text:
Operations - Enterprise Operations - Client Due Diligence Ops - Analyst - Dallas
Operations is a dynamic, multi-faceted division that partners with all parts of the firm to provide banking, securities, and asset management services to clients around the world. In addition, Operations provides essential risk management and controls to preserve and enhance the firm's assets and its reputation. For every new product launched and every trade executed, it is Operations that develops and manages the processes and controls that enable business flow.
We are looking to hire an Analyst within a newly formed Client Implementation team in Dallas, who will operate as part of global team interacting with clients, sales teams and internal teams to develop a full understanding of client profile and requirements. The successful candidate will be responsible for tracking and monitoring onboarding performance, and driving the front-to-back workflow of getting a new client onboard to the firm
The Client Implementation Team (CI) within Client Onboarding will support US Institutional clients. The Team's primary function will be to partner with key stakeholders (Sales, Legal, Compliance and Credit) to onboard new and existing clients for the Institutional businesses, with a focus on commercial outcomes, efficiency, control, and client service excellence. Client Implementation is client facing team and is the primary point of contact for the majority of onboarding requests and queries, both internal and external.
- Use your excellent communication skills to build strong productive relationships with Business, Legal, Compliance, Technology and the Operations Division globally. Ensuring that you develop strong working relationships with the business is essential to your success in this role
- Operate as part of a global team and contribute to, and be involved with, regional & global projects / initiatives across Client Onboarding and the Operations Division as a whole Interacting with clients, sales team and internal teams to develop a full understanding of client profile and requirements
- Showcase your excellent attention to detail combined with your past experience to ensure the team's deliverables are accurate and of a high standard
- You are a Risk Manager. The expectation is that you will continually look to leverage your excellent risk & control mind-set and experiences. You will want to pro-actively review operational processes to mitigate risk and identify opportunities to further strengthen the control environment
- Tracking and monitoring onboarding performance and driving all end to end onboarding related workflow
- Maintaining strong working relationships and liaising with internal and external stakeholders including clients, sales, legal, compliance and middle office
- Understanding the Bank's operational processes, requirements and systems to ensure effective communication and credibility with internal and external stakeholders, and manage issues to resolution through appropriate escalation channels
- Ability to adapt to change and new challenges
- Proven ability to work well in a team environment
- Self-Direction to effectively prioritize efforts amongst competing demands
- Highly motivated, energetic and confident team player with strong attention to detail
- Strong communication skills. Essential for interacting at all levels, across business disciplines and regions
- Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and exhibit good judgment
- Ability to both solve problems and explain underlying issues across all levels
- AML/KYC experience would be an asset
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.
© The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2018. All rights reserved Goldman Sachs is an equal employment/affirmative action employer Female/Minority/Disability/Vet.
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text:
Wicked Bond (The Wicked Horse Series Book #5) Sawyer Bennett Release Date: September 13, 2016Synopsis: Bridger Payne is an enigma that no one can figure out. Wise beyond his years, eerily intuitive and sexy as hell, every woman in The Silo wants him. None can have him. Not the real man, anyway. He might wield the lash for you if you ask prettily, but he'll get no gratification from it. He'll definitely make you scream, but he won't think twice about you when he walks away. Bridger carries the darkest of secrets. He's filled with too much pain. He's utterly untouchable. Until she came along.
**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you'll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there's just… a lot of sex. You've been warned.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31247847-wicked-bond
Purchase Wicked Bond:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cOjfsq
iBooks: http://apple.co/1RZbvjO
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2ctq593
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cePMrC
One moment, I'm still swooning.
Okay, I think I have myself together enough to explain how fabulous Bridger is. I (like probably everyone who's been reading this series) have been waiting throughout the Wicked Horse series for this man's story and Sawyer Bennett did NOT disappoint me. He is cracked (not broken) and, while he hides it well, vulnerable. That vulnerability is so clear in this book that I just wanted to jump into the pages and soothe him. Get outta my way, Maggie!
These two have one heck of an emotional journey, filled with hesitation, concern, lust (lots and lots hubba hubba), dedication, and fear. So. Much. Fear. I read every page with baited breath, desperate to see the characters heal and come together. The first time Bridger utters "we can't" I came unglued. That scene was so painful; you just want to yell, "Why?! Freaking do it, Bridger!! Take your happiness!" But that stubborn man…
Now, Maggie is a whole other story. I connected to her on a much deeper level. I mean, I've made poor choices for friends in my past (not grizzly, horrible bike jerks, but you understand), and I understand how one wrong turn (and less than fab parents) can ruin your life. But this chick … this chick is fierce. When reality hits her like a sledgehammer she doesn't hesitate to do what's necessary. Gusto, people, Maggie has buckets of gusto. Which is good, since you need it to handle Bridger.
The action was intense, wild, and addictive. The sex was … ohmigosh, is there a word to describe it?? I don't think there is…
About the Author
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions. A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary's strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two. Connect with Sawyer: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett
Sign up for Sawyer's newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Not to fold the sleeves of morning
but to wait her table
nor douse the wick of stars
but to lift the curtain
Nor scar the meadows of Monet
instead stroke petals
not to curse the guns of John Lennon
but imagine
Not to strangle
earth of blood
but to soothe
her veins
Not to scream against the heart
but suture its gash cradle its pain
crawl into its cave
pluck thorns from its flesh
Not to close
the eyes of children
but to light
their candles
Put dancing shoes
upon their feet
open the door
let them waltz to the moon
Fragile arc caught in a vacant sky
I must move out from the homeport
but to where and why
and what is this feeling that comes from within
that whooshes its bellows again and again
And what's out there
what's on the other side
and if I go
will they accept me, will I fit in
Or if I am washed away
by the morning rains
besides I only have seven legs
But still I must go
do I know to where I am going
am I even half way to a destination unknown
maybe I should turn back….again
WAIT ! Does it matter to where I am going
does it matter how far I have gone
for I have decided not to stay in this web
and I have decided not to bury my head
For I am a SPIDER and a SPIDER must spy
and I am a SPIDER and a SPIDER must spin
does it matter if I get blown away in that wind
For I am still a spider
and I will cast away
again and
Patrick Meade was born and raised in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, where the brooks, ponds and ocean seeped their way into his daily life. Surrounded by owls, clouds, blue skies (once or twice a week), the trance of a forest, smiles, valleys and steep hills, his home became part of his fabric. Patrick has been writing poetry for ten years, and is currently at work on a novel, Lemon Pies.


