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Impression After the Indonesian Trip
Write to China 2017 Second Trip
By: Wahyu Riska Elsa Pratiwi – UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang
We still remember our adventurous days in the Fujian Province like it was yesterday, when we visited many historical places, full of cultural heritage of the Chinese people, accompanied by 20 Chinese students. They were always capable of explaining their way of life and cultural wealth in each place we visited. Ah, it makes me sad and happy at the same time. Truly a paradox. On one side, I missed Indonesia so much but on the other side, leaving China behind brought us grief as well.
I also felt anxiety about visits to several cities in Indonesia. There are several tourist destinations in Indonesia I hadn’t visited myself, such as Tangkuban Perahu in Bandung and Borobudur temple in Yogya. Do I truly know Indonesia to its core? This question lingered on my mind throughout the flight from Fuzhou to Jakarta, Indonesia. As the host for the second visit in the Write to China program in cooperation with the People’s Republic of China Embassy in Indonesia, I felt very proud and energized. As I understood, all Chinese students in the delegation had never visited Indonesia. Since it would be their first time setting foot in Indonesia, my delegation partners and I must step up as reliable guide and help them adapt with each city they visit, so that they can retain good memories from their travels in Indonesia as a comfortable and adequate tourist destination.
There are 4 cities to be visited during our trip across Indonesia: Jakarta the capital city of Indonesia, Bandung, Yogyakarta with its local wisdom predominated by the Javanese tribe and Denpasar in Bali which is widely acknowledged as a tourist heaven. The weather in Indonesia is very sunny and humid. It is a tad contrast with the summer of China which was mild compared to where I came from, Makassar. I wholeheartedly expect our Chinese friends could enjoy their trip to various tourism destinations and make Indonesia become their second home.
The activities planned by the committee were indeed full of surprises. I hadn’t expected to visit government offices such as the local representatives council (DPR), Ministry of Youth and Sports or the Sultanate of Yogyakarta Special Territory. I myself was not in any way interested with politics. I could care less about the political dynamics in my own country. I had no expectations when I went to visit the DPR building. However, I surprisingly gained new insight and inspiration by a woman by the name of Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo. She is a member of the VIIIth Commission of the People’s Representative Council. This particular commission deals with religious, social and women empowerment issues.
This is no small task, of course. As we all know Indonesia as the 4th most populated country in the world with its diverse communities in terms of religion, we saw many religious issues which affected the political dynamics in the country, along with social disparity among the people and major plans for women justice and emancipation. This has led me to think, can a psychology graduate like me become a member of DPR just like her?
The science of Psychology in itself consists of various branches. There’s social psychology, religious psychology, clinical psychology, sports psychology, etc. A bachelor’s degree pursuer in Psychology is obliged to study these fields. Theoretically, we are more than capable. However, in practice, it seems that we need to learn a lot from the members of DPR from the VIIIth commission. Social and religious psychology seem in line with the approach to religious and social issues related with women empowerment in various regions throughout Indonesia. Slowly but surely, discussions with her have opened my eyes. I realized that there are civil officials who truly work for the good of the Indonesian people. They go into full contact with the people and attempt to make good changes to our quality of life by giving all they can.
So, apart from the very educational visit at the government offices in Jakarta and Yogyakarta Special territory, our trip in Indonesia was also full of exciting journeys on several tourist spots such as the Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta, Angklung Udjo show in Bandung, the beautiful landscapes of Tanah Lot and Kecak traditional dance in Uluwatu, Bali. Of course this became a memorable experience which made me realize the beauty of Indonesian heritage, which we all have to understand and preserve. To whom else will the responsibility of preserving Indonesia go to if not us, as the young generation and future leaders?
This brings me to the issue of new friends from China who were visiting Indonesia. They were of course excited with the journey. Much more so when they heard Bali. They were so curious about the place, world-renowned by the beautiful beaches. I believe that their 8 days in Indonesia were more than enough to make them fall in love with the country, especially its food. Based on our experience on the dining table, it turns out that many Chinese students love spicy food. They were really into the “sambal” which we served on the table. The memory of them enjoying the meat martabak dish with sambal and pickled cucumber on their second night in Jakarta is still fresh on my mind. They also liked Indonesia native fruits served as juice, such as avocados and papayas and young coconut drinks. They almost always stop to buy young coconuts that they happen to see along the way. This beverage is certainly refreshing and enjoyable in the harsher Indonesian weather that they’re not accustomed to.
See this I caught the existence of potential for increasing foreign tourists animo to visit Indonesia, especially from China. Where in this case is not just Denpansar, but the other three cities into the agenda of our visit in Indonesia. Through this journey, for eight days there are 20 chinese students from Fujian Province, as well as several representatives from the Government in Fujian province and the journalist from the news media in China have become real witnesses of places of interest for tourism in Indonesia. Through a trip to four cities they have viewed the ruins of cultural and historical interest, the hospitality of Indonesia society, the beauty of the beach, the nightlife in Jakarta and Bali, the heritage of a wealth of music and dance as well as the traditions and customs that adorn the peoples lives in Indonesia especially in Jogjakarta and Bali. They are, indirectly will be the best promotional medium for the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy in Indonesia. Returning from Indonesia they will certainly share the story of their adventures in Indonesia to family, friends and people they know in his country.
Furthermore as a host, me and 19 other Indonesia youths already provide the best services while they are visited in Indonesia. The positive image that we show in their visit in Indonesia are expected to give the good impression for them. So the opportunities for them to return to Indonesia along with their relatives become larger. Or maybe people who become listeners of their story for spending time in Indonesia, became interested and decided on a trip to Indonesia.
Other potential that could occur in the future between Indonesia and China after this trip is taking the opportunity to work closely with the Fujian Province through the utilization of science and technology as a tool to proses the nation. I still remember well of our visits at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. They introduce the Juncao technology as a form of cultivation to produce the type of fungus. This technology allows us to grow several types of nutritious and delicious mushrooms from dried, chopped grasses thus serving as a means of livelihood for thousands. In addition, Chinese farmers can also learn from traditional irrigation system in the farmer community in Bali called Subag. Just wait for the right time so that collaboration in this field could be starting soon and bring benefits to both.
In the end, after completing the emotional journey from China back to Indonesia through event Write to China, I am filled with the renewed spirit to learn more for develop the potential and wealth owned by my country, Indonesia. Both in terms of agriculture, technology, tourism and culture as well. Relations between Indonesia and China since the past is already strong. I also just found out that Indonesian population of china descent apparently majority comes from Fujian Province. I became aware that I have a responsibility to maintain the good relations between Indonesia and China. For me, the friendship between the two countries is not just a political, social, economic cooperation etc, with the aim to benefit both parties. But, personally concerning the intimate relationship between Me and twenty Chinese students for the future could join hands and make changes together for the sake of the progress of each country in the international arena.
Well, about Write to China program organized by FPCI in cooperation with People’s Republic of China Embassy in Indonesia, I personally highly appreciate this activity. Activities such as these should continue to be implemented every year. This activity has become a place to build cross country understanding between the youth from Indonesia and China. Outside of that, this activity provides lots of insight, new knowledge, experience and motivation to become the next future leader and to become the young Indonesian who thinks global but acts locally. Thank you to all the committees who have worked hard to succeed this program. Hopefully this journey becomes part of our upcoming success!


