So I got a Jeep from The Chrysler,Dodge, Jeep dealership in Deland. Jean was my salesman and he was great! Got me the vehicle I wanted for a great price! I’m very satisfied with my overall experience. 👍🏾
Batteries keep dying & getting no help
After owning the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 1yr & 3 months the battery dies. I replaced the batteries (main$225 & aux $185) less than a week it dies. I notice a recall so I find a Dodge/Jeep dealership to do the recall in Feb. The dealership states this recall should fix the issue. They do the recall when I get the vehicle back the ABS light is on, traction light is on & cruise won’t work & the 2 brand new one month old batteries are dead. The truck won’t start again. I take it back to the dealership they say the recall has nothing to do with the other issues. But I need new batteries for them to be able to test it. I return & exchange both batteries. The dealership has my vehicle for a week & says the STAR mechanic says it the alternator. I purchase a $750 alternator get it put & 3 days later it dies again. Charge the batteries to drive it back to the dealership for the to say they will do diagnostic tests. I called them after having the vehicle 4 days for them to tell me the batteries are dead & I have to get new batteries. This is 3 replacement batteries in 4 months. The dealership has been no help & when I called the Jeep hotline their suggestion is for me to take it to a different dealership. There still is a problem that something is drawing from the batteries. I read many articles that says this is a problem with this vehicle but no one can give a answer. So I have been paying a monthly payment on a vehicle that I have driven maybe 2 weeks in the last 5 months. No one can tell me the issue & I am sure I am not the first person to have this issue. I feel that I bought a lemon. Very disappointed.
Going on 4 weeks jeep came whit problems. Damage on right side body. 4 wells drive not working 3rd week driving service light goes on.it won't move can not drive it. Paying over 40 forty G's . Bad business.
Absolutely love it.
Absoutely love the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4, but especially the added equipment on the Sterling edition . I wish they had not made any changes to the 2022. This is my favorite vehicle ever.
2018 Jeep Cherokee
Engine problems at 65,000 miles. Find out recall after spending 700. To fix. Why not notified. 90percent chance can get stuck on highway or roads at night. And they have no loaners and no appointments. What do you do. ????
My Dream car
I looked at and drove the car on the last day of 2020. I had heard that dealers will make sacrificial offers just to reduce their inventory as the year was ending. That is not true of all dealers. I drove and loved the 2018 Grand Cherokee SUMMIT but the dealer was not as sacrificial as I needed. We were thousands of dollars apart so I started the new year with my old car!
Love my 2018 Jeep GC - High Altitude
I've owned many cars and also been through a lot of leases.After financing a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I figured i needed a safety technology upgrade and leased a 2018 JGC High Altitude. I fell IN LOVE with this car. I normally trade or sell a car within 2 years, but i couldn't see myself giving it up. I ended up buying my lease out and haven't regretted it for a SECOND. It's a gorgeous car, reliable, and comfortable with every bell and whistle except auto pilot.
Beautiful luxury car at an affordable price
We needed a car we could tow behind our RV, plus we also wanted it to be stylish, strong and tough, as well as comfortable. We wanted a car that both of us would enjoy driving on road trips as well as locally, and this one is great for us.
Love this Jeep!
This has been the most beautiful vehicle I have owned. It has been reliable and has meet all of my needs while looking great at the same time.
What an upgrade!
I went from an 04 Ford Escape to a 2018 Grand Cherokee and it feels like a spaceship! It's unbelievably comfortable, quiet, and efficient. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned and worth the money.


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Author Read Aloud – Rhonda Greene
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.”
– Robert McKee
We believe in opening up the minds of our youngest ones not just to books but to the whole wide world beyond them as well. So, coming Tuesday, award-winning author Rhonda Gowler Greene, who dons the hat of penning over 25 kids books, will be tuning in all the way from Michigan to take the learners of Kindergarten and Form 1 on an imaginative exploration. She will read them her stories “When A Line Bends…A Shape Begins” and “Santa’s Stuck”. Who better to paint this story in the tender minds than the author herself?

domain: library


A former music teacher celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise performance from a winner of the West Suffolk Young Musician of the Year competition.
Mary Tarry was treated to a party at The Martins residential home, in Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday with a musical appearance by cellist Rebecca Francis.
The 13-year-old, of Hessett, who also played the oboe and was accompanied by her mum Sharon on piano, won the Level Two section of the Young Musician contest last year.
Mary said: “Everybody was so kind and I had so many cards and presents.”
Born in North Finchley, in London, she was the youngest of four. Her father was called up to serve in the First World War but was killed within three months when she was just 15-months-old.
They moved to Hatfield when her eldest brother worked at a farm on the Hatfield Estate owned by Lord Salisbury. They later moved to St Albans and Mary taught violin and piano at St George’s School, in Harpenden, and privately.
She also taught at St Albans High School before retiring in 1976 to Aldeburgh, where she played in a music club and as part of a trio. Mary moved to The Martins, in The Vinefields, aged 92.
Active in the church throughout her life, she received a rendition of happy birthday at St Mary’s Church on Sunday.
On reaching 100, she said: “I feel that if God meant me to be here, he kept me here. I do know that my faith has helped me through all sorts of ups and downs.” She has 15 great-great nephews and nieces.


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If ever a book was written to stir your senses to dizzying heights, it’s ‘The English Patient’. Sometimes the lilting touch of a kiss, sometimes the prancing pace of a musical verse, sometimes the piercing stab of a needle, sometimes the burning pain of a hot iron… the book affects you in every imaginable way. The third novel of the Sri Lankan born Canadian novelist Michael Ondaatje, it follows the sensual and lyrical but spare style of his earlier novels, and build upon them this time with a passionately pictorial prose and an intricate but tantalizing story.
The second world war is coming to an end in Italy, and a Canadian nurse Hanna, emotionally jaded by the death and destruction of the war, seeks refuge in the abandoned villa of San Girolamo. She chooses to make the care of an unrecognizably burnt patient her mission – a patient called ‘The English Patient’ because English is the only language he seems to know.
Shortly afterwards, the villa sees the arrival of two more key characters – the thief Caravaggio, an acquaintance of Hanna from her childhood days in Toronto, and Kip (Kirpal Singh), a Sikh soldier who is part of the bomb disposal squad of the British Army. The interplay between these characters and an occasional solitary dip into the memories of the burnt man lead us to the slow unraveling of the man’s past.
And what a past it is! A middle-aged explorer deeply in love with the desert, falling for the beautiful, young wife of a friend, leading to a wildly passionate and achingly beautiful romance. From this point in life, we will either find or lose our souls. The woman developing a burning sense of guilt at having betrayed her simple husband. And then withdrawing. We will never love each other again. Followed by anger from his side. Madness. I just want you to know. I don’t miss you yet. His face awful to her, trying to smile.
The lovers separate. But the husband comes to know about the affair somehow and tries to kill them all in a plane crash. Almasy, the explorer, survives; George Clifton, the husband, doesn’t. And at the centre of it all, the willowy woman, the one with the classical blood in her face, the one whose voice the weary, hardened explorer had first fallen in love with, Katharine Clifton – she is injured, almost fatally. What happens after that, I will leave you to find out by reading ‘The English Patient’.
In between, we are also treated to another delicious fare – the childlike, vervy romance that develops between Hanna and the soldier Kirpal and occasional flashbacks into how Kirpal has become the smart and courageous, but carefree bomb disposal soldier that he is. And parallel to that, the shenanigans of the thief Caravaggio, who for his own personal reasons, is bent upon discovering the true identity of the English Patient.
Going back and forth between Almasy’s past and this present, the book at times almost drives you to tears with its haunting description of the love between Almasy and Katherine, Hanna and Kirpal. And at other times, leaves you marveling at the lyricism and strength of the prose (and the research behind it) that turns even as dry a subject as bomb disposal into a riveting thriller.
Definitely a book to buy and cherish. No wonder it won the Booker!

domain: artistic


Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado said the senator's X-ray showed he has developed pneumonia and that isolation in a regular facility is no longer ideal.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has been rushed to the hospital Tuesday (August 18) due to pneumonia, his wife, Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado said.
Quezon City Rep. Precious Castelo blasted the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) over it limited coverage for those infected by the deadly coronavirus.
Two congressmen have urged the Department of Health (DOH) to subject all patients with pneumonia to a mandatory COVID-19 test.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 82 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the total number of cases in the country to 462.
China believes a mysterious pneumonia outbreak that struck 59 people is caused by a new strain of virus from the same family as SARS, which killed hundreds of people more than a decade ago.
Former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III revealed Wednesday (November 20) that he recently contracted pneumonia.
With the hot season now here, the Department of Health is advising the public to take precautions against tigdas (measles).
Senate Majority Leader Tito Sotto hit the Senate minority for filing a resolution calling for Senator Leila de Lima to be freed from detention, but not supporting his plea three years ago to put former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile under house…
Former President and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada has been discharged from the hospital following a bout with pneumonia, his aide told ABS-CBN News Saturday (Dec. 24).
Former President and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada might spend Christmas at the hospital after his doctors ordered a longer confinement for him due to pneumonia.
Malacañang is wishing for the speedy and full recovery of former President and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, who’s now confined at a hospital for pneumonia.
Former President and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada is confined at the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia, his son, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Friday (Dec. 23).