text:
The third episode of Dancing With the Stars is almost always the most emotional one. It's usually the one in which the stars tell their "stories." This time it was the most memorable year of the star's life. For most of them, this meant bring on the tears.
Some of the dances were more moving than others and some just made the dancers look shallow. Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari danced to "Crazy in Love," recalling the time when she decided to pursue a career in entertainment.
It would have been a good dance if it weren't for the fact that everyone else dug deep for their dances and Cavallari seemed to basically pull the first thing that popped into her head.
It stood in stark contrast to Rob Kardashian and JR Martinez, both of whom had the two most moving stories of the night.
I have never watched any Kardashian show, never been into them in any way, and for the most part, don't get why they are famous. But Rob's Monday night dance moved me. The dance itself -- a fox trot set to "Fly Me to the Moon" -- wasn't so memorable. But his emotion was.
Losing a parent in the teens can be very hard, and since the same thing happened to me, his story resonated. Now I want to know more about him and will probably start watching the back episodes of all the Kardashian shows. Uh-oh.
Still, no one could hold a candle to JR Martinez's story. Now he is a soap star and widely lauded as a hero, but back when he was 19, he was a scared kid burned by a landmine in Iraq. He spoke of depression and pain and not even knowing how the rest of his life would go.
It was moving, but then his dance -- a rumba set to "If You Read This," a total tear-jerker of a song -- brought the audience to their feet and made the rest of us cry. He is an amazing dancer, but even more than that, he is an amazing person.
I am not one to say this lightly, but between Martinez; Chaz Bono, who spoke of finally being happy in his skin and not caring what others think; Carson Kressley, who talked about growing up gay; and Kardashian, it was a really revealing and emotional night.
This is a cast that brings so much diversity and emotion to each episode. There is no one I want to see go home.
Did this episode move you?
Image via ABC


text:
Is your brain fully charged—or have you slipped into low power mode?
"Take this 5 Question Brain Quiz"
First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps toward building your best brain! This quiz isn't a diagnosis—it's an indication of your starting point. Because the truth is, your brain is constantly changing and rebuilding itself. And with the right tools, you can not only keep your mind—you can keep evolving into a better, healthier, sharper you.
Think of your brain as more like the battery of your cell phone—it's never gone for good, it just may need to be recharged. By taking this quiz, you'll know if you're all juiced up, could use a little more power, or need a full recharge.
Answer honestly (remember, no one will see your results but you). And if you're taking this quiz on behalf of a loved one, know that you aren't alone on this journey—and recovery for your loved one is possible!
Please note: This quiz is meant to be a starting point for your journey with brain health. It does not replace a diagnosis. If you have serious concerns about yourself or a loved one, this can be a powerful resource—but always see your doctor and get checked out.


text:
Good Morning!
I know I could have saved this for next Food Friday, but I didn't feel like it! I made a batch of these last night and really wanted to share them. Out of the blue the other day I decided I wanted to try making crackers. How hard could it be? My main reason was because my little man LOVES crackers, and I know that many of them are loaded with sugar. So instead of deprive him of him beloved crackers, why not serve him some that are made just how I want them? Sounds good to me.
I found a recipe online for peanut butter whole wheat crackers. It sounded easy and tasty so I gave it a whirl. Well, in the end I didn't roll them nearly thin enough and they were kind of weird. I decided to give them a second try afterwards because there seemed to be a lot of potential there. I tweaked the recipe and tried again. I spent a lot of time making them nice and thin... And they turned out great! They're not what you or I would probably want in a cracker - they're kind of soft and bland, but they're awesome for toddlers.
Peanut Butter Banana "Crackers"
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 over-ripe banana, mashed
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
2 cups whole wheat flour
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk peanut butter, banana and water together until relatively smooth. Add baking powder and flax seeds. Mix well. Add flour and mix until combined [it really helps to get your hands in there for this part]. Form the dough into a ball and place it on a floured surface. Knead it to be sure it's thoroughly mixed. If the dough is really soft, add some more flour. The dough should be more on the stiff/dry side. Flour (don't grease) a cookie sheet and roll the dough out on the cookie sheet.
If you want the crackers to be very thin, you should have some dough leftover after filling the whole cookie sheet, but I was ok with the thickness of the whole batch on one cookie sheet. Once the dough is rolled out on the cookie sheet, score it with a knife to make whatever size of crackers you want. Bake for 10 minutes. Let the crackers cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes then transfer to a rack to cool. Once cool, break along score lines into individual crackers.
And finally, enjoy knowing that your little one isn't filling up on junk!


text:
Nom. What are your favorite kinds? I'm partial to apricot and strawberry. I have a red pepper jam atm, but it's not very good. It's kind of spicy, which is weird and not what I expected as it's just supposed to be from bell peppers, no seeds.
I think jelly's a bit thinner overall, too.
Sweet Orange Marmalade, mmm
I've never had any other marmalade as far as I can recall, though.
I need to try a plum jam. Plums are great done sweet. I keep meaning to get one.
I don't like regular orange marmalade either.
It's too bitter and meh. Try specifically sweet orange marmalade.
you don't like dark chocolate, or bitter marmalade
and you'd prefer sweet sickly stuff?
Jam's not sickly, you massive bastard.
And yeah, I am picky about my bitter stuff. You're just easy.
There's a richness of flavour - candied or caramelised, almost smoky with dark marmalde
sweet marmalade just tastes of sweet and nothing else.
Make your own
Add strawberries and sugar to a jar.
Squash with a fork / spoon.
Pop it in the fridge.
red pepper?
that sounds like chutney not jam. I've got homemade blackcurrant jam at the moment. It's not as good as the blackberry one though.