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Feedback and language choice2 May 2023
By Michael Willett, Associate Fellowship Programme Lead.
As we come to the end of the spring semester assessment period, this blog offers some reflections on the importance of language choice in feedback.
In educational contexts, feedback has a diverse range of forms and functions. However, scholars agree that its primary role is to enhance performance (Hounsell, 2011). For instance
- Feedback refers to ‘information, processes, activities or experiences which aim to encapsulate, enable or boost students’ learning’ (Hounsell, 2011).
- ‘Feedback is information with which a learner can confirm, add to, overwrite, tune, or restructure information in memory, whether that information is domain knowledge, meta-cognitive knowledge, beliefs about self and tasks, or cognitive tactics and strategies’ (Winne and Butler, 1994).
- ‘The main purpose of feedback is to reduce discrepancies between current understandings and performance and a goal’ (Hattie and Timperley, 2007)
The ingredients for good quality, effective feedback will necessarily vary by context, such as the level of study, type of task or activity, and the nature and purpose(s) of the feedback (Hounsell, 2011). However, there is general agreement in the literature that good feedback encourages and ‘empowers the student to make intelligent adjustments when [they apply it]’ to future work (Wiggins, 1997; see also Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick, 2006).
One way to ensure our feedback encourages and empowers learners to develop their future work is to consider the language we use. This is important whatever the form and context of feedback may be. Word choices and tone can play a significant role in the extent to which feedback is perceived as constructive – or not – and in turn, the extent to which learners are likely to engage with it and use it. (I use ‘tone’ in the lay sense here, rather than the phonetic sense, although of course intonation choice is significant when we are thinking about verbal feedback – see Halliday (1970) on the meanings carried by intonation).
Consider the following imaginary examples:
|Example 1:||Your argument is not convincing here because you do not draw on evidence|
|Example 2:||Your argument could be strengthened here by adding supporting evidence. For instance….|
In this case, Example 2 is likely to be perceived as more encouraging and helpful, because it emphasises how (and where) the work can be developed and improved. It focuses on what the student can do, in future pieces of work, using words and expressions whose meaning is constructive (‘strengthened’ and ‘adding’), rather than dwelling on the negatives of what they didn’t do this time. By contrast, Example 1 uses negative polarity twice (‘not convincing’; ‘do not draw on evidence’). In disciplines such as Linguistics and Philosophy, Example 2 illustrates what is known as ‘recasting’ (Banaruee, Khatin-Zadeh and Ruegg, 2018), which refers to changing the form of an expression or utterance, either for clarity or to draw attention to certain elements, whilst maintaining the underlying meaning. In this case, the core sentiment remains: the argument would be more effective with supporting evidence. However, in Example 2, the negative focus is recast, and the shortcomings are framed as opportunities for development. In this way, the feedback can feed-forward to future pieces of work.
Using constructive language does not mean feedback should only draw attention to positives, and cannot discuss areas where work does not meet the assessment criteria, or where there are clear gaps or shortfalls in understanding or performance. Brookhart (2017) notes: ‘Being “positive” doesn’t… mean saying work is good when it isn’t. Being positive means describing how the strengths in a student’s work match the criteria for good work and how those strengths show what the student is learning. Being positive means pointing out where improvement is needed and suggesting the things a student could do about it. Just noticing what is wrong without offering suggestions to make it right is not helpful’.
To the same end, it is also worth reflecting on the pronouns we use in feedback; specifically, whether we choose to use the grammatical 1st, 2nd or 3rd person. The table below shows some hypothetical examples:
|1st person||2nd person
|I can fully follow and understand your explanation of theory X||You show a clear understanding of theory X||The essay demonstrates a clear understanding of theory X|
|I acknowledge the range of innovative examples supporting the discussion||You support your discussion with a range of innovative examples||This discussion is supported with a range of innovative examples|
The literature highlights arguments for and against both 1st/2nd and 3rd person (e.g., Brinko 1993). However, one key practice to avoid is using second-person pronouns to highlight shortcomings (for example, ‘you failed to….’ or ‘you need to consider…’). This has the effect of focusing on the individual rather than their work. To a learner, this can feel more like a series of personal – and potentially hurtful – criticisms of their self than an assessment of their work. As Brinko (1993) explains: ‘Feedback is more effective when it focuses upon [behaviour] rather than on the person’. Negative information is ‘less injurious and more “hearable”’ when presented in first-person, third-person or in the form of a rhetorical question (ibid.). Therefore, in my own practice I find it useful to use third person for discussing shortcomings, focusing explicitly on the work rather than its producer or assessor, then switch to using first and second person for highlighting strengths and areas for development. Using second person to highlight areas for development is particularly valuable, as again this emphasises students’ agency in their learning process: the idea that they can do something constructive with the feedback that will have a positive impact on their future work (cf. Evans, 2016).
World Café and Clinic
Our World Café and Clinic on 25 April was another success. Join us at our next in-person event on 13 June at 12:30-14:30 in the Aberconwy building (including lunch). More information will be shared soon. If you have any questions contact the Learning and Teaching Education Fellowships team on firstname.lastname@example.org.
Banaruee, H., Khatin-Zadeh, O., and Ruegg, R. (2018) ‘Recasts vs. direct corrective feedback on
writing performance of high school EFL learners’. Cogent Education 5, 1: 1-23.
Brinko, K. T (1993) ‘The Practice of Giving Feedback to Improve Teaching: What Is Effective?’. The
Journal of Higher Education 64, 5: 574-593.
Brookhart, S. (2017) How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Evans, C. (2016) ‘Enhancing assessment feedback practice in higher education: The EAT
framework’. Available online here, accessed 22.02.2023.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1970). A Course in Spoken English: Intonation. London: Oxford University Press.
Hattie, J., and Timperley, H. (2007) ‘The Power of Feedback’. Review of Educational Research 77, 1:
Hounsell, D. (2011) “Rethinking feedback: What’s it for, and how can it make a difference?”. Talk
given at the University of Nottingham, 22nd September 2011. Available online here,
Nicol, D. J., and Macfarlane-Dick, D. (2006) ‘Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: A
model and seven principles of good feedback practice’. Studies in Higher Education, 31:2,
Wiggins, G. (1997) ‘Feedback: How learning occurs’. A presentation from the 1997 AAHE Conference
on Assessment & Quality. Pennington, NJ: The Center on Learning, Assessment and School
Structure. Cited in Burke, D., and Pieterick, J. (2010) Giving Students Effective Written
Feedback. Maidenhead and New York: Open University Press.
Winne, P. H., and Butler, D. L. (1994) ‘Student Cognition in learning from teaching’. In Husen, T., and
Postlewaite, T. (eds.) International Encyclopedia of Education. Oxford: Pergamon.
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domain: psychology


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Roger Anghis posted an update September 13, 2018 1:58 pm
This is a blatant violation of the Logan Act. Where is Congress?
John Kerry Went Above POTUS’ Head to Directly Deal with Iran!
This is simply the absurdist, obstructionist reality that we live in. Protest for the sake of cultural “points” has replaced educated debate, and hysteria has replaced civil discussion in 2018. The left is opposed to every single movement the President makes simply because he wasn’t their choice. His merits are being wholly ignored, and his achievements undermined, simply because his name is not Hillary Clinton.
The former Secretary of State and failed presidential candidate has now admitted to going behind the nation’s back and acting as a “rogue diplomat” against the direct intentions of the American President and his administration.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry disclosed that he has been conducting rogue diplomacy with top Iranian officials to salvage the landmark nuclear deal and push the Islamic Republic to negotiate its contested missile program, according to recent remarks.
Read more here: https://constitution.com/john-kerry-went-above-potus-head-to-directly-deal-with-iran/

domain: politics


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There is a serious issue which needs to be addressed very urgently by government since it is affecting thousands of Grenadians.
THE NEW TODAY is referring specifically to the cut back in services to the island by LIAT – which is known as the regional island-hopping carrier.
The two most travelled routes by Grenadians in the region are Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados.
LIAT has caused major disruptions in its schedule of flights to these two destinations from the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).
The removal of the morning fight by LIAT into the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados has impacted heavily on our people who used the flight to visit the U.S Embassy for visas and our businessmen.
It is now costing the average Grenadian more money to make a visit to Barbados since most of them now have to overnight at a cost.
This situation reminds one of the days of travelling to Barbados from Pearls airport prior to the building of the present airport by the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) with massive Cuban assistance in the 1980’s.
Pearls did not have night landing facilities and as a result it was extremely difficult for anyone to make a trip to Barbados to do their business and come back the very same day.
The airport at Point Salines solved many of the problems faced by persons travelling both inside and outside the region in terms of cutting back on hours spent in moving in and outside of Grenada.
It became easier for someone in North America or Europe to leave their homes and reach Grenada within a 24-hour period.
Today, the table has turned around for persons travelling within the region while the extra-regional service has gotten much better for our people.
There are many options available to our people who make visits to the United States and New York in particular where there is a very large Grenada diaspora.
However, Grenadians now have to overnight on trips to both Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.
If a Grenadian wants to reach Barbados at an early hour he/she would have to take Caribbean Airlines in the morning and go down to Trinidad and then get a LIAT flight to Barbados. This is madness.
The traffickers are hurting with the removal of the night flight by LIAT out of Trinidad.
Our government has to do something about this problem that is confronting many of us.
It is all good and nice to be talking about discussions taking place with other persons to fill the void created by the disruptions from LIAT.
Many airline operators have come over the years and disappeared in no time including that of the infamous Sir Alan Stanford who is now hidden away in a cell in Texas in the United States.
LIAT – with all its problems – has been faithful and managed to survive in the worst of times.
The new dispensation now means that the LIAT office at MBIA is no longer opening early in the day and much later in the day for fewer hours.
It is quite possible that the airline as part of a cost-cutting exercise might see Grenada as a place where workers can be sent home since they now have much less to do.
THE NEW TODAY is calling on government to sit down with the airline and try and resolve in a very amicable way the current problem facing the travelling public in the Spice Isle.
If the issue is political then it has to take a political action and decision to jump over the hurdle.
The four island governments that are financing the airline are definitely in the driving seat and can press the trigger at any time to fire a shot that can affect others. It is simple this – he who pays the piper calls the tune.
Talk is cheap. Mr. Prime Minister and Madam Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, we want “delivery” of the goods on this problem now facing our people with the LIAT dilemma.

domain: news


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Elevated systolic blood pressure in preterm very-low-birth-weight infants ≤3 years of life
Duncan, A.F.; Heyne, R.J.; Morgan, J.S.; Ahmad, N.; Rosenfeld, C.R.
Pediatric Nephrology 26(7): 1115-1121
Preterm, very-low-birth-weight neonates (≤1500 gm, VLBW) exhibit elevated systolic blood pressures (SBP) in adolescence and adulthood; however, the age of onset and causes are unknown. We assessed SBP in a cross-sectional study of VLBW infants at 1, 2 and 3 years of age (n = 40 per cohort). SBP was manually measured using Doppler amplification (observed), and calm values were compared to reference ranges used for clinical purposes (expected). SBP was converted to age-, gender- and height-specific z-scores (SBPz). Perinatal variables and growth parameters measured between 6 and 36 months were assessed as predictors of an elevated SBP. Observed SBP and SBPz exceeded the expected value at each age (P < 0.01); for example 1 year SBP was 94 ± 10 (standard deviation) vs. 85 ± 3 mmHg, respectively. Although the expected SBP rose from 85 ± 3 to 90 ± 3 mmHg with advancing age (P < 0.05), VLBW SBP was unchanged (P > 0.1), averaging 93 mmHg across ages. Height and weight z-scores were below expected (P < 0.01), while weight-for-height z-scores exceeded zero at 6, 12 and 24 months (P < 0.05). Male subscapular skinfold thickness:abdominal circumference ratio decreased with advancing age, paralleling the decreases in SBPz. The VLBW neonates demonstrated an elevated SBP as early as 1 year of age. Although predictive perinatal variables were not identified, gender-specific relationships between infant growth and SBP were observed.

domain: medical


'The Chinese are marginalised in Malaysia and Indonesia' Lee Kuan Yew Mahathir said no, Najid said no, Badawi said no, MCA and Gerakan leaders also said no. So it must be a myth. There are so many Malaysian leaders saying that the Chinese are not marginalised. Even Malaysian Chinese also declared that they are not and are offended by LKY. So the majority must be right. Look at it this way. If the people affected feel that they are not, who else can say otherwise. If a bird in a cage says it enjoys the freedom in the cage, how can an outsider say no, the little bird has no freedom. Quite subjective isn't it? What is the truth? Or can truth be variable? The verdict, you decide.