Q: Why do you want to become a school trustee and what experience or other qualities would you bring to the table?
A: Over the course of my past six years as a School District 78 Trustee, my passion and commitment to education has continued to grow. I am proud to be a part of a community that places such a high value on the education of our youth and I have found the opportunity to work on your behalf as a Trustee to be an extremely rewarding experience. Outlined below is some of the experience I bring to the table:
Six years (2 terms) serving as a Trustee in School District 78
Two consecutive years as School Board Chair (2012 & 2013)
Six years as a Trustee representative on the SD78 AEC (Aboriginal Education Council)
Heavily involved in the creation of the SD78 Board of Education Strategic Plan
Current Trustee Education Committee representative
Trustee representative on the SD78 District Technology Committee
Trustee representative on the UFV (University of the Fraser Valley) Aboriginal Community Council
Current Trustee liaison for Harrison Hot Springs PAC (Parent Advisory Council)
Current Trustee Pro-D Committee representative
Previously served on the SD78
Budget Advisory Committee
Operations and Facilities Committee
DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) – Trustee Liaison
Some of my Qualities:
I am commitment, passionate, thoughtful and respectful.
I am a very good listener who see’s great value in a collaborative, innovative, team approach.
I have a very positive outlook and put a high value on people and the good work they do.
I am open minded and have the skills to learn will embrace opportunities for growth.
Over the next four years, it is my hope that I will continue to have your support in working to ensure that our students have rich, relevant, and successful school experiences in a flexible, safe, caring, and inclusive learning community.
Q: What are your top three priorities if you were to become a trustee?
A: My three priorities are:
1. To work toward improving graduation rates while maintaining high learning standards.
2. To ensure that students are achieving at the highest level possible while being engaged in their learning
3. To ensure that students are well prepared for the next stage of their lives after graduation from our schools, be that university, college, the trades or work.
My goal is to see that every student is provided with a “top notch” education. I believe that the board can provide students with multiple opportunities to pursue their own areas of interest throughout their school lives. With this approach students will be motivated to stay in school and achieve graduation. I understand that this alone is not good enough, and that by keeping expectations and standards high, they will be well prepared for what is next in their lives.
Q: What education issues do you see as problematic now, and what could be done to address them?
A: I am proud to have been part of a team that has helped to overcome many challenges we have faced in this school district. That being said, there are still many challenges ahead of us.
Resources for students with special needs:
School district 78 is located in one of the most vulnerable areas in the Province. Many children attending our schools face significant challenges and in many different areas. Mental health, child obesity, child poverty, learning difficulties, and anxiety – to name a few – are increasing at alarming rates. Like many other jurisdictions our schools struggle with these complex and difficult challenges every day. With limited resources I believe the board must continually look for innovative solutions to support students. A good example of this is the addition of self-regulation strategies and tools that are now being used in classrooms in our elementary schools. This approach is having a very positive impact on teachers, support staff and students by helping children better focus on their learning.
Aboriginal Student graduation rates:
During my time on the SD78 Board of Education, I have seen significant improvements with Aboriginal student graduation rates. In fact, over the past six years they have risen from 39% to 68%. This is a significant achievement and a very good example of how a trustee can make a difference by being committed to the Aboriginal Education Council committee work and professional development opportunities available. I am committed to continuing with the important work of addressing and ultimately eliminating the gap (7.5%) separating First Nations youth from the rest of the student population.


Abra, Philippines – Twenty-three personnel from the Bureau of Fire and Protection - Kalinga and two from PDRRMC were sent to Abra recently to augment manpower support and assist the victims of the quake that destroyed houses, leaving at least 10 dead and many injured.
The team is the first batch to be deployed in said province.
In the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in the province, Abra was placed under a state of calamity on July 27.
As of August 2, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Abra said the earthquake damaged P1.266 billion worth of major infrastructure and agriculture.
Deployment of BFP Kalinga in Bangued, Abra
In an interview with Fire Officer III Tracy Guiang, it was said the personnel were deployed in Bangued, Abra, on July 28, just a day after the tremor.
Relaying the effects of the devastating earthquake they witnessed, Guiang said some families in the municipality were left homeless while others whose houses were partially damaged are trying to find means to have them repaired. Some establishments, she added, had collapsed.
Tasks of deployed personnel
22 of the deployed personnel from BFP Kalinga are on field, helping in the conduct of relief operation and area inspection. Additionally, they administer clearing operations, unload food packs that will be delivered to the affected families, and retrieve properties.
Meanwhile, the 3 other personnel serve in the public assistance and incident command post. They are assigned to log the number of damaged houses and residents who need help in retrieving their properties, clearing their area, or demolishing their houses.
Reports they make are submitted to a special rescue team having complete equipment to perform the operations needed.
Residents reminded not to go back to their homes yet
The BFP team reminded the residents in Abra to stay away from their houses as aftershocks are still being felt, causing ground shaking that may result in possible accidents.
“Nu haan pay lang nga na-assess iti engineers, architect dagiti babalay da or dagiti government offices ket haan da pay lang kuma serreken ta very risky, kasi diyay garud adda pay laeng ti aftershocks na,” reiterated Guiang.
First Batch of BFP Kalinga heads back home
On Friday, August 05, the first batch of BFP Kalinga is set to head back home as another batch comprising 20 BFP personnel has been sent by the Kalinga provincial government to take over the task.
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Recently when a couple said their “I Do’s,” they also managed to take their post-ceremony photos at a place they first met…the cereal aisle!
That’s what Becky and Marvin Beavers did at Marc’s in Brooklyn, OH. After tying the knot at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, they went back to the store where they saw each other for the first time in 2013, and had Abby Schafer Photography take photos in the same aisle that to the journey they are on now following the ceremony.
Here’s WKYC 3News Cleveland with more on how the newlyweds first met:
The couple says Becky was Marvin’s supervisor and was assigned to train him. Marvin soon asked Becky for her phone number and their relationship has now resulted in marriage.
Schafer tells WKYC that Marc’s customers were excited to see the couple take their pictures inside the store.
See the photos below:
Click here to read more.
Article Courtesy of WKYC 3News Cleveland
First Picture Courtesy of Ivan Kryvoshei and Getty Images
Second Picture Courtesy of Shaw Photography Co. and Getty Images
Post and Third through Tenth Picture Courtesy of Facebook and WKYC 3News Cleveland


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Welcome to JULY!!!
Continuing to read & pay attention, as much as I don’t want to, and it looks like they are now saying we will be peaking in mid-to-late July. So I’m moving the potential re-open date back again – to Oct 1, and then re-eval as it gets closer. From what I’m reading, it’s gonna be way longer than that.
I’m honestly getting a little nervous about how long this will last. And how well I’ll make it through. I’m diversifying & promoting more of the side stuff that I do – Amazon, Juice Plus, Tower Garden. You’ll find more info below.
What do you need? What’s missing?
I’m working to make sure I’ve got everyone covered… but is there something you’re needing that I’ve not offered – yet? Or maybe you need a time that isn’t on my calendar? ASK! I’ve created these current work blocks so that I can get other projects done, take care of myself, etc., but willing to update as needed.
Massage: The Driveway Series begins!
Yep, its on the calendar! Mon & Wed, and times vary a little bit for flexibility. There is a list of questions you need to answer before I accept your appointment request – basically asking if you’ve been taking care, using a mask when out, staying isolated, and social distancing. Know you’ll need to wear a mask AND bring your own sheet, pillow case, towel, and any pillow/bolster etc you might need. Also, you need to promise to wash everything in between sessions. After your appointment is accepted, you’ll receive another questionaire the day of your session. Once you return that, then I’ll send you a PayPal invoice to be paid prior to your session.
Amazon Associate is up & running
Interested in improving your food intake? Juice Plus doesn’t replace real food, it just fills in the gaps. We got fruits, veggies, & a vineyard blend, all in capsule or gummy form. Payment plans available. You can since up directly online, or contact me with questions.
Been wanting that garden but lacking ground space? How about a vertical hydroponic system? Mine lives out on my driveway, and has a lovely waterfall sound. Its so peaceful. Growing there, and in dirt, I’m gathering quite a bounty this year! Considering I’m vegetarian, that’s really good.
Still working out the kinks in the system, but if you have a Gmail account, I can easily do your monthly membership. I’ve got the Viniyoga & Pilates classes uploading daily. I’m working on uploading the May & June Wellness Journey’s I’ve facilitated. There’s even a home strength program in there, as well as lots of other good stuff. $40 stand alone, $20 if you’re doing classes. More info coming very soon!

