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BANG BANG! You’re dead, you replicant ass butt! That’s what WE would say, if WE were Blade Runners. Which we are! As far as you know. BANG! Oh shit! ANOTHER replicants! Welcome to our special Blade Runner themed episode of 28 Plays Later, in which – BANG! SHIT! – in which we talk Blade Runner 2049 (Paul was at the premiere and can’t calm down), the 1997 point-and-click Blade Runner RPG, and more! And speaking of more, BANG BANG BANG! We just killed THREE of those replicant!
Once you’ve seen Blade Runner: 2049, why not check out Paul’s editorial over at The Iris? It’s spoiler heavy, but chock full of BANG
The new series of Star Trek has hit, so this week, Kris and Paul delve into all things Trek! What is the best Star Trek game ever made? IS there such a thing? What would constitute a perfect Trek gaming experience for the boys, and will it include Odo’s bucket? This episode has numerous very deep dives into the darkest corners of Star Trek lore, from DS9 to *ugh* Enterprise, so we hope you enjoy it!
Don’t forget, we’ll be doing our live show at PAX Australia, so be sure to come on over and see us if you’re headed there!


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Project Management Institute (PMI) is hosting the Eighth Annual Project Management Office (PMO) Symposium from 3-6 November at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. More than 800 of the world’s top PMO executives, organizational leaders, and senior decision makers will gather to discuss how the future-enabled PMO can nurture agility, inspire innovation, and accelerate successful strategic execution at the four-day event.
As part of PMI’s 50th anniversary celebration, PMI is partnering with TED to bring inspiring ideas and powerful voices to the world of project, program and portfolio management. One of the highlights of this year’s PMO Symposium is Monday’s general session called TEDConversations.
During the 90-minute session, TED Fellows Shohini Ghose and Andrew Pelling will present their exceptional work in quantum computer technology and innovative plant-derived biomaterials and provide insight on how they made ideas a reality. TED’s Director of Speaker Coaching Briar Goldberg will then moderate a dynamic conversation and thought-provoking Q&A session specially curated for project management professionals.
The event also features two inspiring keynote sessions, who share their insights on the future of work. On Monday, Bob Safian, Founder of the Flux Group and former editor of Fast Company Magazine, will unpack “The Project Economy,” which is an economy in which careers will increasingly revolve around a portfolio of projects rather than a traditional list of static job responsibilities. Safian will discuss how individuals are already working in this project-based gig economy, and how it will apply to knowledge workers at leading organizations worldwide.
On Tuesday, Hal Gregersen, Executive Director of the MIT Leadership Center and a senior lecturer in leadership and innovation at the MIT Sloan School of Management, will share his insights on the innovation process and his “Question Burst” method, which transforms companies into hotbeds of innovation by teaching leaders and employees to rediscover their powers of inquiry. Drawing upon his first-hand research on innovative companies and leaders at Amazon, Pixar, Tesla, and more, Gregersen demonstrates how asking questions inevitably leads not only to solutions, but to new and exciting transformative ideas.
Also during the Symposium, PMI will announce the winner of its PMO of the Year Award®. The award honors a PMO that has added value to its organization through its support of successful strategic initiatives and demonstrated superior organizational project management capabilities.
For more information: PMO Symposium

domain: news


text:
What an overwhelming response we have had to our Harvest donations this year. From the bottom of our heart we send you a humongous thank you for being the change you want to see in the world!
Thanks to YOU, many, many families will feel the love this Harvest time by receiving your donations.
What a huge impact working together has on our local communities.
We are looking forward to welcoming Rev Dave and Rev Sharon with us tomorrow to celebrate Harvest Festival in an extended collective worship in school.

domain: sociology


text:
A gastric band (the LAP-Band) is a restrictive band placed around the patient's stomach that gives the sensation of a full stomach after eating smaller portions of food, thus letting the patient eat less and lose weight without going hungry.
But fitting the band requires surgery, with potential side effects - so here's a novel idea: making obese patients believe that they have an "imaginary" gastric band through hypnosis!
A therapist convinced Marion Corns, 35, she had had surgery to fit the band by talking her through the procedure while in a trance.
Hospital smells were even pumped into the room to boost the effect.
Housewife Marion, who has slimmed from 15st 6lb to 11st 7lb, said: “Bizarrely I can even ‘remember’ being wheeled into theatre, the clink of the surgeon’s knife and smell of the anaesthetic.”
She spent £780 on five sessions with a therapist at the Elite Clinic in Marbella after her weight ballooned despite trying numerous diet aids.
Afterwards Marion felt her stomach had tightened and she was full up on just a small portion of food.
I'm also not sure those pictures represent her well. I think she might be about the same before and after.

domain: medical


Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
According to information disclosed by Target, former CEO Gregg Steinhafel's "Involuntary Termination" package amounts to $15.9 million in severance pay and other benefits. Before his termination, Steinhafel raked in, "more than $12.9 million in compensation in Target's most recently completed fiscal year, down from $20.6 million the previous year." [TCB Mag]