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Lauren Graham Salary
What is Lauren Graham's salary per episode of Parenthood? $175,000
Lauren Graham net worth and salary: Lauren Graham is a Hawaii-born actress who has a net worth of $15 million dollars. Lauren Graham began her professional career in commercials, but quickly became a sought-after guest star, with roles on various sitcoms including, "Caroline in the City", "Seinfeld", and "3rd Rock from the Sun". She is most widely recognized for her starring roles on the hit shows, "The Gilmore Girls" and "Parenthood", which is currently in its second season.

domain: entertainment


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Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), author of Dancing with the Devil: The Perils of Engaging Rogue Regimes and former editor of the Middle East Quarterly, spoke to the Middle East Forum on April 25th (video) about the future stability of the Iranian regime.
According to Rubin, the regime in Tehran is "entering its zombie phase, of dead men walking." There have "warning signs which are flashing" about the "future stability of the regime."
U.S. policy decisions must bear this in mind, he argued: "... [T]he last thing we should want to do is throw a lifeline to a failing regime and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory." But he warned we should not presume the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran would "result in something democratic, liberal, progressive and peaceful."
Within the long history of Iran, Rubin sees the Islamic Revolution in 1979 not as an inevitability, but an "anomaly." Ayatollah Khomeini "got lucky" on his return to Tehran from France, hijacking the popular uprising that toppled the cancer-stricken shah's monarchy by seizing the U.S. embassy. Establishing himself as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Khomeini further solidified his rule by stoking nationalist fervor among the population upon Saddam Hussein's 1980 invasion.
Because of his mistrust of the regular army, Khomeini formed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and empowered the force over the next decade to protect the country's Islamic political system. Rubin said the IRGC not only works "to conduct terrorism against the West," but also serves in "defense of the Revolution." Consequently, the IRGC fight enemies both "internal and external." Dialogue with the true power behind the regime is not possible, Rubin argues, because the IRGC serves as the "Praetorian Guard to protect the person of the Supreme Leader."
The IRGC, which is tasked with maintaining order in every province of Iran, faces significant, increasing pressure. Starting in 1999, Iran has been racked by massive protests. It also experienced a riot in 2001, post-election unrest in 2009, and, since 2017, "constant economic unrest."
In the four decades since its formation, the IRGC's financial influence has grown to where it "now controls 40 percent of Iranian trade ... manufacturing, oil [and] construction." Rubin said the IRGC "distorts the economy, stands above the law, and refuses to pay wages." To funnel funds to the IRGC, the government pays IRGC-owned companies to build unnecessary dams that have resulted in rivers running dry and a devastating water crisis.
Rubin said the IRGC's reach has increased the "tone" of rioting not only to be anti-regime, but also anti-IRGC. Consequently, the crisis threatens the IRGC's chokehold on the population. Environmentalism is "the one movement that can unite people across the ethnic and political spectrum."
Despite periodic episodes of nationwide unrest, the regime has proven adept at crushing resistance. The regime has developed ever more ruthless and effective methods to counter uprisings, such as by incorporating Chinese facial recognition software, which tracks and identifies protesters, allowing security services to round them up in the dead of night.
Sentences include torture, life imprisonment, or death. For those sentenced to life, the regime permits "a weekend break" to enable them to return home for a visit. According to Rubin, the regime intends its strategy to "create a reign of terror" among the population. Once the prisoner's family and friends see that their loved one is "not the same person they were when they went into prison," the prisoner is returned to jail.
Khomeini's successor, Ali Khamenei - whom Rubin described as a "rather colorless figure" possessing "little religious legitimacy" because of his lack of "religious credentials" - was chosen in 1989 as a "compromise candidate" to quell "factional divisions" in the regime. Who succeeds Khamenei, now eighty-two years old, partially paralyzed, and a cancer survivor, is today a topic of conversation among the regime's power brokers. Officially, a "clerical body called the Assembly of Experts" chooses a Supreme Leader, but the actual decision is made by "backroom deals." If they cannot reach a consensus on an individual, factional divisions could prevent a Council of Supreme Leaders from assuming leadership. Such a scenario creates an opening, Rubin reckons, for the IRGC to run the country as a military dictatorship.
Although it is in America's interest to have a "stable Iran" that is willing to "live within its own borders and not export its ideology," dissident groups in Iran should not rely on the U.S. because "too much outside support will be delegitimizing." Rubin believes that "the Iranians need to do this on their own." He is "not optimistic" that any power transition in Iran will be smooth, but if and when chaos ensues, "you have the most opportunity when you have a vacuum of leadership, and that's why I'm focusing on the impending mortality of the Supreme Leader."
Marilyn Stern is communications coordinator at the Middle East Forum.


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Now showing items 1-2 of 2
Novel catalytically-inactive PII metalloproteinases from a viperid snake venom with substitutions in the canonical zinc-binding motif
Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) play key biological roles in prey immobilization and digestion. The majority of these activities depend on the hydrolysis of relevant protein substrates in the tissues. Hereby, we ...
Preclinical evaluation of the efficacy of antivenoms for snakebite envenoming: State-of-the-art and challenges ahead
Animal-derived antivenoms constitute the mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming. The efficacy of antivenoms to neutralize toxicity of medically-relevant snake venoms has to be demonstrated through meticulous ...


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Institut Pasteur team detected a new omicron sublineage in Uruguay and warns of increased risk of covid-19 reinfection. However, the specialists clarified that a major impact on protection against severe disease is not expected.
Last week, with samples from October, the omicron sublineage BQ.1 was detected, as reported by El Observador based on data from the Institut Pasteur's Interinstitutional Working Group, which is in charge of epidemiological surveillance of covid-19 for the Ministry of Public Health.
This omicron sublineage shows a significant growth advantage over other circulating omicron sublineages in many settings, including Europe and the United States, the Institut Pasteur group said, adding that it is likely that these additional mutations [...] have conferred an immune escape advantage over other circulating omicron sublineages and thus an increased risk of reinfection of covid-19.
Regarding the impact of BQ.1, the scientists argued that vaccine protection against infection may be reduced due to particular sublineage mutations, but that at this time there are no epidemiological data to suggest an increase in disease severity. No major impact on protection against severe disease is anticipated, they said.
Among the subvariants of the omicron strain of Covid-19 circulating in Uruguay are BA.4, BA.5 and now BQ.1.


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Today’s highlights: Why caterers may be struggling more than restaurants. Why economists expect 4-percent growth this year. Plus, the startups taking the guilt out of takeout.
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domain: economics


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Isodiametric tractors, reversible, with steering wheels configured in haymaking version. 48 HP
The Cromo K60 MT are tractors with steering wheels made in the version for mowing fodder, especially in sloping areas.
The structure is characterized by a low centre of gravity for maximum stability on slopes without sacrificing the ground clearance for a rational flow of the mowed fodder under the machine. The Dual Floating System optimizes the load on the ground of the equipment applied to the third point, promoting its 'floating'.
Particular attention has been paid to the driver’s comfort: 4 post rops and approved cabins make for a practical and comfortable driving experience.
The Cromo K60 are mounting a 4-cylinder, Kubota engine with direct injection developing 48 HP.
The engine is provided with a counter-rotating mass now absolutely necessary for cantilever engine machine applications in order to avoid annoying vibrations and redundant noise inside the cabin.
- General Details
Model Power KW/HP Nominal speed (rpm) No. of cylinders Displacement (cm3) Aspiration Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) Cromo K60 35.2 / 48 2800 4 2197 Natural 144.6 / 1700
- TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
The transmission of Cromo K60 is fitted with the OS-FRAME chassis.
The structure with cantilevered engine allows for a very low centre of gravity without sacrificing ground clearance.
A joint in the middle of the machine lets the front axle oscillate up to 15° with respect to the rear axle, for excellent stability on slopes.
The 24-speed synchronised gearbox (12 FWD + 12 REV) with synchronized reverser allows for optimal use of the Cromo K60, fuel economy and a better quality of work.
The ‘Long Life’ clutch is multidisc in oil bath and requires no maintenance.
The Cromo K60 are equipped with planetary gear axles to minimize wheelbase of the tractor and increase its manoeuvrability.
The machine has a permanent 4-wheel drive.
- PTO AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The rear PTO is independent from the gearbox and synchronized with all progress speeds.
PTO can be engaged by an electro-hydraulic control, it has a speed of 540/540E rpm.
The clutch is multidisc in oil bath.
The solid rear hydraulic lift with accumulator for weight compensation HDR and Dual Floating system relies on multi-purpose practical and versatile couplings to adapt quickly and easily to all marketed equipments.
The hydraulic system consists of a double circuit with two independent pumps: one of 30,3 l/min dedicated to the lift and distributors, the other of 16,8 l/min dedicated to the hydroguide and electro-hydraulic control. As optional a 33,1 l/min oversize pump with heat stabilizer is available.
- ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
The braking system with multi disc wet brakes, act on the rear transmission.
Front and rear differential lock, electro-hydraulically controlled, allows the tractor to be always in traction.
4 post rops and the safety belts on the seat protect the operator.
- DRIVING POSITION
The driving position is custom-fitted on the driver with ergonomic controls placed to be easily found and activated by the operator.
The hydrostatic steering ensures maximum maneuverability and low turning radii.
The steering wheel and the seat are adjustable according to the operator’s physical structure. The digital display guarantees the total control of the unit.
The driving module is mounted on silent-block absorbing vibrations and noise for a better comfort.
A few seconds are required to rotate by 180° the seat, the steering wheel and the console so that the operator may work having the equipment in front of him and constantly be able to control the operations.