domain: hobby


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A recently discovered sexually transmitted infection (STI) may already be affecting hundreds of thousands of people, according to a new study.
For years, the health risks of STIs like herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV have been screened for in STI tests. However, according to a new study, the lesser-known mycoplasma genitalium (MG) STI may be affecting many people. As the STI has few noticeable symptoms, it is possible many people may be infected without knowing it.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, looked at over 4,500 sexually-active British people between the ages of 16 and 44. Urine samples from these people were analyzed for MG. Researchers also studied urine samples from over 180 teenagers who had never had sex.
The results showed that among the sexually active, 1.2% of men and 1.3% of women had MG. None of the non-sexually-active teenagers had MG.
Over 90% of men with MG had no symptoms, while slightly over half of women with MG reported the same. While the majority of people with MG had no symptoms, the STI has been linked to testicular pain, discharge, and, in women, bleeding after sex.
While the STI has few noticeable symptoms, it has been linked to a wider range of negative health effects. It is believed that MG can contribute to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, inflammation of a man’s urethra, and pregnancy complications.
The vast majority of MG cases were found in people between the ages of 25 and 44, with this age group making up over 90% of male cases and over 66% of female cases. STI screening and awareness is often aimed at younger people, including teenagers and those in their early 20s.
The study found that MG incidence was linked to several factors. One of the most common factors that increased the risk of contracting MG was risky sexual behavior or a high number of sexual partners. For people who had more than four sexual partners, 5.2% of men and 3.1% of women had MG.
The study also found that some groups of people were more likely to be affected by MG. These included black men and people who lived in lower-income neighborhoods.
Currently, routine laboratory testing and screening is not available for MG. The study’s findings may pave the way for further research into the health effects of MG.
The current concern is that many people may be carrying the infection without realizing it. “These findings suggest that only testing those who are currently symptomatic would miss the majority of infections,” said Dr. Pam Sonnenberg, lead author of the study.
While the long-term implications of the STI are not known, it is likely that the same recommended preventative measures for sex, such as condom use, could help stop the spread of MG.
Sources for Today’s Article:
“STI known as MG could have infected hundreds of thousands in UK,” The Guardian web site, November 12, 2015; http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/nov/12/sti-mg-infect-hundreds-of-thousands-uk-mycoplasma-genitalium-mg.
Hodgekiss, A., “Scientists identify new STD that could affect hundreds of thousands of adults – and it often has NO symptoms,” November 12, 2015; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3315295/Scientists-identify-new-STD-affect-hundreds-thousands-adults-NO-symptoms.html
Russell, P., “Thousands may have new STI,” WebMD web site, November 13, 2015; http://www.webmd.boots.com/sexual-conditions/news/20151113/thousands-may-have-new-sti.

domain: news


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Bringing City Life Home, Blending In & Staying In The Moment ...
wow. Is that real?
I think we are now jealous of your weather.
Suz, yes, this is real. I shot it with my Nikon Cool Pix P1. I blew it up then upped the color a bit. There is little pollution and humidity here; therefore, gorgeous skies, always. Chester, think of us in January, let us visit you in Rockport right around then, and you come see us just as soon as our remodeling is finished in 45 days or so. xo's to both of you!
Beautiful, Laurie! I love looking at the sky....sunsets, sunrises, the moon through its cycle, the stars, the clouds, etc. Just love it. Your pictures are splendid!
This cloudy sky is really stunning. I love the light tone of clouds same as many little and coloured young lambs.Livio
GORGEOUS SHOT! WOW!
Dennis LOVES this sky picture... many daydreams...


The failure of governors to take advantage of the new Electricity Act 2023 has made states to continue struggling with epileptic power supply, DARE OLAWIN writes
In June 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the new Electricity Act into law, heeding the calls of Nigerians that the power sector be reformed and removed from the exclusive list. Before the President assented to the bill, governors, both former and incumbent, had called on the Federal Government to give states the power to generate, transmit and distribute electricity within their jurisdiction. This, Nigerians believe, would help in proffering lasting solutions to the country’s power problems. However, seven months after the electricity bill became a law, nothing significant has been done by many of the governors.
The new law replaces the 2005 Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act as it seeks to promote private sector investments in the power sector. It provides for a holistic, integrated resource plan and policy that recognises all sources for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, including the integration of renewable energy into Nigeria’s energy mix.
The new act permits the state electricity board or any state authority by whatever appellation, to grant licence for mini-grids and provide the framework for the operation of such licensees. With this, the Federal Government has succeeded in removing electricity from the exclusive list, allowing states and private individuals to invest in the sector.
The 2023 Electricity Act allows constructing, owning, or operating an undertaking for generating electricity not exceeding one megawatt in aggregate at a site, or an undertaking for distribution of electricity with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts in aggregate at a site, or such other capacity as the commission may determine from time to time, without a licence.
The Act mandates electricity-generating companies to generate power from renewable energy sources, purchase power generated from renewable energy or procure any instrument representing renewable energy generation. Though a state can regulate its electricity market by issuing licences to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the state, the act, however, says that until a state has passed its electricity market laws, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission will continue to regulate electricity businesses in such states.
With the seeming lackadaisical attitude of the majority of governors, it appears the new Electricity Act may not yield the much-desired result, as the country grapples with epileptic power supply.
For years, Nigerians have continued to languish under a poor deteriorating power sector supervised by the Federal Government. On different occasions, the national power grids kept collapsing, plunging the people into blackouts and affecting businesses. The power grid collapsed 46 times in six years, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.
The IEA said Nigeria had grappled with recurrent power failures, totalling 46 grid collapses between 2017 and 2023. It was disclosed that Nigeria’s grid continued to face issues due to aged infrastructure and vandalism. The deterioration of power infrastructure, it was learnt, increased dependency on backup generators for 40 per cent of electricity consumption in Nigeria.
“Although the country has a total installed capacity of about 13 GW, average available capacity remained around 4.5 GW in 2023 due to a combination of factors such as deteriorating units, poor maintenance and liquidity constraints. Unreliable power supply due to limited grid infrastructure, under-investment and ineffective regulatory frameworks have resulted in an estimated 40 per cent of all the electricity consumed in the country being produced from backup generators,” the IEA declared.
Since December 2023, Nigerians have been lamenting of low power supply. The NERC said the country was able to generate only 3.5 GWh, blaming the low power generation on low gas supply as the majority of the power plants are gas-fired.
When President Tinubu signed the new electricity bill, Nigerians were optimistic that this might mark the beginning of an end to one of their multidimensional poverty sources. It is believed that the adoption of renewable energy sources would reduce the reliance on gas and give the country enough power to supply to aid the growth of small and medium businesses. But, the refusal of state governors to take immediate steps in domesticating the new bill may dash the hopes of many Nigerians.
The repeated collapse of the national electricity grid in Nigeria is an indication that there is a need for many mini-grids in each state and the Federal Capital Territory. This can only be made possible when there are sub-national electricity markets across the federation. Though the new electricity law allows this, it will not materialise unless the states have their independent electricity market laws and state electricity authorities.
While inaugurating three working groups for the implementation of the new Electricity Act, the NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, said the focus of the implementation of the new Electricity Act was the fact that states would take over the responsibilities of making electricity laws for their areas.
“The focus in the implementation of the Electricity Act seems to be about states taking over the responsibilities of making electricity laws for their area,” he said. But it appears the states are not ready yet. So far, only a few states have signed their electricity market laws.
As of the time of filing this report, checks with the Ministry of Power revealed that only five states have signed electricity laws. They are Lagos, Edo, Kaduna, Enugu and Oyo.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on February 10 joined the league of governors who have signed the electricity market laws. It is expected that other governors will follow suit as early as possible if they desire to end energy poverty in their states.
Cost may hinder
During the annual power and utilities round-table organised by PricewaterhouseCoopers recently, with the theme ‘The Electricity Act 2023: Powering Nigeria’, Bimbola Banjo, who is the Partner and Finance Advisory Leader, PwC Nigeria, warned governors to exercise caution, saying the adoption of the new act would cost a lot.
“While there is an urgency to adopt the Electricity Act, states must exercise caution and assess their readiness for implementation. The process of adoption will incur significant costs, including engaging legal and commercial advisors, and will require substantial investments in technology, human resources, and the establishment of state-level structures.
“Before proceeding, states should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of their electricity market and network infrastructure, accompanied by detailed technical and commercial feasibility studies. This rigorous assessment will ensure that states are adequately prepared to implement the Electricity Act effectively and reap its full benefits,” Banjo warned.
His comment that the adoption of the new law would eat deep into states’ coffers might have caused some governors to stay action on its implementation. Many states are highly indebted, depending majorly on the allocations they get from the Federal Account Allocation Committee. Data from the Debt Management Office showed that the total debt of the 36 states rose by 13.89 per cent to N7.25tn in 2022 from N6.37tn in the previous year.
It could not be confirmed if any of the states made provisions for the new Act in its 2024 budget.
Experts believe governors should understand that the first step to take is having their independent electricity market laws, as that is the only way to give investors the enabling environment to operate in their domains.
Host communities benefit
On February 9, President Tinubu signed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law. The Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to “address the development and environmental concerns of host communities, and sets aside five per cent of the actual annual operating expenditures of power generating companies from the preceding year for the development of their respective host communities”.
The amendment further provides that the funds allocated for the development of host communities will be received, managed and administered for infrastructure development in the host communities by a reputable trustee/manager to be jointly appointed by the respective GenCos and their host community.
With this amendment, indigenes of a state would enjoy infrastructural development from generating companies that have their power plants sited in those communities. But, the investors may not come if a state does not have any clear-cut modus operandi for GenCos and DisCos.
Minister begs governors
Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has appealed to governors to take advantage of the new Electricity Act to improve electricity supply in Nigeria.
In an interview with our correspondent, Adelabu’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, said that the minister recently held a meeting with the states on the need to take advantage of the Act.
Tunji said the Federal Government had done its bits and the minister had continued to urge the governors to be active participants in the provision of electricity in their states.
“They are the ones who know their states very well. Recently, we had a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum where some of the commissioners for electricity were in attendance. What we told them was the need for them to make use of the law to be participants in the provision of electricity.
“It is now left for the states to do the needful; the law is open for them to do it. They are closer to the people. They know the needs of the people. They know where electricity is urgently needed. The governors know the rural areas where they can actually go to generate electricity. And if there is any problem, it will quickly get to them so they can get in touch with the DisCo in charge,” Tunji told The PUNCH.
According to Tunji, the minister told the state governors ‘You need to get involved, you need to know who is in charge of power infrastructure in your state’. It is important,”
Similarly, Adelabu reechoed during a meeting with development partners in Abuja, the pivotal role of the states in the power sector. He suggested that the DisCos, as currently constituted, should be unbundled along state lines.
“We need to encourage the states to have their own power generating company, encourage them to establish structures for transmission and distribution. Each state government must also start showing interest in those in charge of distribution in their states.
“While the Federal Government can track generation and transmission, the states should be able to track the distribution companies,” Adelabu advised.


