled automatically, the operator does not have to get down from the cab. No more handling of couplings covered in oil or leaving the cab with unnecessary exposure to risks. OilQuick boosts morale at work, even in a downpour or snow storm.
- More cost effective: Fast tool change and efficient use of the excavator help to increase productivity. Experience has shown that investing in an OilQuick quick coupler pays off when you have to change hydraulic work tools two or three times a working day.
- Eco-friendly: All OilQuick quick couplers are fitted with leak-free oil quick couplings, which are eco-friendly.


text:
Chance we will misplace our keys this month
Send us a Note
DIY software projects that have good intentions, and go so bad.
Satisfied Customers
DFW office: (972) 836-9276
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Flower Mound, TX 75022
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As soon as we land our fighter jet, we will get back with you.


text:
Search filters applied: finance, transport AND performance audit AND 2015, 2001 AND management and administration AND published .
Actions for Sydney metropolitan bus contracts
Sydney metropolitan bus contracts
On 9 September 2015, the Acting Auditor-General of New South Wales, Tony Whitfield, released a report on Sydney Metropolitan Bus Service Contracts. All scheduled bus services in the Sydney metropolitan area are provided under contracts with the public and private operators. The contracts allow Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to determine what bus services are provided and to whom. This audit assessed the effectiveness of TfNSW's design and management of thes
Actions for Identifying productivity in the public sector
Identifying productivity in the public sector
This report examines selected areas of government activity to see if sufficient information was available to identify and assess changes in productivity. The areas examined were primary and secondary school public education, acute inpatient care in NSW public hospitals, CityRail, the NSW Police Force, and the NSW Local Court. Productivity is commonly defined as the amount of output per unit of input. Parliamentary reference - Report number #256 - re
Actions for Efficiency and effectiveness in tax collection
Efficiency and effectiveness in tax collection
This performance audit looked at whether the Office of State Revenue was effective in collecting as much tax as it should, and at the lowest cost to the government. The Office of State Revenue (OSR) plays a crucial role in collecting revenue for NSW Government. About one-third of the money spent on services like our public schools and public hospitals is collected by OSR. This is through NSW Government taxes like stamp duty on real estate and payroll
Actions for Implementing performance audit recommendations
Implementing performance audit recommendations
NSW Government agencies have sound processes for implementing performance audit recommendations in Auditor-General's Reports to Parliament. There are many cases of good practice. For example, some agencies formed a steering committee and developed a detailed plan to implement recommendations. Another incorporated the implementation of recommendations into both its business plan and the work plans of individual officers who were managing projects. Most ag
Actions for Large construction projects
Large construction projects
The independent assurance given to the NSW Government and sponsor agencies on the viability of large capital projects throughout their lifecycle is inadequate. Government policy is regularly not followed and not properly communicated to those responsible for implementing such policy. This audit sought to test the effectiveness of the NSW capital project assurance system - which includes gateway reviews and reporting - but significant levels of non-comp
Actions for Security of critical IT infrastructure
Security of critical IT infrastructure
Roads and Maritime Services and Transport for NSW have deployed many controls to protect traffic management systems but these would have been only partially effective in detecting and preventing incidents and unlikely to support a timely response. There was a potential for unauthorised access to sensitive information and systems that could have disrupted traffic. Until Roads and Maritime Services' IT disaster recovery site is fully commissioned, a disa
Actions for Follow-up audits: Police response to calls for assistance, The levying and collection of Land Tax and Coordination of bushfire fighting activities
Follow-up audits: Police response to calls for assistance, The levying and collection of Land Tax and Coordination of bushfire fighting activities
The acceptance of audit recommendations by agencies in the current review was high and represented 96 per cent of the recommendations made. In addition, half of the recommendations in the 1998 audits have been adequately addressed and for over 70 per cent of recommendations there has been some measurable change in practices or performance. But overall, most of these improvements have been incremental. And, for nearly one third of the recommendations, ch


text:
Princeton University (A.B. 1994−1998)
Harvard University (Ph.D. 2001−2005)
Stanford University (NIH Postdoctoral Fellow 2005−2007)
Work Experience:
Associate Professor Dartmouth Chemistry 2013−present
COBRE Institute for Biomolecular Targeting 2018−present
Molecular Therapeutics Research Program 2012−present
Assistant Professor Dartmouth Chemistry 2007−2013
Associate Chemist Merck Process Research 1999−2001
Research Interests: Research in the Wu group focuses on the development of new reactions for synthesizing compounds that have potential therapeutic value. These include (4+3) and (3+2) cycloadditions with indole and other heterocycles, redox chain reactions, etc. In particular, we have identified molecules that can up-regulate the secretion of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), inhibit the growth of MRSA, and induce apoptosis in leukemia cells. For each of these projects, we have teamed up with biological collaborators to study mechanisms of action and identify more potent analogues.
Our group has recently completed the first total syntheses of several members of the hydroxylated dimeric nuphar alkaloids [link]. These compounds, found in the yellow water lily (i.e. Nuphar japonicum, Nuphar lutea, and Nuphar pumilum), are able to induce apoptosis in model leukemia cell lines faster than any small molecule. We have also reported on the synthesis of the 1st apoptotically-active monomeric analogues [link]. Insufficient apoptosis is strongly linked to cancer and autoimmune disorders. There are also numerous diseases associated with excessive cell death such as AIDS, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (i.e. ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease). A better understanding of the biological basis of how the nuphar alkaloids can so rapidly induce cell death, may lead to novel points of intervention for the design of prospective therapeutics and other diseases attributed to abnormal apoptosis.


text:
Farrell MS ZIP Code
Farrell city is located in Mississippi State, Coahoma County and has a unique zip code assigned by the US Postal Service Office.
You can search for the Farrell MS zip code by its streets and block numbers if we have some of the Farrell streets loaded in our website
Farrell Area Code is 662 and Time Zone is Central (GMT -06:00).
Farrell Zip Code - Mississippi
The US ZIP Code basic format consists of five decimal numerical digits assigned to the Farrell City. An extended ZIP+4 code, introduced in the 1980s, includes the five digits of the Farrell ZIP code, a hyphen, and four more digits that determine a more specific location within a given ZIP code in Farrell, Mississippi.
The Farrell Zip Code is 38630.
If you want to send a mail to Farrell City, you should use the 38630 Zip Code.
In 1983, the U.S. Postal Service introduced an expanded Farrell ZIP code system that it called ZIP+4, often called "plus-four codes", "add-on codes", or "add ons". A ZIP+4 code uses the basic 38630 Zip code plus four additional digits to identify a geographic segment within the five-digit delivery area, such as a Farrell city block, a group of apartments, an individual high-volume receiver of mail or any other unit that could use an extra identifier to aid in efficient mail sorting and delivery in Mississippi.