domain: design


text:
People of East Longmeadow, brace yourselves…COVID numbers are rising again. “Who cares?” you may ask with a sigh. At this point, many of us think the COVID fear mongering is getting a bit old and pathetic.
But not our health officials or school committee members. A full 30 minutes was devoted to COVID stats at the school committee’s December meeting.
New East Longmeadow health director, Tami Spencer, joined the committee members to discuss November’s data.
According to Ms. Spencer, 76 residents tested positive for COVID and 42 of those residents were fully vaccinated. Thus, the majority of new cases (55%) were among the vaccinated.
Despite this facts, Ms. Spencer emphasized the need to increase vaccine numbers in town. For that purpose, there will be a vaccine clinic on December 21 at the town’s council on aging building. The event is for residents aged 18 or older.
The head nurse was next to recite her COVID numbers. The numbers she presented show a significant reluctance among East Longmeadow parents to get their young children vaccinated.
Here are the percentages:
|Elementary School||Students Vaccinated|
This prompted school committee members to discuss mailing yet another informational letter to town parents outlining all the perks of vaccination such as exemption from close-contact quarantining and the possibility of removing face coverings when 80% of a school’s students and staff provide proof of vaccination to DESE.

domain: sociology


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RAL quality mark – Procedure
RAL Quality Assurance – how it works
Below, you will find an explanation, in a nutshell, of how the RAL Quality Assurance procedure works. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Step 1: Approval procedure
If producers wish to obtain quality assurance for their product, their application will initiate a six-month approval procedure. During this period, a specified number of extensive analyses must be carried out depending on the type of product. The regulations require both sampling by the facility and external sampling by an external sampler who is to be appointed by Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzen e.V. (GGS). People in charge of sampling will be specifically trained for this responsibility. The analysis programme may only be carried out by independent labs that are appointed by the relevant GGS quality commissions. The testing methods to be used in the analyses are precisely defined. The laboratory sends the analysis results directly to the GGS office to be evaluated by the relevant quality commission.
Step 2: Awarding the quality mark
If after the above-mentioned approval period, the product registered for quality assurance is found to meet the quality regulations, the quality commission may award the quality mark.
Step 3: Monitoring
Monitoring starts once the quality mark has been awarded. Again, a specific number of samples must be inspected in independent laboratories under the quality commission’s control depending on the type of product. A specific number of external samplings is required. This external monitoring is a key mainstay of the quality assurance. The facility is also required to monitor and keep record of the production process at all times, as well as check each charge on site for key production parameters of the substrate produced, such as salinity and pH value (self-monitoring). If a product fails to meet the quality assurance requirements, the quality commission is entitled to order repeat inspections to be made and to suspend or withdraw the quality mark if necessary.

domain: chemistry


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Using genome-wide association studies, researchers have identified a germline variant that is associated with intolerance to mercaptopurine in pediatric ALL.
Ball-and-stick model of mercaptopurine
Using genome-wide association studies researchers have identified a germline variant, NUDT15, that is strongly associated with intolerance to mercaptopurine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), according to a study published recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
“We took an agnostic approach to systematically evaluate germline SNPs for their association with mercaptopurine dose intensity during maintenance ALL therapy,” wrote Jun J. Yang, PhD, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and colleagues. “We confirmed that variants in TPMT were the strongest predictor of mercaptopurine tolerance but importantly described NUDT15 as another critical locus associated with susceptibility to mercaptopurine intolerance resulting from excessive toxicity.”
Yang and colleagues conducted genome-wide association studies in 657 children who were enrolled in the Children’s Oncology Group AALL03N1 trial. A replication study was carried out in 371 children from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Total Therapy XV protocol. The researchers calculated tolerance to mercaptopurine dose through dose intensity, defined as prescribed dose divided by the planned protocol dose during maintenance therapy.
The researchers found that dose intensity varied greatly by race/ethnicity. Specifically, they found that patients with East Asian genetic ancestry had a negative correlation with mercaptopurine dose intensity (P < .001). The genome-wide association studies revealed two genome-wide loci significantly associated with dose intensity: rs1142345 in TPMT (P = 8.6 × 10-9) and rs116855232 in NUDT15 (P = 8.8 × 10-9), with independent replication.
Results showed that those patients with TT genotype at rs116855232 had an average dose intensity of 8.3% compared with TC genotypes and an average dose intensity of 63% and CC genotypes with an average dose intensity of 83.5%.
Supporting the earlier finding, the NUDT15 variant was found most commonly in patients of East Asian and Hispanic ethnicity, and was rare in Europeans.
“Although the higher prevalence of NUDT15 variant in East Asians may have contributed to over-representation of mercaptopurine intolerance in this population, we also acknowledge that our statistical power was limited by the relatively small number of East Asian patients included in this study,” the researchers wrote. “In addition, East Asian genetic ancestry remained associated with mercaptopurine dose intensity after adjusting for rs166855232, suggesting the existence of other Asian-specific factors related to mercaptopurine sensitivity.”
Finally, the researchers looked at mercaptopurine tolerance in children with both TPMT and NUDT15 variants. Children homozygous for either variant or heterozygous for both, 100% required at least a 50% reduction in mercaptopurine dose compared with only 7.7% of other children.
“Finally, 5.7% of patients who required > 50% mercaptopurine dose reduction were wild type for both TPMT and NUDT15 variants, and therefore, other genetic and nongenetic factors are still to be discovered to further improve mercaptopurine dose individualization in children with ALL,” the researchers wrote.


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Amsterdam is a picture to see. A place where historic canals are surrounded by richly decorated façade buildings. Take a look inside one of these properties and experience how wealthy families lived in the Golden Age. Visiting a museum in Amsterdam is also a must. The offer is extremely diverse. In the Van Gogh Museum you will be amazed by masterpieces and discover the invisible world of micro-organisms at the Micropia. During your visit, don't forget to check out the historic buildings, intimate courtyards and bustling parks. All in all there is plenty to discover! We are happy to tell you what not to miss. Save your favourite spots on your own city guide and experience beautiful Amsterdam.
Discover Dutch Cities - In 5 minutes your own city guide

domain: artistic


text:
Desalination is a separation process used to reduce the dissolved salt content of saline water to a usable level. All desalination processes involve three liquid streams: the saline feedwater (brackish water or seawater), low-salinity product water, and very saline concentrate (brine or reject water).
The saline feedwater is drawn from oceanic or underground sources. It is separated by the desalination process into the two output streams: the low-salinity product water and very saline concentrate streams. The use of desalination overcomes the paradox faced by many coastal communities, that of having access to a practically inexhaustible supply of saline water but having no way to use it. Although some substances dissolved in water, such as calcium carbonate, can be removed by chemical treatment, other common constituents, like sodium chloride, require more technically sophisticated methods, collectively known as desalination. In the past, the difficulty and expense of removing various dissolved salts from water made saline waters an impractical source of potable water. However, starting in the 1950s, desalination began to appear to be economically practical for ordinary use, under certain circumstances.
HOLLOW FIBER ULTRAFILTRATION (UF) MEMBRANE
Pureline Hollow Fiber is a Modified PAN based membrane, which has high fouling resistant characteristics . Pureline has implied a sponge-like structure so that the hollow fiber membrane shows a high tensile strength and long durability. The pore gets bigger from the feed side to the permeate, making the membrane resistance at minimum levels while causing the membrane to have a high velocity of filtering. Membrane thickness, which remains constant in all direction, has a high pressure resistance. The slick membrane surface not only has a high fouling resistance, but also effectively removes microorganisms & suspended solids.
Explore the possibilities


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Discover the Power of Reiki Holistic Healing in Ocean Township, Monmouth County, NJ, And Forked River, Ocean County, NJ
Reiki holistic healing in Ocean Township, NJ, or Forked River, NJ, is a powerful tool for achieving physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness and balance. The goal of Reiki is to create peace, balance, and harmony through healing energy. Ann Mort performs Reiki treatments for clients from all walks of life at Reflections of Light Reiki. Contact her today to book an appointment.
If you are calling for a Reiki session in Forked River, please call 732-604-2292.