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The 5-Second Trick For oster bread makerMost bread machine recipes simply call for at least a little quantity of sugar. A not many may not, like device made French bread, or at times pizza crust. If desired chances are you'll insert among a teaspoon plus a tablespoon of sugar to recipes that don’t demand any sweeteners of their own personal however, you don’t actually must.
wikiHow Contributor Due to the fact honey Generally exists beneath its melting position, It is just a supercooled liquid. At extremely lower temperatures, honey won't freeze strong.
Solid fats don't have to get melted prior to introducing them towards the bread device. It helps Should they be at room temperature, but this isn’t usually functional.
You can find quite quite a few experiences from clients experiencing collapsing bread In this particular model of bread maker. This reviewer is aware of her way within the kitchen area; and for that reason suggests lowering the quantity of yeast in the recipes.
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wikiHow Contributor Keep an eye on the bread though It can be inside the oven. If the desired shade is golden brown, get rid of it from the oven once it will get to this color. It will most likely be prior to the baking cycle is Check This Out complete.
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domain: food


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Does artificial intelligence have any role in healthcare in low resource settings?
Letter to the Editor
Paediatrics and Child Health; Women and Child Health
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized healthcare in the past few decades (1). Initially being used solely as a medical decision support system, it is anticipated that AI has a potential role in personalized medicine, patient monitoring and improve health service delivery and management (2). AI has penetrated the health care domain rapidly in high income settings where an estimated USD 150 million could be saved with such applications in the next 5 years (3). However, there is limited literature available on its use in low resource settings.
Journal of Medical Artificial Intelligence
(2019). Does artificial intelligence have any role in healthcare in low resource settings?. Journal of Medical Artificial Intelligence, 2, 13.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_women_childhealth_paediatr/854

domain: medical


Everton have reportedly completed the deal to sign Yerry Mina from Barcelona pending a medical at Finch Farm tomorrow.
The Colombian has been rumoured to be near a move to Goodison Park for at least a week now, but interest from Manchester United had derailed talks. It now seems that United are buying Harry McGuire from Leicester, however.
That leaves Mina free to join Everton in a deal that will be worth around £20m and see him pair up with Lucas Digne again, this time in the Premier League and in the royal blue of Everton.
What do you think Blues? Has Marco Silva had a good summer?
Latest posts by NSNO Staff (see all)
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- Blues brave the elements to raise money for homeless - November 18, 2018
- High praise for “stronger” Digne - November 17, 2018


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For freelancers we’re offering the option of a ‘Freelance Foursome’ ticket as an alternative to individual access. This gives four freelancers access to the event for £60 each.
Each individual will get their own access details, allowing them full access to both the livestream and the recordings of the event.
As a delegate you’ll get:
– Three days of action-orientated sessions
– Access to recordings of all the talks until the end of 2021
Please email firstname.lastname@example.org to get the link to allow each individual to buy pay for their ticket.

domain: economics


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One-quarter of the UK's business owners are thinking about relocating overseas in the next three years as a result of the UK's unfavourable tax and regulatory environment, according to a recently-published survey.
The poll by the accounting and advisory firm Tenon Group found that 26% of respondents are mulling plans to leave the UK, whilst 1 in 20 have already made plans to set up shop overseas. This rises to 30% among those business owners who have had prior experience of steering a company through a recession.
Corporation tax is the area of legislation most highly disliked by entrepreneurs, with 37% of those considering leaving the country citing this tax as the main factor. Capital gains tax and the abolition of taper relief was a key motivation for 16%. Entrepreneurs also continue to feel over-burdened by increasing employee rights, with 24% thinking about leaving the country for this reason.
Income shifting legislation, due to be introduced in 2009 to prevent individuals from shifting part of their income to another person who is subject to a lower rate of tax, is also giving entrepreneurs cause for concern. Almost half (43%) of those running family businesses expect tax bills to increase as a result, with 9% claiming they will have to stop employing family members and 4% believing they will have to close their business because of the impact of this change in legislation.
Government indecisiveness on tax legislation is also impacting business activity, with 41% of the respondents less inclined to take risks, and 27% reporting that they are delaying business decisions. Over one-third (36%) of business owners questioned by Tenon admit that they do not understand what some legislation means for them and their business.
Andrew Jupp, Head of Tax at Tenon, commented: "Entrepreneurs are genuinely struggling in the current legislative and economic environment and the government must heed this call for help in order to avoid losing some of the country's most talented business people."
The results of the survey are perhaps not surprising given the column inches devoted to stories of major UK multinationals switching their tax bases to more favourable jurisdictions such as Ireland. One company that has done precisely this is WPP, one of the world's largest advertising groups. Earlier this month, the company's head, Sir Martin Sorrell, (somewhat ironically) chaired the inaugural meeting of the International Business Advisory Council, Mayor Boris Johnson's advisory group which aims to maintain London's pre-eminent position as a business centre.
"It's clear from what I have heard that the government must rethink its strategy on taxation as many Council members reaffirmed that the current system is highly likely to drive more great wealth creating enterprises like Sir Martin's WPP to base their headquarters overseas where they feel the tax demands are fairer," Johnson said.
However, recently-published OECD figures suggest that UK companies may, in fact, not have it that bad in terms of tax. According to the OECD, the UK's overall tax burden stands at 36.6% of gross domestic product. This is slightly higher than the OECD average, but is lower than the European Union average. The study also showed that the UK's administrative systems were mostly consistent with other OECD members, while top income tax rates, labour taxes and value-added tax also compared favourable with its European counterparts.
According to Jeffrey Owens, director of OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, the UK's tax system is being underestimated by the business lobby, which, he told the Financial Times, is sensing a good opportunity to press for lower taxes "in the tail end of this government."
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domain: politics