No, it's jam.
Not a very good one, though.
Oh wait, no!
Stupid me, I think it's jelly, actually. I haven't looked at it in awhile, it's just been sitting in the fridge because I don't like it. Oops.
Best jam ever.
It's a kind of plum.
You can find it in the supermarket but if possible buy it from the Women's Institute. Home made tends to be much nicer. It really is an amazing jam.
I bought some apricot jam yesterday
But usual favourite is raspberry. Nom nom nom.
there's this persian sour cherry one
that is fucking made of win. it really does piss all over other jams. you can only really get it in asian food shops though.
morello cherry.
i got some cloudberry jam from ikea
i am yet to try it though. it smells a bit like marmalade
I think it sucks on toast
Good with quark and yogurt and stuff. And goes nice with some grilled/roasted meats.
Bitter orange marmalade
No question.
I'm readying molotov cocktails for you lot
The sole ingredient is my alcoholic urine.
"you lot"
You're getting like chris_is_cold
Oh, you and me.
We're like two peas in different pods.
has anyone ever made jam? bizzy? darwindude?
I think I'm going to do this this summer.
I have, only once.
You need a LOT of fruit.
this summer:
britain's hedgerows won't know what hit 'em.
yeah i made it with raspberries
I got this really REALLY good book for christmas called LOST CRAFTS and it has lots of cool things like that and the histories behind them, eg. brewing beer. maybe atbay stole the idea when i told him about the book. probably not though.
if you're in edinburgh over the summer
you should go picking fruit for the day in Fife - you get paid in raspberries and strawberries, and sometimes moneys.
oh! does it tell you how to make elderflower wine too?
that's another to do.
and cordial.


text:
Historic Sheet Music Collection
Document Type
Publication Date
The Lament of the Irish Emigrant,
A Ballad,
The Music
Composed and most cordially dedicated to
Mrs. Isaac McGaw,
of New York, By
William R. Dempster,
Boston: Published by William H. Oakes, 8 1/2 Tremont Row
Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.
Title Note: Portraying the feelings of an Irish peasant previous to his leaving home, calling up the scenes of his youth under the painful reflection of having buried his wife and child, and what his feelings will be in America.
[Verse 1]
I'm sitting on the stile, Mary,
Where er sat side by side,
On a bright May morning long ago,
When first you were my bride,
The corn was springing fresh and green,
And the lark sang loud and high
And the red was on thy lip Mary
And the love light in your eye
And the red was on thy lip Mary
And the love light in your eye
[Verse 2]
This place is little changed, Mary,
The day as bight as then;
The lark's loud song is in my ear,
And the corn is green again!
But I miss the soft clasp of your hand,
And your breath warm on my cheek,
And I still keep list'ning for the words
You never more may speak,
And I still keep list'ning for the words
You never more may speak.
[Verse 3]
'Tis but a step down yonder lane
And the little church stands near,
The church where we were wed, Mary,
I see the spire from here;
But the graveyard lies between, Mary,
And my step might break your rest,
For I've laid you, darling down to sleep,
With your baby on your breast,
For I've laid you, darling down to sleep,
With your baby on your breast,
[Verse 4]
I'm very lonely now, Mary,
For the poor make no new friends;
But Oh! they love the better far,
The few our Father sends!
And you were all I had, Mary,
My blessing and my pride;
There's nothing left to care for now,
Since my poor Mary died!
There's nothing left to care for now,
Since my poor Mary died!
[Verse 5]
Yours was the brave good heart, Mary,
That still kept hoping on,
When the trust in God had left my soul,
And thy arms' young strength had gone,
There was comfort ever on your lip,
And the kind look on your brow;
I bless you for that same, Mary,
Though you can't here me now.
[Verse 6]
I thank you for the patient smile,
When your heart was fit to break,
When the hunger pain was gnawing there,
And you hid it for my sake!
I bless you for the pleasant word,
When your heart was sad and sore;
Oh! I'm thankful you are gone, Mary,
Where grief can't reach you more.
[Verse 7]
I'm bidding you a long farewell,
My Mary, kind and true!
But I'll not forget you, darling,
In the land I'm going to;
They say there's bread and work for all,
And the sun shines always there;
But I'll not forget old Ireland,
Were it fifty times as fair!
[Verse 8]
And often in those grand old woods
I'll sit , and shut my eyes,
And my heart will travel back again
To the place where Mary lies;
And I'll think I see the little stile
Where we sat side by side,
And the springing corn and the bright May morn
When first you were my bride!
Recommended Citation
Dempster, William R., "Lament of the Irish Emigrant" (1840). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 198.
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.


text: The 2017-2018 Rotary year is in full swing. It was great seeing everyone at the club meeting at the Elk's Lodge. As mentioned at the meeting, I am very excited to be leading this club. Steven Lease did a phenomenal job leading us into the new Passport format, laying the groundwork, and creating our culture "Rotary on Your Schedule". You will continue to hear that phrase and we will continue this culture of flexibility and demonstrating service above self. What I hope to achieve this year is a stronger infrastructure to deliver more club organization, create processes and procedures for better/easier member engagement, and set the course for our club's continuing legacy in the future. There are exciting things happening and it will be a pleasure getting to share in the accomplishments together with you.


text:
The Scuderia Ferrari team arrive in Germany this weekend expecting another tough weekend around the Hockenheim track. Spaniard Fernando Alonso has won three times at the circuit – in 2010 and 2012 for Ferrari and in 2005 for Benetton. Team-mate Kimi Raikkonen has a best finish of third at Hockenheim – in 2012 for Lotus and 2006 with McLaren.
Alonso is expecting another tough weekend in Germany as hot temperatures and the softest two compounds of Pirelli tyre usually result in some struggles for pace. He remains confident of closing the gap to Red Bull Racing in second place in the championship while also holding back the Mercedes-powered Williams and McLaren teams that are showing signs of strong mid-season pace.
"Being realistic, this will be another tough weekend, with hot temperatures and running the Soft and Supersoft tyres automatically means tyre management will be necessary in these temperatures," said Alonso. "In past races where it was hot, we were not so competitive. Here we have some new parts and hopefully they will bring us some performance.