text:
I miss political ads. There I said it, you heard it. I miss them, in all their glorious negativity and cliche grainy shots, I miss them. But just as I going to start a loop of the Daisy Ad, Morning in America, Willie Horton (which is actually a horrible ad), and Fast Talker, along comes my savior, the Chicago Mayor's race.
Hey this guy looks familiar (actually he looks a little like George Clooney the way he's dressed and with that salt and pepper hair). If I was Rahm's political consultant, I would tell him the biggest hurdle he would have to overcome is to make him accessible. Some of this opinion might be inside the beltwayitis, but the notion Rahm and his personality are almost mythic.
The question of how to introduce a candidate is always a hard one. I like that they decided not to go for a traditional biography spot instead opting for a vision ad. Well, really the vision part of it is a MacGuffin, it seems to me what they're really trying to do is make Rahm a real likable person — to allow voters to connect to him. They do a pretty good job of that too, grounding him as someone who is passionate about Chicago.
That's a pretty powerful opening line, "Chicago is a great city, with great people, and I want my children to feel as passionate about it as I did growing up." There's a lot going on in that one line, some bio (has kids, he grew up here), some character (he's passionate), and some values (a sense that he's going to fight, that he wants to pass something important down to his kids). It's something every parent can connect with, passing something down important to their children. That in and of itself makes Rahm human in a way a more tradition spot could not. It'sa line that's working with the philosophy of "show don't tell."
Is this a great spot? No, but it's a solid B, maybe B+. Visually it has the requisite shots of the candidate talking with folks, shaking hands interacting with kids in the classroom when you discuss education or with cops when you're talking about "our streets." No, the visuals are pretty standard and a couple (the rack focus taking Rahm out of focus and the end shot where's he shaking hands, but not really looking at the guy) are odd choices. The documentary style adds to a sense that he's not pre-packaged and it creates a sense of reality that enhances the believability of the ad.
Essentially this ad is trying to do what the Christine O'Donnell witch spot could not, which is to take the image folks might have of the candidate and turn it (or spin it if you will) into something more positive. This spot works because it doesn't ever go to far from what folks already know — if they had tried to show Rahm as all soft and cuddly then it would feel fake. Instead, they take the strengths of his image, and say he's passionate and can make tough choices, now that's believable.
My biggest complaint of the witch ad was that O'Donnell didn't seem believable, this ad doesn't have the problem, I think it's very believable, and does a good job framing Rahm, which is ultimately the goal of your initial ad.
Tags: believable, connection, MacGuffin, Rahm, show don't tell


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Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII Part IX
Part IV: The Virgin birth and The Incarnation
of animals to respond normally to many stimuli, even in the absence
of the cerebrum or after experimental removal of the cortex,
has a direct bearing on the question of soul-life in the fetus.
If the existence of consciousness (conscious awareness of the
world around in animals and self-consciousness in addition in
man) is essential to soul-life, then presumably the organ of
mind must be present and functional before this kind of soul-life
can be presumed.
44. Sherrington, Sir Charles, ref. 5, pp.149f.
to Bazett and Penfield, (48) cats which cannot possibly feel any pain (being brain-less)
will mew if hurt, growl if aggravated, and purr when caressed
or with milk in their stomach. The same animal remains highly
responsive to mouse sounds, such as squeaks and scratching. (49) Such animals must of course
be kept alive: they will not eat of their own accord and must
be fed, and, even then, rarely survive for more than a few weeks.
Yet during this time they maintain normal functions and body
temperature reasonably well if the challenge is not too severe.
They are unable to sustain anything more than rather limited
departures from the normal environmental conditions, but they
have every appearance of being aware. Yet this certainly cannot
be the case. They are essentially vegetables.
48. Baazett, H. C., and Penfield, W. G., "A
Study of the Sherrington Decerebrate Animal in the Chronic as
well as the Acute Condition," Brain, vol.45, 1922,
p.218, 261.
equipped with soul life. Whatever term we use, whether "soul" or "spirit," there is little doubt the time of its "giving" cannot at present be settled by an appeal to human biology. The issue must still be settled on biblical grounds.


text:
The Jean Cocteau Cinema is pleased to present New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Walter Jon Williams with his latest fantasy book Quillifer. George RR Martin will host an intimate discussion with Walter Jon Williams followed by audience Q&A and book signing in the lobby.
The discussion begins at 3:00 pm, book signing starts at 4:00 pm. Sunday January 14, 2018 at the Jean Cocteau Cinema at 418 Montezuma Ave.
About the book Quillifer: An adventurous epic fantasy about a man who is forced to leave his comfortable life and find his fortune among goddesses, pirates, war, and dragons. Quillifer is a young man, serially in love and studying law, when a family tragedy throws him into the world to seek his fortune. While he struggles to establish himself in the capital, the country finds itself pitched into a civil war, and Quillifer, an unwilling soldier at best, finds himself caught up in the action, and able to tip the scales of fortune.


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We started this family business for retail promotional signage to make it easier for people using the internet to find great quality, unique and standard printed signage.The goal of our website was to build a site that allows visitors the opportunity to find unique and bright signage to attract customers to their retail store, as well as supply many other products and accessories.
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Reservation number: 1-800-266-9432
Online link: https://aws.passkey.com/go/AMLI2018
Upgrades are also available on this website. In addition to our special rate of $109, you will be charged $10.00 per day resort fee, as referenced above.


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A spacious and relaxing home with rural views
Holmleigh is a high-quality care home with deceptively modern facilities. It is in a rural location just outside Navenby with glorious far-reaching views of surrounding countryside from many of the well-appointed rooms, all being en-suite.
Originally a substantial detached property in a large garden, it has been considerably extended with three single storey wings. There are several lounges, two spacious dining rooms and a lift to the upper floor in the main house.
The home is maintained to a high standard inside and out, with all the facilities one would expect for comfortable and relaxing elderly living.
From the moment you step into Holmleigh you can feel the friendly and homely atmosphere. We aim to provide the finest quality of care and understanding for our residents. The staff go out of their way to provide the support that residents need to help them live a fulfilled and active life according to their individual needs. We cater for those from all walks of life and are passionate about what we do.
Our home manager, Hazel Carelton, has been running Holmleigh for almost 20 years now and together with the deputy Diana and all the other staff they made the home into what it is today - the best choice of care in the area with a genuine family feel.
Life at Holmleigh is never dull. We have a wide range of organised activities (see separate page) to keep minds and bodies active! All residents are encouraged to personalise their own room to make it just like their home. When you enter a room at Holmleigh you enter a part of their lives so positive memories can be maintained.


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Here's a trailer mashup by AEmovieguy for the film version of Scott Pilgrim that Americans actually would have paid to see; the version with attractive people clad in tight leather.
Via /Film, who paid to see the version starring shlubby hipsters and their terrible haircuts.
Find Scott Pilgrim plush toys on Ebay


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About Rebecca Billick | Divorce Lawyer
Uncontested Divorce Mediation
Divorce Lawyer – Mediator – Family Law Attorney
Rebecca Billick provides divorce mediation services for Split Simple clients throughout Cook County and the greater Chicago area. She is licensed to practice law as a divorce lawyer in Illinois as well as Indiana.
Ms. Billick has dedicated her career as a divorce lawyer to understanding the impact of divorce on families and children and helping them toward mutually beneficial solutions. She has acted as a conflict resolution trainer, a guardian ad litem on behalf of children in court proceedings, spearheaded studies into the effectiveness of child-centered divorce, and written about the legal system's treatment of children.
Drawing upon this diverse background, Ms. Billick provides compassionate guidance through the collaborative Chicago divorce mediation process that emphasizes the interests of the child or children in the proceedings.
Ms. Billick's Credentials:
- JD, Indiana University Maurer School of Law
- Master of Science Counseling, Purdue University
- Bachelor of Science – Criminology, Florida State University
- Member, Chicago Bar Association
- Member, Illinois State Bar Association
- Board of Directors (2016), Indiana Association for Infant and Toddler Mental Health
- President (2015-Present), Women Lawyers Association
- Board of Directors (2012-Present) and former president (2012-2014), Indiana Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
As a former licensed school counselor and therapeutic foster parent, Ms. Billick understands from a variety of different perspectives how divorce proceedings affect children in Chicago. She believes that Chicago divorce mediation and collaborative law provides a better solution, and she is proud to be able to help families move toward those solutions as an attorney-mediator at Split Simple.
Find out how divorce lawyer and family mediator Rebecca Billick can assist you in dispute proceedings by completing the form on this page or calling 855-665-9920 today. Ms. Billick serves divorce clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, Illinois.