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this is the second time i’ve been asked this question. and the first time i’ve answered.
i like how the question has been framed. it’s not like i’m asking why someone would want to kill themselves. i’m asking “why?”.
It’s like the question is “why are you trying to kill yourself?”. ive seen this sort of question asked by people who are just looking for an answer to “why is there a hole in my bathroom wall?”. that’s not the question they’re asking.
People who are just looking for an answer to why is there a hole in my bathroom wall are not asking why you would want to kill yourself. They are asking why you would want to go through all the effort to kill yourself. They are asking why it is worth it. Why it is worth it to you to kill yourself. They are asking why this is a good thing. They are asking why this is a good thing for you. They are asking why you should do it.
It’s easy to understand why someone might not want to kill themselves. To kill yourself is to accept death. To kill yourself is to accept that you die. To kill yourself is to accept that you are “not going to be around to see the people you love.” To kill yourself is to accept that you are just a ghost. To kill yourself is to accept that you are not going to be around to see your loved ones.
This is a good thing. This is a good thing because it means that your loved ones are around. This is a good thing because it means that you have other people to count on. This is a good thing because it means you are not alone. This is a good thing because you are one of the good ones.
The idea of “being alive” is pretty scary. In addition to a person being alive, they are also alive. They can feel pain, they can feel pleasure, they can feel joy, they can feel fear and happiness. They are still alive. If you die, you die. It’s not that you suddenly cease to exist or that you cease to feel anything at all, you just cease to exist. Your life continues.
In addition to the fact that you are still alive, you are also not alone. You are connected to other people who are still alive. And these people are connected to you through a process known as “proximity.
Mia Deleon is a young girl whose parents were killed and she was adopted into a family of orphans. She is one of the orphans and one of the first to be taken to the orphanage. Mia Deleon has a very low IQ, but she is the only child that the orphanage cares for. Mia Deleon’s only way out is to learn how to manipulate and control other people. The orphanage is constantly trying to kill her.
Mia Deleons existence in the orphanage is very well known, and the orphanage has a very low tolerance for people who are unable to control their emotions. She is not a person who can be killed. Mia Deleon is an exception, and I think that she is a very good person.

domain: psychology


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4CITIES - UNICA Euromaster in Urban Studies
- Duration: 24 months
The UNICA Euromaster in Urban Studies (4CITIES) is a well-established two year master programme involving six universities in four European cities: Vrije Universiteit (VUB), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Brussels, Universität Wien (UW) in Vienna, Kobenhavns Universitet (KU) in Copenhagen, Universidad Autónoma (UAM) and Universidad Complutense (UCM) de Madrid. The programme has been running for four successful years and students are very engaged to the programme that improves every year.The programme is aimed at highly motivated students with at least a bachelor degree in social, cultural sciences, architecture & planning, geography, media studies or a similar degree. Teaching staff as well as students come from different disciplinary backgrounds and initiate thereby a mutual learning process.
The main objective of this master is to acquire a comprehensive and sound knowledge of European cities within differing welfare state systems in a globalised world. This is fulfilled by the combination of interdisciplinarity and internationality within European growth strategy and worldwide discourse. Europe 2020 combines the approaches of smart growth, sustainable growth, inclusive growth and economic governance. All four approaches fit perfectly to current concepts in urban studies.The programme focuses on the impacts of globalisation processes on cities, the city as social and cultural constructs and Europe as a specific unit of analysis. 4CITIES is based on the emerging demand for comprehensively educated graduates in the field of Urban Studies and aims at a well-conceived and cohesive theoretical education with a strong emphasis on applied fieldwork and cooperation. Our topics in teaching and fieldwork are aiming at relevance for the scientific and labour market in order to ensure the employability of the graduates. It builds on strong cases, the importance of fieldwork and a number of excursions and visits out of which students gain contacts and interest in different fields, thesis input and even possibilities to enter the professional market.
The strength of this masters programme results from the integration of analytical skills typical for the (social-)sciences and the more design oriented skills of planning and architecture. With the aid of six contributing and distinguished universities in the four cities mentioned, all essential issues of a globalised urbanised world can be studied in detail and on various scales. Therefore differences in terms of genesis and urban dynamics will be identified, analysed and compared. The master programme is dedicated to the analyses of urbanism as a new emerging form of social and political organisation in an era of globalisation which has profound consequences on the functioning of valuable life within cities.The programme leads to different kind of occupations: urban policy advise, urban project management, urban planning and design, urban research and media, or academic posts in urban studies.
- VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL, Belgium (Co-ordinating Institution)
- UNIVERSITÄT WIEN, Austria
- UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUXELLES, Belgium
- KØBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET, Denmark
- UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE MADRID, Spain
- UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID, Spain