"Our target is to beat some of our main competitors from second to fifth in the Constructors' championship, where it is very tight and will be to the very end of the season. We need to reduce the gap to Red Bull and increase it if we can to Williams and McLaren, that are becoming very strong. I think it will be interesting. I have won three times at Hockenheim, twice at the Nurburgring [European GPs] every time we come to Germany we seem to have a good weekend, so let's hope we continue that trend this weekend."
There have been a lot of rumours in recent weeks about the Spaniards future at Ferrari, but he was quick to throw some cold water on the flames, insisting that he has not been in contact with any other team and all his focus is on Ferrari.
"Every year now I get asked this question in July, maybe since I started in 2003," said Alonso with a smile. "I haven't talked with any other team and it's not my priority. We have to score some good points this weekend and get some good results this year."
Team-mate Raikkonen feels recovered from his massive first lap crash at Silverstone and is ready to get back behind the wheel. He believes the crash was quite possibly the biggest of his career, but the Finn downplayed it as 'unfortunate'.
"[It was] probably [the biggest crash of my career], and hopefully there won't be too many more," said Raikkonen. "It hurt, but sometimes it's the really slow accidents when you can get badly hurt. The Silverstone crash was just unfortunate, it was nothing serious and just part of this sport.
"I had some pain afterwards, not so much in my leg, but more in my ribs," he revealed. "That was why I did not drive in the [post-Silverstone] test, but it's all fine now."
Question marks have hung over Raikkonen's commitment and speed this season, but the Finn believes his season will turn around at some point to show his true speed, and is not worried about his future in the sport where he is under contract with Ferrari until the end of 2015.
"I believe the situation will turn around at some point, as it can't go on much longer like this," insisted Raikkonen. "It's true it's no fun, but we have been in this situation before and always managed to turn it around. I strongly believe we can fix the issues and be back where we should be. How soon? I hope quickly but I am not worried about my future."
Test driver Pedro de la Rosa took Raikkonen's place in the test, and was delighted to get some time behind the wheel of the current Ferrari having been responsible for most of the simulator work so far this year. He is hopeful that the development work the team continue to carry out on the car helps them improve, but admits the team are also working on the 2015 car alongside the 2014 upgrades.
"It was fantastic to be back in the car, it was such a rush," said de la Rosa. "It was an important opportunity to actually drive the real car from the point of view of correlating the results from the simulator and the track to see that all the work we are doing in the simulator is correct. Car handling, power delivery, so many things are different from when I used to race. That's why it's so important to have these test days for the F1 test drivers like me that do a lot of simulator work.
"We learned a lot in Silverstone, carrying out a steady development programme. Race by race we are improving and we are not giving up on this year, even if we are also thinking already about 2015."


text:
Lair of the Stealth Bunnies
Beginnings of Change
Administrative Building
This perfunctory building is where all of the records for the Academy are located. Flickering computer lights dart across the polished floors; screens shimmer with various readouts and reports. It is rumoured that below this building, the disabled laser cores of failed students are located in cold storage. Lord Straxus has always denied this rumour.
CatsCradle is seated in the middle of the floor, surrounded by files as she sorts through them, muttering under her breath.
Ravenwing enters soundlessly, more out of habit than because she's deliberately concealing her presence. She also tends to keep to the plentiful cover in here, just another shadow amongst those cast by desks and equipment. Catscradle is immediately noticed, simply because she's producing the only sound in the room, and Ravenwing pauses to listen, a smirk appearing on her face. Ah yes, the joys of paperwork... She holds her position and continues to listen, trying to determine if anyone else is present... One would think she were infiltrating an enemy base rather than visiting an allied facility.
CatsCradle used to tell smart-ass rookies that it is hard to sneak up on a stealth, usually as she was helping them up after she threw them into a convenient wall, or some other hard surface. She glances up from the pile in front of her, her gaze flickering around the room and settling on a shadow that seems different than it had been the last time she looked. "Let's see," she murmurs as if to herself. "Most everyone is too spooked by this place to come exploring, and the sentries make considerably more noise..."
Ravenwing detects no others in the vicinity, and her keen hearing picks up on some interesting comments from the room's only occupant. Hmmmmmm. Is she losing her touch again to be so easily detected, or was she just not trying particularly hard? Probably the later. Ordinary politeness comes into play, and she makes a deliberate effort to be less, well, stealthy when she moves slowly towards the center of the room. "They make quite a bit of noise, yes, but not everyone has the skill to go unobserved."
CatsCradle gives a little dismissive wave. "I'm used to rookies trying to sneak up on me, just to see if they can." She sits back slightly, her head tilted. "Let me guess. You have a hard time /remembering/ to make noise, right?"
Ravenwing steps into the light briefly, but still prefers the shadows. "I've been more or less "stuck" in the on position for the past two million years, so yes. A small matter of survival."
CatsCradle nods with an expression of understanding. "Something like four and a half for me. I've had to force myself to pay more attention since being stationed on Earth. People like Megatron don't like to be startled, and he has a very very large gun."
Ravenwing crosses her arms and smirks. "Don't get caught." Her silver optics drift around the room again, making sure that no one is in sight, then she changes her location so that her back is to a wall, and she can see all the entrances to the room. "One takes something of a risk in startling a warrior. Depending on the warrior in question, he or she may shoot first and ask questions later."
CatsCradle shoves a stack of files to one side. "Fortunately, I move real fast." She glares at the files for a second or two, then looks back up. "Feeling better? You look much more...er... solid..."
Ravenwing shifts uncomfortably at the reminder of her weakness, her silver optics dimming briefly. "'Twas little more than a need to refuel, thank you, and that was seen to on my return to Valckasta."
CatsCradle gives a sharp nod and doesn't say any more on the subject. "Is there anything you needed, or are you just exploring so you can take back word that the Grinder is indeed beginning to function again?" Her voice is amused, but her optics continue to study 'Wing.