domain: health


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Craig Spencer is putting his majority stake in the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League up for sale.
Spencer is the founder, chairman and CEO of the Arden Group, a Center City-based real estate company. He said earlier this week he wants to sell his majority stake in the Soul, and perhaps keep a minority ownership position, so he has more time to devote to his real estate business.
Park Lane, an investment bank that specializes in sports finance advisory services, has been hired to broker the sale. Still to be determined is whether a interested party will want to buy Spencer’s stake or the entire indoor football team, and whether the franchise will remain in Philadelphia under a new majority owner.
No sale is expected to occur before the start of the upcoming AFL season, which begins next month.
Spencer joined with rock star Jon Bon Jovi to buy the AFL expansion franchise which began play in 2004 and won its lone ArenaBowl championship in 2008.
When the AFL suspended play following the 2008 season, the Soul were dormant until 2011 — when the Soul rejoined a resurrected AFL that featured a new centralized business model.
Bon Jovi did not return as a majority owner because of touring obligations with his band. Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, who previously had a small piece of the team, became a majority owner with Spencer. The team also has three minority owners: Pete Ciarrocchi, the owner the sports bar chain Chickie’s and Pete’s; Cosmo DiNicola, a technology industry entrepreneur and former owner of an Wilkes-Barre AFL2 franchise and Martin Judge, the founder and CEO of the Judge Group consulting firm based in West Conshohocken, Pa.
Last month, Parx Casino signed a deal to be presenting sponsor of the Philadelphia Soul for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Philadelphia Business Journal reporter Natalie Kostelni contributed to this report.

domain: sports


After the first reports detailing the catalog of Nazi-looted art that was being stored among trash by Cornelius Gurlitt in Munich, new information has surfaced that indicates Gurlitt may have more artwork stashed away in Austria. In addition to learning more about the reclusive Gurlitt, German officials are calling for the list of artwork, 1,400 pieces that include works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse, to be revealed.
Gurlitt’s collection of Nazi-looted art was seized as part of a tax evasion investigation in 2011, reports Focus magazine. Gurlitt is the son of Hildebrand Gurlitt, an art dealer who was commission by the Nazis to acquire what they deemed “degenerate” art, who amassed the collection. The younger Gurlitt was virtually unknown by German authorities, having not paid taxes nor registered for social services. Tax authorities started their investigation of Gurlitt in 2010 and secured a search warrant for his Munich apartment in 2011.
One portrait by Matisse is believed to belong to Anne Sinclair, the granddaughter of Paul Rosenberg, an art dealer who represented Matisse and Picasso, and ex-wife of former IMF director Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
Focus has followed up its initial report with new information that reveals Gurlitt had a property in Austria and police searched the residence in 2010. According to the report, neighbors were concerned after not seeing Gurlitt for a long time, but police were looking for a missing person and not art.
Many of the works were believed to have been lost, and 200 pieces have international search warrants out for their recovery. The news has stunned the art world, and the collection is currently being catalogued but no details have emerged about the paintings or their condition.
Steffen Seibert, a German government spokesman, said authorities wanted information released on the paintings after prosecutors refused to provide any details on the seized artwork, reports the Associated Press. Jewish groups have also called for the release of new information to better coordinate efforts to return the works to rightful heirs.
The estimated value of the Nazi-looted art is well above 1 billion euros, around $1.35 billion. Gurlitt's whereabouts are unknown, and police have not issued a warrant for his arrest.


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There are several US travel restrictions in place at present that can limit or even prohibit the entry entirely of some foreign citizens. There are also limitations on taking certain products into the United States including certain foodstuffs and alcohol.
This article looks at the current US travel restrictions for visitors arriving from overseas including the latest COVID-19 measures.
Read on to find out whether and under what conditions you can apply for a US ESTA or visa and travel to America.
There are currently exceptional travel restrictions in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic. These additional temporary measures have been introduced in line with international efforts to curb the spread of the virus and to protect the public.
Currently, foreign citizens who have been in any of the following countries in the last 14 days cannot enter the United States:
US citizens and foreigners with permanent residency are exempt from the restrictions and may enter the country through specified airports.
COVID-19 entry restrictions in the US are being constantly reviewed and updated as the situation evolves, foreigners should check the latest information before making any travel plans.
The foreign policy of the United States stipulates that entry is denied or restricted broadly to citizens of countries deemed a risk to national health or security.
As a result, restrictions are currently in place affecting the following nations:
Travelers visiting from these countries will face limitations on the visas they may apply for and may face further immigration checks on entry to the country. At present, North Korean citizens may not enter the USA under any circumstances.
Although these regulations may be changed in the future, they are not part of the US response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are therefore not considered temporary.
Travelers face US entry restrictions if they have visited any of the following 7 nations
Citizens of visa waiver countries who have visited any of these regions since 2011 no longer qualify for ESTA. They can still travel to the United States but will instead need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate.
Foreigners are therefore advised to avoid visiting restricted countries before the US to remain eligible for the ESTA visa waiver.
US Homeland Security sets strict rules on entrance to the country based on previous criminal activity. Those who have a proven record of the following misdemeanors are liable to have US tourist visa, other visa, and visa waiver applications rejected. They may even be barred from entry to the USA:
Additionally, US immigration policy restricts the entrance of citizens that are deemed likely to become dependent on public welfare and assistance. Furthermore, those carrying infectious diseases such as tuberculosis could also be deemed inadmissible.
Finally, those who have not respected the terms and conditions of their previous visas for the US may be prevented from applying for a new one.
There are strict policies on taking food into the US. Food can be carried into the United States for personal use although restrictions apply to certain types of produce. All food products must be declared. Generally packaged and processed food, tea, coffee, and solid cheeses can all be imported without issues.
Some kinds of fruits and vegetables cannot be taken into the United States. This is to protect community health and prevent the introduction of diseases. Travelers who wish to carry a fruit or vegetable into the US can check online to see whether there are any restrictions in place.
Meat, milk, egg, and poultry products may be either prohibited or restricted, depending on the country of origin. Canned meat is allowed with some exceptions.
To avoid confiscation, passengers planning to travel with any animal products should check the rules for the specific product before traveling and always declare such products at security.
Travelers over the age of 21 are generally allowed to take one liter of alcohol into the US duty-free. Although additional quantities can be entered, they will be subject to federal excise tax, the amount should not exceed that considered reasonable for personal consumption or gifts.
Restrictions on alcohol importation vary depending on the states. Passengers are advised to check the Alcohol Beverage Control Board of the state they are visiting to find out their policy.
In addition to the US entry requirements detailed above, travelers should check whether any of the following restrictions may apply depending on their individual circumstances.
US visa and ESTA application forms now include questions about the traveler’s social media presence. Applicants are asked to provide social media IDs for any Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts they have used over the past 5 years.
US visa social media checks allow Customs and Border Protection to detect engagement with certain kinds of online content and therefore identify potential threats.
The social media information provided is unlikely to affect an individual’s chance of being approved for the ESTA or visa. Restrictions will only be applied should an individual’s accounts and activity raise security concerns.
It is not possible to apply for an ESTA travel waiver using an emergency passport. Instead, people who need to enter the country with an emergency travel document should apply for a visa at their nearest US embassy or consulate.
Travelers are reminded that it can take several days or weeks to obtain a US visa from a diplomatic mission.
Minors traveling to the United States with one parent, or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, may be stopped and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The accompanying adult is advised to carry a note signed by the non-traveling parent(s) in which they give their permission for the child (under 18 years of age) to go out of the country.
Should a parent have single child custody, it is recommended that they carry a copy of relevant paperwork which shows this to be the case.
Although such documentation may not be requested at CBP, it is a good idea to be prepared in order to avoid delays and inconvenience on arrival.
Those who travel through US airports regularly can enroll in the Global Entry program. Pre-approved, low-risk individuals receive trusted traveler status meaning they are not required to queue and speak to Customs and Border Protection Officers.
Applicants are required to attend an interview and have a background check. Pre-approved travelers enjoy reduced waiting times as they can use special automated kiosks on arrival.
There is a $100 fee for joining the scheme. Once approved, membership lasts for 5 years. A US ESTA or visa is still required by trusted travelers.


Super Wide Viewing Angle 170 Degrees (FMVSS 111 Compliant).
This backup camera features super wide viewing angle of 170 degrees, which is
FMVSS 111 compliant.
Top CMOS sensor, 600TV lines
our Vardsafe VS789 rear view camera features CMOS sensor and offers a
resolution of 600TV lines, which means you can get very good video image.
Wide Voltage Design
12-24V design to help protect camera kit from voltage fluctuation.
The backup camera is completely weather proof with a IP68 rating.
Great night vision.
The 4 big infra red lights allow you to see up to 35 feet even in the darkest
With 10 meters extension cable.
The backup camera comes with 10 meters extension cable by default, please
contact us if you need a 20 meters extension cable.
This rear view camera comes with a RCA adapter, which require your monitor can
accept RCA plug.
Please contact us if you also need a monitor to work with this reversing
In the Box
1 X Wide Angle Rear View Camera
1 X 10 Meters Extension Cable by default ( please leave a note if you need 20M
1 X Power Connection Wire
1 X Installation kit
1 X Operating Manual
Terms & ConditionsWe warrant this product against material defects for one
year from the date of purchase.
We not guarantee or promise that the user will not be in an accident or
otherwise not collide with an object. We are not responsible for a defect in
this system as a result of misuse, improper installation, damage or
mis-handling of the electronic components. We are not responsible for
1.Personal information collected is only used for customer contact, customer
identification, order fulfillment.
2.No personal information, including but not limited to, name, address, email,
order history, will ever be shared, rented, or sold.
3.If we have difficulty processing an order, the contact information is used
to get in touch with the customer.
4.All information is fully protected by SSL encryption technology.