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Q&A on Parenting
Last year in May, I was approached for Q&A on parenting issues. Not sure if my answers were published or they went down the drain. Nevertheless, I kept a copy of it and thought I should share them here with you. These are my answers and solely mine to argue with. You may disagree with mine…….Read More


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Missinglettr -Automate Social Media Marketing to save you time!
Missinglettr Seeks To Help Site Owners Automate Parts of their Social Media Marketing
If you don't want to hire a social media manager, you want to do it yourself, I may have found a tool for you. It should save some time for you.
So what do you do for your business when it comes to social media marketing?
Perhaps you're a hands-on person and really work hard to manage your social media accounts. But unfortunately there is so much to do.
People who are running a business either need a social media manager or help in some other way.
There are automated social media tools that help site owners automate the social media marketing process.
Missinglettr can automate social media marketing in a cost efficient way that will help you for an entire year. Now does that sound like a plan to you?
A campaign runs for you on autopilot, tailored to automate the marketing process based on relevant social media content that your visitors want to see. All you need is a blog for your online site.
Of course you're going to need your blog, site and social media all linked together. Missinglettr is going to take a look at the content you post on your blog next, and they are going to have social content created for you.
All you do is make sure it's what you want to happen and you're going to have a great social media marketing campaign running for you in the background, long after you've moved on to other things.
This automated social media marketing is something that can happen for each post you make on your blog.
You have the chance to approve it prior to starting a campaign, which means you can pick and choose when you want them to promote your content. You want to be consistent, so remember that you need to be promoting each post on social media whether you do it or they do it.
How much of a social presence could you now have with automated marketing help?


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Ah, Valentine's Day, that one day of the year that you spend, spend and spend on little tokens of love for your sweetie. You probably BUY a card, BUY candy, BUY flowers, BUY dinner, etc. See the running theme here … it can get pretty costly, but it doesn't have to. Just because it is one of the most commercial holidays of the year, you can still show your love and appreciation for your partner at little to no cost, and more often than just one day a year. A date night is a way to reconnect as a couple. But you don't have to have the typical dinner and drinks to make the experience romantic. With a little bit of planning and imagination, your date nights can be memorable and cheap. Here are 14 fun and creative ideas that won't break the bank, but still show you care:
At-home dating. First and foremost, if you're married with kids, babysitting tends to be a luxury … so why not tuck the kiddos into bed and then have an at-home date night? Some fun ideas include a movie marathon, complete with fresh popped popcorn and some homemade smoothies or setup your laptop or tablet, click on your favorite music site such as Pandora for a fun night of karaoke. Trust me, pick a station that you both enjoy and it will provide hours of laughter and is quite the bonding experience.
Dewey Decimal dating. Head on over to your local bookstore and spend some time exploring. Best part about this one is that it is totally FREE! If you don't think that's romantic, remember a few films that allowed libraries to get top billing: Paul says the L-word to Holly in a library in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the romantic Beast gives Belle an entire library to symbolize his love in Beauty and the Beast.
Food is love. Cooking together is always a fun idea and less expensive than going out to dinner. Plus you avoid all the crowds and lack of reservations available around Valentine's Day. Find your favorite restaurant dish on Copy Kat Recipes. Go shopping together for the ingredients and then cook as a couple. Pick a theme and go with it. Feel like going to Paris for the evening? Well then grab a baguette, some sparkling wine and a few cheeses for a tasting. How about Italy? Easy. You just need some pasta, a bottle of Chianti and a yummy tiramisu. Even if the meal doesn't taste like the restaurant option, you'll make memories cooking together in the kitchen. You could also make your own fondue, homemade pizza or have breakfast for dinner.
Look to the stars. What's more romantic than stargazing with your loved one? Head to a local park or even your backyard with a blanket, download the free Star Chart app on your smartphone for an easy map of constellations, and pack your favorite beverage. Make sure there aren't any lights nearby to make it easier to see the stars.
Daytime love stories. Who says date nights have to take place at night? Go on a nature walk, create a scavenger hunt for items to find, pick some flowers along the way and end with a romantic picnic. Dust off classic game options like Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. Make it interesting by raising the stakes with romantic bets. Or start watching a corny soap opera as a couple – the classic late 60s American gothic TV series Dark Shadows, is now available on Amazon.
Drink smarter. Find a local winery or wine shop for a tasting or go on a free winery tour. These might have free snacks and local music, if you're lucky. At restaurants, wine is marked up 300% or more. Instead of drinking your favorite bottle out on the town, pick up wine at the local liquor store. Serve your own wine flights or cover each bottle for a blind taste test. As you sample, savor each sip and compare notes on the flavors and your preferences.
Give a little. Find a local volunteer opportunity or service project in your area and serve together. You'll spend quality time together while helping out the community all at no cost except for your time.
Make some music. Are you musically inclined? Write a song together. How awesome is that? If you don't, why not take a class together, or learn to play using a video?
Deal a date night. Keep an eye out on your local deal sites such as Groupon or Living Social for discounts to Paint your Own Pottery or Canvas outings. You can typically save up to 50% off per person.
Treasure hunt dinner. Still want to go out to eat? Have a progressive date night. Choose a few different restaurants around town and start out with drinks at one place, then head over to another for appetizers, try out a new place for the main meal, and finish up at your local bakery or ice cream parlor for dessert. The best part about this is that you don't spend as much money if you're there for a specific item, and you can sit at the bar for most of these, so it's more laid back.
Stage right. Want to see that musical or play but the price is too steep? Call around to see if your local theater sells tickets for dress rehearsals. You pay less than the actual ticket cost and get the same experience. Or, see if you can find a discounted ticket from Goldstar.
Make it. Build something together. Order in pizza and open up that DIY Pinterest inspiration board you have been filling with ideas. Pick your favorite and get started.
Flex a little. Into fitness? Get a free day pass to a gym whose membership may be a bit out of your budget and spend some time with your sweetie getting physical. Challenge each other to a fitness competition, take some classes, and then take advantage of the gym's sauna or pool, if it has one. Or get some fresh air and plan a day of play in your neighborhood. Go for a bike ride to a local park or shopping district. Play a fun and low-impact game like Frisbee golf, mini golf and bocce ball or visit the batting cages.
Look while local. Be a tourist in your own city. Go online and print out a travel guide, set your sights on a few locations, create an itinerary and play tourist. Make sure to take pictures along the way. Spice it up by searching for inexpensive places you've never visited before. Some local museums offer free or cheap entry. Look for local parks or trails, farmers' markets, free live music, free outdoor movie nights and more.
For more fun articles on saving money:
Frugal easy Valentine's dinner
Homemade desserts for Valentine's Day
6 free ways to say "I love you"
Save money with a vintage diamond ring