domain: geography


text:
I just saw the movie “The Butler,” an excellent movie, with a star-studded cast and Oscar-worthy performances. I appreciated how they told the civil rights story through the real life of one man from his impoverished youth, through the service industry ranks, to becoming butler for eight presidents in the White House.
Creative Intermission: There’s a powerful scene when the butler’s son becomes an early Freedom Rider and is assaulted as he participates in a sit-in at an all-white section of a lunch counter in the 60’s segregated south. This scene is cut with the staff at a formal White House dinner preparing and serving the meal. This powerful juxtaposing of these two different events visually speaks volumes.
The movie made apparent how far we have come in this battle for equal rights. I know there is still work to be done and there may always be racism and injustice in the world, but “The Butler” gave me hope that we are moving in the right direction.
I work in a large office building; there are around 100 people who work in this space. There is one woman, Deborah, whose job it is to keep the workplace clean. I thought of her in the scenes when the butler was learning his trade and learned to be invisible. Deborah has that same invisible ability. She stealthily slips in to empty our trashcans and dust and vacuum, while we work. She doesn’t distract us from our jobs and heads rarely look up from computers when she slips in.
The Black Stallion
It was a rare conversation with Deborah and my office-mates, when we learned that she loves to fish and ride horses. This led to a conversation about movies about horses. We asked her if she had ever seen “The Black Stallion.” This movie came out decades ago and was produced by Francis Ford Coppola. It’s is a stunningly beautiful film.
Creative Intermission: A young boy and the wild horse are stranded on a deserted island. The scene that has stayed with me since this movie premiered in 1979 is shot from underwater as boy and horse learn to trust each other. You see the horse’s four legs and the boy’s two legs as they play in the surf. As time goes by, you no longer see the legs of the boy, you know he is now atop his companion, the black stallion. They have come to trust each other.
Deborah was excited to learn of this movie and was ready to run out and buy it. We told her it was an old movie and that she’d have to find it online. What became slowly apparent to me is that she doesn’t have a computer and buying something online is a foreign concept. Shortly after the conversation with Deborah, I read my friend, Lisa Froman of Tao Flashes blog post on doing random acts of kindness. So I went online and ordered this movie and gave it to Deborah.
This simple act opened a door that allowed us to see each other. I was able to thank her for her hard work and she now saw me too. I’m now someone she has a small connection with, not just some woman with her head buried in that box on a desk. We are no longer invisible to each other anymore. We smile and ask about each other’s day and our weekend plans.
Small random acts of kindness…as Mother Teresa said, “do little things with great love.” I believe it’s what moves us forward.
If you like My Creative Journey, I’d love for you to follow me. My posts will then arrive in your email and I promise no spam.
Wait, I was thinking you were going to collect a fund and buy her a computer. NO SHOPPING ONLINE? That’s horrible. All right, JK. Great story Con.
Julie, it took me awhile to realize she’s totally unplugged. It was a wake up call.
This is exquisite. I love it. Ordinary acts of kindness…nothing big, just ordinary… can really be extraordinary. Thanks for doing this Connie. It helps to validate me (that blog, those thoughts) and it validates Deborah, as well.
Lisa, your words inspired it all. Thank you.
I am not surprised you performed a random act of kindness, Connie, because you are so compassionate and giving. A small act like that can change the world, and knock down intolerance and racism at every level. One. Step. Forward. Baby. Steps. Forward.
I loved this post and I am going to see “The Butler” this weekend. I’m sure I’ll love it.
Thanks Cathy! Let me know what you think of it after you see it. Bring Kleenex.
Connie, loved the movie — which I sobbed the ugly cry through — loved your post and especially loved what you did for that woman. If everyone could be inspired to perform random acts of kindness, imagine how much better the world would be. Thank you for inspiring me – always! xo
Lois, the movie seems even more impactful given that its 50 years since the MLK speech.
I can’t imagine being totally unplugged and offline! Hard to fathom, for sure. What a lovely act of kindness that led to the new connection. Very nice.
I’m glad I was able to get it for her. She says she has to keep her grandkids from taking it!
I love to ‘pay it forward’ and do it whenever I get the opportunity. This is a great story. Thanks for sharing!
It was so thoughtful of you to gift her the film. I was the recipient of a random act of kindness today and have had a smile on my face ever since.
Kyle, it was so effortless to do, it does inspire me to do more.
I look forward to seeing The Butler. I’ve heard so many great things about it.
What a wonderfully kind thing for you to do for Deborah. Small things are actually huge things. So kind.
On a side note: My sister is married to the brother of the boy in Black Stallion (Kelly Reno). My sister lives on the working ranch where Kelly learned to ride and where most of the Reno family still live (including Kelly, off and on).
Lisa, that is so cool! I loved that movie. And Deborah told me she has watched it a few times since she’s had it.
I really love this – and I’ve loved the movie The Black Stallion since I was a kid. And my name is Deborah! Ha so many reasons to live this post- top one though – the act of connection through a simple gesture of kindness. Well played. 🙂
Deborah, I’m so glad you liked it. Acts of kindness, so simple to do.