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As Edward L. Rankin Visiting Professor for the Spring 2019 semester, I am teaching "MEJO 634: Public Relations Campaigns." This involves guiding students through the process of developing a communications plan for an actual client, Ackland Art Museum. This is the fourth time I have taught this capstone course. In addition, I will be exploring interest in and feasibility of a new certificate program in Arts Communication within the School of Media and Journalism.
I am an independent consultant based in New York and am commuting to Chapel Hill this semester. My practice involves enabling organizations to use communications strategically to achieve their goals. My clients have included many foundations and nonprofit organizations including AARP, The MacArthur Foundation, The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Prior to establishing my own consulting practice, I was an executive with the global public relations firm Porter Novelli, based in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and Brussels, Belgium.
- B.A. in Journalism, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Member, UNC School of Media and Journalism Board of Advisers
- Honoree, NC Media and Journalism Hall of Fame
- Co-chair, NC Media and Journalism Hall of Fame Gala
- Patron's Leadership Council, Manhattan Theatre Club
- Board Member, On Site Opera


The Czech brand revealed Australian buyers will be able to order the Enyaq in 2023.Skoda is bringing both the conventionally styled SUV and the sporty coupe SUV versions to Australia.Based on the Volkswagen ID.4, which was named the World Car of the Year in 2021, the Enyaq iV promises to be one of the best electric vehicles to reach Australia.Volkswagen has previously ruled out the ID.4 and the smaller ID.3 for Australia in the near term as it prioritises EV supply to markets where governments have legally binding national emissions targets.Skoda Australia sales and planning manager, Kieran Merrigan, says customers have been asking for EVs and the local arm has been pushing head office for the EVs.“The challenge we are going to have is supply and demand. The Enyaq is outstripping supply in Europe already,” says Merrigan.“The engagement is high at the moment and the rising fuel prices is only going to increase that. I believe the market is ready for EVs, the amount of interest certainly suggests it,” he says.Sustainability is a big focus for the Enyaq iV with a wide variety of recycled and natural materials used throughout the cabin.Skoda Australia hasn’t confirmed which specific Enyaq variants will be coming to Australia.In Europe there are several to choose from with either rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive and the choice of a 62kW or a 82kW battery pack.The smaller capacity version is rear wheel drive only and its electric motor makes 132kW and 310Nm. The bigger battery version can be had with a single motor and rear-wheel drive with outputs of 150kW and 310Nm. Adding a second motor and all wheel drive pushes up power to 195kW.Buyers wanting more bang for their buck can choose the performance focused RS version with 220kW/460Nm and claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds.Claimed driving range is between 410km and 540km depending on specification.The Enyaq can accept a chagrin rate of up to 125kWh, which should charge the battery from 5 to 80 per cent in about 22 minutes.


*One day before the Michael Jackson tribute, Chris Brown has been forced to pull out after he was denied a work visa because of his criminal record.
The singer was set to honor the late King of Pop with a performance at the Oct. 8 star-studded Michael Forever concert in Wales, but he’s now axed his plans after being barred from entering the U.K. due to his 2009 assault conviction for attacking his then-girlfriend Rihanna.
The show has been plagued with problems in recent weeks – the Black Eyed Peas dropped out of the tribute on Thursday due to “unavoidable circumstances”, and Gene Simmons was removed from the bill following complaints from fans regarding previous comments the Kiss rocker had made regarding Jackson’s child abuse allegations.
Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Ne-Yo and Leona Lewis are still expected to perform as planned.
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text:
Edit Blog Post
Published: August 29th 2012
Since we'd mentioned some time ago that we've never been to Glasgow and would like to, Ian and Glenis arranged a two-day "short break". In pursuit of both families' Scottish heritages, we made the trip across on Monday a kind of pilgrimage to Alloway, near Ayr - the birthplace of Scotland's celebrated poet, Robert Burns.
Unfortunately the day was wet and rather chilly, but we had a pleasant drive across the north of England, roughly along the line of Hadrian's Wall, into Scotland at Gretna, and north-west through Dumfries and Galloway. Lunch in a sweet and friendly little tea room at Auldgirth, then on to Alloway.
We spent a pleasant afternoon at the two major sites. First was the carefully restored and maintained cottage where The Bard was born in 1759, consisting of connected byre and two-roomed living quarters. He was obviously born into a very poor family, and his father's belief in the value of learning and education formed the basis of his future success.
This was followed by a most enjoyable and informative visit to the nearby Burns Museum, full of excellent exhibits both static and interactive.
Late afternoon, and it was off to a
The Bard wrote "Flow gently Sweet Afton, amang thy green braes". Given the weather, it wasn't so gentle this day.
lovely country park hotel on the outskirts of Glasgow, and a wonderful dinner of fresh Scottish fare.
Tot: 2.993s; Tpl: 0.054s; cc: 13; qc: 54; dbt: 0.0472s; 2; m:saturn w:www (126.96.36.199); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.4mb

domain: geography


text:
Ritratto Laura & Claudia
Tell your friends about this Painting
This commissioned portrait has been done on request as a birthday present and depicts a daughter and her mum.
Delivery Time: Europe: 5-7 business days ; International: 10-14 business days (all subject to customs delays)
Returns: 7-day returns policy. For more information visit our Help section


text:
Linda Batchelder Poems
- Loving You Loving you is watching The sun dance on water ...
- Full Moon Two comrades huddled On the frigid ground. ...
- The Shoes Shuffling forward slowly On cardboard fitted ...
- Windows Of The Soul Eighty-five. Her walk is ...
- Southern Gentleman Upon first meeting I was wholly smitten ...
- Music Man Skillfully rendered chords Melodious and strong, ...
- Cry For Mother The blackest veil of illness Shrouds you as ...
Click here to add this poet to your My Favorite Poets.
Comments about Linda Batchelder
Loving you is watching
The sun dance on water
Like endless acres of diamonds
On a golden summer morning.
Loving you is walking
Through a candlelit cathedral
In silent prayer.
Loving you is the feel
Of a gentle breeze, and
The cool green grass
Beneath my feet.
Loving you is being surrounded
By the quiet beauty
Of great works of art.
Loving you is the sound
Of a waterfall,
Or the sight of a rainbow.
Loving you is running through
Bright hillsides of autumn, and
Breathing in their earthy scents.


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Frozen is a chilling suspense about a group of friends who get stuck on a ski lift in the face of snowstorm with nobody knowing that they’re there. I know, I know, in the wake of 127 hours and countless survival stories, Frozen, a film which premiered in the Sundance Festival last year, would seem commonplace, but that’s where viewers will be wrong. This film brought chills down my spine the whole time I was watching it. I was literally at the edge of my seat. No kidding.
The film stars Shawn Ashmore (X-men) as Lynch, and Zac Effron lookalike Kevin Zegers as Dan (It’s a Boy Girl Thing, Gossip Girl) as two best friends who go on their traditional weekend getaway to a New England ski resort with Dan’s girlfriend Parker (Emma Bell) tagging along. Lynch, who was hoping for some guy time with his best friend, asks for one final run on the slopes, because novice snowboarder Parker cramped his style the whole day. Dan, who wanted Lynch to stop shooting his mouth against Parker, agrees. Parker joins them for the ride and begs the ski lift operator they bribed earlier to let them get the final ride on the chairs. The operator concedes but gets called away, leaving another operator in his stead while the three were still on the lift. The substitute operator mistakes three snowboarders to be the last on the slopes and shuts down for the week, leaving the three stranded until the next weekend when the resort opens again.
What hooked me to the movie from the get go was its subtlety. Of course, one would guess that they’re not all going to survive. I was expecting death by frostbite and injuries but the carnage that followed was so gruesome that even a hard core horror fan like me had trouble processing it. They were stuck high up on the lift with packs of wolves awaiting their descent and with no hope for rescue in the next five days. There were times during the beginning of the predicament that were unintentionally funny, like when Dan jumped bravely off the lift to get help and injures himself severely in the process, and screamed like a wus when he realizes the severity of his injuries. But the subsequent scenes when he faced the inevitable and thought of Parker instead of himself was heartwrenching. His screams alone were terrifying and leaves little to the imagination.
The film was generally muted and filled only with snippets of conversations that make the viewers understand the characters more. The lengthy pauses, which should have bored audiences to death, were actually quite genius because it gave the viewers a chance to process and absorb the severity of the situation. There were not a lot of attempts to escape, as survivors grapple with the anguish of losing someone close to their hearts, and at the same time assess what what was left for them to do. With each attempt to get closer to safety, viewers could feel each sting as the cable blades dig into their flesh. As frostbite sets in, audiences will feel like its their skin being torn off. As they stay still, audiences will be thinking along with them… what to do? what to do? But what is heartbreaking, really, is that the attempts which they have emotionally invested into, are actually just set ups for more agony. When the movie was screened in Sundance, it was reported that a lot of the audiences fainted because they could not stand the tension of the film. I couldn’t blame them. I was a bit sleepy coming into the film but the moment they were up on the lifts, my heart already started pumping wildly. I do not scare easily but my personal experience with a similar lift (Sentosa Skyride) last year was horrible. I could just imagine how that would be with snow.
All in all, writer/director Adam Green managed to come up with one the best horror films of the past few years. There is something to be said of subtlety. And this film is proof that not everything needs to be in 3D.