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I look around and I see so much of our strength. Our wisdom. Our fucking gigantic hearts and our deep deep wisdom that instinctively is drawn to heal and love. Our beauty…oh my, so much beauty. Our warrior courage. Our magnetic sensuality and our naughty, mysterious, breathtaking, joyful sexuality. And over that, I see the veil. The veil of self-doubt. Comparison. Overwhelm. Bitterness. Guilt. Staying quiet, small and good. Expectations. Shoulds. Numbness. Fear. Shame. Trauma. Feeling like there is a limit to how big we can get, how loud we can talk, how much we can ask for, how much of our real selves we can show and how much space we are allowed to take up in the world.
That veil makes me fucking mad. I want to run down the street and pull it off every woman and then run to the park and dance in the sun for hours and hours until we drop into delicious, ecstatic exhaustion. Feeling so perfectly and absolutely right.
Sometimes we don't even know that we are asleep. Sometimes we don't even know there is another way. Sometimes our fear keeps us tuned to the one channel we have learned about what a woman is. It's not our fault. We are such fucking overachievers than when lessons come our way, we learn them, but good. Even when those lessons about what it is to be a woman come from outside ourselves. Maybe especially then.
But what if…..?
What if.
What if all of our bodies were perfect and totally deserving of every test, every doctors appointment, every healer, every morsel of food, every hour of sleep, every touch and caress and tickle just because.
What if there was nothing wrong with us when we struggled. Got crusty. Got angry. Felt stuck. Failed. Couldn't decide. What if our symptoms were mostly because we have forgotten how perfect, how beautiful and how absolutely right we are. In every way. In every stage. In every struggle.
What if every struggle we are in, has been felt by other women and even though our pain is our own, it is also pain known and held by our sisters all over the world and what if, we really are never alone.
What if every effort we make to love and nourish ourselves heals not only our wounds but the wounds of our mothers and their mothers and every one who came before us and will come after us.
What if every time we met another woman who was glowing, we didn't criticize or judge or try to diminish her light but let her light fill us up and lift us up and help us remember where WE WANT TO GO TOO.
What if we are fucking geniuses.
What if we trusted our bodies (instead of the doctor/teacher/trainer/magazine/guru) to know what they need to eat, how much they need to sleep, how they want to move and what makes them purr.
What if we DO know exactly what we want. What if we DO know what we want to say yes or no to. What if we really DO KNOW.
What if we trusted ourselves so deeply that we followed our own voice, our own intuition, our own "gut feeling" without hesitation.
What if we believed that we had every right in the world to ask for everything we wanted in the bedroom. What if we were able to not receive everything we asked for and MORE.
What if we are not broken or flawed or fucked up or failing but just women on a never-ending journey of which every part is to be honoured and celebrated because we are fucking alive and human and divine.
What if every time we went to the gym, we didn't have to push our bodies into pain, stretch further than was comfortable, crunched until we ached. What if we stopped punishing our bodies and believed that we were desired and loved and worthy, just because.
What if we could just put down the burdens, the pushing, the going, the doing, the constant racing, the running, the go go go go go go go and just rest and rejuvenate and relax and totally approve of that.
What if we all wore bikinis on the beach and looked around and saw thin bodies and big bodies and bodacious breasts and more-nipple-than-breast breasts and juicy jiggly butts and sexily square butts and overflowing with love tummies and tight tummies and short tall fat small dark light old young and thought…"Wow. Look at how beautiful we are."
What if we didn't feel guilty about taking a break in the middle of the day because we stopped believing that we needed to "earn our keep" at our jobs, in our relationships and inside our families.
What if, instead of isolating ourselves during our dark times, we reached out and grabbed our sisters hands and pulled them into the dark with us, where they sat, just holding us. What if we didn't hide our darkness but shared it so NO WOMAN EVER felt like she was the only one again?
What if our girls never lost the natural love of their bodies, seeing the way their flesh and curves grew and expanded and shrunk and stretched as beautiful and worthy stages of the miracle of their story.
What if we unlearned our habit of complaining and became, instead of victims to the boss, the partner, the kids, the husband, other people, the heat, the snow, the news, decided to stand in the full joy of living that we were born with.
What if we overflowed with enthusiasm, joy, bliss, laughter, glow, light, fun and play.
What if we asked for everything we wanted.
I don't know much. But I know I love you.
In the comments below, I'd love to hear what this makes you think of. What are your "what if's" in your life now? What are you doing in your life to change the way you feel and move and live, as a woman?


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What happened to the banks' reputational risk following the Banking Royal Commission?
In February 2019, Commissioner The Honourable Kenneth M Hayne released the final report of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. The report addressed the alleged misconduct of Australia's banking and financial services industry and proposed 76 recommendations following the review of more than 10,000 public complaints. Understandably, subsequent investigations costing banks a minimum of $50 million in legal and advisory fees, have shifted organisations' focus away from rebuilding investors' and customers' trust in the bank. As a result, many banks have experienced substantial damage to their reputation due to a loss of consumers' trust and confidence in their products. In trying to protect the reputation of their bank, many executives have acted unethically when trying to cover up their mistakes or deny the Royal Commission of documents needed for the investigations. This has in turn put the banks' name under further scrutiny from both the Banking Commission and the general public.
What is reputational risk in the financial industry?
When addressing the risk of putting their reputation on the line, Deutsche Bankdescribes reputational risk as "the risk of possible damage to the brand and reputation, and the associated risk to earnings, capital or liquidity arising from any association, action or inaction which could be perceived by stakeholders to be inappropriate, unethical or inconsistent with the Bank's values and beliefs".
Likewise, HSBC's definition of reputational risk is "the risk of failure to meet stakeholder expectations as a result of any event, behaviour, action or inaction, either by HSBC itself, our employees or those with whom we are associated, that may cause stakeholders to form a negative view of the Group".
How is the public viewing banks currently?
Australia's financial services sector is the largest contributor to the economy with an injection of approximately $140 billion to GDP annually and employs around 450,000 individuals nationally. Every year, RepTrak in conjunction with IBIS World 2,000 list, measures the reputation of the largest companies by revenue in Australia through an online survey method. The target audience are Australians aged 18 and above who are familiar with the company being rated. Every company is assessed based on the following criteria:
· Familiarity with the company
· Level of trust
· Level of good feeling
· Level of esteem
· Level of admiration and respect
Based on RepTrak's 2019 ranking report, the reputation of key players in the banking industry as a whole has plummeted due to the public losing trust and confidence in the banking system following the findings of the Banking Royal Commission:
· National Australia Bank (NAB) has slid 15 spots down to 58th;
· Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has maintained its position at 57th;
· Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) is down 9 spots to 55th;
· AMP has lost 18 spots and ranks last at 60th; and
· Macquarie Group dropped 5 spots to 42nd.
The only bank that rose through the ranks is Bendigo and Adelaide Bank which climbed 7 spots up the ladder to 11th. According to the bank, their reputation has improved due to their strong financial performance in the individual measurements of citizenship and governance.
Which banks experienced reputational risk?
The publication of the report scrutinised CBA publicly, particularly Ian Narev who left following damage to his reputation even before the Royal Commission was officially launched. When Hayne delivered the report, he also reprimanded NAB's chief executive, Andrew Thorburn, and chairman, Ken Henry for not taking the Royal Commission seriously. Andrew and Ken subsequently resigned from NAB, leaving behind a bank that is expected to repay more than $100 million for the alleged fee-for-no-service indiscretions.
What can be done to improve banks' reputational risk?
A Deloitte Reputation at Risk survey identified that there is an 80% likelihood that a company loses 20% of its value in any single month over five years following a crisis in the company's reputation. This is certainly reflected in movements in the stock market when people sell their stock upon a company's reputational crisis.
Many organisations run the risk of damaging their reputation as they grow bigger in size – especially those offering advisory services. This is due to advice being provided by a team of consultants with various levels of expertise. To ensure the company is not putting its reputation at risk, senior management needs to ensure that all members of the team are well-trained and supervised so that correct information is provided to clients at all times. The focus should also be on offering an ethical financial service rather than managing the risk of public scrutiny following a reputational crisis. Commissioner Haynes further recommended a change in corporate culture within financial institutions to rectify any reputational risk.
Has the Royal Banking Commission impacted your organisation?
In the wake of the Royal Banking Commission, the risk and compliance market has opened many job opportunities. We have more clients looking to hire risk and compliance specialists and given the limited pool of candidates, this has further pushed salary levels upwards.
Should you have any questions or would like to find out how your organisation can mitigate reputational risks, feel free to contact us on 02 8251 2120 for a confidential discussion or visit our LinkedIn page to learn more about what we do.