domain: artistic


It’s the biggest date in the Scottish political calendar.
But for some people, it’s just another Thursday night.
Polls suggest the SNP is in line to take the largest share of seats, after its landslide victory in 2011 created the first Holyrood majority government.
So, what’s the point in watching the results come in when you already know who’s going to win?
Here, we take a look at eight things you should do in Glasgow tonight instead of tuning into the Scottish election results.
Take a walk in the park
If you live in Glasgow then you’ll know that you have to take advantage of the good weather.
The sun has been shining for the majority of the day and it looks set to be a beautiful evening.
We suggest you take a trip to Kevlingrove Park or the Botanic Gardens.
Go for an ice-cream
Like we said above, you really do have to take an advantage of the good weather.
And what's better than enjoying a nice ice-cream as the sun beats down.
We suggest heading to Crolla's on Byres Road .
Okay, so it's a school night, but the sun is out and that's the perfect excuse to enjoy a few shandies.
We suggest checking out the Oran Mor in the west end. Their pub quiz kicks off at 9pm.
Catch a film
If you don't fancy being outside, then stay undercover and catch a film.
We suggest you head to Cineworld on Renfrew Street and book a ticket for the new Captain America movie.
You can read our review here.
Hang out with David Duchovny
Some people were very excited by the news that David Duchovny was in town today.
The X Files star is playing a gig at the O2 ABC tonight - and loaded up on healthy green juice at the city’s latest fitness cafe, Kcal Kitchen.
Why not try and find out where the actor-turned-musician is partying after his gig?
Watch the Europa League semi-final
Here's one for all you football fans.
Liverpool host Spainish side Villarreal in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final.
The Reds lost the first leg 1-0 but will be hoping to stage a comeback at Anfield.
Kick-off is 8.05pm, so why not watch the game at Waxy O'Connor's on West George Street and soak up the atmosphere.
Netflix and chill
Well, if you've had a long week at work and just fancy putting your feet up, we don't blame you.
With plenty to choose from on Netflix, you'll find something to binge watch.
We've put this last on the list because it certainly wouldn't be our first choice.
Maybe, like us, you overindulged over the Bank Holiday weekend and are feeling a wee bit guilty.
Well, before the weekend arrives, why not have a workout at the gym and be back in top form.
You could even go for a street run while the sun is shining...


While it may not be difficult to buy replacement parts for Cadillac vehicles, these days the necessity for nothing but the absolute best are required to repair your automobile. Auto enthusiasts know that luxury is built into each Cadillac, and understand that only top quality replacement Series 62 parts will suffice when maintenance needs to be done. Cadillac automobile drivers have become used to a certain level of a reputation for strength when driving their Series 62 around town. Anyone who drives a Cadillac knows that when it comes to repairing their vehicle only the most superior replacement parts will do.
The need to heat the interiors our vehicles came before our ability to cool them. The heater blower motor in your Cadillac Series 62 is typically found on the right side of the firewall, and can usually be accessed through the glove box or engine compartment (depending on the vehicle). The job of your Cadillac Series 62 heater blower motor is to propel a cone of air past your heater core and into the passenger compartment. If your heater blower fails to turn, then you can be sure cold days are ahead inside your car or truck.
Get your Series 62 back on the road with the highest quality repair parts from the experts at Car Parts Discount. Buy all the car parts you will ever need from carpartsdiscount.com and save time and money on all your upcoming repairs. Don't let a Blower Motor repair spell the end of your car, truck, or SUV, and don't risk lowering its resale value by installing anything but the highest quality replacement parts. Need 1956, 1955 Cadillac Series 62 Blower Motor parts? We've got them right here.


Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin - Mark Borchardt (himself) is a man possessed by a desire to make movies, budget black & white horror flicks, to be precise. After facing the reality that his current project won't get done before he gets funding, Mark shifts his focus to making money by finishing his previous film. Titled Coven, it's about a substance-abusing writer whose spiral leads him to a self-help group that is less than supportive. As Borchardt struggles through continuous and severe setbacks, the audience comes to understand and care deeply about his passion. He is so charismatic that there may be a temptation to attribute the power of this story to his charm. Greater than this, however, is his tenacious determination at what he says is the critical juncture in his voyage. With the financial backing of his 82 year-old Uncle, seemingly inexhaustible loyalty of his friends and mother, and (quite) a few beers, Mark's core of pure energy just might be enough to fuel a victorious journey - it's certainly sufficient to infuse the audience with inspiration.
Continue reading: American Movie Review
They'll hit the UK and Ireland this November.
There are some films in this world that deserve another go.
Slaves hold open auditions for a new drummer in the star-studded and ultimately heart-warming video for their new single 'Chokehold'.
Lead singer Brian Johnson and ex-drummer Phil Rudd were both spotted in Vancouver outside AC/DC/'s Warehouse Studios this week.
Sometimes it takes more than 12 months to put together a fantastic season of one of the world's leading TV shows.
Orbital brought their spectacular show to the East Kent coast at the weekend to the delight of a variety of ravers.