Ravenwing shrugs. "I have a certain interest in this place, not only because an old friend usually resides here, but because I was put to a bit of trouble in the facility's behalf." There's another reason, but she leaves that out.
CatsCradle chuckles. "Usually people can't wait to leave the Grinder. It's pretty rare when people come back of their own chosing." Then she obviously realizes she just became one of those rarities and rolls her optics at herself.
Ravenwing shrugs again and doesn't expand on her reasons. Eyeing the stack of files on the floor, she asks casually, "Doing some housecleaning? No," she continues a bit belatedly in response to the original point, "I doubt many would want to return here, except as instructors. There would be few pleasant memories of such a facility."
CatsCradle gives another nod. "Yes, on the housecleaning, or at least a bit of it. Trying to tighten things up a bit until a permanent replacement is assigned." She drums her clawtips on teh floor thoughtfully. "I never attended the boot camp here. I only know of the horror stories, and do not know how accurate they are. I know that this is hardly a university, where students are encouraged, but I wonder if those horror stories might be scaring away possible recruits. Doing more damage, perhaps, than the good they do in browbeating cadets."
Ravenwing arches a brow at that, her optics brightening in mild surprise and a bit of amusement. "A non-traditional view for a Decepticon warrior..." She pauses in her train of thought and interjects, "... I don't believe we have been introduced, though I suspect my own name has become rather well-known."
CatsCradle laughs softly, again more as if at herself. "I have never been accused of being traditional, this is true. And I do know of you, but have not had a formal intruduction. I am CatsCradle."
Ravenwing inclines her head gracefully in acknowledgment. "To make this introduction 'official', I am Ravenwing of Valckasta. Greetings, Catscradle of... the Nightwarrens? As for your point... it is the opinion of many that all Decepticons must be forced into the mold of a warrior, regardless of whether or not they fit well in that mold. I agree with that, but only to a degree: all should be able to defend themselves well enough that they aren't a burden to their comrades, but if one is poorly skilled in such things, then it would benefit the Empire much more if they had a fine artist instead of a poor warrior."
CatsCradle lets 'Wing's subtle question on an origin background pass unanswered. "I just wonder if such stories keep recruits away than anything else. Like the story of Straxus storing cadet's laser cores." She shakes her head, still in that wry bemusement. "And now there's that whole question about his laser core. Somehow, that is just... poetic justice, in a bizarre way."
Ravenwing smirks. "Indeed. I admit that I was not fond of the mech. He insulted my Lord and threatened both Spinister and Valckasta, something we're not likely to forget." Then there's that multi-million feud with Tyrian, but that's another story. She continues, "That he should meet the same fate as he may have administered to those under his protection is indeed fitting. Perhaps we might be able to verify that some day."
CatsCradle's optics turn a touch sad, although her expression doesn't change. "I don't believe there is anyone that Straxus didn't insult or threaten or both, not in the entire Empire." Her head moves in a slight shake. "He wasn't always like that," she adds in a softer voice.
Ravenwing shrugs. "Sometimes he spoke with a great deal of common sense, so it's something of a mystery as to why he would display so little at other times." She could say more, but the other femme seems to hold Straxus in some regard, at least in her memories. "Bitterness because of the loss of an Empire, perhaps. There are some times when personalities are just too powerful to co-exist without being tempered by a great deal of... diplomacy, and that is something he completely lacked. Refreshing in some ways, but not a survival trait."
CatsCradle snorts softly. "He was... in Earth terms... a total loon."
Ravenwing is unfamiliar with the term, but can guess, and corners of her mouth quirk in something that's almost a smile. "Indeed. The Empire is better off without him. Speaking of those without whom the Empire would benefit... what became of the would-be "Lord" Slasher? I... wasn't exactly at my best last cycle."
CatsCradle holds up empty hands, palms up. "I have no idea. Stormed off perhaps, when it became apparent he was not about to rule in Straxus' place? That would have been almost as bad as Straxus still being around. Worse, really. Straxus at least had experience in leading troops."
Ravenwing leans back against a convenient wall, taking a few seconds to examine her immaculate claws. No more Tyrian fuel on them, alas... Mind your orders, she halfheartedly reproves herself, and nods to CatsCradle. "Nothing worse than someone trying to present a facade of an ability they just don't have, be it diplomacy, leadership, or whatever else."
CatsCradle shakes her head. "Except maybe someone trying to jump nine ranks to warlord status." She looks over the files. "I think I'll just box this and set some cadets to sorting this out when they return."
Ravenwing's attention drifts to another thought, and she says softly, more to herself than to CatsCradle, "I wonder what has become of Diktat..."
CatsCradle tilts her head again and smiles, more softly this time. "I saw him on Earth a few months back. His name didn't appear to be either on the list of those who disappeared, or yet on the list of those we retrieved. This would rather lead me to believe he was not here at the time."
Ravenwing tilts her head slightly, focusing her sharp silver gaze on CatsCradle again. "Ah, off-planet, then. It surprises me that he has not returned, especially with the political instability in the Nightwarrens, but then it could be that he is out of touch with Cybertron."
CatsCradle reaches out to snag a carton and starts dumping files in it, not paying tremendous attention to what goes where... after all, it will be a good job for some unsuspecting cadet. "He can't come back too soon for me. I have my own office back on Earth to run. I'll be quite happy to plop this back in his lap. Not," she adds hastily, "that I'm not honored in Megatron's confidence on me, but I am relieved that this is only a temporary post."
Ravenwing smirks evilly. "Forced into an occupation for which you are not qualified, Catscradle of... the Nightwarrens? I'd offer to help, but not only might that be seen as an insult, but I have my own duties to attend to." Plus wasting her time with that fraggin' exchange with Tyrian... What on Cybertron possessed her Lord to agree to that?
CatsCradle does not seem to take 'Wing's words as an insult. "No, no," she says rather absently as she shoves more files in and crams them down to make them fit. "I'd just rather be working on Earth." She manages to close the carton, although the cover bulges ominously. "Besides, I'm still not sure this is another tactic of Diktat's to drive me more insane than I already am."