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Geotextiles Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share,
Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018
103 Page Report
Geotextiles Market to Value USD 6.4 Billion Globally By 2018: TMR
Transparency Market Research
90, State Street, Suite 700.
Albany, NY 12207
Geotextiles Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth,
Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018
Geotextiles Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and
Forecast, 2012 - 2018, a global geotextiles market report published by
Transparency Market Research provides significant inputs about the global state of the
current market of geotextiles industry along with a forecast about the opportunities,
drivers and restraints in the market during the years 2012 and 2018, the forecast
period of the report.
Browse The Full Report @:
According to the report, the global market of geotextiles was worth nearly USD 3.2
billion in 2011. By observing growth at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period,
the market could reach a market value worth nearly USD 6.4 billion by 2018. Volumewise, the geotextiles industry observed demands worth nearly 1,904.0 million square
meters in 2011. This is expected to grow to 3,398.4 million square meters by 2018, by
observing growth at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period, adds the report.
Applications of geotextiles are on a constant rise in the area of construction of
roadways, dams, bridges and other infrastructure amenities, especially in the BRIC
countries. A continuous rise in the number of infrastructure development projects in
this region is expected to drive the global market of geotextiles.


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North Bank Deer Preserve
May 11, 2003
Ten motherless hikers (or at least those who weren’t celebrating Mother’s Day on the correct day) made their way to the North Bank Deer Preserve outside of Wilbur. The hike had been postponed from the previous weekend with the hope of more clement weather and so it turned out. Although cloudy and cool, the rains held off and the wind stayed calm — very important on this particular hike.
Two different distances were offered — about 9 miles and 6.9 miles — and each hike had 5 hikers, with the shorter distance led by Margaret and Bill Prentice.
A steady uphill climb from the parking lot almost immediately produced views of the North Umpqua basin, although clouds obscured the more distant mountains. Poison oak flourished, but could be avoided. We didn’t have a botanist along, so most of the numerous wild flowers were unidentified, but we all recognized the wild irises that grew in abundance.
After a snack stop on top of Middle Knob, the group divided into its two sections with the longer hikers climbing up to the boundary trail and the shorter ones heading off down Chasm Creek. The Prentices reported that they had a problem crossing the creek in one spot and had to do some bushwhacking to find a suitable crossing spot but otherwise encountered no problems on this unscouted portion of the trail. Up on the boundary trail, the group had lunch on a rock outcropping with great views and then headed down to meet up with the Chasm Creek trail. A couple of magnificent old madrone trees graced the trail.
A number of horse trailers had meanwhile arrived in the parking lot — this hike needs to be done early in the day to avoid the horses.
Hikers were Ann-Marie Askew, Jim Clarkson, Daniele Delaby, Yuan Hopkins, Bob Huntley, Becky Lipton, Bill and Margaret Prentice, Chris Stockdale (leader) and Sheila Ward.


Pulse Oximetry – Carboxyhemoglobin
A pulse oximeter will measure red and infrared light transmitted through and reflected by the tissue bed. Any light is usable, since all light frequencies will transmit through and be reflected by the blood and tissue. The industry has chosen red and infrared light since it is technically possible to produce these wavelengths by an LED diode
There are actually four different hemoglobin species in normal blood: oxyhemoglobin, reduced (deoxy-) hemoglobin, methemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin. Each of these species has a different light absorption profile as can be seen on the graph below.
Light Absorption with Pulse Oximetry
As the graph show the light profiles in the chosen areas (red = 660 nm and infrared = 940 nm) overlap considerably for carboxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin (as it does for methgb and deoxyhgb). This means that the pulse oximeter will see the reflected light for carboxyhgb and oxyhgb as the same when measuring in the red light spectrum and thereby measure a combined reflection. Carboxyhgb is not reflected/absorbed in the infrared spectrum and therefore does not add to this part in the ratio. Remember, the ratio between these measurements is checked against the pulse oximeters database. This ratio will correspond with the displayed SpO2.
When the combined reflection includes the non-oxygen carrying carboxyhgb as equal to oxyhgb the result will be a false high reading. How much too high? This depends on the level of carboxyhgb. The higher the carboxyhgb level the bigger the discrepancy.
From Miller's Anesthesia 7th ed.p.1215


One that will transform how we share our experiences: capturing our world in 360-degrees. That’s why we designed Essential Phone with Click Connect technology, and our first accessory, the Essential 360 Camera.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, 360 is worth a million. At the heart of the 360-degree movement is the ability to place the viewer into an exact place in time—surrounded by the moment. With Essential 360 Camera, whether you’re a casual social media user or a professional content creator, you can effortlessly create high-resolution 360-degree photos and videos anywhere, anytime, and viewable on any screen (see our tips here).
Selfies go from 'see me' to 'see my world.' Friends halfway around the world can experience your favorite band's concert as if they were standing in the pit with you. Relive the excitement on the field after your child's soccer team wins that playoff game. Beyond personal use, 360 is also gaining momentum as a medium to create more immersive and engaging news stories. Imagine stepping into the shoes of a reporter on the frontlines, sitting front row at a fashion show or tagging along on a travel writer’s latest adventure.
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(KPLR) – It’s been a few days now since voters across the country went to the polls and Charles Jaco has had some time to digest what happened.
So what do we take away from the election, besides a profound sense of relief that the political commercials have stopped? One big lesson is that most Missouri voters really don't care for President Obama. Another is that Missouri isn't as deep red as some republicans would like to believe.
In the GOP's favo, the fact that Mitt Romney soundly thumped President Obama in Missouri. The fact that republicans enlarged their historically large super majority in both the Missouri state house and state senate. The fact that Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was re-elected, despite stripper-gate and despite his propensity for saying really weird things; like how the United Nations is preparing to seize Missourians guns.
So you look at all that and you might think Missouri is like, say, Oklahoma or Mississippi. The kinds of states where there are just about no white democrats left and those that are elected are mainly voted in to local offices. In most of the bright red states of the south and west, democrats are mostly either African-American or Hispanic.
But then there's Missouri. Missouri statewide elected white democrats as U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer. There are reasons for each. McCaskill won the senate because Todd Akin was a train wreck. Nixon was re-elected governor because he mostly acts like a republican. Koster, the democratic attorney general, used to be a republican.
But unlike white rural people in other states, white rural folk in Missouri can still be convinced to vote for democrats in large enough numbers to elect them. Especially, when the overwhelming democratic votes from St. Louis and Kansas City are thrown in.
So Missouri statewide is still more purple than red.
I'm Charles Jaco and that's Jacology.