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When the sower scattered the seed, only one of four took root. I remember this story so I don't get discouraged when I see a relationship in my life where my love and efforts are not reciprocated. I am not God, nor do I understand another's heart and mind. You won't always see when you make a difference. Sometimes it takes years before the harvest is ready.
God's timing is everything. Mary and Elizabeth were meant to meet. "And at that time Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country to a town of Judah. And she went to the house of Zachariah and, entering it, saluted Elizabeth. And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud cry, and then exclaimed, Blessed (favored of God) above all other women are you! And blessed (favored of God) is the Fruit of your womb! And how [have I deserved that this honor should] be granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behond, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke 1:39-44) Even their babies fit. They clearly saw the significance of God in their friendship.
Mary and Elizabeth complemented each other, understood each other and shared what is probably the most fascinating and phenomenal mentoring friendship in the history of mankind. Both loved the Lord, were married, pregnant for the first time, and knew they were going to have sons. And not just any sons, but Mary would give birth to the Son of God while Elizabeth would give birth to the prophet paving the way for the Son of God. An extremely rare knowledge of gender given no ultra sound at the time. For both had apparitions or visitations from God. And in both cases, their defining moments took the form of the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:19,26) Yet they were different, with different backgrounds and Elizabeth being older and long married.


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Pittsburg Center Animation
eBART Transfer Platform Animation
Antioch Station Walkthrough Animation
Click on the eBART Next Segment report image below, which looked at a possible extension of eBART service beyond the Antioch Station. This was a pre-engineering study, looking primarily at possible alternative station sites for a future extension.
(Source: http://www.bart.gov/about/projects/ecc)


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May 20, 2013
Veterans who've been patiently waiting for the benefits promised them by the United States government are getting fed up and they're calling for change. But, As Jon Stewart points out in his "Red Tape Diaries," if they can just wait two more years the VA will have the backlog cleared up enough that vets will only have to wait four more months for their benefits.
Eric Shinseki, a former four-star general and Army chief of staff, was nominated for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs position on December 7, 2008, by President-elect Barack Obama. He was unanimously confirmed ty the Senate and sworn in on January 21, 2009.
The VA currently has approximately 630,000 claims backlogged, which means they've been pending for more than 125 days. Some veterans have been waiting more than two years.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an organization representing the new generation of veterans, is aggressively lobbying Washington to get the backlog cleaned up and deliver on the promised Washington made to veterans. The group has also started on online petition, at MillionVetBacklog.com, which already has more than 9,000 signatures.
Shinseki declined to be interviewed for a recent New York Times article, but his spokesman, Josh Taylor, released a statement that Shinseki that "knows that any time you set out to make major transformational changes, criticism is part of the job."
The statement added, "He is driving the organization hard toward aggressive goals, he knows we have more work to do, and he is confident that we will end the backlog in 2015."
In his "Red Tape Diaries" series, Jon Stewart has a clip of Shinseki promising that the backlog will be completely cleaned up in 2015. "We have resolved to eliminate the department's backlog by 2015. Not just reduce it, but end it. And then claims will be processed in 125 days or less."
"There you have it!", Stewart said. "In only two more years… they're hoping to have you wait only four more months,"
On April 29 the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it would be withholding performance bonuses for senior officials who are in charge of the large disability claims backlog and the money will instead go toward helping to eliminate the backlog.
The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!


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Ganesh mandals to raise Rs 15 cr to save INS Vikrant
Over 10,000 Ganesh mandals in the city will collect funds to save the aircraft carrier; associations expect to raise the money in a week's time
Coming to the rescue of INS Vikrant, Ganesh mandals in the city will keep some funds aside to save INS Vikrant from being auctioned. During Navy Day celebrations last week, the central government announced its plans to auction the INS Vikrant as scrap after the Maharashtra government clearly stated that it lacked the funds to preserve and maintain it.
The announcement stirred various groups and political parties and put pressure on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to contribute to the maintenance costs of the ship. The civic body began working on various budget provisions to convert the aircraft carrier into a maritime museum. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) emerged saviour for the vessel, taking the initiative to collect money from various Ganesh mandals and use the contribution to save the aircraft carrier.
The city celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi on a large scale, where every sarvajanik ganeshotsav mandal spends a minimum about Rs 1 lakh to organise Ganeshotsav in their localities. The mandal associations are also involved in taking up social causes and they consider the INS Vikrant worth saving. There are about 10,400 Ganesh mandals in the city and a minimum of Rs 10,000 will be collected from each mandal.
The bigger mandals have been requested to donate generously depending on their stature. A sum of Rs 15 crore is expected to be collected from this initiative within a week's time. Naresh Dahibaonkar, president of BSGSS, said, "We will be contributing for the maintenance of the INS Vikrant as something as historic and important like this cannot be neglected. All the mandals will be meeting soon and a proper amount will be decided. We aim to collect a sum of Rs 15 crore at least and we will request the bigger mandals like Lalbaug and Ganesh Galli to contribute more as it is for a good cause."
With the state government showing its inefficiency in maintaining the aircraft carrier that played an important role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, BMC Standing Committee Chairman, Rahul Shewale, demanded to have Rs 25 crore allotted for its maintenance. The proposal was earlier opposed by MNS group leader Sandeep Deshpande.
However, on Wednesday, he showed support for the cause and also contributed Rs 51,000 for it. However the city's mayor, Sunil Prabhu believes that there is a need of a maritime museum in the city for which the INS Vikrant needs to be maintained. Prabhu, said, "The BMC should have a budget provision for INS Vikrant since they had earlier made provisions to convert it into a museum. The Ganesh mandals are also taking up this noble cause and I appreciate this move."
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Europa League: Edin Dzeko hits hat-trick as Roma thrash Villarreal 4-0
Last updated on .From the section European Football
Edin Dzeko hit a hat-trick for Roma - and became the leading scorer in this season's Europa League - in a 4-0 last-32 first-leg win at Villarreal.
The former Manchester City striker, 30, scored three in the last 25 minutes to take his European total to eight goals.
It put him one clear of Athletic Bilbao's 36-year-old striker Aritz Aduriz, who was on target in a 3-2 first-leg home win over Apoel Nicosia.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, another veteran at 33, scored as Schalke won 3-0 at PAOK.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat-trick for Manchester United as they beat Saint-Etienne 3-0, but Tottenham fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Belgian mid-table side Gent.
There was controversy in Poland, where Ajax appeared to be denied a legitimate goal in a 0-0 draw at Legia Warsaw.
Arkadiusz Malarz, the Legia keeper, seemed to pull back Ajax captain Davy Klaassen's eighth-minute shot from behind the line, but none of the officials saw it go in - and there is no goalline technology in the Europa League.
A gloomy fortnight for Celta Vigo continued as they lost 1-0 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, with Gustavo Blanco scoring the only goal.
The La Liga side had to postpone a home game against Real Madrid just under two weeks ago after their stadium suffered storm damage. They then lost a Copa del Rey semi-final to Alaves before conceding two goals in the last four minutes to fall to a 3-2 league defeat at Atletico Madrid last Sunday.