text:
Copyright Quisumbing Family 2007. All rights reserved.
failed to finish their degrees and returned to the Philippines poorly unprepared for duties which they were assigned.
Due to difficulties in securing trained personnel to positions requiring technical or scientific knowledge, it became imperative to send Filipinos to American universities for special training. In view of this need for men possessing such knowledge and the development of public instruction, the Governor General (Francis B. Harrison) in his message to the Philippine Legislature on October 16, 1918 recommended for the revival of the pensionado movement. Thus, the Legislature passed Act No. 2785 of December 21, 1918 appropriating the amount of PhP300,000 for scholarships in the United States or any foreign country available to private persons or government officials or employees by reason of their technical knowledge or special training or because of the studies initiated by them need to be supplemented or perfected for the benefit of any branch of public interest or for the interest of the Philippine Government.
A committee on government pensionados was created by the Council of State to promulgate rules and regulations on the choice of pensionados as provided for. In its meeting of June 11, 1919, the Council approved a large number of appointees from the
different offices and branches of government.24
Under the authority of the Council dated April 10, l919, Dr. Walter W.
Marquardt, Director of Education (June 20, 19l6-July 1, 1919) was named the
Philippine Educational Agent by Acting Governor General Charles E. Yeater for
three years. His duties were as follows: (1) to take charge of the
pensionados, (2) to secure teachers for the Bureau of Education and the
University of the
(3) to perform other duties as might be assigned by the Council of State. He
continued to serve in that capacity when his original contract was renewed until
March 31, 1923 on his
retirement under the Philippine Retirement Act. His assistant since February 16, 1920, Mrs. Georgia S.
Williams, succeeded him in an acting capacity until she was permanently
appointed to that position on September
There were two kinds of scholarship: (1) full and (2) partial. The full scholarship provided the pensionado a monthly allowance of seventy dollars to cover his expenses for lodging, laundry and board aside from necessary travelling expenses actually incurred, expenses for matriculation, books and other items deemed necessary by the educational agent. The partial entitled the pensionado a fixed monthly allowance of forty dollars at the start and it was increased to include tuition, expenses for typing and printing dissertations for advanced degrees, actual and necessary travel expenses in the United States and a first class return trip from the United States to Manila. Government pensionados received the difference between the annual pensionado quota of two thousand pesos and the salaries they had previously received.25
The Philippine Legislature in Act 3227 of November 6, 1925 revised the selection of pensionados in 1926 by competitive examinations supervised and controlled by the Director of Civil Service in the Philippines or the Bureau of Insular Affairs in the United States under rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Pensionado Committee of the Council of State. These rules and regulations promulgated on March 2, 1926 made radical changes which (1) restricted pensionados to pursue courses not offered in the Philippines; (2) limited the scholarship to one year subject to extension depending on the recommendations of the university authorities and the pensionado agent; and (3) limited appointments to persons who had graduated from a four-year degree program or to government officials or employees to undertake special studies or investigations. Pensionados who enjoyed the full and partial scholarships still received the same allowances and privileges as stated above. This was also applicable to government officials or employees who got the same difference as shown above. The full and partial scholars were to serve the government one year and a half and one year, respectively, for every year the government spent for their schooling and to submit themselves under the control and supervision of the pensionado agent.
The holding of competitive examinations in the United States was conducted by the American Civil Service Commission with the cooperation of the pensionado agent in 1927 and 1928, the only two occasions, to secure eligibles for appointment as partial pensionados. There were fourteen and eleven partial pensionados in the two years mentioned above. The partial scholarships offered were in accounting, agriculture, chemistry, education, surveying and engineering.26 The work of Dr. Marquardt and Mrs.Williams as pensionado agents differed little from those agents of the first period (1903-1914). What is significant was that the pensionados of the second period (1919-1934) were much older, more educated and more “Americanized” than those of the first group. The agent of the first and second periods had almost similar tasks except that the agent of the second group had to take long trips to check the progress and conduct of each student in different universities and colleges throughout the country.
Regarding the college work of the pensionados, Marquardt advised the college officials not to grant special favors to graduating foreign students who should be at par in both academic and scientific standards as those set for the Americans. As to language requirements, some considerations might be allowed to other foreign students but not to Filipino students who received instruction in English.
Pensionados of the second period were permitted to acquire practical experience as much as possible. In 1928, for example, several of them worked in banks, construction companies, hospitals, schools, and government offices to gain such experience.
Aside from his work with the students, the pensionado agent was entrusted to secure the hiring of American teachers for the Philippine service. The routinary work of sending information and application blanks to prospective teachers was handled by a staff of the Bureau of Insular Affairs. Letters of inquiry on special points were replied by the Philippine educational agent himself. Formal appointments were approved by the Bureau who also handled the transportation arrangement for the appointed teachers.
The Bureau took care of the warrant and transportation orders of the pensionados as well as the functions of a fiscal nature. As a service to the Filipino pensionados and non-government Filipino students, the Bureau was responsible for the periodical publication of a Directory of Filipino Students in the United States and What Filipino Students Coming to the United States Ought to Know in 1921 and re-issued in several editions.27
With regard to university fellows, the University of the Philippines was entitled to a number of pensionados for foreign study. A few of these pensionados received financial support from the annual appropriation of this University. These university fellows received the same allowances and privileges like the pensionados appointed by the Council of State but their actual appointments were approved by the University Board of Regents.


The combination of hub gearing and belt drive guarantees the least possible maintenance effort for a bike. Shimano Alfine hubs as well as the hydraulic Shimano disc brakes guarantee longevity and worldwide supply over a long period of time. Made in Germany also ensures a high quality level for the whole bike.
Explanations of the model designation: "Lite" means street version (without suspension fork), "evo" means version with disc brakes.
Why buy this bike?
The weather in Switzerland is always a challenge to consider when buying a bike - especially if you don't have a bike room, often a given in cities with many older houses like Basel, Winterthur, Zurich, Bern etc. The equipment of the Premium 11.0 is designed to cope with these challenges. And for frequent use in the city for riders who also appreciate a extremely reliable bike.
This is supplemented with a bright light (hub dynamo) and the usual everyday and comfort parts from mudguards to luggage racks to Ergo saddles and the "unpenetrable" Schwalbe tires.
There are few bikes that require as little service / self-maintenance. The two key components for this are the drive and the brakes:
Gates toothed belt & Alfine gear hub
Instead of a chain, this bike has a belt drive. Compared to a chain, the belt can't rust, has about 1.5 times the service life and does not require any lubrication. That's also why there are never any oil stains on clothing.
In combination with this, Gudereit mounts a Shimano Alfine 11-speed gear hub. The big advantage of a hub gear is that all shifting parts are hidden inside the wheel hub - and thus protected from the weather and external impacts. The 11 gears have a range comparable to a 27-speed sprocket gearing, more than enough for city use and the occasional excursion.
The Shimano disc brake
There is also a Shimano MT401 disc brake. Not only does a disc enable more braking power than a rim brake, it also allows the use of harder materials and thus slower wear. Even frequent riders with a house on top of a hill will rarely have to change pads every year, and brake safely to work in every season of the year.
Gudereit is a smaller, German one Bicycle manufacturer, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. In the same year, the company was voted the most popular bike manufacturer in Germany by a specialist magazine. They don't do too much wrong. See also Gudereit.
Availability / Variants
This bike is available or in our warehouse in the variant listed. Attention, the color of the bike is different depending on the variant, our supplier has provided us with a few versions as a picture.
The delivery times on the part of the factory have normalized again starting from March 2023, but due to the strong demand, the bikes are sold out relatively quickly. Here, too, we are happy to ask and answer questions for you.
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The first and most important mistake is choosing a diet or weight loss plan that’s overly restrictive and difficult to follow. Whether that’s restricting food choices or limiting eating windows, it’s very hard to stick to this long term. Studies have shown very low long-term adherence. Science has proven that eliminating enjoyable food groups (like carbs) isn’t necessary for weight loss and fitness. Time restricted eating is also no better than eating all throughout the day when calories are equated.
The second biggest mistake is adopting a 7 day/week intense exercise program. This is also very difficult to adhere to long term. It’s also unnecessary. Sure, some people may be able to stick to it for a few months, but then it’s very hard to continue doing that for the nest ten to fifteen years. Research has shown that adopting an enjoyable form of activity, that can be adhered to long term, provides the most benefit and best cardiovascular risk reduction.
The third biggest mistake is developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Studies have shown that people who develop a healthy relationship with food (and exercise) are more likely to succeed and stick to their plan long term. People need to be excited and enjoy foods that they love. Not restrict and avoid certain foods groups based on the latest fad. We don’t want to label any food as inherently “good” or inherently “bad”. Food is food. Use it properly to fuel fitness goals. It’s ok to eat pizza and ice cream, just enjoy it and make sure it fits into the overall program.
The most important thing is to get into a calorie deficit. Eating less than you need to maintain your current body weight Is non-negotiable.
Science has shown that the amount of energy that can be burned off with exercise is constrained. Humans can only burn X number of calories with exercise and more exercise doesn’t necessarily translate into more calories being burned. This is now known as the “Constrained Model of Exercise”.
Physicians need to stop telling patients to exercise for weight loss. This isn’t true. People should exercise for fun, for health, and for longevity. But it’s not necessary for weight loss.
It’s important for people to eat foods that they like so that they can do this for the next 20-50 years. People aren’t going to stick to a diet for very long if they are told to eat only certain foods that taste terrible to them. It’s too restrictive and not practical.
In today’s scientific literature we now know so much more about diet, exercise, and weight loss. Research on this topic is abundant now compared to even just 5 years ago.
Science has shown us that people don’t have to avoid carbs, workout 7 days/week, eat tons of fat, eat only from 1-4pm, avoid foods they love, and run 20 miles per week in order to achieve their health and fitness goals.