FAQ: Industry Guidance on Showings
Updated on May 21, 2020
On March 8, 2020, the Department of Public Health and Cal/Osha posted “Industry Guidance: Real Estate Transactions” (“Industry Guidance”). This guidance, and all subsequent updates including revisions from May 12, implements the state Stage 2 expansion for real estate transactions and contains a host of rules detailing how properties must be shown during COVID-19.
How can brokers and agents comply with this Industry Guidance for showings?
Step 1: Adopt a “Prevention Plan.” You may use C.A.R. Document BPPP, Best Practices Guidelines/Prevention Plan for Showings (available within the COVID library in zipForm®), for this purpose. The BPPP should be signed by the broker/office manager and agreed to by all agents.
Step 2: Do not hold open houses or showings that are open to the general public or on a walk-in basis. Use an appointment or digital sign-in process to control the number of people at the house. Showings should be done virtually, whenever possible. Under the Prevention Plan, only one “buying party” may view the property in person at one time.
Step 3: All visitors must sign a PEAD-V form and deliver it electronically to the listing agent in advance. Doing this accomplishes several things: a) It is an agreement that the visitor will comply with the posted “Rules for Showings”; b) The visitor acknowledges receiving and agrees to the Prevention Plan; and c) The visitor attests they are not, to the best of their knowledge, afflicted with COVID-19, among other things.
Step 4: The Rules for Showings must be posted at the entrance to the property and be clearly visible. Also link to or publish these rules in MLS listings and publicly online.
Step 5: The property must be equipped with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and face masks.
Step 6: The property must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Commonly used surfaces such as counters, door and cabinet handles, key lock boxes, keypads, toilets, sinks, light switches, etc., must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each showing. Ultimately, the responsibility for this falls on the listing agent or brokerage. C.A.R. Form RLA-CAA can require the seller to pay for the costs of an outside cleaning service.
Allow for adequate time for cleaning between showings. If current occupants are present and/or participate during showings, they should adhere to the same cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
Step 7: Open doors and windows, weather permitting, to introduce fresh air. Also, doors and other areas of ingress and egress must be opened to minimize clients touching surfaces.
Step 8: Prior to or immediately upon entry, all visitors must use hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water before touring or inspecting the property.
Step 9: After showing the property, ensure disposable covers (masks and gloves, etc.) are properly discarded after use, for example in a trash bag that is sealed prior to disposal.
What is the authority of the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue these guidelines?
The Governor’s order from May 5 ordered that all residents are directed to continue to obey State public health directives as indicated on https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ Under this order the Department of Public Health has wide latitude to issue new guidance, revise criteria or procedures, or take any action deemed necessary to protect public health. Indeed, the guidance isn’t limited to merely official orders. As the DPH website explains: “The Governor has ordered Californians to obey the directives of the State Public Health Officer. Those directives take many forms; they include specific materials linked on this page, as well as these questions and answers. These questions and answers are directives from the State Public Health Officer, and have the same force and effect as other
State Public Health Officer directives.” (From “Stay Home Q&A” https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/). Wow, did you catch that? The FAQs have the same force and effect as other state public health orders!
Can I see a copy of the actual Industry Guidance document?
Yes. Here is the link.
Are brokers and agents legally permitted to show properties?
Yes. However, according to the Industry Guidance, showings should be done virtually, whenever possible.
Is the Industry Guidance incorporated into C.A.R.’s Best Practices Guidelines?
Yes. For most rules and protocols the Best Practices has adhered fairly strictly to the language of the guidance. This was done intentionally so as to not burden agents and brokers with responsibilities beyond what is legally mandated. However, doing this has also had the effect of maintaining in some places the same ambiguities as in the industry guidance.
The Industry Guidance requires a brokerage to adopt a COVID-19 Prevention Plan. Does C.A.R. have a sample prevention plan available?
Yes. The entire “Best Practices Guidelines/Prevention Plan for Showings” doubles as a prevention plan. At the end of the best practices is a signature spot for the broker or office manager to sign to formally adopt the Best Practices Guidelines as a COVID-19 Prevention Plan.
Do the agents in the office have to agree to the prevention plan as well?
Yes. All agents in the office must follow the prevention plan.
Does the PEAD-V form have to be signed in advance of entering the property? I thought the PEAD form was optional.
Yes. The PEAD form was previously optional. But now the Industry Guidance requires all persons entering the property to 1) comply with the Posted Rules of Entry as a condition of entry, and 2) agree to the prevention plan. So, in signing the PEAD-V, visitors are at the same time agreeing to these two sets of rules – which is required.
Does any other document need to be signed in advance by a person entering the property?
Who must sign the PEAD-V?
Every person entering the property including clients, appraisers, inspectors, stagers, contractors, repairmen and even buyer’s agents.
Does the PEAD-V have to be signed electronically?
Yes. Another Industry Guidance rule is that all information must be delivered electronically. Further, agents must discontinue providing handouts or other types of promotional or informational materials. So, the PEAD-V must be signed electronically.
What are other purposes of the PEAD-V?
In addition to obtaining the agreement to follow the Posted Rules for Entry and the prevention plan, the visitor assumes the risk of entering the property and the visitor attests they are not, to the best of their knowledge, afflicted with COVID-19, among other things.
Does the Prevention Plan have to be agreed to by all persons who enter the property?
Yes. Both the prevention plan the Posted Rules for Entry have to be agreed to.
Does the prevention plan have to be signed by everyone entering the property?
No. Only one document -- the PEAD-V form – needs to be signed since it includes an agreement to follow both the Posted Rules for Entry and the prevention plan (which is linked on the PEAD-V form).
Do the rules of entry have to be posted?
Yes. Use C.A.R.’s “Posted Rules for Entry.” They must be posted at the entrance and be clearly visible.
Who is responsible for posting the rules for entry?
It’s the listing agent’s responsibility to make sure that the rules for entry are posted.
Should the Posted Rules for Entry be displayed online?
Yes. These rules or a link to the rules should be part of online public and MLS listings.
Does the checklist have to be posted?
No. The checklist only needs to be posted in your workplace.
Can I hold an open house?
Yes and no. The Industry Guidance states: “Discontinue holding open houses and showings open to the general public on a walk-in basis; use an appointment or digital sign-in process to control the number of people in the house or property.” This exact language was adopted by the Best Practices. A careful reading seems to allow the holding of “open houses” by an appointment or digital sign-in process. But this begs the question: What exactly constitutes an “open house?” If you are required to make an appointment to view a property, can that accurately be described as an open house? So, while holding an “open house” in this manner is consistent with the Industry Guidance, there is a question as to whether it complies with the True Picture standard of advertising under Article 12 of the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics. IMPORTANT: C.A.R. takes no position on this issue which is a decision that each local board has authority to make.
The C.A.R. “Best Practices Guidelines/Prevention Plan for Showings” allows for only one “buying party” at a time. Why impose this limitation?
For two reasons. First, the “one buying party” rule has been maintained due to the lack of clarity in the Industry Guidelines. The essential workforce list as promulgated by the DPH on April 28, initially created this limitation. Arguably, the Stage 2 guidance has superseded this essential workforce list as long as all other Industry Guidance is followed since no mention of the list is included. But it’s not clear. Secondly, the “one buying party” rule is a practical rule for facilitating social distancing. Having more than one buying party in a property at a time would almost certainly end up violating the social distancing rules.
Is the property required to be equipped with hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and face masks?
Yes. The property must be equipped with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes and face masks. These items must be placed at the property entrance.
Whose job is it to provide these items?
Although the Industry Guidance doesn’t specify exactly who is to provide these items, the listing agent or brokerage will have ultimate authority to make sure these items are available and that the property is so equipped. So even though the Industry Guidance and our Best Practices Guidelines are silent on this exact question, it is a very reasonable for a brokerage to simply require this of all of their listing agents and incorporate this requirement into the broker’s prevention plan as the responsibility of their listing agents.
As general risk management advice, we also recommend that even buyers’ agents have these products at the ready since if they show a property and the products are not available, then really, they are violating the Industry Guidance in showing the property.
When are visitors entering the property required to use the hand sanitizer?
The rule is that those entering the property will either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water “immediately upon entry before touring and inspecting the property.”
Must the property be cleaned before entry?
Yes. The requirement is to thoroughly clean shown properties and disinfect commonly used surfaces including counters, door and cabinet handles, key lock boxes, keypads, toilets, sinks, light switches, etc. These surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each showing. Prior to and concluding in-person showings, real estate licensees must disinfect mobility and safety fixtures on the property such as handrails and banisters. Adjust or modify showings to provide adequate time for proper cleaning and disinfecting. If the property is currently occupied, ensure adequate time to disinfect after occupants leave for showings and before and after clients view the property.
The above statement is taken almost word for word from the Industry Guidance.
So, the property must be cleaned both before and after each showing?!
Whose job is it to clean the property before and after each showing?
Although the Industry Guidance doesn’t specify exactly whose responsibility this is, the listing agent or brokerage will have ultimate authority to make sure the property is cleaned per the above requirements. So even though the Industry Guidance and our Best Practices Guidelines are silent on this exact question, it is a very reasonable for a brokerage to simply require all of their listing agents to do this and incorporate this requirement into the broker’s prevention plan as the responsibility of their listing agents.
Does the seller have any legal responsibility for cleaning?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Where the current occupants are present and/or participate during property showings then they should adhere to the same standards regarding physical distancing, proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and promote a safe environment for all persons present.
Having said this, we think it is not a good risk management approach to attempt to shift the burden for cleaning onto the seller since it is not clear that the seller can be relied upon to in fact do it. Since the listing agent and brokerage will have ultimate responsibility to ensure that the cleaning is being done, shifting the responsibility in this way will set up the listing agent and brokerage for a violation of the Industry Guidance.
Can the seller pay the costs of having a cleaning service perform this requirement?
Yes. The RLA-CAA has an option in which the seller will be authorized to hire a cleaning service and pay the cost.
Can the job of cleaning be shifted to the buyer’s agent?
While there is nothing in the Industry Guidance prohibiting this, the listing agent and broker will retain ultimate responsibility to ensure that the cleaning is done. So, again, the effort to shift the responsibility is not a recommended risk management practice since it will likely set up the listing agent and brokerage for a violation of the Industry Guidance.
Do the doors and windows have to be opened for a showing?
Yes, doors and windows must be opened, weather permitting, to introduce fresh air. Also, doors and other areas of ingress and egress must be opened to minimize clients touching surfaces.
Can a property be shown if the occupants are still in the property?
Yes. When possible, show houses when the occupants are not present. Sellers and tenants, in accordance with their legal rights, are to be advised that they should not be present within a dwelling at the same time as other individuals.
However, sellers or other occupants cannot be forced to vacate the property during a showing. If current occupants are present and/or participate during property showings, in accordance with their legal rights, they should adhere to the same standards regarding physical distancing, proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and promote a safe environment for all persons present.
Does the property have to be vacant to be shown?
Does every person on the property have to adhere to the social distancing protocols?
Yes. Social distancing — six feet of separation — must be maintained at all times.
What should visitors avoid touching?
Everything. They should avoid touching everything. All persons on property for in-person showings should avoid touching knobs, faucets, toilets and toilet handles, light switches, garage door opener buttons, handles and pulls, alarm system controls, fan pulls, remotes, thermostats, switchboxes, gates and gate latches, window locks and sashes, pool coverings, and other such items.
Do all persons entering the property have to wear face coverings?
Yes. The Industry Guidance has conflicting statements. In some places it says “strongly recommend” face coverings. But the checklist states that you must “require clients” to use them. Given the ambiguity, the Posted Rules for Entry have been written to require all persons entering the property to wear face coverings.
Are gloves required?
No. Gloves are mentioned in the Industry Guidance, but only in the context of the workplace or in the context of a person who is actually cleaning. In that instance gloves should be worn to protect against harsh cleansers.
After showings, are people required to discard their face masks?
Yes. All disposable covers including masks, gloves or booties are to be discarded. Agents should ensure disposable covers are properly discarded after use, for example in a trash bag that is sealed prior to disposal.
Our brokerage is going to re-open in its physical office. Can we do that now and how do we do it?
For all issues concerning the re-opening of real estate offices, please see our FAQ: Industry Guidance on Reopening the Real Estate Brokerage Office.


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UK Clegg : Euro-Zone Banking Union Must Not Lead to Protectionism
06/27/2012| 03:29am US/Eastern
A banking union within the euro zone must not lead to protectionism that disadvantages other countries in the European Union, U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said in an opinion piece published Wednesday.
Writing in the Financial Times, Clegg said a full banking union--including common regulations and a deposit-protection scheme--should be limited to the 17 euro-zone nations.
But as euro-zone nations make technical decisions on banking, the risk of discrimination against other EU nations "is not imaginary," Clegg said.
"The protection of the single currency must not translate into protectionism within the single market," he said.
Full article: www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2612acda-bf7a-11e1-bb88-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1yoMuGLVl
Write to Alex Brittain at firstname.lastname@example.org