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COVID-19 Updates: New visiting policies, cancellations, patient instructions and more.
ALERT: If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call before coming to Urgent Care or schedule a video visit M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. by calling (888) 591-0500.
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MidMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot offers a comprehensive bariatric surgery program that, together with your commitment, provides the support and resources you need to achieve your weight loss goals and improve or resolve related medical conditions.
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Need Water Damage Tolleson Removal Info?
Chances are, if you came to this page, it could be for the reason that you and/or your family just arrived home to water damage effecting your house. This is an emergency that needs to be handled very swiftly. It is suggested that you quickly phone Water Damage Pros by using the 24x7x365 instant response number you see at the top of the screen. We can easily address each of your questions and worries.
It is generally preferable to reach out to our company prior to you contact the insurer! They might possibly strive to instruct you that you are required to use one of their selected firms. Do not allow them to dupe you!
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We also deal with water removal with your basement, sewage pipe block, mold and mildew elimination from water damage, water damage restoration and water damage cleanup through out the greater Tolleson area.
No matter how big or little your water damage restoration, Tolleson folks are able to rely on our crew to get the job completed.
Once you find out about a problem on your house, it is essential that you hire a Tolleson water damage restoration firm swiftly!
Until you promptly extract the unwanted water, you can quickly come up with a hazardous mold and mildew concern, or maybe even structural issues.
Why must you phone Water Damage Pros of Tolleson?
No matter how large or little your water damage repair is, Tolleson residents can certainly rely on us to complete the job done right.
When picking a water damage Tolleson reparation company, you should ensure that they are professional, have the very best tools, and can correctly eliminate water damage repair Tolleson residences may experience.
- Top quality: Your Tolleson water damage restoration is completed correctly the first time!
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- QUICK Response: 24/7 Emergency Service.
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Call Water Damage Pros - Tolleson (520) 895-4599
Water Damage Dry-Out Tolleson
Problems are in most cases an urgent situation requiring a fast remedy. Just one call and you will be on your way to solving all your water issues.
A swamped basement or storm occurrence doesn't occur at a good time. So when it does happen, you are able to expect Water Damage Pros to respond to your home or office.
Our team will swiftly start containing the damage, removing the water, and delivering each of the other repair necessities.
Our quick response staff will quickly setup and deploy our advanced drying devices to minimize the hazard of mold and structural problems.
Then your restoration needs are different, if you are experiencing fire damage. We realize that fire and smoke damage is disruptive and can be terrible for your home or business.
Water Damage Tolleson Pros responds promptly to repair the smoke, soot, & fire harm residue problems. This includes cleaning your home's contents and belongings. Our team can likewise clear away fire and smoke odors by making using of deoderization procedures.
- Fix your Tolleson water damaged ceiling.
- Phone us if Tolleson water damage occured in your residential property!
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- We handle drywall water damage in Tolleson?
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Mold can be a bad, possibly deadly, health peril. It can quickly spread throughout the entire structure once it starts. We make use of industry approved and proven mold remediation practices accompanied with best available related equipment, and know how to assist you.
Here below are other zipcodes of towns in which our company gives free estimates in:
85020, 85098, 85127, 85269, 85004, 85207, 85083, 85298, 85085, 85285, 85003, 85010, 85263, 85283, 85382, 85214, 85036, 85244, 85260, 85262, 85345, 85203, 85079, 85225, 85201, 85212, 85281, 85143, 85076, 85208, 85034, 85017, 85025, 85041, 85284, 85246, 85233, 85202, 85063, 85312, 85068, 85385, 85327, 85209, 85249, 85022, 85048, 85032, 85039, 85213, 85248, 85204, 85264, 85305, 85012, 85301, 85226, 85287, 85236, 85097, 85331, 85211, 85210, 85061, 85234, 85261, 85142, 85069, 85082, 85023, 85006, 85274, 85253, 85206, 85392, 85377, 85045, 85311, 85257, 85215, 85005, 85075, 85318, 85252, 85014, 85043, 85376, 85178, 85119, 85251, 85050, 85019, 85046, 85038, 85029, 85266, 85255, 85267, 85008, 85026, 85280, , 85299, 85071, 85080, 85323, 85007, 85256, 85297, 85053, 85002, 85072, 85065, 85302, 85024, 85011, 85118, 85259, 85224, 85296, 85329, 85054, 85064, 85303, 85078, 85040, 85030, 85027, 85205, 85353, 85066, 85277, 85013, 85035, 85060, 85250, 85351, 85286, 85001, 85268, 85147, 85018, 85138, 85051, 85062, 85016, 85216, 85140, 85117, 85304, 85121, 85308, 85339, 85381, 85044, 85271, 85254, 85042, 85295, 85310, 85372, 85258, 85031, 85028, 85380, 85033, 85282, 85037, 85307, 85070, 85015, 85021, 85009, 85074, 85073, 85120, 85306, 85275, 85067
Shown below are some other towns in which our team gives free estimates in:
Mesa, Tempe, Maricopa, Queen Creek, Cave Creek, Tolleson, Apache Junction, Chandler, Laveen, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Gold Canyon, Cashion, Carefree, Scottsdale, Sun City, Higley, Sacaton, Glendale, San Tan Valley, Bapchule, Avondale, Chandler Heights, Peoria, Sun City West, Rio Verde, Phoenix, Fort Mcdowell, Gilbert
Our Services include: water damage elimination, water dry out, flood clean up, basement flooding clean up, wet carpet and rug, water damage contracting, water extraction team, sewage clean up, flooded basement, flood damage, drying wet carpet, flood cellar, basement drying, carpet flooding, water damage service, flooded carpet, flooded house, flooded home, water removal, water in cellar.