Ravenwing observes, still amused, "Diktat has reasons for everything he does, and unless he has you in mind as a second, he would not deluge you with work to the point of so dire a fate. Nor would he leave the Nightwarrens ripe for the taking, unless he'd made previous arrangements with Megatron."
CatsCradle looks up at her in alarm. "He'd damn well better /not/ have me in mind for a second." She taps her claws on the floor again in a thoughtful manner. "Although I wouldn't have put it past him to arrange something with Megatron. Megatron was rather calm about this whole mess."
Ravenwing keeps her own speculations of some kind of agreement between Valckasta and Tyrian to herself. Something else she must ask her Lord about. "It's possible. He's a devious mech."
CatsCradle gives the box another glare. "I still think he's trying to drive the poor Earth-stealth crazy."
Ravenwing idly inspects her claws again, recognizing CatsCradle's grumbling for what it is: the grumbling of someone who has interests elsewhere and has been assigned a responsibility she didn't want. "Should he turn up any time soon, you could question him on the topic. That doesn't guarantee that he'll answer truthfully, though."
CatsCradle chuckles. "No... but I'm sure it will be a thuroughly interesting and charming answer."
Ravenwing glances up, arching a brow in mild surprise. "But of course. This *is* Diktat of whom we are speaking."
CatsCradle grins. "It might just be worth sticking around just to hear his answer."
Ravenwing notes, "You may be here until he returns, so the opportunity is a real one."
CatsCradle leans back, her optics sparkling with amusement. "I could ask Megatron to assign Gryphus to track him down..."
Ravenwing says, "If he doesn't want to be found, then he will not be found."
CatsCradle flicks her claws in dismissal. "True. But it would keep Gryphus busy, now that the cadets have been found."
Ravenwing's optics narrow. "Ah yes, Gryphus, who is to be visiting Valckasta whilst I tour Tyrian... A scholar, no? She would find plenty of interest in Valckasta, as it is the data center of the Empire."
CatsCradle mulls over a choice of words and finally settles with, "She classifies herself as a researcher, yes."
Ravenwing arches a brow at the lukewarm response, but doesn't press. If Gryphus is not what she seeems, the Lord High Commander will deal with her as she deserves, especially if she's not knowledgable.
Ravenwing straightens up and takes a last, casual look around. One task will have to be left undone, but there's an excellent chance that the significance will be entirely missed. The rest... are done. She's verified that the Grinder is semi-operational again, and that it hasn't been left abandoned. Diktat... will have to wait. "If you'll excuse me, CatsCradle, I must return to Valckasta."
CatsCradle manages to make a half-bow look credibly formal while sitting on the floor still surrounded by piles of boxes. "It was a pleasure speaking with you, Ravenwing. Someday, we shall have to speak again, once I unbury myself from this room." She smiles pleasantly.
Ravenwing bows gracefully in return, "If Cybertron isn't too distasteful to you. I hold a rather low opinion of Earth myself, but ah well. To each his or her own." Her Valckastan accent becomes more pronounced as she adds, "Fare thee well, CatsCradle," before turning to leave.
back to CatsCradle's page
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It's a story that's been told before; young producer seemingly appears from nowhere and goes from zero to hero in the shortest space of time… yet it's never completely the case. There's always hours and hours of time spent toiling away in their home studios perfecting their sound. New psyprog sensation Berg is no different although he certainly has arrived with a bang with some genuine psy-prog floor fillers to his name already, a definitive signature sound and a remix of nu-skool sensations, Coming Soon. He plays the Soulstice Festival in Joburg this weekend (31 Aug) and will be back for his first gig in Cape Town at Organik's Gaian Dream party on 19th October 2013. Here's his story so far….
Tell us a bit about who you are, how long you've been producing and if you're also a DJ…
BERG: Shlomi Berg from Israel; I've been producing music since the age of 15 which is almost 9 years. I started to produce Psytrance right from the start. The project "Berg" was created 2 years ago when I spoke to a friend of mine who told me to try a progressive style and I fell in love with this kind of music. I also play DJ sets but I'm usually only booked for my live act.
Israel must be the best training ground in the world for trance producers. Or at least that's the impression one gets. How strong is the producer community in terms of getting help from experienced producers?
BERG: Well, I know what everyone thinks about the music industry in Israel, specifically with trance. But the thing is I never had lessons or any course for producing music.
In Israel we have many famous and professional courses for music, DJ mixing etc…We have a lot of them and also a lot of producers as well. But as a kid, I found myself looking for guides on the net or learning some techniques without other help. It was just a hobby in the beginning so I didn't share my stuff or talk with other people and then when I felt it was becoming more than a hobby I shared my stuff with other local promoters.
Did/do you have a mentor (a producer/artist that you've always looked up to)?
BERG: Well , I didn't really had a mentor or something like that but I can say during my short period as a producer I have met a lot of talented people and each one of them has his own skills and develop this own way. So, we continually learn new skills from each other.
Your first EP put you on the map quite quickly. Were you surprised how well it was received?
BERG: That's true my Debut EP called "Wizdom" did bring some noise to the scene. For me it was a surprise because I tried to bring something different with this EP like the elastic bass and low vocals. So I didn't know if it was going to work or not but thankfully I found out it did and now after 1 ½ years I am releasing my 4th EP.
Your track Action and your remix of Jazz Woodbine [Capital Monkey] I would say are the two tracks that have now put you into the big leagues along with your recent remix of Coming Soon's Limitless. Did you know these artists before or is it through your music that you've gotten to know them and collaborate with these nu-skool psy-tech guys.
BERG: Capital Monkey (Macaco,) who is my best Brazilian friend, I met through the music. This guy has always supported my music and showed his respect as a friend and not only in the music industry. Now we are working on collaborations together which are going to be released on my next EP. Irad and Dui aka Coming Soon are good friends that I also met through the music. I'm glad I got this opportunity to do the remix for Limitless and hopefully will collaborate with them again soon. By the way, when I finished the track Action I really was not sure whether to try release it or not. I thought I could do better than that and I wanted to work on it a bit more. I listened to it over and over but in the end I decided to release it. I must say I never thought it was going to be one of my best tracks so far. These days Mr. Suit is working on a massive remix for that track which will be worth the wait, I assure you.