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I beg to differ.
Just over a month ago, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the results of its scoring of federal agencies on their small business spend for FY 2017. Disappointingly, the percentage of federal dollars awarded to small businesses and nearly all of the socioeconomic subcategories declined, including the percentage of dollars awarded to Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs). The lone bright spot was an infinitesimal increase in the percentage awarded to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.
The federal government did not meet its paltry 5% goal for spend to WOSBs. It achieved 4.71%, which was a decline from the 4.79% of FY 2016, and a further drop off from the first time (yes, ever) achievement of 5.05% in FY 2015.
Various sources indicate women own somewhere between 36% and 39% of all businesses in the United States. This continued failure to attain or maintain 5% achievement is an indication that the federal government isn’t putting forward its best effort to find WOSBs. I’m continuously perplexed by the difficulty this hunt seems to pose to federal agencies, as I know for a fact WOSBs exist – I’ve met thousands of them.
Recently, I had the great pleasure of attending the annual conference of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC is one of SBA’s approved third-party certifiers of WOSBs for federal procurement, and this convening featured over 4,500 people – WOSBs, their employees, and corporate and government officials looking to have WOSBs well-represented in their supply chains. WBENC has over 14,000 certified woman-owned companies, some of which aren’t small, but the vast majority of which are.
Only a handful of federal entities were represented with exhibit booths at the WBENC Business Fair Expo – the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Reserve System, Sandia National Laboratories, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Small Business Administration. Of those, only USCIS and SBA itself are monitored by SBA for their small business performance, as USCIS is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The other entities listed fall outside of SBA’s oversight. Perhaps a few other agencies were represented by individual attendees, but I was surprised to see such underrepresentation of major U.S. federal agencies.
The federal government of Canada had a stronger presence at the Business Fair than Uncle Sam – they had a well-appointed booth with several staff. The Canadian Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, provided remarks at the Business Fair Luncheon. Again, the dearth of U.S. government representation was surprising, as I would think the opportunity to meet with thousands of potential suppliers to meet their agency goals would be a compelling reason to attend.
So what can we do about this?
During the conference, Candace Waterman, newly appointed President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy, introduced two breakout panels about the state of policy and procurement in the federal government. Within those sessions a solid answer was revealed: WOSBs, come to Washington, DC! It’s a business imperative for you to knock on doors of federal agencies where you’ve identified there are opportunities, and you may as well swing by your Congressional offices to admonish them for tolerating such a low expectation of our Executive branch and failing to create consequences for missing that very low bar.
When you’re making your plans for a visit – look me up.
And if you’re not sure how to narrow down on the right federal opportunities for your company, identify which agencies buy the products or services you sell, or need help with a Congressional engagement strategy, join our free video webinar to get your questions answered on Thursday, July 12th. Presented with our partners PilieroMazza, PLLC, and the Public Contracting Institute, we will tackle your questions.
About Aditi Dussault:
Aditi Dussault is the Co-Founder and Director of GovContractPros, an advisory services firm specializing in federal procurement. Aditi is the former Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Small Business Administration where she oversaw significant advances in programs which support small businesses in obtaining their fair share of federal contracts. She has extensive experience in both private and public sector certification programs.
GovContractPros helps government contracts access the $500 billion federal marketplace through proven expertise. The GovContractPros mission is to ensure the prosperity of our clients throughout all stages of their growth and development. We collaborate with clients to develop effective business strategies, provide education and advocacy services, and work to facilitate access to government contracting opportunities, while leveraging small business contracting programs. For more information on offerings, visit www.govcontractpros.com.

domain: finance


text:
Round robin study to evaluate the reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model as an in vitro skin irritation test for detection of irritant activity in medical device extracts
Review articleOpen access
2018/08/01 Full-length article DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.01.001
Journal: Toxicology in Vitro
Highlights•Alternative in vitro testing of medical device extracts for irritation is possible.•Reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model detects presence of irritant in extracts.•High predictivity RhE model for presence of strong irritants in material extracts.•Predictivity in saline or sesame oil extract depends on hydrophilicity of irritant.•Four positive polymer test materials containing a known irritant were evaluated.
Request full text

domain: chemistry


Rothbury’s Pare shows what is possible when combining Alfresco and the SproutCore framework. While it’s possible that it is exactly what you need, it’s more likely a foundation for something that can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. Pare equips its users with a lightning-fast and feature-rich user interface for modern mobile devices and desktop clients alike. The speed rivals a native desktop application.
We encourage you to sign up for a login and take a test-drive of Pare. We have built Pare with the assumption that you will want to add, remove, and/or alter functionality based on your organization’s specific needs. Pare provides the foundation and from there, the possibilities are endless.
- The application equips the user with a lightning-fast and feature-rich user interface for modern mobile devices and desktop clients alike. The speed rivals a native desktop application.
- Provides a framework for developing application/vertical specific features for document-management systems
- Provides powerful workflow, task, and document management
- Allows the user with a robust interaction with the Alfresco file system that includes audio/video/text previews, document editing, and file upload/download capabilities
- Smartly pre-loads data in the background. When you navigate to a folder, the application automatically and asynchronously loads data in the sub folders so when you navigate deeper into the folder structure, the data is already there.
- Intuitively invalidates data for each folder at set intervals essentially providing a timed cache.
+ 1 512 786 8943


Ill. legislature urged to pass retirement billNews added by Benefits Pro on April 16, 2014
By Lisa Barron
Illinois State Sen. Daniel Biss, a Democrat from the Chicago suburb of Evanston, says he is thrilled that his colleagues voted to create a retirement savings plan for private sector workers.
The Illinois Senate approved the bill, the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Plan, on a 30-22 vote, the bare minimum for it to pass, on Wednesday.
"On a personal level this is one of my top priorities and I have continued to put tremendous work into it," Biss told Benefitspro.
"But more important, I believe that the problem of clearly massively inadequate retirement savings is a giant and actually under-discussed problem. And I think it's really important to take significant action and it’s important to bring more attention to the issue," he said.
"Because when you think about the number of people, tens of millions around the country, who are significantly under-saving for retirement, and look at experts who say there is a gap of trillions between what they have put away and would like to put away, it's one of the great economic challenges in contemporary society."
In Illinois alone, Biss said more than 2.5 million people out of a population of 13 million—half the private sector work force— are without access to employee-sponsored retirement plans and the vast majority are saving extremely little.
Under the plan, workers at companies that have more than 25 employees and that do not offer a retirement plan could participate in the program.
If the bill becomes law, those workers will automatically be enrolled in the plan unless they opt out of it. If they participate, 3 percent of their paychecks will be deducted and deposited into a retirement account. Money from all participating workers will be pooled and invested in a retirement investment plan run by a private company selected by a board.
Several Republicans in the Senate said the state shouldn't be getting involved. Sen. Dave Syverson of Rockford said there is nothing stopping employers from offering retirement savings plans on their own right now.
He also said workers might earn better returns by starting their own retirement savings account using one of the plans already offered by private financial companies.
"This is one more example of the nanny state," said Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove.
Biss rejected the notion that automatic enrollment is paternalistic and condescending, pointing to his own experience with a retirement plan at his first job as a 24-year-old PhD in mathematics.
"I was a sophisticated thinker in arithmetic and compound interest. But when the HR person offered me the chance to participate in the employer's 401(k) with a match, I didn’t', not because I tried to analyze it and concluded it was a bad idea. It was because I was 24 and couldn’t bear to think about retirement and I couldn't force myself to go through the exercise," he explained.
"When you poll people you get a lot of answers like that. They have more pressing problems, they are too busy. Human psychology has evolved to deal with problems right in front of us rather than 40 or 50 years from now. My experience and data we see suggests that regardless of how well educated someone appears to be, this long term decision making is not something people are equipped to do."
Biss continued, "Also, if you look around the world at different times in history and how retirement has been tackled, there have been a broad variety of different approaches. Some have worked and some have not. But it has never worked to say people will take care of it for themselves."
Senate Bill 2758 now goes to the House for consideration. "I'm working very hard on that right now. It could be argued it was party line vote in the Senate. There's a huge Democratic majority in the Senate just a big majority in the House. And very controversial, complicated bills are harder to pass on party lines in the House," Biss said.
"There's a chance but it will be hard. And it's important enough to do difficult things to make it happen."
The bill is supported by more than 45 businesses, associations and advocacy groups, including AARP Illinois.
"Our concern is the number of individuals who don’t have any savings, and add to that the individuals who are going to rely on Social Security alone, which is never going to be enough," Bob Gallo AARP Illinois State Director, told Benefitspro.
"There's an economic imperative. If we have a nation of poor or retired people, and it looks to be heading that way, the House has to do something now. It has a great opportunity to step up and do something for current employees and baby boomers. "
Gallo said AARP is reaching out to individual House members as well as to existing members to urge them to express their concerns about retirement savings to their elected representatives.
The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is also calling on Illinois congressmen to pass the legislation.
"Illinois can be at the vanguard of addressing the national crisis, It can show itself as a true leader and show the country what anecdotally the states are known for , and that's a laboratory for good government," Executive Director and Counsel for the NCPERS Hank Kim told Benefitspro.
NCPERS launched its own proposal for addressing the private security retirement crisis, the Secure Choice Pension plan, in September 2011.
"Since then we have been crisscrossing the country advocating for a public private partnership based at the state level for retirement security for employees in the private sector, especially small businesses, who don't have opportunities to save for retirement through and employer-based plan," Kim said.
The organization has been active in all states that is seriously considering proposals like the one in Illinois, including Massachusetts, Washington, Maryland, Wisconsin and Minneapolis.
Originally published on BenefitsPro.com
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Just wanted to let everyone know in case they have the same problem. Tuesday I noticed some oil on the lower edge of my drivers side wheel well liner. I crawled under the truck to check it out and saw it was on the frame as well. I took it to the dealership wed. and picked it up yesterday. Turns out the seal at the hydro boost case half was leaking.