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How Would a One-State Israel & Palestine Work?
by: Ralph Seliger on February 17th, 2012 | 16 Comments »
Reading the NY Times online the other day, I was drawn toward a tailored "Recommended for You" item listed to the side of the screen (apparently a benefit of my subscription) about a Palestinian political activist being held in administrative detention, who is on a hunger strike which may lead to his death. This "Lede" blog story makes reference to a historic parallel in Northern Ireland, with the fatal hunger strike of Bobby Sands and other IRA prisoners in 1981, and the fact that a current leader of the IRA's political arm, Sinn Fein, has called for the Palestinian's release.
I'm troubled by the practice of administrative detention, but the fact that this individual, Khader Adnan, is evidently a political activist for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an extreme terrorist organization with much civilian Jewish blood on its hands, gives me pause from the other direction. So I'm not arguing strongly for either side in this matter, but I do hope that his life is spared and that administrative detention rules are relaxed enough to allow attorneys for detainees to effectively represent their clients in court.
What moves me to write is that this first post links to a 2010 Lede blog post by the same NY Times blogger, Robert Mackey, "Thinking Outside the Two-State Box," (Sept. 7, 2010), which mentions right-wing elements within Israel calling for a one-state solution involving a single political entity for Israel, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, but excluding the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Strip would be excluded in order to insure either a Jewish majority or a more equal ethnic balance between Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs, and presumably to isolate Hamas. This provision alone would probably make it a non-starter from the Palestinian point of view, but the unrealistic excision of Gaza is curiously not considered by the blogger.
One aches for a solution to a long-standing conflict that continues to bedevil Arabs and Jews on both sides of the divide, and in which neither side seems capable of making adequate concessions or accommodations to the other. Although recent Israeli governments have made territorial concessions and offers, they have still been too broadly ensconced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to satisfy minimal Palestinian needs and aspirations; and settlements expand in spurts but inexorably, on territory claimed by the Palestinians.
My general belief has been that a repartition of Palestine into two states is the only solution, and that one state–given the history of violence and the ethnic, religious and cultural differences between Israelis and Palestinians–is no solution at all. Yet the intractable nature of the conflict to-date leaves me open to the possibility of "outside the box" ideas. Still, it's up to the one-state advocates to convince the majority of Israelis and Palestinians how one state would work.
Mackey concludes with several paragraphs quoting the late Tony Judt's controversial NY Review of Books article in 2003 where he suggests the "unthinkable"; but Judt is highly abstract and meta-historical in this article. He overdraws a conclusion that Israel, as an "ethno-religious state" is "an anachronism," referring to the European trend toward unification—a project which has recently stalled to the point where it may even reverse itself in the face of the current financial crisis. Curiously, Judt did not consider the reverse trend toward new-old ethnic states with the breakup of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia in the 1990s, nor was he yet aware of the sharpened ethnic divide developing between Walloons and Flemish within the very administrative seat of a "united Europe," Belgium.
Would a single Israeli-Palestinian state be a unitary formation, with one parliament and cabinet (as suggested in the Lede blog post), or would it be more realistic to have a confederation? And if it's a confederation, how would it deal administratively and politically with the Israeli-Jewish settlers within East Jerusalem and the West Bank? If it is recognized as a bi-national arrangement–which it must be–would both Israel's Law of Return and a Palestinian Right of Return operate? I would think they would have to, if the interests of both peoples are to be dealt with in a single country—but how?
In the end, if this is the way to overcome decades of mutual violence, distrust and hatred, I'm all for it. But the very fact of this protracted and bitter conflict argues against it. Again, the burden is upon advocates of one state to convince everybody, especially most Israelis and Palestinians, how it could work.


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Sherlock Who
There's something that has annoyed me for a while about fandom and I've struggled to work out what it is. At least, I've struggled to understand exactly what it is, until tonight. It's this: the smugness of a certain aspect of fandom that's trying to prove how clever and cool it is.
As fandom has grown up it's assumed a kind of self-satisfied middle-age that chooses to show its superiority to other fans using a white-hot scorn that's directed at people who don't like the way that the new series of Doctor Who has embraced sexuality, self-referential mythos, soapy character arcs and a heavy dose of emotional manipulation.
The way this tends to be expressed is to suggest that the kind of people who dislike this modern form of storytelling in Doctor Who and other genre stuff are probably emotional cripples or sexual inadequates who take themselves far too seriously.
This latter suggestion is particularly prevalent in fandom wars and it's the one I find most interesting. While there are undoubtedly plenty of joyless virgins in genre fandom, I think it says a lot more about the accuser than the accusee: you are joyless and haven't had much sex - I look down on you because I am full of joy and have lots of sex. Of course, thanks to the McGann movie, we all know what Freud might say about this.
I've seen this primarily in Doctor Who fandom, as it's the only sort of fan circle I'm really part of (I've yet to locate a Blake's 7 fan circle) but it's been quite noticeable on social media recently in discussions over Sherlock. While I'm not the greatest fan of this latest vehicle for Moffat and Gatiss to indulge their childhood fantasies, I've appreciated the slickness and general wit of the reimagined series. However I thought the cop-out of The Empty Hearse and eye-watering smugness of The Sign Of Three were very weak and see the series echoing Doctor Who's collapse into its own mythos and clever-clever post-modernism.
On Twitter the latest episode saw a polarised reaction and one of Smug Fan's most identifying – and annoying – traits: A kind of glee at the fact that other fans did not enjoy the episode. Here's one example:
Wriggling with delight at how annoyed the Internet will be at this week's Sherlock.
To me this kind of statement is thick with a horrible superiority; implications and inferences that judge one person in relation to another. Let's be honest here, if we're tweeting our reactions to Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes we simply ain't that cool – and the implication of a certain hierarchy in science-fiction fandom is as funny as it's tragic.
There's another aspect to this. The loudest voices in this scorn-pouring are frequently professional fans – the kind who write stuff for Big Finish or even the new series – lording it up over the rest of us mere mortals by sucking up horrifically to Moffat and co and telling everyone else that they're not allowed opinions if they happen to conflict with their own. This is, in many ways, understandable even if it makes for one of the least edifying sights on the internet.
Tonight's Sherlock was frequently very funny; plots are skillfully woven together and its impeccably cast and directed with real verve and imagination. But rather like Doctor Who (lead character = lonely, tragic, unreachable, impossible hero; unrequited love; pleased with himself; winks at camera) it's in real danger of disappearing up its own fundament.
Most of the stuff I object to most in Doctor Who and Sherlock can be summed up with 'look at us; aren't we clever'? Tonight the latter spent 90 minutes giving its two main characters a metaphorical handjob while wearing a deerstalker. The Whoification of Sherlock was complete – on television and online.


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Ultra LITE CNSL Technology
For years, cashew nut shell liquid technology has had the reputation of producing only products that are dark in color or only usable for non-color sensitive applications. Over 10 years ago Cardanol product started to change this trend and pioneered lighter colored cashew products with the introduction of the LITE series of epoxy curing agents and diluents. This first generation technology was able to produce products having wet color stability of 8-10 on the Gardner scale. Now, Ultra LITE CNSL technology is the next generation in light colored cashew technology with the ability to produce products with Gardner color less than 1.
Central to light colored cashew products is the quality of cardanol extracted from raw cashew nut shell liquid. Ultra LITE CNSL Technology has always used cardanol distilled from its own facilities, and this is a key component to controlling the quality and consistency of cardanol-based products. New proprietary process technology is at the core of the Ultra LITE series products, and enables the production of a much purer cardanol building block. Combining this with further research in product process technology, Cardanol from CNSL is able to develop new grades of epoxy diluents, resin modifiers, polyols, diols and curing agents with very good wet and dry color stability.
This technology has opened up a whole new set of doors for cashew nut shell liquid technology, and continues to invest heavily researching and developing products that utilize it to bring the unique properties of cardanol to a variety of application areas.