text:
Larry Gabriel, Assistant Director of Regulatory Programs, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Food and Drug Division, explains the standards for good agricultural practices (GAPs) set forth in the 1998 originating document. The FDA recently announced a comment period to seek information about current agricultural practices and conditions, risk factors associated with these practices, and possible measures that FDA could implement that would enhance the safety of fresh produce. Within the same course of time, The Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) drafted a Model Code of Practice for Produce Safety from a request initiated by the tomato industry in Florida. Gabriel shares an update on the “Model Code” and gives participating producers from North Carolina a chance to respond with questions.
Model Code of Practice for Produce Safety Drafted by Association of Food and Drug Officials
May 6, 2010
May 6th, 2010

domain: agronomy


text:
Notary Public 98270 MarysvilleWANotary public in Marysville, WA 98270
I am a NNA certified signing agent. I have 16 years in the real estate business which includes working as an escrow assistant. I am a excellent signing agent, with my vast knowledge of working in the industry makes me well qualified for any signing. I grow up in Snohomish County very familiar with every town along with Skagit County. I live currently in Marysville previously in Stanwood/Camano Island area for 25 yrs. Very willing to travel to Skagit & Whatcom County. Looking forward to working with you and your clients.
(can print documents)


text:
Author: Shakuntala Jagannathan
Publisher: Vakils, Freffer & Simons
ISBN/UPC (if available): N/A
India is another culture, another world. A visit to India can be the holiday of a life time, a great experience, something you will never forget.
In this excellent book, the author has addressed potential visitors who prefer planning their own holidays instead of relying on organized tours which are unduly restrictive or physically exhausting.. It tells you all you need to know to plan your voyage of discovery of India.