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Interestingly enough, the symbol adopted for the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam, is the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Early in the morning, the streets are quiet in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Crossing the bridge over the Thu Bon River, I enter the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam.
Some clothes are hung out to dry in Hoi An, Vietnam.
After walking across in the morning, it was well worth crossing again in the evening, as the lights make the Dragon Bridge comes alive in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Based on an ancient legend of a carp turning into a dragon, this statue is one of the newest landmarks in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Boatmen shuttle between their fishing boats and the shores of the Han River in Da Nang, Vietnam.

domain: history


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On November, 14 last, at Casa Memória do Século XX Eng. Duarte Pacheco, the exhibition "The health of a community. Loulé in the 1st half of the 20th century" was inaugurated. This exhibition features health care in the municipality of Loulé in the first half of the 20th century, at a time when hygiene habits were practically non-existent, causing the proliferation of various diseases.
It pays homage to doctors Geraldino Brites, Evardo Pidwell and José Bernardo Lopes, and highlights the important role municipal doctors held in matters of public health.This exhibition also intends to feature the support of the municipality in the defense and promotion of its residents’ health.Although the planning and preparation of this exhibition predates covid-19 pandemic, today it makes much more sense, since a century later, health is once again the main priority.

domain: sociology


Riley Register Spares Limited – Directors Report to Members
We reported in the last newsletter that Richard Ives is retiring from the position of RRSL Store man and that we need to find a replacement by the end of 2016 in order to facilitate a smooth transition. THIS IS NOW BECOMING URGENT SINCE WE HAVE RECEIVED NO FORMAL ENQUIRIES.
We remind you that there is some financial reward for this position to cover the provision of a secure storage facility (a single garage is ample) plus stocking of parts and shipping parts out to customers orders—-this typically pays around £7500 – £8000 per year. Full details of the role and responsibilities are available with each of the RRSL board members-they would welcome contact from any member interested in obtaining more details.
In summary, the requirements are-
- A broad knowledge of Riley’s to help guide members in their part selection,
- Have dry secure storage to hold the parts stock and pack.
- Perform documented quality checks on new batches of stock received
- Be prepared to respond to queries and take orders at some point during each day over 5 days of the week
If we do not receive interest before the next newsletter then the RRSL board will unfortunately need to start planning alternative approaches to the spares service we currently provide to you. This may result in less of a “club” environment and may even have to involve outsourcing to a third party organisation.
We are progressing the issues for selling parts to members in the North American continent. Discussions with our Insurance providers continue and we participated in a meeting with the FBVHC and other car clubs that identified further considerations. Initially we will only be offering non safety-critical parts but the scope is expected to broaden to the full range of parts when we have completed verifying that our suppliers have appropriate product liability insurance cover for North America.
We are pleased to report that Richard’s swansong Coventry spares stall was very successful. Many thanks to those members who bought parts or collected pre ordered parts from us on the Sunday. We received some enquiries for spares that we do not currently carry and these will be added to the list of items we are looking at resulting from last year’s survey.
We are still looking for more members to join the RRSL, just dipping your toe in the water and picking up a couple of projects would make a real difference to the workload of the existing team. Please call any of the RRSL team members if you are interested and we can discuss what is involved.
- Following comments from a couple of members, we have reviewed the design of the AliLam rocker cover gaskets we provide for the 12/4 and 15/6 engines. The observations were that these gaskets compressed a significant amount and were paper- thin in some places after being used several times. We performed tests on a set and agree that in places the gasket thickness was significantly reduced as the gasket complied with the uneven nature of the surfaces being sealed. However, the original aim for these gaskets was to provide a stable gasket, enabled by the aluminium foil intermediate layer, and a compressible and resilient material that afforded good sealing without the need for high torque loads on the fixings. To that end we consider the gasket do meet the requirement but have made a design revision to make all future stock in a thicker AliLam. Note, these gaskets only require a low torque on the securing nuts, not much more than finger tight.
- The investigation into replacement boot locks parts continues and thanks to those members who provided additional input and interest at this year’s Coventry event.
- We are shortly expecting delivery of the 9E360 crankshaft pinion gear. These will be available for delivery to members once they have passed the goods-inwards check.
- Please remember that we do not currently stock standard size Merlin pistons and that you need to check with Richard if you are requiring 15/6 pistons as a full set of plus 0.060” oversize are not currently available.
Stores Report from Richard Ives
We are pleased to report that this year’s Coventry rally went well with many new and old customers visiting us. It is a good chance to meet the team and discuss various aspects of our Spares service. Fortunately, the weather held off virtually until the end, the only regret being so busy we do not get much of a chance to see all the display cars! Some customers are experiencing problems sending Emails via our web site. In the short term, it might be best if you send your enquiries straight to me, if you do not receive a reply, usually the same day, then I have not received it. Of course, the phone is more reliable. The photo shot this time covers a few items from our many in the Lubrication category.


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Bachelor in Art (focus on Animation), College for Creative Studies
Character Development, Storytelling through animation, and tool development to support animators in CG animation.
Technical Animator at Bluepoint Games. Started as a contract employee for the first two years before being hired full-time. As of 2021, now also considered a Sony Interactive Entertainment employee.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
– Demon’s Souls for the PS5


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Senior Electrical Design Engineer
Senior Electrical Design Engineer tired of commuting into Central London?
If so, our client, an award-winning consultancy in Purley would like to hear from you.
Established in the 60's, this consultancy has grown to over 200 strong, servicing clients in the UK and Internationally. Well known for developing engineers they are looking for a Senior Electrical Design Engineer to join their forward thinking MEP design team.
The Senior Electrical Design Engineer will have the chance to work on a number of well publicised projects, some that are revolutionising London's skyline. Other projects will sit within the high end residential and data centre sectors.
Senior Electrical Design Engineer Requirements
·Degree in Electrical Engineering
·Experience of working on projects from concept to completion
·Minimum of 6 years design experience in building services
·Ability to work within a team and on own initiative
·Working towards CEng
Benefits - 25 days annual leave, 5% pension, season ticket loan, life assurance, private healthcare, income protection, 1 professional membership and employment referral scheme.
For more information or to apply for the Senior Electrical Design Engineer role, please call 01728 726135 or email a current CV

domain: design


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This decadent Rum and Orange Flavored Creme Caramel Flan is rich, and creamy. Flan is one of those desserts that is hard to resist. It is no surprise that this flan, a classic Spanish dessert, provides a twist that is a rich, sweet custard topped with caramel sauce. It’s similar […]
This Delicious Rum Glazed Pound Cake made from Scratch is dense, rich and soaked with flavorful rum sauce. A great treat for any party! Pound cake is British in origin and received it’s name for early recipes that called for a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs and flour. There […]
These brownies are a rich, chocolate, almost flourless, brownie that will melt in your mouth! Cafe Laurie adapted this recipe for The Ultimate Outrageous Brownies from Ina Garden. Her first cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa came out the year I opened, Cafe Laurie. I took one look at the recipe and […]
These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are definitely not your normal cookie, but they are rich, buttery and oh so delicious!
I just posted a recipe, Country-Style Almond Cake, from a new cookbook called Food of the Italian South, which called for stiff egg whites. I was amazed in this recipe that is gluten-free, how much the egg whites gave moisture to the cake. So this leads me to think about this […]
I came across this recipe, Gluten-Free Country-Style Almond Cake, in a free cookbook, “Food of the Italian South” I received from Clarkson Potter/ Publishers. I receive new books every month. Now I am cooking from and soon will add my reviews before they are released. Gluten-Free Country-Style Almond Cake is the easiest almond […]


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Our beloved Shelty. He was with us for 13 years. He was intelligent, loved children, loved to play, and followed commands quickly without hesitation. He could perform an enormous amount of tricks that held the children's attention.
"Brisco" had become a valued member of our family. His passing was necessary. He had two strokes, became blind and was suffering from arthritus in the rear legs. He could hardly pick himself off the floor. Even with medication he was in so much pain.
Beside myself, Brisco was very close to my daughter Angie. She had chosen him from a litter of pups.
Angie passed away in 2008. She now has the company of Brisco with her for eternity.
My Pet, My Love
As we smiled and walked with leash in hand
We played and frolicked over land
The path was filled with natures best
We would stop in awe as we took rest.
We were a team that bonded well
When we walked and played you could tell
The leash just waving in open air
We walked as though it were not there.
Loyal and caring on all time alert
My pet, my love, you no longer hurt
You were taken and given a heavenly peace
And left us with memories that will not cease.
by TJ Morosco
JUST THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED RAINBOW BRIDGE.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Created by: Tom Morosco
Record added: Nov 29, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 101486268
We'll miss you Brisco. Here is a bird you can chase in heaven!|
Angie's Big Sis
Added: Nov. 29, 2012
My buddy. You were a joy to have all these years. I will miss you. Enjoy your new world with my daughter Angie. Rest in peace Brisco.|
Added: Nov. 29, 2012

domain: literature


Abstract: During the fast developing cities, the number of buses and cars are dramatically increasing year by year that results in a serious problem— urban traffic congestion. Maybe it's just for that reason to lead smart travel tool industry into a new level. Smart two-wheel electric scooter Z3 introduced by Airwheel may do something different for people's daily life.
Faced with the traffic pressure, people don't need worry too much. Z3 smart electric scooter is able to help them overcome it. And Z3 is one of the compact vehicles: there is barely any type which could excel Airwheel Z3 2-wheeled electric scooter. The shining point of Z3 is that it can bring the users to go through the heavy traffic.
Although Z3's exterior is similar to normal scooter, it has some functions the normal ones cannot reach. When it is in the statement of stretching out, it only occupies an area of 974mmx752mmx371mm. The operating bar could be adjusted to perfect height according to the rider's height to guarantee a comfortable riding posture. When the rider does not want to ride, it can be folded into smaller size for easy storage.
Plus, Z3 electric scooter only weighs 11.8kg that allows riders to carry it without great efforts.
In terms of the design, its delicate and small figure is incomparable for other short-distance commuting vehicles. Z3 is designed with an attachable battery pack. It would be convenient for riders to swap out the exhausted battery for a fresh one.
The top speed the motorized scooter Z3 could reach is18kilometers per hour. The speed may not compare with cars' or buses'. But as a short distance commuting vehicle, Z3 could guarantee a safe journey at that speed to go through the heavy traffic. High speed is not what Airwheel designers pursue since it's a travel tool. The essence of a two-wheeled scooter lies in its handiness and portability.


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Ørsted has announced its intention to bid in the forthcoming ScotWind leasing round, which opened to applicants last week.
Crown Estate Scotland
A major leasing round expected to generate more than £8 billion of investment in Scottish offshore wind projects opened to applicants today.
Two of Europe's leading renewable energy developers have announced plans to team up in order to “unlock the potential” of floating offshore wind in Scotland.
Crown Estate Scotland is set to launch a rather interesting mini-study.
Crown Estate Scotland tendering £40K contract to study whether oil platforms can be reused for hydrogen
Crown Estate Scotland is tendering a £40,000 contract for a study into whether oil platforms can be reused to produce hydrogen.
SSE Renewables has formed a new multinational partnership to work on joint bids for the ScotWind seabed leasing process.
Crown Estate Scotland (CES) made a £12 million revenue profit in its most recent financial year, surpassing its target of £8million to be returned for public spending, according to annual accounts published by the organisation.
Crown Estate Scotland (CES) has confirmed it will publish additional material about the ScotWind leasing round next year.
Scottish Government accused of being ‘deliberately misleading’ over Contracts for Difference criticism
A leading union has accused the Scottish Government of being “deliberately misleading” after it indicated that Westminster was to blame for supply chain firms north of the border missing out on offshore wind contracts.
The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has launched a new “game-changing” interactive mapping application that could be a valuable tool in the search for carbon storage locations.
The Crown Estate has delayed its latest offshore wind leasing round just a week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged a “green industrial revolution” from the sector over the next decade.
A Scottish energy transition group has applied for funding in an effort to push on with plans to decarbonise swathes of industry north of the border.
The Scottish and UK governments are being urged to create a national development fund using revenue from offshore wind farms to help kick-start the rural economy through investment in sustainable infrastructure and connectivity projects.
A new report from Crown Estate Scotland (CES) spells out how Scotland’s ports and harbours can tap into the “huge potential” of offshore wind.
A new fund designed to support local regeneration and drive green recovery around Scotland’s coast post Covid-19 has been launched.
A trio of European energy businesses have announced a new partnership with the aim of developing offshore wind projects around the Scottish coastline.
For more than a century, coal has played a primary role in the UK’s energy mix.
A Scottish trade union boss has accused Holyrood of “surrendering” in its fight to win local renewables jobs from big North Sea offshore wind projects.
Ambitious plans have been revealed for a £500 million Montrose development which could bring 2,000 new jobs to Angus.
An expected £8billion offshore wind boom promises the Highlands a “once-in-a-generation opportunity that could transform the region,” it was predicted yesterday.
We particularly welcome the launch of Crown Estate Scotland’s offshore wind leasing round at this time.
A 'huge' multi-billion pound investment opportunity has opened up with the launch of Scotland's first offshore wind leasing round in a decade, the country's seabed regulator has claimed.
A new Scottish wind developer has announced today it will partner with Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) to compete for a North Sea offshore wind bid.
The Crown Estate Scotland has announced it will use a multi-million investment to increase the scale of commercial offshore wind leasing in the North Sea.
The upcoming ScotWind offshore wind leasing round will go ahead "as planned" despite the uncertainty caused by the spread of coronavirus, the Crown Estate confirmed last night.


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In May 2018, Walmart made the most expensive acquisition in its history, spending $16 billion to acquire Indian e-commerce leader Flipkart. By then, its arch-rival, Amazon, had itself already invested over $4 billion into its Indian operations.
Some called it the end of the bruising discounts and investments-driven war that had left both sides billions of dollars poorer with no profits in sight. Others saw the setting of the stage for a new battle royale between the offline (Walmart) and online (Amazon) heavyweights in the largest available retail market in the world after China had called time on both of their aspirations earlier in the decade.
By October, both fired off their annual flagship sale events to coincide with the festival of Diwali—Flipkart’s Big Billion Days versus Amazon’s Great Indian Festival. Ignoring the wildly exaggerated accounts, both platforms did fairly well. They then declared themselves victorious and retired temporarily to rejig their organisations and close their operating plans for 2019.
But in the last few days of 2018, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry decided to drop an innocuous grenade which disrupted the two’s year-end parties and planning meetings. It was titled “Press Note No. 2 (2018 Series) – PN18-2.” Shorn of legalese, the government clarified that much of the way leading e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, were conducting business in India was illegal. They had time till 1 February 2019 to remedy things.
Market players and analysts had predicted this would happen because unlike previous years, while 2018 was a good Diwali season for e-commerce sales, it was a really bad one for offline retailers. Large and small retailers, who for years had put up with what they saw as predatory pricing by e-commerce marketplaces, now had to contend with being shut out of many products and brands. This happened as Flipkart and Amazon established strategic alliances through exclusive products and marketing support for all major brands in the country across every product category.
It bears reminding that India’s online retail market is still miniscule—less than 2% of the overall retail pie as of FY18. But e-commerce is an easily targetable villain compared to abstract macroeconomic concepts like GDP growth rates, disposable income, savings rate, etc.
And with an incumbent government—one that had traditionally drawn support from small traders and businesses—going into an election year on the economic back foot, it was not hard to see why it claimed to have “only reiterated the policy provisions (from ‘Press Note No. 3 (2016 Series)’ issued by DIPP – PN16-3) to ensure better implementation of the policy in letter and spirit”.