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- Balances investments in existing assets and new projects; remains within debt & financial policies
- Focuses on economic competitiveness, maintaining existing assets, strategic investments, fiscal sustainability
- Increases funding for parks, facilities, and street paving
- Invests in Metro, Lubber Run Community Center, Fire Station No. 8, storm water
ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington County Manager Barbara M. Donnellan today presented her 10-year Proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2015-2024 to the Arlington County Board. The CIP identifies major capital investments that the County plans to make over the next 10 years.
"Continuing to invest in our community is critical for our continued future success, particularly in this difficult economic environment," said Donnellan. "My proposed CIP reflects a balance of maintaining our existing assets, while investing in strategic priorities – all while maintaining our fiscal sustainability."
The Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools presented his recommended Schools CIP on May 8, 2014. Donnellan said that "the proposed CIP we have prepared provides substantial resources for the Schools to meet their needs for additional seats. We are committed to work with the Superintendent over the next two months to ensure the needs of our school age population are met in a responsible way."
Strategic Investments
The Manager's Proposed CIP includes strategic investments in several key areas:
Economic competitiveness – continues funding the last phases of ConnectArlington and Intelligent Transportation Systems, providing high-speed dedicated fiber to businesses. Continues the long-planned streetcar infrastructure investments needed to realize the economic development goals of the Crystal City Sector Plan and the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Plan.
Maintaining existing assets – increases funding for parks, facilities and street paving. It also includes implementation of the storm water master plan. Continues the County's commitment to Metro, an essential asset.
Investing in strategic priorities – includes investments in key community assets, including accelerated funding to replace the Lubber Run Community Center. Includes plans to replace the aging Fire Station No. 8, as well as the initial stages of redeveloping public land to incorporate affordable housing.
Financial sustainability – proposed CIP is within the County's debt and financial policies, which are critical to maintaining the County's triple-Aaa bond ratings. The CIP was developed with conservative financial assumptions – annual revenue growth of 2-3%.
The proposed CIP does not include any additional funding for the Long Bridge Aquatics Facility beyond amounts previously approved in prior CIPs.
CIP funding comes largely from the sale of Arlington County General Obligation bonds, which are authorized by the Arlington County Board and subject to approval by Arlington County voters.
Proposed 2014 Bond Referenda
The County Manager's proposed 2014 bond referenda totals $113 million and includes:
Fulfilling our ongoing commitment to Metro — $39 million, a significant increase from the 2012 referenda ($14.6 million).
Investments in long-term maintenance capital in parks, facilities, and street paving — $35.9 million.
Parks Land Acquisition & Open Space and smaller new parks projects — $2.7 million.
Government facilities, including planning and design for Lubber Run Community Center, Fire Station No. 8, Trades Center improvements and other infrastructure — $14.7 million.
Transportation infrastructure, including bridge renovation, traffic signals and other investments – $5.2 million.
Neighborhood Conservation –– $12 million.
ConnectArlington — $3.5 million.
Arlington's bond referenda questions will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot after consideration and approval by the County Board. Please note that the County Manager's proposed 2014 bond referenda does not include the recommended 2014 referenda for Arlington Public Schools.
Public Process & Upcoming Dates
The County Manager's proposed CIP reflects input from the community about its priorities. In April, the Manager held a CIP community forum, and the CIP is a topic for discussion in OpenArlington, an online forum. The County Board will hold multiple work sessions and a public hearing on the proposed CIP before adopting it in July.
Key dates in the CIP process:
May 20 – Joint County Board /School Board work session
June 3, 18, 24, and July 17 – County Board work sessions on proposed CIP
June 10 – Public hearing – 7:00 p.m., County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 3rd floor, Arlington, VA
July 19 – County Board adoption of CIP and bond referenda language
10 Years of Progress
The proposed CIP continues the significant progress the County has made in its Capital Improvement Plan. In the last two years alone, the County has completed and opened the new Arlington Mill Community Center, Rosslyn Metro Station access improvements, and new Fire Training Academy facility. The first phase of ConnectArlington is nearing completion and a new phase has already begun that will add fiber capacity to the County network. The County has made great progress on parks and facilities maintenance capital investments. Construction will soon begin on a new comprehensive homeless services center.
Over the last 10 years, capital improvements include:
129 Neighborhood Conservation projects
225 Complete Streets projects
14 stormwater management projects
40 acres of new parkland (for a total of 937 acres)
2 new fire stations (#3 and #5)
1 new school; 25 expanded/renovated schools
Expansion and upgrade of Water Pollution Control Plant
More Information
The County prepares and the County Board adopts the CIP every two years. For more information, see the CIP information on the County website or visit www.arlingtonva.us and search "CIP."


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One of the most common questions I'm asked by IT Consultants I work with is "How do I raise my prices without losing existing clients?"
Whether you're a solo "IT Guy" or an experienced IT Consultant, a business providing IT Solutions or a Managed Service Provider, if you've not raised your prices lately then it's highly likely you're undercharging for your services.
Let's be clear, no-one likes price increases, but everyone expects them.
The cost of inflation means that if you're charging the same price this year as you did last year, you're effectively working for less -- and that sends a very clear (and negative) message to your clients about how they should value the services that you're delivering to them. By ensuring that you regularly raise your prices -- perhaps annually -- your clients will more appreciate the value you provide them with.
So raising your prices is something you shouldn't neglect, or put off for fear of offending clients. But going back to that question of "How do I raise my prices without losing existing clients?", the first thing I do is to help my clients re-phrase the question more accurately - that being "How do I keep my loyal clients and help them realise we're worth more?"
The emphasis here is on loyal clients. All of us have clients who are happy working with us, appreciate our value and are loyal to us.
Letting your loyal clients know about a price increase is relatively simple. Re-emphasis the value you already provide to them. For instance, your loyal clients may appreciate that:-
In short, focus on the value of the services you provide them and the results they experience in working with you.
Pick any or all of the statements that apply to you and craft your conversation or letter around these statements. Your loyal clients who agree with these statements will be more than willing to pay you what you're worth to continue working with you.
On the flip side of that coin, many of us have clients who we know work with us based on price alone. They're probably the same clients who we feel we undercharge, who we feel don't appreciate us, who typically don't pay us on time and who we probably don't enjoy working with. Let me be upfront and honest here -- if you have any clients who fit into that category, then they're probably going to very unhappy that you're raising prices. Why? They don't value your work.
With these type of clients who think in terms of cost alone, you'll need to focus on return on investment (ROI).
For instance, if you save them time - let them know how much time. If you save them money - be explicit about how much money. If you save them from pain -- spell out what that pain would feel like without you to help them.
When faced with these types of ROI statement, most clients -- even penny pinching ones -- will accept your price increase.
And if they don't -- perhaps with a statement such as "You're too expensive" or "We can find it cheaper" -- don't argue with them, but thank them for their business and offer to help them find an alternative provider. If they press you on why you're prepared to let them go as a client then explain to them that "We pick up a lot of work from clients who come back to us after going with a cheaper service."
The old adage "You get what you pay for" is one that most people appreciate.
All businesses should regularly -- at least annually -- increase their prices. Failing to do so means that with the cost of inflation, your clients are effectively paying less this year than they did last year. This sends a strong message to your clients that your service is not as valuable as it was last year.
Keeping your loyal clients through a price increase is as simple as focusing on the value that you bring to them.
Keeping those clients you work with who shop purely on price is a case of stating ROI to them, and being prepared to let those clients go if they don't agree with your calculations.
Either way, don't avoid raising your prices -- the longer you put it off, the harder it gets for all involved!
Richard Tubb works with MSP's to help them focus on what is important, free up their time and make more money. You don't have to do it alone any more!
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News__ S/S '12 Preview: A Peace Treaty
| By Hana May
A s/s '12 preview of what's to come from your favorite brands, captured at the (capsule) show
A Peace Treaty's s/s '12 collection is making us have a new appreciation for snakes. The new collection features chunky pieces with intricate details and a variety of beautiful blue precious stones. Our favorites are the rattlesnake pieces in the form of earrings and necklaces. Hsss, but in a good way.
See more from A Peace Treaty s/s '12 collection below.