You have definitely developed your own sound and certainly your own signature 'elastic' bass style. This seems to be a trend with many of the biggest 'nu-skool' artists (Coming Soon, Day Din, Neelix, Interactive Noise) to name a few. I know you won't want to give away your secrets but care to tell young producers which synth you prefer for bass?
BERG: Well, I always say that Cronox 2 is a great synth for bass and Trilogy as well but I think it does depend on which software you use. Because in Logic for example you can find a really good built-in synth for bass but if you are Steinberg lover you can definitely use Cronox 2 or Trilogy.
Right now which artist/DJ/producer would you love to remix in the psytrance scene?
BERG: I guess a collaboration with Daydin can be good. He has some good tunes for remixing.
And outside of trance? Anybody you would love to remix?
BERG: I really love that track "Raise Your Weapon" by Deadmau5. I'm pretty sure I do a good remix for that track.
South Africa: I am sure you have heard about our killer parties….
BERG: That's a good question. 2 weeks ago I had a conversation with a friend of mine about parties in South Africa. He told me that South Africa has a really killer party scene, especially in Cape Town. I've also heard the people there have good vibes and never stop dancing.
Soon I'll be playing in Johannesburg and then I'll be able to tell for myself but I have no doubt it's gonna be massive.
What drink should people buy you if they want to show you some love while you're playing?
BERG: Definitely a Grey Goose, hehe I really love it. Last time in Australia when I drank it I got quite drunk but it was worth it for sure.


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Look Who Got a Website
Updated by witches, yo. Mega thanks to my dear friend Phil Jarvis who built this for me, and to the ever-patient Morgan who does all my little bits of graphic design (because I don't know how to draw with computers) and designed my logo for me using a little arrow I drew one day, because I am well Katniss Everdeen.
I felt like it was time to bring everything together in one place, its nice to have a tidy virtual hub at last. As well as this I have new prints coming up in store, some custom options, and some postcards. Stay tuned.
Posted by dianne tanner dot co dot uk at Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Labels: Photography
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The announcement Sunday that the U.S. will join Turkey in providing "nonlethal" humanitarian aid to Syrian opposition groups is a clear sign of the Obama administration's growing frustration with the failure of diplomatic efforts to halt Syrian President Bashar Assad's bloody crackdown on dissent. But it's still far from clear whether that modest escalation of involvement in the conflict will hasten Mr. Assad's departure from the scene.
The U.S. has been calling on the U.N. Security Council for weeks to prevent what officials fear is a looming humanitarian disaster on the order of the mass killings in Kosovo and Bosnia during the 1990s. But progress on that front has been blocked by Russia and China. The latest move ratchets up America's involvement in a way that suggests the U.S. believes it can't stand by while a similar calamity is repeated on its watch, but so far there are few indications some "coalition of the willing" is ready to back stronger action against the Assad regime.
The situation is getting worse by the day. Mr. Assad ignored a Security Council resolution last week calling on him to pull his forces back from rebellious cities across the country and open talks with the rebels under the auspices of former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan.


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CASELAP, Parklands Campus
Book attached below & available at: https://profiles.uonbi.ac.ke/rmkibugi/files/large_scale_land_acquisitions_for_investment_in_kenya.pdf
Dr. Robert Kibugi has co-authored a new Book titled: "Large Scale Land Acquisitions for Investment in Kenya: Is the participation, and benefits of affected local communities meaningful, and equitable? A case study of the situation in Lamu, Isiolo and Siaya Counties."
The Book, co-authored with Ibrahim Mwathane and Mwenda Makathimo, is the product of a three-year research project funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and included extensive field research in the study areas. The book therefore captures the findings of the research, revolving around high-level policy findings and community-level action recommendations.
|Kibugi, Mwathane, Makathimo - large_scale_land_acquisitions_for_investment_in_kenya.pdf [9]


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Sandy Pentland on Reality Mining: Phoning In the Data
May 7, 2009, 10:55 AM, Posted by Pioneer Blog Team
Professor Alex (Sandy) Pentland is the co-director of the Digital Life Consortium at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was co-founder of the Center for Future Health at the University of Rochester. Pentland has a grant from Pioneer to explore the potential role of reality mining technology - a concept that he helped develop - in medicine and in public health. We asked him to tell us about this work, and he responded:
We live our lives in digital networks. We wake up in the morning, check our e-mail, make a quick phone call, commute to work, buy lunch. Many of these transactions leave digital breadcrumbs – tiny records of our daily experiences. Reality mining, which pulls together these crumbs using statistical analysis and machine learning methods, offers an increasingly comprehensive picture of our lives, both individually and collectively, with the potential of transforming our understanding of ourselves, our organizations, and our society in a fashion that was barely conceivable just a few years ago. It is for this reason that reality mining was recently identified by Technology Review as one of "10 emerging technologies that could change the world."
As pointed out in a recent Nature article, the single most important source of reality mining data is the ubiquitous mobile phone. Every time a person uses a mobile phone, a few bits of information can be collected. The phone pings the nearest mobile-phone towers, revealing its location. Accelerometers already in some phones can record patterns of physical activity, and the phone's signal processing hardware can analyze the user's speaking patterns. With the aid of data-mining algorithms, these data could shed light on the user's health behaviors, creating new ways of improving their health.
To illustrate, consider two examples of how reality mining may benefit individual health care. By taking advantage of special sensors in mobile phones, such as the microphone or the accelerometers built into newer devices like Apple's iPhone, important diagnostic data can be captured. Commercial trials by start-up Cogito Health are demonstrating that we can accurately screen for depression from the way a person talks -- depressed people tend to speak more slowly, a change that speech analysis software on a phone might recognize more readily than friends or family do. Similarly, experiments in my laboratory have shown that monitoring a phone's motion sensors can also reveal small changes in gait, which could be an early indicator of ailments such as Parkinson's disease.