domain: travel


text:
Full Project – ROLE OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN FINANCING AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES
The researchers, researched on the project titled the Role of Banks in Financing Agricultural Cooperative societies in Enugu State (A Case Study of Union Bank Plc Enugu Zonal Office). In pursuance of this research, the researchers divided the work into five chapters, chapter one, dealt with the introduction of the study, background of the study etc. Among the objectives includes. To determine what can be done to enhance agricultural cooperatives. To appraise the contribution of Union Bank Plc to the profitability of agricultural development. Chapter two, the researchers reviewed past related literatures on the topic. Chapter three, deals with the design of the study, source of data, sample size, sample procedure returned or completed question and method of data analysis. In chapter four, the data from the research survey were analysed and interpreted using tabular method and chi-square methods. Finally chapter five deals with the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations, (1) Government should create a more favourable condition to support all efforts of agricultural cooperative. (2) Banks should develop their farmers by allowing agricultural loans to cover all stages of agricultural production. (3) On the part of members of agricultural cooperative there should be adequate project planning and implementation of laid down proposal.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc was established in 1917 as a colonial Bank with first branch in Lagos. In 1925, Barclays Bank acquired the Colonial Bank, which resulted in the change of the Bank’s name to Barclays Bank (Dominion, Colonial and Overseas) following the enactment of the Companies Act in 1968 and the legal requirement for all foreign subsidiaries to be incorporated locally, Barclays Bank (DCO), in 1969 was incorporated as Barclays Bank of Nigeria Limited. The ownership structure of Barclays Bank remained un-changed till 1971 when 8.33% of the Bank’s shares were offered to Nigerians for public subscription. In the same year, the Bank was listed on the Nigerian stock exchange as one of the players. As a result of the Nigeria Enterprises Promotion Act of 1972, the Federal Government of Nigeria acquired 51.67% of the Bank’s shares, which left Barclays Bank Plc London with only 40%. By the enactment of the 1972 and 1977 Nigeria Enterprises Promotion Acts, Barclays Bank International disposed it’s shareholding to Nigerians in 1979. To reflect the new ownership structure and in compliance with the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990, it assumed the name Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.
In consonance with the government’s programme of privatization and commercialization of public enterprises the Federal Government in 1993, sold it’s shares in Union Bank to private individuals. Thus, Union Bank became fully owned by Nigerian citizens and organizations.
In line with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s banking sector consolidation policy, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc acquired the former Universal Trust Bank Plc and Broad Bank Ltd and absorbed it’s erstwhile subsidiary Union Merchant Bank Ltd. The Bank also increased it’s shareholders funds through a public Offer/Rights Issue in the last quarter of 2005. With these development, Union Bank remains one of the most capitalized banks in Nigeria. It has a shareholders funds of N119.160 billion and operates through 405 network of branches that are well spread across the country, all of which are on-line, real time, etc.
The subsidiaries of the Union Bank Plc are thus:
(a) Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc
(b) Union Trustees Limited
(c) Union Assurance Company Limited
(d) Union Bank UK Plc
(e) Banque Internationale du Benin, Cotonou.
(f) UTL Communications Services Limited
(g) UBN Property Company Limited
(h) Union Capital Markets Limited
(i) Union Registrars Limited.
(a) Consolidation Discounts Ltd.
(b) HFC Bank of Ghana Limited
(c) Unique Venture Capital Management Co. Ltd.
Union Bank Group Operates an interlocking organizational structure whereby some Board Members of the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc act as External Directors in the subsidiaries and associated companies. This arrangement ensures effective oversight and participation in the decision –making process of these companies, thereby safeguarding the Bank’s investments.
Today, the Bank is a leading regional bank in Sub-Sahara Africa in terms of it’s diverse investments across the globe. A glance at the Bank’s Financial Summary as at 31st March 2008 reveals its solidity. For instance the Bank’s gross earnings was N112.988 billion; profit before tax was N33.012 billion; total assets showed N1.128.890 billion; and shareholders’ fund stood at N199.160 billion.
The Union Bank of Nigeria Plc created the “Union Homes” and “savings section” to grant holders. It’s objectives includes efficient and effective credit administration with target beneficiaries on rural poor farmers when loan is granted is 25%, maximum loan amounts are revised upward depending on timely repayment of previous loans and the cooperative investments.
Agricultural cooperative, also known as Farmers’ Cooperative Society is a cooperative society when farmers pool their resources in certain area of activity, Amahalu (2007) defines agricultural cooperative as those society which embrace all the cooperative activities which aim at helping farmers in professional capacities as producers. The inherent weakness of farming call for this type of cooperative society. The standard of planting tag techniques to seed procuring and farm financial subsidization to produce display in proper places are all what agricultural cooperative are seeking to uplift collectively.
Obodechi (2006), in his own contribution, stated that financial is the life-line of any organization. Cooperative as a business organization needs to raise fund for it to effectively and efficiently deliver it’s goals.
STATEMENT OF THE STUDY
Cooperative in Nigeria has always been focused with numerous problems caused by the stakeholders such as, the Federal Government, State Government, Local Government Authorities as well as the members of cooperative society. However, agricultural cooperatives inspite of all the efforts being made, still experience some problems that hinder their growth and development, especially in the area of collateral and high lending rates.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The main purpose of this study is to discover the role Banks play in financing agricultural cooperative in Enugu State though with the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc as a case study and also to highlight the following:
(i) To suggest means of improving Bank involvement in financing agricultural cooperative in Enugu State.
(ii) To determine what can be done to enhance agricultural production
(iii) To suggest ways in which the problems identified could be rectified.
(iv) To appraise the contribution of the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc towards agricultural development.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
It is very useful to students in tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, studying cooperative economics. The various tiers of Government are also going to benefit from this work, because it would enable them adopt the right agro-business credit policies to enhance credit effectiveness and efficiency.
In Furtherance, members of the Agricultural cooperative are considered the major beneficiaries of this research work since it will enable them know the immense benefits of approaching Banks in the financing of agriculture. Also, all intending members of Agricultural Cooperative will know through this work that Bank credit is a major accelerator of development.
Finally, on the part of the masses, the modified outcome of this work shall contribute immensely towards the improvement of standard of living.
In this research the following hypothesis shall be tested:
(i). Lack of adequate fund causes problems for agricultural cooperative in Enugu State.
(ii). Lack of adequate fund do not cause problems for agricultural cooperative in Enugu State.
(iii). Inadequate loan contributes to low productivity in agricultural cooperative.
(iv). Inadequate loan do not contribute to low productivity in agricultural cooperative.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This research study is limited to the geographical and political boundaries of Nigeria in general and Enugu Metropolis in particular. This research study is to ascertain the role of banks in financing agricultural cooperative. How they have been able to facilitate the development of agricultural cooperative societies and to boast small stockholders and large scale inventors.
Limitations: It would have been ideal to involve other financial institution but for constraint of time, finance and other resources, which makes it difficult as regards these projects only Union Bank Enugu Zonal Office were studied.
(i) Time: It’s certain that time waits for no man the period at hand is not enough to gather data from paper analysis and other academic responsibility and curriculum activities which has been an obstacle to this study.
(ii) Finance: In terms of finance, places could have visited to collect data materials were cut short due to lack of finance. A good project needs current and relevant information and they are just available in a place so, one need to search from one place to another which require a lot of money due to financial handicap as a student, one can afford to channel all resource to one base.
(iii) Limitation of Resource Material: Limited resource of material such as government and Bank’s Publications papers, journal are limited in supply as some Bank officials give little or partial cooperation. This result to limitation of acquisition of information.
The under listed are relevant research questions, which will help the researcher to actually evaluate the Role Commercial Banks in financing agricultural co-operative societies in Enugu State
1. What are the criteria for granting loan?
2. To what level do you consider banking loan facility toward agricultural financing?.
3. What level or capacity have your Bank been able to finance agricultural co-operative within the past five (5) years?
4. What impact has your Bank created towards the financing of agricultural co-operative society within this period?.
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domain: finance


text:
Pregnant moms always wonder that what foods to eat. During pregnancy it is important to stick to a well-balanced diet that comes from all the food groups – fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat and fish (properly cooked).
Knowing what exactly to eat is beneficial for getting the right amount of protein, vitamins and energy.
Foods that can help you to meet the nutrient requirement during your pregnancy are:
Avocados are nutritious fruits that are helpful for meeting the dietary needs during pregnancy. With a single cup of avocado you get approximately 240 calories. It is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate and fibre.
Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats required during pregnancy. Since it contains fatty acids, it is beneficial for the neural development of the baby. It may be surprising to know but olive oil can also help in keeping a check on excessive weight during the entire course of pregnancy.
Other sources of healthy fats include nuts, coconut oil and organic butter.
Drink a lot of water during pregnancy. Water not only helps you to stay hydrated, it also flushes out toxins and other impurities from your body.
Iron is a must for a woman’s body during pregnancy. It is vital for producing all the blood needed to supply nutrients to the placenta. Try to include green vegetables in your pregnancy diet. Veggies such as broccoli and spinach are excellent sources of iron. Muesli and wholemeal bread are the other iron rich foods.
Iron is best absorbed by the body when it is taken with vitamin C (can be taken in the form of juice of citrus fruits).
Orange juice, lentils, cereals, milk, cottage cheese, yoghurt, peas, rice and properly cooked meat are also good pregnancy foods.
Read more articles on Pregnancy Diet.
Doctors recommend special pregnancy diet but they also insist on avoiding certain harmful foods. Learn which foods can be detrimental to your health.read more
Diet Plan for a Pregnant Woman - You need to plan out your pregnancy diet plan in advance. Follow some tips given here and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.read more

domain: food


“On Tuesday January 9, a giant leatherback sea turtle found dead on a beach at Chicxulub Puerto had suffocated after she got entangled in lobster traps and swallowed nylon wiring”, authorities said.
A marine biologist, Juan Lara Rodríguez, said the age of the turtle could not be determined. She weighed 250 kilos (over 500 pounds) and measured 2.2 meters (7.3 feet) from head to tail.
The last time a large sea turtle washed ashore in the area was when a smaller hawksbill turtle was found in 2016.
Named for their soft shells, the leatherback is the largest of all sea turtles.
Leatherbacks are also one of the most migratory of sea turtles, crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Their numbers have seriously declined during the last century as a result of intense egg collection and harm from fisheries.
Globally, leatherbacks a vulnerable species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature is listed as vulnerable. Many subpopulations are critically endangered.
Source: Comuniqué Channel
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text:
Personal protective equipment has become an essential and emotive subject during the current coronavirus epidemic. A personal protective equipment kit is one such safety essential that will reduce your body's risk of coming in contact with the virus by covering all your body parts. This PPE kit for full-body protection is made using polyester, making it durable and ensures safety from viruses and infection. The complete kit includes a bodysuit, face mask, face shield, hood cap, hand gloves and a disposable bag to discard the kit when you are done using it.
Frontline doctors and medical staff are using these PPE kits. Also, people travelling by flights or trains for long journeys are using the kit for added protection. If you are looking to buy a PPE kit, look at some affordable options from a PPE manufacturer in USA.


text:
Walker Talks Tourism
Annual Tourism Conference
Talks On Tourism Video by nbc26.comvideo
(Madison)- Governor Walker heads to Madison Monday for the state's annual tourism conference.
The event kicked off Sunday and last until Tuesday. The conference took place at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.


text:
To construct your radio station as quickly and simply as possible, Live365 offers an online platform that allows you to connect with thousands of other like-minded stations to join them, cooperate, and co-promote. It really couldn’t be much simpler to start your internet radio station from the ground up. Live365’s user-friendly software provides you with everything you need to create your online radio station today, with no technical knowledge required, from uploading your first song to launching your streaming broadcast in seconds.
If Live365 is not working as usual at this time or maybe it’s down permanently then here are some of the best alternatives to Live365 which you will surely enjoy.
So, We have got your back! if you want to try some other Sites like Live365 then here are some of the best Live365 alternatives that you should try:

domain: hobby


Advertising regulations should be tightened to improve young people's body image, according to a new report.
The Healthy Body Image for Children and Young People Advisory Group has also called on more transparency about social media "influencers".
Its new report for the Scottish government calls for stricter regulations on advertising aimed at young people and tighter restrictions on non-medical cosmetic procedures.
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Improved training and guidance for fitness and beauty staff and a national campaign aimed at promoting good body image to young people are also touted by the advisory group.
The report also calls for more to be done to ensure social media influencers make clear which of their material is paid for by companies, in compliance with guidance from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Anxiety over body image
Group chair Julie Cameron said: "Our report highlights that an increasing number of young people are feeling stress, shame and unhappiness about their body image and that this is being influenced by many factors including advertising and social media portraying the idea of stereotypical beauty and how this leads to success and happiness.
"We believe it is possible to change this conversation and that by working together measures can be put in place to support young people and help them develop good body image, positive mental health and resilience.
"We hope the Scottish government will take swift and positive action to implement the recommendations and help create the conditions for good body image for our young people, now and in the future."
A Panelbase poll of 400 participants between the ages of 10 and 19, commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation Scotland, found that 20 per cent of young people in Scotland reported having been ashamed of their body.
Mental health minister Clare Haughey said: "We know from research published over the last year that body image is an issue that matters to young people.
"This was the main driver for establishing the advisory group last year – we will formally respond to these recommendations in the coming weeks."


text:
Protesters managed to break through the lines of the media blockade at last weekend’s Camp for Climate Act-ion long enough to engage in scuffles with an over-zealous police contingent that outnumbered the campers.
But fears of violence were unfounded as camp spokesperson Leila Harris insisted ‘we believe in unlawful protest when it is peaceful and justified’ (Reuters, 19 August).
Although themed as a global climate change protest, local residents, objecting to the property blight caused by the proposed third runway, gain the most benefit. Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, John McDonnell, heaped pressure on the Government, saying ‘we have got our message across like never before’ (The Guardian, 20 August).
Official spokespeople from business and the Government were noticeably absent, despite BAA and BP’s headquarters being targeted.
While The Times claimed to have uncovered a plot to invade runways (19 August), most infiltrators were more concerned about the smell of the ‘eco-toilets’ (Sharon Van Geuns, Sunday Mirror, 19 August). The Mirror spotted the legendary ‘Swampy’ among the 1000-plus protesters.


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The Gillard government and the mining industry might have agreed to a truce in their advertising war over the resource super profits tax, but it looks like the miners will still have to pay for the air time they booked.
Late last week, media types were insisting the television networks had told the Minerals Council of Australia and BHP Billiton they could pull their ads but would still have to pay for the air time.
While the money is not huge – about $2 million of television ads over the next few weeks – the networks are not prepared to waive their cancellation policies, which require four to six weeks’ notice if an ad is going to be pulled.
The government will not be hit by the same penalty: the TV slots allocated to its pro-resource tax ads will simply be filled with commercials from other campaigns flogging tax reform, health reform, organ donations or the National Broadband Network.
The networks say they will not let the mining companies off the hook, despite the fact the ads might return if the negotiations with the government fall apart.
The Australian Financial Review


It's official: the OnePlus 11 is coming. A new teaser trailer has been released on Chinese social media site Weibo, and while it's short on detail it confirms the big Hasselblad camera bump on the back that we saw in leaked renders earlier this year. According to OnePlus's post, this phone will be a "future performance leader".
The phone comes from a rejuvenated OnePlus, which recently merged with Oppo to create an even more powerful phone firm. And the rumoured specifications suggest that if the price is right, it could be a serious rival to the Samsung Galaxy S23.
The OnePlus 11 has a specification to rival Samsung
The OnePlus 11 specification is expected to revolve around a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, backed with 8 to 16GB of RAM and 128GB to 512GB of storage. THere's a 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display and that triple-camera setup comprises a 50MP wide camera, a 32MP telephoto and a 48MP ultrawide. The cameras have been developed in association with legendary imaging firm Hasselblad, whose Color Calibration has been used here.
It's 5G, of course, and there's Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi up to Wi-Fi 6e. The battery is expected to be 5,000mAh with up to 100W wired charging and 50W wireless.
That's a seriously impressive spec, and as we've seen from the renders and the official trailer it's a seriously good looking phone too. What we don't know is how much it'll cost; while the OnePlus 11 launch date is likely to be in early 2023, pitting it against the Samsung Galaxy S23, we don't know how much OnePlus intends to charge. If it's priced aggressively, it could be a serious thorn in Samsung's side.


text: This alien invasion begins: Laurie and Andy, two boys camping on Dartmoor, are the only survivors of the first encounter with a Tripod in England. On that visit, the invaders seem clumsy and easily vanquished; but their ability to control minds is soon demonstrated as most of the world rapidly becomes enslaved. The two boys, together with Laurie's father, grandmother, and sister, escape to Switzerland and remain free, vowing to discover other free people and fight the invaders. Coming 21 years after the original Tripod trilogy, this prequel serves chiefly to describe the establishment of the core of resistance that appears at the opening of The White Mountains. But, since it has the same swift action and sense of menace that has made the original books popular, both present and past generations of fans should greet this new chronicle with enthusiasm.

domain: entertainment


text:
A bit more history. This time, we will talk about the Cornucopian bet.
Cornuwhat you will say.
Let us set the context.
In the 1970’s, the Club de Rome was being very active. This is a circle of economists who were convinced that the world resources were finite and that growth will revert to 0% very soon. One of the argument was that raw material prices would soon increase so much that they would stifle activity.
One such economist, Paul Ehrlich became famous with his book: The Population Bomb, where he predicted that hundreds of millions would experience famine regularly. While he was right on this point, he failed to predict the large rise in global population and waistlines.
On the other side were the Cornucopians. They thought that human genius would prevail and that the more population and strain on resources, the more ingenious innovation would come. You could say that fracking is one result of ingenuity in the energy space. A few years back, we could not have accessed these oil and gas reserves.
One representative was Julian Simon, also a key member of the Cato Institute, a staunch defender of free economics and human-led growth.
The Cato Institute versus Club de Rome.
This is the kind of rivalry was akin to a Mohamed Ali vs Joe Frazier but the punches thrown were mostly under the form of academic papers and conferences.
Now this rivalry was famous for the bet: the Simon-Ehrlich wager.
Ehrlich bet Smith that the real price of 5 metals would rise over the next decade while Simon took the opposite stance.
The five metals were chromium, copper, nickel, tin and tungsten.
Guess what: Simon won, as metal prices fell in real terms the following decade.
In this decade, the world population grew by 800m people and yet metal prices went lower.
3 out of 5 metals saw nominal price falls while all 5 metals saw real price falls.
The outcome today would be far different!
If the bet would have been conducted until 2011, 4 out of 5 metals would have seen both nominal and real price gains. Only tin, a relatively minor metal, would have seen a real price fall.
If the bet had included other commodities such as oil, uranium, aluminium or gold, Simon would have lost by a lot!
So it all depends on the timeframe! Take your profits when needed I say.