Perhaps the greatest potential of reality mining of mobile phone data is to create a personalized health system (as opposed to a health care system): a set of information tools that helps people thrive, staying healthy and happy during their entire lives. Such a system would be owned by the individuals themselves, not by hospitals or clinics.
Best Buy, CVS, and Wal-Mart are already queuing up to sell and service the tools such as these that allow people to manage their health. The vision is that is emerging is of a health system built around mobile phones with special sensing capabilities to record your daily and weekly patterns, smart bathrooms that keep track of new types of vital signs, smart exercise equipment that knows your personal patterns, and more...all provided by consumer electronics and similar industries. By building a health system that supports lifelong health, we can make sure our healthcare system is used in the most efficient way. And, even more importantly, we can help citizens of the United States of America achieve far more healthy, happy, and even thriving lives.
This commentary originally appeared on the RWJF Pioneering Ideas blog.


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This blog is about the life being like the highway, with quite a bit of parallels and lessons to learn from.
One of my favourites subjects is on co-sojourners.
In the context of a highway, your co-sojourners can be other cars right there and then on that same highway with you.
But it could also be the person sitting in the same vehicle with you as you cruise down the highway of life.
Some of these co-sojourners come and go. Your paths cross for a fleeting moment in eternity, and then you continue on your separate journeys.
For example, the bus ride I took in China where I had a prostitute for a fellow passenger for 3 hours.
This can be likened to two different roads intersecting only at that one point.
Many times, you don't choose your co-sojourners. But sometimes, you get the luxury of consciously choosing co-sojourners to ride with you on your highway of life.
Today I want to muse about this conscious choice, about choosing your co-sojourner.
Sometime back, I wanted to embark on a new business venture and I was seriously contemplating entering into a partnership with some people whom I guess I did not know very well.
I was about to choose these people to be my co-sojourners for a significant part of my journey on my highway of life.
As I went about doing my business and talking to potential partners and customers about supporting me in this new venture, some of the comments I received were like these :
"Huh? Sounds like a great business but why partner with them?"
"Be very careful of these people"
"I'd support you anytime Nic, but are you sure you wanna partner with them?"
"I know you Nic, and these people do not hold the same values with you"
These comments obviously made me reconsider and reflect on my new business partnership and eventually I decided not to go ahead with the business.
The last comment about values really struck me about business partnerships and choosing your co-sojourners.
If say you are a person of integrity, would you consciously choose someone who is sorely lacking in integrity to be your passenger in a 20-hours car journey?
Or to put it simpler, if you do not appreciate heavy metal music, would you sit in the same car with someone who insists on blasting heavy metal music for 20 hours?
If you think about it, we do choose our co-sojourners based on our perception of their values, that their values should be at least acceptable to us if not close to or same as our own.
Similarly, when you choose a life or business partner, this becomes even all the more important.
For these people will end up as very significant co-sojourners who will ride with you for a good part of your journey down the highway of life.
Come to think of it, I have ended my business partnerships prematurely before, just because of this.
I guess I have to learn to be even wiser by not starting business partnerships when values are obviously not the same?
What about you?


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RV Park Reviews is now Available through the RV LIFE App on iPhones, iPads, and Android Devices.
Click Here to learn more.
Dakota Ridge RV Park, Golden, Colorado
Date of Stay:
September, 2011 -
Overall Rating:
Understand the rate for us. We have 4 kids and a lab/shepherd mix. Normal seasonal rates are in the 40's. Incredible sites. Most are concrete, level, and long enough to have my 40' trailer and Suburban on the pad! The kids absolutely loved the pool, and we got good use of the exercise room. (They have those new water resistance rowing and cycling machines and a universal that were all in great shape.) The park location is great. Easy access to Boulder, Idaho Springs and I-70, Golden, and Wheat Ridge. There is a mall about a mile away, and everything just seemed close, without being right next door. We camped at Dakota Ridge RV Park in a Travel Trailer.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur, Larkspur, Colorado
Date of Stay:
May, 2011 -
Overall Rating:
We live in Denver, and love the proximity for a short vacation. It was early in the year so pool and some amenities were closed. Had trouble with first site, but the staff was diligent in finding another site which worked great. Several reviews complained about the trains which didn't bother us at all. Never heard the highway traffic as we weren't at the front sites. The staff was terrific in opening stuff early for us, and did a great job with the kids. (Can't remember exact price but approximately $48 and reflects 6 people and pets.) We're going back in the summer during one of their many weekend events. (The playground was under construction, but was being completely rebuilt which is now complete.) We camped at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Larkspur in a Travel Trailer.
Spruce Lake RV Resort, Estes Park, Colorado
Date of Stay:
September, 2010 -
Overall Rating:
Wonderful park, friendly staff, and great for the whole family. Restrooms & showers were very, very clean. Didn't use Laundry, but was planning too, as also very clean. Kids loved the pool, playground, and miniature golf. (Basic mini-golf course, and exactly what you'd expect in a park.) Didn't fish in the private lake, but saw several people pulling out descent sized trout. The kids were constantly saying hi to the staffers which seems to always be within ear shot for any need. Staff guides you to your slot, directs you backing in, and points out all the necessary hookups. Quiet at night, and never really heard sounds from surrounding area. Quick hike over nearby bridge to restaurant, mid-sized convenience store, liquor store and gift shop. (Saved driving across town to Safeway, and so close we ended up eating at the restaurant twice. Slots are side-by-side with marked walkways between. South slots are shaded, and trees surround park on all sides. Multiple access points to river. Close to Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. We are definitely going back! We camped at Spruce Lake RV Resort in a Travel Trailer.


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The main objective of EFICENT is to foster the linkages between information and policy decision making processes at national and pan-European level.
The Regional Office EFICENT in Germany provides a platform for building an integrated, coherent and strengthened capacity of research on Central European temperate forests. It also aims at reducing fragmentation of research structures. EFICENT works towards making regional issues visible to a European level and to ensure the effectivity of response to those within the Central European region and beyond.
The mission of EFICENT includes the following main goals:
- to build and increase capacity for research on Central European forest
- to provide high quality information products to support decision making and policy development on the issues of Central European forests and forestry
See also: