A virtual gale of support is blowing through Washington this week to boost Taiwan’s request to buy F-16C/D aircraft.
However, despite the pressure, there is no indication that US President Barack Obama’s administration would sell the fighter aircraft anytime soon.
White House insiders said not to expect any decisions until well after a visit next month by People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde (陳炳德).
The visit is aimed at strengthening high-level defense contacts and military ties between Washington and Beijing.
Pentagon sources said that nothing was more likely to undermine such ties and lead to another suspension of contacts than new arms sales to Taiwan.
Obama is known to have closer military ties with China near the top of his foreign policy agenda.
Nevertheless, Republican Senator Richard Lugar, a member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, wrote to US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton earlier this month urging the administration to proceed with the F-16 sale.
“Taiwan has legitimate defense needs and its existing capabilities are decaying,” he said.
Unless Obama approves the sale soon, Lugar said, Taiwan will have “no credible air-to-air capability” when it retires its existing fighter jets in the next decade.
The US would have to decide this year to approve the F-16 sale to produce the jets in time for delivery by 2015.
Clinton has yet to reply to Lugar’s letter.
Voicing his support for the the fighter jet’s sale, US-Taiwan Business Council president Rupert Hammond-Chambers said: “In the coming several years, the pressure on Taiwan to engage with China — not only on economic issues, but with political and military talks as well — will quickly rise.”
“If Taiwan lacks a credible defense and China calculates that the US lacks resolve, the possibilities for miscalculations soar and tensions in the [Taiwan] Strait will rise dramatically,” he said.
“While arms sales may cause short-term difficulties in bilateral relations with China, they have always returned again to a solid baseline. If America succumbs to the short-term expediency of not providing Taiwan with much needed and meaningful capabilities, the chance of Chinese adventurism rises,” Hammond-Chambers said.
“Taiwan’s request for the sale of some 150 additional F-16C/Ds has been languishing unanswered somewhere in the halls of the State Department,” Daniel Goure, a former US Department of Defense official now with the Lexington Institute, wrote in a paper on the subject published this week.
“At a time when the US is still engaged in two wars and finding it difficult not to become engaged in other regional conflicts and crises, it makes eminent sense to do whatever it can to build the ability of friends and allies, our partners in regional security, to defend themselves better,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ed Ross, former principal director for operations at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said that Taiwan must “improve its military capabilities and negotiate from a position of strength to deter Chinese aggression and coercion.”
“The US must continue to push the envelope on arms sales to Taiwan, providing Taiwan what it truly needs to maintain a sufficient defense capability, not what it believes Beijing will tolerate,” he wrote in an opinion piece in Defense News.
“If we are willing to defend civilian life and liberty in Libya, we should be willing to do what’s necessary to give Taiwan the ability to defend itself. The time has come for a broader, more inclusive debate on Taiwan and US China-Taiwan policy,” Ross said.
ADEQUATE COVERAGE: New Taipei City, which has more than 9,500 people under home quarantine, said it would add another 450 rooms at its disease prevention hotels The Taipei City Government has added a fourth designated disease prevention hotel, allowing people under 14-day home quarantine to isolate themselves from NT$5,000 per day, it said yesterday. The Taipei Department of Information and Tourism launched the first disease prevention hotel on Feb. 21 to accommodate travelers without a place to stay during mandatory home isolation or quarantine, and for people who want to separate themselves from their family members or roommates during quarantine. The department said that as of yesterday, more than 120 travelers have stayed at one of the city’s three disease prevention hotels, and their 178 rooms are nearly
MISINFORMATION: The 100,000 masks given to ally Paraguay were bought in other Latin American nations, not made in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Taiwan has not yet reached a point where it can export masks to diplomatic allies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday, dismissing as misinformation online reports that it gave away masks to curry favor with a diplomatic ally. “Taiwan provides med-ical aid to diplomatic allies based upon specific circumstances,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said, adding that the supplements donated by Taiwan were all purchased locally in allied countries, in accordance with their needs. “The time is not yet ripe” for Taiwan to export medical supplies, such as surgical masks, to diplomatic allies, until
An improvised protective device for use when intubating patients designed by Taiwanese doctor Lai Hsien-yung (賴賢勇) is being adopted in the Philippines to help doctors there stay safe amid the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. “We made this acrylic aerosol box for my sister Dra. Frances Legaspi for Antipolo Doctors Hospital. Credits to Dr Lai Hsien-yung for the concept and design,” Anton Legaspi, whose family owns a business that makes customized designs, said on Facebook on Monday. The hospital is in Antipolo, about 25km east of Manila. Legaspi’s post was accompanied by several photographs of the box and a short demonstration video
All state-run columbariums must strictly regulate how many visitors they host during Tomb Sweeping Day on Saturday next week to curb the spread of COVID-19, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) said yesterday. Hou asked people to use online worshipping services instead. Electronic “tomb sweeping” systems, which display a virtual altar for people to make offerings and say prayers, can reduce crowd sizes at columbariums, Hou said during a site visit to Shulin Life Memorial Hall (樹林生命紀念館), a columbarium in the city’s Shulin Disrict (樹林). Measures for admission control would be strictly implemented in state-run columbariums, Hou said, pointing to the Shulin


The business executive Hodan Nalayeh died at the age of 43. Here is all you want to know, and more!
Biography - A Short Wiki
Media executive and activist most well known for serving as the President of the Cultural Integration Agency and she hosts IntegrationTV weekly on Omni TV, a show dedicated to inspiring and connecting Somalis and Muslims in media.
She completed a bachelors in communications at the University of Windsor before eventually earned a postgraduate certificate in broadcast journalism from Seneca College.
She has been a producer for a number of popular television shows including American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.


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Aeneas Williams honored by Southern at homecoming
BATON ROUGE - What a year it's been for Aeneas Williams.
In August, the former safety for the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals was inducted into the NFL hall of fame. Then on Saturday, he was honored by his alma mater, Southern, at homecoming.
The school, celebrating it's 100th year in Baton Rouge, holding a presentation at halftime for Williams. The Southern board of directors presenting the New Orleans native with a proclamation. Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden giving Williams a key to the city and declaring October 4th, 2014 "Aeneas Williams Day." Also, Williams fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi administering a plaque to him as well.
The biggest crowd in Mumford Stadium this year giving Williams a nice standing ovation throughout the presentation.

domain: news


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This Doritos Mexican Chicken Casserole is one of my niece's all favorite recipes! She even requested it for her birthday dinner! This layered Mexican casserole is PERFECT for prepping ahead of time and the leftovers taste EVEN better! I like to spice m
Mexican Chicken Casserole - 3 chicken breasts, diced (abt. 2 c)....1 c. salsa...1/2 c. cream cheese...1/2 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles (or use the whole can if you want a little more kick)...1/2 (15 oz.) can black beans...1 c. sour cream...1 tomato, diced...2 green onions, sliced...2 c. shredded cheddar-jack cheese...1 c. crushed tortilla chips
Doritos Cheesy Chicken Casserole - THE BEST Mexican casserole EVER! Chicken, sour cream cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, salsa, corn, cheese and Doritos! Everyone goes nuts over this casserole. Only takes a minute to assemble and it is ready to eat in 20 minutes. SO quick and easy. Great for a crowd - even picky eaters love this!
Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe from The Country Cook. The *BEST* Chicken spaghetti I have ever made. There is no other recipe like this one on the internet! It's an original that is a new family favorite!

domain: food


The first plastic boat anchor weighs less than two pounds yet holds small craft better than metal designs do. A small blade on its shank keeps it from resting on its back, so the tip digs deep. Price not set; cooperanchors.com
Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


Well, if you like homely guns.
well it looks like Ruger did it again
could be another Home Run in the making
Appears to be a S&W 317 - Ruger style
both have 8 rounds and both with barrels less than 2"
I think the 317 runs about $660 and higher, I wonder if the new lcr will be HALF that?
Who would Ruger be trying to target with an LCR in .22LR? Maybe they thought that people would buy it as an understudy for the LCR in .38/.357.
Well I'm looking at getting one as soon as ther're more available. Hope they come out with one in 22 mag too! You can never have enough 22's Also waiting for the SP101 22 too. beats the hell outta paying 700+ for a used S&W 63
Well since the first post I now have my SP101 22lr and I must add Wow! It's everything I thought it would be and more! Now I really gotta have the LCR 22.Just to round out the 22 colection
Well I found an LCR at one of my LGS pulled the trigger and bought it. Well I am impressed! Accurate and wow what a trigger! 300 rds on the first trip to the range, not one issue!
I got one about a month ago for $475 out-the-door.It is a fun little gun to shoot,but WILL NOT function with CCI Velocitors. I basicaly got it for the girlfriend to shoot,she has Carpal Tunnel and cannot shoot lots of 9mm or 45acp.It really makes me want an LCR in 357.I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering one.It is also a low cost training tool for a DAO.
Double your pleasure double your fun, his and hers. She picked out and i ad to have one also, of course they are consecutive numbers.


Stone Bridge Town Halls
We will be hosting a Town Hall on Monday, November 16th, at 7 PM. The PTSO will host a follow-up meeting on Tuesday, November 17th, at 7 PM, to address further questions. Please complete this SBHS Question Form in advance to submit your questions regarding our Return to School. Questions and answers will be discussed during the live meetings and posted on this page.
Town Hall Documents
- Livestream Link (also embedded to the right)
- Town Hall Slide Deck (11/16)
- Townhall video presentation with Mr. Flynn (recorded)
- Townhall video presentation in SPANISH with Mr. Montanez (recorded)
- PTSO Followup Slide Deck (11/17)
- PTSO Followup Video Recording (11/17)
If you have further questions, please email your school administrator or counselor.


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Coral Sands Beach Resort
No availability found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
Travel Blogs from Christ Church
... and that she wouldn't get to Brighton until much later. But as we're looking for a seat, Laura is leaning out of the train waving her hand and smiling.
When we got to Brighton it was warm out and the sun was shining. It took us 40 minutes to walk to our hostel, which turned out to be really sketchy and everyone there was unfriendly and weird. After we checked in we took a walk back into town on the boardwalk and relaxed in the sun. ...
We got to Petersfield where we stayed at the Cricketers Inn.
That night Heather met us to take us to their place for a meal. It was good to see both Mike and Heather who we hadn't seen for 5 years. They were annual visitors to Jajarawong for many years.
Next day Heather took us by train to Portsmouth...in particular to see the Maritime Museum.
The area taken up by the museum is large and is in ...
... an enjoyable vibe. Lunch called so we strolled down the Lane, a bustling little shopping street that could almost fir a lorry, to the Roccoco for paninis and coffee. Another round of people watching as we enjoyed very fresh, nicely toasted focaccia bread. The 2 hour parking ended all too quickly so it was back to Corsa and on the road to home with A quick stop at Sainburys to replace the French press that hadn't survived the morning ...
... cities on her monitor from the flight cam was admirable. She must have watched clouds for at least 3 hours to no avail. It entertained me greatly as you can tell. After a long flight, two meals, some form of pot noodle snack, three films (two of them were The Bourne Legacy without sound, I think it's a good film from what I can tell), lots of music and no beers we landed in Hanoi. We had made it! Arron and ...
... She is looking so well and it was great to catch up on the news of all the Tennett side of the family and look at some of her photos.
We had the most delicious dinner – cooked chook, with roast spuds & parsnips, and peas followed by ice cream and an assortment of fresh berries. That was enough to get my eyes drooping and it wasn’t long till I admitted defeat, had a lovely hot bath and called it ...
How has this hotel rated in the past?
Historical Traveler Reviews Coral Sands Beach Resort Christ Church
Coral Sands Beach Resort WONDERFUL!
My husband and I spent a week at the Coral Sands and we couldn't have been happier with the accommodations. It is very clean, very quite and has a wonderful island feel and is tastefully decorated. We stayed there from Feb. 23 thru March 2nd and even though they were mostly full, we had the feeling some days that we were the only guests there! The staff is warm and friendly & extremely helpful.
We did have a chance to chat with other guests at the pool bar and everyone was so down-to-earth and friendly!
We will definitely stay at the Coral Sands again upon return to Barbados!
Chuck & Linda
We, too, liked the Coral Sands a lot (we chose it on the basis of previous reviews.) It is very clean, very well maintained, the staff is competent, the rooms are quite large and the views--unless you're on the first floor--are wonderful (we were on the second.) The location is terrific: a block off the main street, near a really nice Starbucks/Subway imitator (the Cafe Blue), a supermarket, a (pretty grungy) fitness center, and lots of other stuff. It's also a very short walk from both St. Lawrence Gap and Rockley Beach, which have much fancier restaurants than Worthing does. A couple of caveats: despite the "quietness" others have mentioned, when we were there in late February there were a number of families with children who were decidedly not quiet; the hotel has limited amenities (virtually no one ever used the restaurant; the pool is small; there's no fitness center; and the hotel didn't provide any beach chairs for guests, although there was ample seating around the pool); and every room has two double beds (not even queen-size), which are kind of small, especially--I guess--for Americans. They ought to offer some rooms with the option of a king bed, which we would have loved to have had. Still, we had a great week, and would certainly return.
My husband and I just returned from our first visit to Barbados and have already marked our calendar for a return visit. Although we would have loved to have stayed at Sandy Lane, it just wasn't in the budget. We stayed at Coral Sands on the suggestion of a forum expert, as I would call her, because she was right on with her advice! Rooms were lovely and so very clean you could eat off the floor! All rooms are ocean front. We were on the 1st floor which is actually one above ground floor. Had a lovely view of pool and beach but stay on the 2nd or 3rd level if you want a total ocean view. Families seemed to love the ground floor as their rooms opened right onto the pool area but were still somewhat private due to various plantings. Beach was excellent and we felt no need to explore the island other than what was within walking distance or the occasional trip to Oistins for fish right off the boats and local festivities. Grocery market is a couple blocks away and St. Lawrence Gap is a short walk. The Restaurant at SouthSea is not to be missed. Unbelievable experience. Coral Sands staff is wonderful! They are professionals at making you feel welcome and we will not forget them and their kindness. My only problem with the room was the beds. They were a bit hard for my taste and the pillows were extremely flat. That's such a small gripe if one at all. I would recommend Coral Sands for total relaxation, as you can easily be social or just be by yourself.
This hotel completely met my high expectations...it's a gorgeous white building with a pretty entrance and lobby. The staff was very curteous and there was always someone standing at the front desk ready to assist...the pool area was intimate with comfy padded loungers and umbrellas (note: you don't have to get up at dawn and put your book on a chair, there are plenty to go around)...the bar was a cute octagonal area where they served drinks and meals too---it seemed they were there from 10am-8pm ish. We had lunch one day and it was good bar-food. Our room was just like the photos on the website....very clean and comfortable. And my favorite feature of Coral Sands Resort was the view and private balcony. We sat on our balcony numerous times and enjoyed the view of the sea (we were on 4th floor). Don't tell anyone, but I even sunned topless on our balcony! That's how private it was...The beach is amazing...the soft white sand seemed larger than other beaches with plenty of room to spread out. It was public, but that did not deter from it. The activity was fun to watch and it never seemed too busy. Also, the entire time we were there, I only noticed 4-5 airplanes. I'm sure there were more and they did fly pretty close, but not a nuisance at all. Not one vendor approached me while on the beach.
We just returned from a 5 night stay at the Coral Sands Beach Resort. We had a fabulous time. The hotel is beautiful and every room is ocean front with a large private balcony.
We stayed at Coral Sands Beach Resort Hotel for 14 nights 13-27 Dec 2004, on the suggestion of a Barbadian colleague.
Our friends joke with us because we travel so much. We can tell you about places all over the world. But pay special attention about this one. We had prior reservations at the Southern Palms. If you have ever been to a short stay motel in NJ, that is about a 5 star compared to that dump. We bounced around to a few other hotels and then accidentally "Thanks to trip advisor" stumbled on this one. We feel that this was definitely a diamond in the rough. The location is perfect (5 minute walk to St. Lawrence Gap) impecabley clean, all rooms have a huge balcony, lots of closets & storage, kitchens and a beautiful view of the sunset. This place is quiet, quante and right on one of the largest beaches on the south coast. Also, we did not see one bug.
My new wife and I have just returned from our honeymoon in Barbados and spent a few days at the Coral Sands Beach Resort after moving from our previous hotel. The hotel is situated in a great location on the south west coast and has direct access to a great stretch of beach. The beach is surrounded by a coral reef so the water is very calm and enjoyable for lounging. We also found that there are a number of great beach bars along the beach where you can enjoy a cold beer or good lunch.
If you're looking for a clean, quiet, nicely furnished hotel with a view of the Caribbean to die for, look no further. The Coral Sands Beach Resort was everything we'd hoped for and then some.
We have just returned from five days at the Coral Sands and give it very high marks. The hotel will be four years old in March and it is immaculate. Extremely well kept.This is a quiet hotel on a beautiful beach. There are no major activities at the hotel. The bar is open only for part of each day. On a crowded day, there were 8 people around the pool, the vast majority of whom were British.The rooms are lovely, all look out on the pool and the beach. Sandy Beach is a gem. Easily walkable, swimable with lots of small restaurants and bars close by. We ate at Pisces in the Gap, good food and a beautiful setting. Also the Cliff. Outstanding.Overall we give this hotel and its location an A and will certainly go back.

domain: geography


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Juniper Books Inc
Theological Exegesis Essays in Honor of Brevard S. Childs
Regular price $50.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Christopher Seitz editor
Kathryn Greene-McCreight editor
William B. Eerdmans Publishing
Grand Rapids, MI U.S.A.
Pictorial soft cover. Tiny rubbing to front edge corners. Pages clear and bright. Binding tight.

domain: literature


The electrochemical cells used are toxic gas sensors from Alphasense Ltd. that operate in an amperometric mode. That is, they generate a current that is linearly proportional to the fractional volume of the toxic gas in the environment:
Image Source: Alphasense Ltd.
These electrochemical sensors are comprised of four electrodes:
- Working electrode
- Auxiliary electrode
- Counter electrode
- Reference electrode
The working electrode is where the oxidation (CO, H2S, NO, SO2) or reduction (NO2, Cl2) of the toxic gas to be measured takes place. This electrode is exposed to the outside air and directly exposed to all gases in the air including the gas to be measured. This electrode may as well be poisoned if it is exposed to certain gases that either adsorb onto the catalyst (such as acetylene onto CO sensors), or react, creating by-products which inhibit the catalyst (NO2 or aromatics onto H2S sensors).
The auxiliary electrode is an electrode of the same characteristics to those of the working electrode, but it is buried inside an electrolite and, hence, it is not in contact with the target gas. Since it is isolated from external conditions that could affect the working electrode, it serves as a reference to the measurements provided by the latter.
The counter electrode balances the reaction of the working electrode – if the working electrode oxidises the gas, then the counter electrode must reduce some other molecule to generate an equivalent current, in the opposite sense. For example, where carbon monoxide will be oxidised on the working electrode, oxygen will be reduced on the counter electrode.
The reference electrode anchors the working electrode potential to ensure that it is always working in the right conditions. It is important that the reference electrode has a stable potential, keeping the working electrode at the right electrochemical potential to maintain a constant sensitivity, good linearity and minimum sensitivity to interfering gases.
Therefore, while the sensor response is exposed to the target gas, it creates a current flowing from the working to the counter electrode or viceversa (depending on the oxidative or reductive nature of the target gas). This current has been found to be nicely responsive to target gas and therefore subject to characterisation and calibration.
Reduction vs Oxidation Electrochemical Sensor¶
As mentioned above, the counter electrode is meant to balance the reaction of the working electrode. This determines the current direction within the board: whether it goes from the working electrode to the counter electrode or viceversa.
Oxidation sensors, such as CO, provoke a positive current out of the working electrode and the larger the amount of CO present, the larger (positive) is this current.
Reduction sensors, such as NO2, provoke a negative current, i.e: going into the sensor and the larger the amount of NO2 present, the larger (negative) is this current
Usage and considerations¶
Alphasense Ltd. provides the calibration data in laboratory conditions for each of the electrochemical cells used. This data can be used to calculate pollutant concentration and to correct for known effects by temperature deviations.
Alphasense Ltd. provides very useful application notes for the sensor usage.
Pollutant calculation based on calibration data in laboratory conditions, can be insightful enough for certain applications, but it might not suffice for some conditions in which the sensors are exposed to other pollutants or in harsh environments. For this reason, two different approaches build on top of the laboratory calibration data:
- Usage of more advanced physical models as detailed in 1
- Usage of site-specific calibration models with short-term deployments in co-location with reference measurement equipment and generalised calibration models derived from the junction of these 4.
The electrochemical sensors need stabilisation time under the testing conditions they will be at. It is important to set and power the sensors with sufficient time (1-2 days) on the test environment for them to adapt. The newer the sensor, the more stabilisation time it requires. For this deployment, you will be receiving brand new sensors.
Humidity and temperature extremes will require of further sensor adaptation, in order to dry out or absorb the necessary humidity for their proper functioning.
Do not extract/attach the sensor capsule from the base board while powered, this could irreversibly damage the sensor.
These methods, however, are still open to discussion and more research is necessary to address all use cases. For this reason, the use of these sensors in the Smart Citizen Station is tailored to each use and adapted to the calibration needs of the deployment.
Characterisation techniques based on manufacturer data and physical models (i.e. classical linear regression using sensor sensitivity, span and zero) require a big development effort in order to characterise the sensor behaviour that, in the case of low-cost sensors, is affected by a wide variety of external factors such as temperature, humidity and pollutant cross-sensitivity, each of which imply a larger characterisation effort and that can’t be fully represented in a controlled setting. On the other hand, statistical models are able to generate models that describe the sensor behaviour in a mathematical way, but they need to be properly adjusted with large amounts of test data, preferably in the actual deployment site. This approach can be applied per sensor, or to a batch of sensors, assuming that the inter-sensor variation is low or that they can be normalised.
In the case of deploying the sensors in different locations, the conditions of these sites should be sufficiently similar to those when the model was generated, since many models won’t be able to extrapolate well, or account for effects they have not seen (i.e. temperature gradients, specific pollutants, etc). How much is sufficiently similar, depends on the type of model and it is not easy to determine and, since this is not often assessed easily, researchers suggest (5, 6) that a co-location prior to and post data acquisition with reference sensors should be carried out. In any case, the development of these models highly depends on the amount and quality of the data obtained from both: sensor data and reference data. In the case of reference data 6 have pointed out that reference stations can deviate up to 15% from the actual pollutant concentration, but this has not been taken into account in this study.
Since co-location possibilities could be limited, two options are compared for the calibration of these sensors: a specific on-site calibration with sensor co-location, aiming to calibrate the sensors with the data from that period; and a general model approach, in which all the co-location tests from the different sensors deployed are input into a statistical model that aims to describe the global behaviour. Whether these methods are able to generalise or not, it's yet to be answered, and it's probably to be defined for each use case in particular.
A whole section of the electrochemical sensors validation is available in the iSCAPE D7.8 report on Sensor monitoring experiences and technological innovations 4.
The use of electrochemical sensors for monitoring urban air quality in low-cost, high-density networks - M.I. Mead, O.A.M. Popoola, G.B. Stewart, P. Landshoff, M. Calleja, M. Hayesb, J.J. Baldovi, M.W. McLeod, T.F. Hodgson, J. Dicks, A. Lewis J. Cohen, R. Baron, J.R. Saffell, R.L. Jones ↩
Development of a baseline-temperature correction methodology for electrochemical sensors and its implications for long-term stability - Olalekan A.M. Popoola*, Gregor B. Stewart, Mohammed I. Mead, Roderic L. Jones ↩
Dušan et al - In search of an optimal in-field calibration method of low-cost gas sensors for ambient air pollutants: comparison of linear, multilinear and artificial neural network approaches. In: Atmospheric Environment (2018) ↩↩


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Senior managers have agreed a 4 per cent pay increase with the operator of the UK’s rail infrastructure, potentially cushioning the blow from strikes later this month.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association on Friday said managers at Network Rail had voted in favour of the pay deal, which also includes better job security and a commitment not to unilaterally change employment contracts.
Although it will not prevent strikes scheduled for August 18 and 20, the agreement should help Network Rail run a skeleton service on those days. About 2,500 other TSSA members at Network Rail plan to take part in the strikes, along with 40,000 workers represented by the RMT union.
Network Rail’s agreement with the TSSA will come as a reprieve to commuters who have been affected by industrial action during the past few months, as railway and London Underground workers continue to protest over pay and working conditions.
However, the union Unite said on Friday that more than 1,600 London bus drivers planned to strike over pay on August 19 and 20. The first day will coincide with a walkout by London Overground and Underground staff.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said the managers’ decision was “fantastic news” and the result of unions working “collaboratively and productively with industry”.
“This acceptance by these TSSA members will mean that we have a strong, reliable contingency staff for any future strikes and will be able to run services for passengers and minimise disruption to lives of everyday people,” he added.
Some of the managers are trained signallers and could step in on strike days to fill the positions, according to one person close to the situation.
Tim Shoveller, who led the negotiations for Network Rail, said he was “pleased” that TSSA’s managers had accepted the offer, which includes a 4 per cent increase on base pay from July as well as heavily discounted leisure travel for employees and their immediate families.
“We believe this is a deal that is both fair for our employees and affordable for passengers and taxpayers,” he added.
The TSSA represents more than 3,000 members at management level working at Network Rail. They had previously voted to take action short of a strike, which would have included not covering for colleagues in the event of a walkout.
These managerial positions include planners, architects and human resources, commercial, compliance, safety management, and security staff, among others.
Luke Chester, TSSA organising director, said that while the deal fell short of the union’s aspirations on basic pay, it addressed many “longstanding concerns”.
“It’s very good news that our union was able to stand up collectively and win concessions across the board from the company, which will really benefit our members,” he said.
He added, however, that it was “a shame that managers had to vote for industrial action before we could make progress. We remain committed to further dialogue with Network Rail to build on these gains and deliver a fair deal for our members going forward.”
Chester also criticised Shapps’ comments, saying that the transport secretary had “some nerve” making comments about working “collaboratively and productively”.
He added that it was the Department for Transport that had been “crippling negotiations” across the rail industry by “preventing companies offering pay rises that reflect the rate of inflation”.
In response, the DfT said it was “extremely misleading to suggest the transport secretary should get involved in these negotiations”.
“The union knows full well that negotiations over pay and working practices don’t happen with the government — they happen with the employers of the people they represent. We once again urge union representatives to get back round the negotiating table,” it added.


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This spring, the intrepid explorers of Merchiston Publishing will boldly go where few twenty-first century Earthlings have gone before, and release a new edition of the lost science-fiction classic, A Voyage to Arcturus. David Lindsay’s sweeping philosophical venture through space gets a fresh new spin. Our crisp cover and fonts dreamt up by our savvy designers, Margot Reverdiau and Ruth Grindley marry Arcturus’ constellation with the glittering vintage style of roaring 20s pizzazz.
Not only will Merchiston Publishing release a special limited edition print, we are also pleased to announce our partnership with Shoreline of Infinity to produce a free ebook for a more widespread audience!
You can hear the Arcturus voyagers discuss our exciting collaboration at Shoreline of Infinity’s next Event Horizon at The Blind Poet on April 4th in the run-up toward A Voyage to Arcturus’ release in May 2016!
A Voyage to Arcturus is a classic that deserves a a new life and we’re really delighted to be able to support the team with this project.
Editor, Shoreline of Infinity

domain: artistic


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Manchester, located in England, is a city known for its science and engineering, making it a dream destination for students from all over the world.
One of its campuses, Manchester University is the largest non-collage university in the United Kingdom.
Apart from being a city of education, Manchester is also a tourist destination city with lots of fun thing to do.
The best tourist attractions in Manchester are a choice for tourists who want to take a vacation to England.
There are tons of attractions when traveling to the city of Manchester and this article will guide you to the best places in Manchester.
If you're traveling to Manchester, you must be familiar with their football clubs. One of the most successful clubs from the city is Manchester City. The club has been major club in the Premier League, and it is good to know more about the club by visiting its stadium. It is Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City and a place to held numerous popular matches in Europe. The stadium can occupy 55,097 seats and is one of the major destination for football lovers from around the world. You can make this stadium as your first stop in Manchester.
Another good option to spend one day trip in Manchester is Fletcher Moss Park. It is a park featured botanical garden situated in Didsburry, Manchester. The park is located between two rivers, Stenner Woods and River Mersey. Inside the park you can enjoy plenty of unique plants and green trees with hiking and walking trails. It is an ideal place to spend a day by getting around the park.
Manchester is one of the most favorited city in England. It is know for home to two major football clubs in English Premier League; Manchester United and Manchester City. Besides popular for the league, the city is also home to notable universities and no wonder many students are studying abroad in Manchester. But if you're planning to have a sightseeing in Manchester, the Manchester Museum is a must-see destination for your first trip. The museum displays the works of archaeology, natural history, and anthropology that is owned by University of Manchester. It is a nice place to learn about the history of the old England and amazed by its neo-Gothic building.
Another place is Manchester Cathedral, a formerly Church and Cathedral of St. Mary, St. George, and St. Denys in Manchester. The cathedral has a prominent tower in front of its Gothic building and attracts tourists to see the magnificent building. You can spend and get good pictures in the cathedral area. It is one of the best and favorited destinations to visit in Manchester.
If you want to learn about the culture and rich history of Manchester, you can start by visiting Science and Industry Museum. The museum is dedicated and devoted to the development of science, technology, and industry. You can find numerous interesting display of the science and technology development in England. The museum is also an ideal place for students to learn about the science and as well as the culture of the city.
Football has been the main culture of the English and it is necessarily needed to visit its National Football Museum. The museum is home to numerous memorabilia of football history in England. You can learn about how football firstly came up and become the world most favorite sport in the world. Anything you want to know about football is here in the museum.
The best time to visit Manchester is between June and August, it is when the weather is quite warm and many events calendar is filled with interesting events.
If you're looking for a monumental destination in Manchester, you should visit Alan Turing Memorial. It is a monumental statue located in Sackville Park and it is dedicated to honor the pioneer of modern computing. The statue is built to honor his service and his knowledge that took technology into a modern era with computing.
Another landmark you can visit in Manchester is IWM North or Imperial War Museum. The museum displays the impacts of conflicts in the society and is one of five branches. In this museum you can learn about the impact of conflicts between society over the century. It is an ideal place to take your kids and learn about history and conflicts throughout the centuries.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly is 4-star hotel offering an elegant design with glass-and-steel look of its building. Located in the corner of Manchester, this hotel is a comfortable place to stay during vacation in the city. It is also near the tourist attractions, train station, and museums as well as shopping center.
Copthorne Hotel Manchester is another 4-star hotel located one miles away from Manchester United Museum. It is a good place to stay if you're getting around the Manchester United stadium. The comfortable and typical elegant style of rooms are available. You can make this hotel as your best option to stay in Manchester.
Bundobust is a modern Indian restaurant located in Piccadilly, Manchester. They serve typical seasonal cuisines of India with curry and strong taste. If you're having problem with British cuisines or you want to try some Asian food, this restaurant is recommended.
Fazenda Manchester is an up-scale and fine dining restaurant serving Brazilian fare. All-you-can-eat menus are available and you can get your best meals to have. The restaurant is also serving numerous drinks to accompany your late nigh dinner in Manchester.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery is a gift shop in Manchester and a good place to find your best souvenirs. The shop provides wide collections of items and locally made products. You can get gifts, crafts, handmade items, t-shirts, and many more. The prices offered are reasonable.
Menkind is a nice gift shop located in the Manchester Arndale shopping mall. You can get wide range of items from Manchester and well-branded items. Get your best deals and offers for the best souvenirs in Manchester.

domain: travel


Snapdragon 855 Power Consumption Demo, Butby Ian Cutress on December 6, 2018 2:30 PM EST
One of the interesting demos for the newly announced Snapdragon 855 SoC here at Qualcomm’s Tech Summit was to do with power. In a dedicated area, Qualcomm had set up two pairs of devices, with Snapdragon 855 and 845 chips inside, and had images of power on two big displays designed to show the generational gain of the new chip that has been promised with more performance on a smaller process node.
For the power consumption values, Qualcomm had wired up some meters to the battery connects in each device. This gives the overall system power, not just the power of the chipset, so that includes the display, the connectivity, and anything else that might draw a microjoule or two.
On the first pair of devices, Qualcomm was running through a script of random web based searching. The script allowed for automation, and it was continually loading a set of known webpages fresh without cache lookups. This is a fairly light test, but it does stress the radio a fair bit as well as a changing display that has a lot of white area.
Overall it showed that the S845 system was using an average power of 2219 mW, while the new S855 system was at 1778 mW. In the grand scheme of things, this is 20% less power.
For the second demo, Qualcomm went for gaming. Firing up PUBG, we were told that the two devices were fixed into a 40 FPS mode with identical quality settings. This was also a scripted test, with the player jumping out of the plane onto the ground and quitting out. This obviously requires a bit of radio in order to connect to the online server, and there would be a small disjoint between the two games based on server latency.
Values for these tests put the S845 at an average power of 3276 mW, and the new S855 at 2543 mW. The difference in this test would be 22%.
All of this is well and good, although one big caveat came up: none of the screens were brightness calibrated. The Qualcomm representative said that the brightness of the devices was ‘eyeballed’ to be in the same region, however based on personal experience, that’s never a guarantee and they could be out by as much as 20-30%. The panels were also not from the same manufacturer, so there’s a question of panel efficiency as well.
All being said, this is perhaps not unexpected (or rather, showing power at this point is unexpected). There has to be some obfuscation as Qualcomm has to manage expectations but also the final tuning needs to occur. On top of that, it will be up to Qualcomm’s OEM partners to put the SoC into an environment that may or may not be efficient for radio, display, thermals, etc.
We’ll wait until we get some hands on with the hardware until we make any judgements. Funnily enough, I have my display calibration tool with me. To be fair, Qualcomm stated that they’d allow me to equate the screen brightness on both, which was a nice gesture, but we haven’t characterised the workloads they were using, and there was no chance I’ll be allowed to run our power tests at this point. Stay tuned, as power efficiency is going to be an interesting story here.
- The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Pre-Dive: Going Into Detail on 2019's Flagship Android SoC
- Qualcomm Tech Summit, Day 2: Snapdragon 855 Mobile Platform
- Qualcomm Tech Summit, Day 1: Announcing 5G Partnerships and Snapdragon 855
- Qualcomm Tech Summit, Day 2 Live Blog (Starts at 2pm ET)
- Samsung Galaxy Note9 Performance & Battery Showdown: Snapdragon vs Exynos


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This day with grace; brings a smile on my parent’s face. As they welcomed their blood; a symbol of their love. I could witness instead of fall; the happiness in lives of all. Who wholeheartedly love; and fear losing me enough. I can feel how worthy I am and valuable, As they value, treat and respect me like someone special. My existence I believe; is their reason to live. And my birth or arrival; is a hope for their survival. My birth reminds and makes them nostalgic; leaving all ecstatic. Instead of made up lies; I could sense and see, smile with teary eyes. With each passing day as my age increases, Those each passing days, my carelessness decreases. The blessings and surprises they keep; moves me and make me weep. With every passing year; I either grow or lessen fear. I’ll no longer have to pretend; as I’m genuinely happy to some extent. It’s worthy celebrating for this fact; it’s worthy rejoicing in fact. It is a beautiful life gifted to me by God, What more beautiful could I have wished or ever asked for? I’m capable to effectuate responsibilities; I’m capable to showcase abilities. I’m capable to quit or grin; I’m capable to fight and win. I’m capable to leave or achieve; I’m capable to deceive who deceive. I’m capable to win or lose; I’m capable to stand still and confuse. I exist for discovering the reason of my birth, The purpose of my life and realise and value my worth. I’m worthy to be sent here; who no longer holds fear. I’m a unique creation of the creator; who deserves a chance greater. Every year has showered me; with countless blessings, prayers and mercy. I simply celebrate and can’t resist; that with my loved one’s, I love to exist. I’m able to stay ignorant and remain contradictory, I’m capable to conquer the caves of victory. And among 1000 reasons negative; only 1 reason is enough that’s positive. Sufficient enough to be reflective; to celebrate and change perspective. Enough to be happy on this day; enough to embrace and sway. And to get a short break; from distraction, negativity and forsake. Though the risk of uncertainties are pretty close, And the maturity stage unknowingly begins to grow. Maybe I shouldn’t celebrate; and there are plenty reasons to elaborate. I won’t be anymore witnessing this; as my expected existence is ending unlike abyss. My extinction would hurt plenty; my disappearance would cause agony. Maybe I shouldn’t rejoice; I yet think of having no choice. I’m grateful of my birth to see the beauty of the world, I feel privileged to be given a chance to be learned. Creator who created a beauty; on this day was his beautiful duty. The result was my existence; and I pledged with persistence. Simply adoring myself and thinking; the love for me isn’t shrinking. That I’m a blessed soul and child; who’s loved, adored and isn’t exiled. Everyone’s contribution and special efforts, too, makes them grateful, It’s a sense of great feeling, and I feel highly fruitful and fateful.
Hello dear reader, hope you loved reading this poem. If you want to read more such poems sign up for the Unverbalise Newsletter to get them directly in your mail box.


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We Are Here To Help
Are you a healthcare professional looking for travel healthcare placement services to help you find opportunities where you can make the most of your skills and experience in a local or travel opportunity? Our team is here to answer any questions you may have!
If you prefer, you can proceed directly to our job board to what jobs we currently have available. Our listings are updated regularly. If you don’t see a position that’s right for you, you can still apply, so we have all your information available when the time comes.
If your healthcare facility is looking for talented people for permanent placement, travel nursing, or travel allied health roles, we offer a full range of healthcare staffing and recruiting services. We’d love to talk to you about your needs!
Connected Health Care is a specialized healthcare recruitment company. Our focus is on executive search and nursing, laboratory, radiology, rehab therapy, respiratory, surgical technician, and pharmacy positions. Learn more about those specialties, or if you have questions, concerns or want to schedule a consultation, please fill out the form below to tell us how we can assist!

domain: medical


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Guest post for Mrs Brimbles Creative Team.
Hello everyone. Wow, November is here and Bonfire Night has been and gone...crazy! Today I am creating a Bonfire Night themed memory keeping page in my creative journal. I have used the October collage sheets and printables from Mrs Brimbles Patreon page and wow we were spoiled for choice with last months goodies. As part of the layout, I have turned some of the printables in to die cut pieces.
Making Die Cuts for Ephemera
To make the die cuts, I printed out the smaller collage sheets on to glossy thick paper (which actually came with my Jane Davenport Butterfly Book). After they were printed, I carefully cut around them, then used a corner rounder to make the edges smooth. Below are my finished die cuts from the printable collage sheets, they are so cute!
Creative Journal Page Process:
Firstly I printed out one of the large painted backgrounds from the collage sheets and then stuck this to a double page spread using pritt stick. You can see that I had some trouble and a massive crease appeared on the page. I didn't let this bother me too much as I was going to be sticking over it. The background I chose is so vibrant, the pink and yellow really pop on the page, perfect for my Bonfire Night page.
Next I chose a photo from a fireworks party I had attended and used that as a focal image (and to mask the crease a bit).
The colours of the page really do provide a vivid contrast to the photo and really make the photo stand out against the colours.
Adding Gold Foil Lettering
As part of a workshop by Prima at Plannercon Europe called Sparkle and Shine, we learnt to create lettering using gold foil and rub on transfer sheets. Prima provided all the materials and it was so easy to do, literally rub the transfer onto your page, layer over the foil and rub down to the page, then peel off. As you can see I need a bit more practice, but I love how it is messy as it really is in keeping with my theme. I may also have bought some more gold foil from their stand. I then went around the foil with a black felt tip.
Finally, I added another photo and stuck down some of the ephemera die cuts I made earlier and a bit of text using stickers and a gold Sharpie. I had still to use my stickers from one of the Brimbles Box kits (the space theme), so added a few of these to the page too. I love the finished look. The collage sheets and printables have really bought the page and layout together.
I've really enjoyed putting this page together, I haven't really made a page before using a full page printable, but it is something I will definitely do again. Thanks for reading. Be sure to check out Mrs Brimbles Patreon Page, even more goodies are being offered now, more videos, more collage sheets and even a 20% discount code to her shop.
Take Care, Kerry xx
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I was so overwhelmed to win a ticket to Plannercon Europe from the lovely people over at UKPA planning group on Facebook and I still haven't got over the fact that I have been. What an amazing experience and opportunity. I am so very grateful.
Documenting the week at Plannercon Europe:
I headed down to Brussels on the Wednesday morning, the event wasn't until Saturday and Sunday, but I wanted time to explore Belgium and if I was going anyway I wanted to make the most of it. Fortunately it was half term week at work, so I had plenty of time.
WEDNESDAY 25th OCTOBER:
I got up at 2.30am - yep! (I had only just gone to sleep!) and set off for the drive to the airport some 25 miles away at 4am. I hate driving and was so scared on the way...I have only driven on the motorway once and that was a warm up for this. All was fine and I got the airport in plenty of time for my 7.30am flight. The plane was so teeny tiny. I was sat in a seat on a single isle, I have seen bigger buses. I arrived in Brussels at around 10.30am after checkout, baggage claim and getting the train. I left my luggage in a locker at the train station and headed straight in to town. I say straight in to town, I got lost so many times that that alone took 2 hours. I did see some lovely sights along the way though.
I finally found Grand Place Square and wow! what an amazing place. It was so beautiful and such a sunny day, so I sat outside in a cafe and took in the sights. I negotiated my way through the pretty side streets and found Rue des Bouchers and eventually found The Delirium bar and the Jennaken Pis statue before heading back to the locker and on to Motel One for a nap and a few beers.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY:
On Thursday I spent the day in Bruges, what a stunning place, such pretty streets and another beautiful square/market. Unfortunately it rained most of the day, so I never got to go on a boat trip, but I did visit lots of places that I had planned to. I must have walked 10 miles easily. I managed to find (eventually), The Old Hot Chocolate House and OMG I am so glad that I did. A cup of hot chocolate that you pour a whole chocolate cup of buttons in to and yes the pouring cup is chocolate too, topped off with the most amazing Belgian waffle... heaven.
Friday the plan was to go the Atomium, however on arising I realised that I could not walk...ouch the pain. So instead I mooched around the hotel, did some planning in the bar and headed over to Paul's bakery across the road for lunch. In the evening my planner friends arrived - yay and it was back the bakery, then time for the 'mini meet' with some of the attendees. So many people turned up (I had organised it thinking there would be around 10 of us). It was lovely to chat to so many like minded people and talk all things planners, it was also lovely to finally meet some of my lovely blog readers and online planner friends.
Saturday and Sunday: Plannercon Europe Event:
Wow, what an event, the organisers were amazing and really did pull out all of the stops, it was a bit of a whirlwind I must admit, so many people I met, workshops undertaken, goodie bag claimed, swap table rummaged through, stalls perused, purchases ringed in, raffle tickets given and a teeny tiny bit of planner time. I met Erin Condren and got her to sign my planner, got a personalised Leuchturm Monthly planner and had so much fun. Katie Teage's planner song to an Ed Sheeran song was a particular highlight. I won't waffle on (get it?) too much as I have documented the event and goodies in my two videos below. I just want to thank everyone for making it possible, I will never, ever forget it.
I did miss a few goodies out of the haul video by mistake so they are featured in the image above. Enjoy watching my two videos below, the first of the trip and event itself and the second of the huge haul from the goodie bag, purchases, gifts and swap table. If you are viewing from email or to get directly to You Tube click here - Kerrymay._.Makes You Tube Channel
So excited to be starting a new feature on my blog - The Young Crafter. Today I am featuring a lovely young lady called Carys, who has a massive passion for scrapbooking. Have a look what she has been up to and how she started her scrapbook journey in her own words.
My favourite part about scrapbooking is that I can share a lot of special memories through photos and lovely things with friends and family.
Carys' Scrapbook Pages
I have created a few pages, since starting in August - I like my holiday in Menorca pages because it reminds me of fun times together. I cut out the fish from the napkins that had come from a restaurant on our holiday and made it look like they're in the sea with sparkly blue foam paper. I also like the seaside pages with the treasure box that I made with gems. It takes a long time, but it's worth it. 😃
To begin with, I like to put the pictures on first and create around them. I don't stick anything, until I'm happy with the final design because it's okay to change your mind.
I would recommend scrapbooking for others because it gets your mind flowing with excitement and ideas. Anyone can do it if you have belief in yourself to just try your best in everything you do!
Thank you so much to Carys and Julie for being my first young crafter to feature on the blog, so articulate and stunning pages Carys, you should be very proud. I hope that you continue your crafting journey and keep us updated.
If you have a young crafter and would like them to be featured on the blog please leave a short comment below with your email address and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy Halloween, Take Care, Kerry xx
Today I am sharing a peek into my planner bag and stationery storage pouches for planning and my washi tape storage for home and travel or planning on the go. My planner bag is from http://www.aliexpress.com/ and so are many of the washi tapes featured in the video. My pouch is all set up ready for Plannercon Europe - eek 3 days till I set off!!!! I so can't wait.
So have a look at the video below and do leave me a comment either here or over on the video itself.
Keep Up to Date on My Plannercon Europe Vlogging:
Be sure to visit my Instagram and Insta Stories for updates from Plannercon Europe and Brussels from Wednesday till Sunday (25th-29th October 2017) - My Instagram
Take Care, see you after Plannercon Eu
A guest post for Plan With Hannah - go visit her lovely blog.
Beginning the journey into art journaling can sometimes be scary; not knowing where to start or what tools and equipment you need, thinking it won't be good enough, not having any inspiration... sound familiar? It needn't be. Art journals are a means of self expression and are ultimately for YOU, no one else. So stop judging yourself and get going and go with the flow, you soon won't be able to stop those creative juices from flowing. Read on for 10 ideas to get you started.
1. What do you need to start art journaling?
The first question to ask is what tools and equipment you will need. Well I have covered most of this in my post here Art Tips for Art Journaling, but you really don't need all of that.
Basically you will need:
2. How do I start though?
Don't over think it - EVER! Just get some paint on the page and then add some extra elements to it if you wish. I never plan what I am creating (only very loosely). You may wish to leave it as just the paint or you can add more detail after. See below for some inspiration.
3. Using stamps over paint
Using stamps over you paint (after it is dry of course) is a great way to get started. There are so many pretty stamps available now. Tim Holtz do great ones for mixed media or if on a budget have a browse through Ali Express and search for clear stamps, they are so cheap. I got some lovely ones with vintage writing on and they look amazing stamped on to my painted pages. For the image featured here I added a bit of white pen for extra detailing.
4. Using collage to add interest
5. Decoupage Art
One of the first things I tried with my pages was decoupage. I bought a matte medium gel from Amazon and started by sticking different things down with it, then adding a layer of the gel on top. You can scratch away at it so that it shows through the paint or leave as it is. It is great to add tissue paper to a page or a torn sheet from a book and really adds interest to your page. You can also use one layer of a patterned serviette.
6. Adding words to an art journal page
The hardest decision I had to make when starting art journaling was how to add words and quotes to my pages. Well, the options are endless. You could add printed words, cut words from magazines, use chalk pens or gel pens like the uni ball, use paint pens like the posca ones, use die cuts or ephemera (printed or brought) or paint or stamp them. Don't limit yourself or over think it and don't be put off if your writing is not great... the printer and glue stick are your friends.
7. Adding embellishments
Anything and I mean 'anything' can be added to your art journal pages. Got some scrapbook elements or enamel dots? Buttons lying around? - use them in your pages. Simple and effective. Use a strong glue, glue dots, sticky pads or a hot glue gun to adhere them to your page.
8. Just add pen
Yep, just adding a bit of pen work to your paint can really make the page pop. The posca paint pens or uniball gel pens in white or any colour really are a great way to add detail to paint. Again, don't over think it, just start doodling over the paint for amazing results. Alternatively just a black biro to add patterns or zentangles to a page can really be effective, these could also be used in art journal pages as borders or to frame certain things.
Guest Post Information: About Hannah:
I have almost completed my Bullet Journal / Lists Journal that I have been updated for the last two years. It is still being added to and is a great way to track goals, hobbies, my blog and other things in my daily life such as inch loss, reading logs and art ideas.
Below are 18 bullet journal page spread and bujo layout ideas to give you inspiration for your own journaling, complete with a video flip through at the end of the post.
Bullet Journal Tracking and Lists Pages:
Click the image for a close up view.
Bullet Journal Doodle Practice Pages:
In addition to tracking, I also use my bullet journals for doodle practice. I have shared these before, but I love them so much they deserve another share.
Get more ideas in my flip through of an 'almost' completed bullet journal.
So excited to be writing a post for Kelly over at the Hazy Days UK blog. You will all know that I love Kelly's stickers, they are so varied and have stunning graphics and cuteness. So rather than me just showing you pictures of the pretties, I thought I would share some ways you can use them in both planners and journals.
Using Full Kits in Weekly Layouts:
I am using my stickers from HazyDaysUK.etsy.com (a variety of different kits, both functional and decorative). Using full kits for weekly planning is the most obvious way to use stickers in your planner and many of you will do this already. I like to be a bit different in that I use a blank tn insert and draw out my layouts each week using a different layout or style. I love that I can vary them up and mix and match things. The image above uses the Three Bears kit which is stunning. For this layout I have used a vertical TN boxes layout, whereas the with the stunning autumnal Little Red Riding Hood kit below I have chosen a more streamlined horizontal layout similar to the Carpe Diem.
Here are just a few of my experimental layouts using Kelly's stickers.
Using Functional Stickers and Deco Sheets
I love functional and decorative stickers. I must admit to using decorative more to add a bit of prettiness to my planning. I am definitely more an aesthetic planner than a functionality planner. That said, Kelly's icons are great to add to monthly and weekly pages as you are filling them in. Here's a few ways I have used the two sets of stickers for a more functional style bullet journal/bujo style planner layout.
Using Planner Stickers in Creative Journaling and Bullet Journals
I have also used stickers from Kelly in my creative journal pages and in my bullet journal, in particular the deco sheets. In the image above you can see the gorgeous bujo pastel headers of the days of the week (I use these a lot) and you can also get a set of number/date stickers in the same styles and colours. They are stunning. Below is part of a page I created for my Summer holiday break up day.
My very first purchase from Hazy Days was their reading log stickers, which went straight into my bullet journal on my reading page. It's a lovely long sticker which you can use to track your reading on the go. I have also used Kelly's stickers on my dashboards. The gorgeous dreamcatcher came from a boho feathers set and I just love it.
Monthly Planning Using Sticker Kits
Finally, I use my Hazy Days stickers for planning my monthly layouts. I have used two of Kelly's monthly kits: The Boho/Tribal Kit and the Flowers Monthly kit. They are both gorgeous. You can see how I used the tribal kit here Monthly Planning in my Traveler's Notebook (Planner Girls Collective).
The beautiful flowers kit I have used here (complete with a plan with me video)
Monthly Kit Plan With Me
I hope this post has inspired you to be more of a creative planner or given you a few ideas for using your stickers. Now go and check out Kelly's shop (You can use code KERRY15 for 15% off no min spend), the link should apply the discount if from a computer.
Thank you for reading, Kerry xxx
Guest post for Mrs Brimbles Art Creative Team
I see a lot of posts in the planner and creative journal groups asking for ideas on using their printables, papers and creative kits. For this post I am using Anna's patreon resources (workshops, videos and printables) to give you some inspiration on how you might use them in your own planners, creative journals, art journals and on memory keeping pages.
Art / Creative Journal Page
The October printables are stunning. I created a post last week using the canvas style printables where I created a Flower Art Journal Page, so I wanted to create a smaller page spread for my creative art journal to maybe add some memory keeping to. I started by adding some watercolour and alcohol ink in Autumnal colours to the page. I then added the amazing watercolour fox printable and added some definition to this by adding a darker colour behind it. I wanted the watercolour to be a bit more abstract than my usual style, so added a few swirls and splodges in watercolour to add a bit more interest to the page.
Next I added the Autumn printable brush lettering header and painted over the white in the same colour paint I had used on the page. I added embellishments of autumnal washi tape, a cut out from a Brimbles Box scrapbook paper which I added an Autumn quote too in a white posca paint pen. Lastly definition was added by drawing an outline to frame the page in brown watercolour and used the white paint pen to draw out details on the page. I love the result of the vibrant colours and that cute Mr Foxy.
Bullet Journal Autumn Page
I won an Instagram prize a few weeks ago: The Little Bullet Book, which is stunning and wanted to make a start straight away. I used Anna's Patreon Printables to accent the page and it has really made the bujo spread pop. I love how the October header sets off the page and that stag is soooo beautiful. I love how the page is simple but effective; I can't wait to get planning. I have a busy month ahead, but I get to end it all in Brussels for Plannercon Europe.
Autumn Planner Dashboard
My final make was to update one of my pocket dashboards. I used a tutorial from a UK Planner to make a dashboard pouch pocket a while back and had already added the gold spray around a flower embellishment from a Stamping Up kit. Finally I added Anna's bear from the collage sheet and an acorn. I again used a white paint pen to add the Happy Autumn writing.
I love my Autumn set up and have got so much use out the September kit. It is now used in my planner, bullet journal, creative journal and an art journal. Hopefully you will be able to give some of these a go and maybe it's given you some ideas as to how you can use the collage sheets in your own planning and creative works. There are so many options, so don't hold back. printable images can be used in anything you do, you just need to go with the flow and don't overthink it. I now feel a scrapbook page coming on for my next little project.
Hi I'm Kerry a Notts UK blogger and drama teacher. I'm also a planner, art & creative journal fanatic. Make a cuppa and browse my tutorials, musings, and crafty makes.

domain: design


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Benefits of Selling Your House to Cash Home Investors
The time you want to sell your house fast so that you can get quick cash it’s not that simple and it is essential that you make sure that you are able to incorporate the best cash housing company. However, the need to have quick cash makes one sell the house fast so that he or she can be able to achieve the dreams. You can need quick cash so that you can be able to purchase another home in a different location due to change in the job which can make you buy a new home near the area of your job. When this is the factor or any other it is imperative that you incorporate cash housing companies since there are the best when you want to sell the house fast for quick cash.
You will be able to sell your house as it is. When selling your house to cash housing investors you will be able to experience an easy moment that will enable you to achieve your goals since they ensure that the seller is not having any stress when selling his or her house. You will not be required to do any renovation to your house so that it is appealing to the eyes of the buyer since even the ugly or old house they purchase it. Therefore, the cash that you could have used for renovation you can consider to use it to meet other financial needs.
By considering the cash housing company you will be able to receive the cash on time. You will have an opportunity to meet the expectations and achieve your projects since you will be able to have the amount of money as expected. In most cases, the amount of money is given to you when the purchase process is over. The purchase process takes only seven days. This makes them be preferred by most people because you can be able to get the cash within a period of seven days and you can be able to complete the project you wanted with the money.
Also, as compared to realtors that requires you to pay some commissions so that you have your house sold, with cash housing company you will not be required to pay any amount of money. You will have adequate amount to channel to your new project since the cash housing companies enables you to save more cash. It is essential that you ensure that you are able to get the value of your house on its current condition and when you incorporate the cash housing company you will be able to sell your house at a good price.

domain: finance


Wednesday, 13 July 2011 15h00 – Moving on
The all-nighters have started as D-day for Sling 4 ATW approaches at the speed of light. Although the prototype ATW Sling 4 won’t be making an appearance at Virginia, the Sling 4 launch at 10h00 on Tuesday 19 July is a fixed date and she’ll leave for Oshkosh the next day or as soon thereafter as she’s ready. (There will, nevertheless, be a number of other standard Slings on show at Virginia).
Meanwhile, work at The Airplane Factory is reaching a crescendo. Yesterday Jean and Ruan put in a marathon session, each working for 31 continuous hours. The fuselage team worked until after midnight last night, but had the satisfaction of seeing the fuselage from firewall to tail in one continuous piece. They’re back on the job today with the objective of getting her on her undercarriage with the engine on by tomorrow morning. Ryall’s working non-stop on the Perspex for the canopy and the wing team is just surveying its work before beginning to polish them up for final fitment.
Probably the most eloquent expression of where we are right now is some photographs all, save for the shot of Jean and Ruan at the commencement of a 15 hour non-stop laminating session which was taken at about 22h00 last night all of the shots below were taken an hour ago at 13h00 today, Wednesday 13 July 2011.
Meanwhile, on the side, ZU-FNM, our Cape Town agent, Mark Bunning’s Sling, will fly later today under a proving flight authority and ZU-FNN, David Jang’s Sling has an authority to fly and is ready for delivery.
Til next time – The Airplane Factory Team
Sunday, 10 July 2011 Work continues late into each night
It’s been a long and late weekend, especially for Jean and the composites team. But first things first – Thanks to Chalkie for volunteering the use of his and Peter Hengst’s immersion suits from their 2003 Oshkosh centenary flight for our trip. It hadn’t been hours since a friend had sent through a record of water temperatures in the Bering straits and only minutes since we’d discussed taping up our sleeves and trouser legs in the absence of a better solution, when Chalkie’s email arrived. So we’ve taken up the offer and the suits will get a second chance to do some ocean crossings, hopefully once again without getting to see any water!
Meanwhile things are moving along slowly at the factory. For me, more the paperwork man, the pace on the construction of the plane seems painfully slow. The wings still need the standard leading edge tanks installed, work on the centre fuselage was only commenced this morning (Sunday 10 July) and the panel still looks mostly like a bird’s nest of wires! But Jean, Ryall, Ruan, Joseph, Brends and Florence in composites have been working serious hours. The blanks for pulling the canopy perspex over are dry and merely need to be annealed before use and the two main door frames are laid up and ready for finishing. Tomorrow a marathon session on the main canopy frame in which the doors will be housed. Mike assures me that tomorrow, with the full factory workforce available, things will suddenly begin to move more quickly. I promise to report further on that tomorrow.
Our objective remains to fly the ATW plane on Thursday or Friday this week and depart Wednesday or Thursday next week. That will always, however, be subject to safety considerations.
Meanwhile, the Airplane Factory features on Carte Blanche tonight, so if you have a TV (I don’t) get before it to watch the action.
Monday, 4 July 2011 Work on the canopy progresses, Director of Civil Aviation to launch Sling 4 on Tuesday 19 July and around the world departure delayed to 20 July 2011
Since last Friday the canopy blank has been fully prepared, two female canopy moulds cast, two foam canopy door frame cores routed, numerous centre fuselage components drawn, punched out and bent and re-assembly of the wings has commenced following tank seal testing.
While good progress is being made across the board, all substantial projects require both blind faith (to get them started and keep them moving) and also application of dispassionate decision making (to ensure they succeed rather than ending in catastrophe). While it was out plan to depart for the US from the Virginia Airshow in Durban on 16 July, we now believe that it’s too soon and we’ve decided to delay until Wednesday 20 July. With only 5 legs all the way to Oshkosh Mike and Jean still plan to arrive there on 27 July, but of course it is going to mean quite serious hours of flying. And notwithstanding that, if all goes according to plan the Sling 4 will still appear at the Virginia show en route one of its proving flights.
The route to the US is now as follows – Tedderfield to Pilanesberg to clear customs and then direct to Pointe Noire. That’s a 15.5 hour flight. Then the flight to Dakar is a long one, 4 200km around the coast (to avoid politics) which, due to a massive fuel load, will take 24 hours flying. The three remaining legs, to the Azores, New Foundland and Oshkosh come in at only 15 hours each, so that shouldn’t prove too much of a problem. A substantial benefit of the route is that it has only 4 stops en route. Our previous travels in the Sling have demonstrated again and again that the flying is easy and relaxing, it’s the stopping that’s time consuming, stressful and frustrating. So few, long legs really is the way to go. It also costs less because one doesn’t have to pay landing and approach fees as often, one sleeps in the plane, not in a hotel room and so on. Hhhmmm, anyhow, that’s still quite far away yet!
Meanwhile, the launch of the Sling 4 by the Director of Civil Aviation has also been delayed until 10h00 on Tuesday 19 July, the day before we leave. Please any interested parties feel free to attend. Finally, see below the most recent rendering of what the Sling 4 will look like when completed.
Saturday, 2 July 2011 The fuel tanks are sealed and the focus shifts to the canopy and centre fuselage.
The behind the spar and both leading edge fuel tanks in each wing of the Sling 4 have been pressure tested and there are no leaks. They will therefore be finally assembled into the wings over the next few days.
Meanwhile, the greatest single challenge facing the team is the development of the canopy in the tight time constraints facing the project. Far more complex than the standard 2 seater sliding canopy, the 4 seater canopy comprises 5 sections with mid-located gullwing doors which are visible, opened, in the undercarriage-less photograph some entries down. This design will give additional rigidity to the entire airframe structure. The canopy frame, however, which is to be constructed from carbon fibre and glass fibre with epoxy resin, is a complex structure will take some time to prepare. Luckily for The Airplane Factory Manfred Springer, who lives on the airfield, has a 6 by 3 m 3D routing machine and has prepared a blank of the canopy from which a female can be cast. Jean is working on the problem day and night and will be doing everything necessary to ensure that by the end of this coming week a fully functional (and knowing Jean, probably also beautiful), canopy arrangement is available).
Simultaneously Terry is on the final straight with the small brackets and other finishing elements of the centre fuselage on Solid Works. Most of the remaining centre fuselage parts will be punched out tomorrow (Saturday) and construction on the centre fuselage will commence in earnest on Sunday/Monday. Although the control arrangements are slightly different in the Sling 4 and the additional seats and changed wing placements require some changes, conceptually the Sling 4 centre fuselage arrangements are materially the same as on the Sling 4. Three months ago 10 people, 5 of whom had absolutely no mechanical experience, built a Sling in 7 days. (For a teaser on that see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yShaGeKPGyo). Now, with an entire factory full of experienced aircraft assemblers, the Sling 4 (sans canopy anyhow) should be a cinch to complete in 6 days. Of course unlike with the 7 days aircraft, the rear fuselage and wings are already almost complete!
More news will follow after the weekend. For those doubters, however, The Airplane Factory’s confidence that the aircraft will be completed by next weekend is demonstrated by the fact that the Director for Civil Aviation in South Africa, Mr Thwala, has agreed to launch the prototype at 10h00 on Monday morning, 11 July, 9 days hence. We are honoured to host Mr Thwala and we also invite those who are interested in seeing ZU-TAF completed to attend the gathering. We promise a full tour of the factory to those who are interested.
Until next week, sala kahle.
Monday, 27 June 2011 Construction continues on the prototype Sling 4 while plans develop
During the last two weeks there have been a number of changes around The Airplane Factory. While construction of Slings and Sling kits continues apace, a slightly different beast is taking shape in the northern quarter of hangar 7, directly under the watchful eyes of the company directors. Good progress is at last being made on the Sling 4. As appears from the photographs below, the lower half of the rear fuselage has already been riveted and the slight change from the standard Sling in the shape of the upper half is in evidence. The main and rear spars of each wing are loosely in place, and all 6 of the fuel tanks, which will give the aircraft an endurance of 24 hours when filled, have been sealed and are busy drying. Last night Jean and Chris Pietersen worked until 11pm in the cold hangar in order to achieve that.
Meanwhile, Gareth Bosch is working hard on planning the wiring system for the aircraft, which this time around will use a Vertical Power VP-X Sport electronic circuit breaker mechanism which is reputed to be highly reliable, easily configurable and provide excellent electrical system reporting. This will be the first Sling with the VP-X system. More generally the instrument panel layout has been settled and will be panel itself will be laser cut within the next few days. It contains two very sexy G2 MGL Odyssey EFIS instruments, a Garmin SL30 navcom radio, a Trig mode S transponder and the controller for the Airmaster AP320 constant speed propeller. Not much else is required. This time there will be no stormscope, although a Zaon PCAS traffic collision avoidance system will be plugged into and display on the MGL Odysseys. See the computer generated panel below.
Finally, time constraints have led to late night discussion on the most appropriate routing for the trip. Although the plan has, until yesterday, been to travel east to Oshkosh, and head back still going east, that requires 10 legs of which at least 3 are of more than 18 hours flying time and another 3 more than 14. Plus, travelling east the days are effectively shorter and, when tired, “tomorrow morning” comes quicker!
The flight from Johannesburg to Oshkosh going west, by comparison, has only 6 legs, all of which are less than 15 hours, and of course the days are effectively longer. So, right now it looks like it would be wise to reverse the planned direction so as to guarantee an arrival in Oshkosh before the show ends. Of course there’ll still be a great deal pressure on Mike and Jean to get there around 26 July, but at least it’s more likely to prove theoretically possible at first take off, without exceeding the speed of light. More about that later. See the map of the route below or work out the distances for yourself on Google Earth using the file in the link.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011 Construction commences on the prototype Sling 4
When the production prototype Sling , ZU-TAF was flown around the world during 2009 at take-off and landing she was loaded to 965kg, some 365kg above the maximum all up weight applicable to the light sport aircraft category for which she was designed. Yet she proved herself again and again, performing consistently well at that weight with only a 100hp Rotax 912 ULS engine.
The Sling 4, a light 4 seater variation of the standard Sling, will have an empty weight approximately 50kg heavier than the standard 2 seater Sling. With a maximum all up weight of 850kg it will have a useful load in the vicinity of 400kg, making it a respectable light 4 seater aircraft. With a 115hp turbo charged Rotax 914 UL engine, a constant speed propeller, a fuselage lengthened by some 550mm and standard Sling wings extended by 400mm each at the root, she should perform as well as the standard Sling.
In fact, so confident are we that we intend to fly our prototype Sling 4 to EAA Airventure Oshkosh, leaving within a week of her first flight, and return to Johannesburg by again circumnavigating the globe. Construction of the prototype Sling 4 commenced today and we intend to keep the public updated as the build progresses, particularly towards the end. Although the initial plan was for all 3 shareholders in the business (Mike, James and Jean) to complete the circumnavigation, production and management commitments at the factory are such that it’s impractical to take all 3 directors out of circulation for the full 4 week period of the flight. Instead Mike and Jean will be flying to Oshkosh, going west this time, and James and Jean will be returning. From Oshkosh back to SA there will also be a third pilot in the aircraft, the identity of whom is yet to be finalized, although at present if looks like our weather expert from the 2009 trip, Tim Parsonson, also a qualified pilot.
For a taste of what the Sling 4 will look like take a look at the computer generated renderings below created by our head draftsman, Ruan Coetzee. For the precise planned routing for the circumnavigation download the Google Earth file called “Sling 4 ATW” and take a look.
More next Monday!


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A certified nurse midwife, Erica Riordan, MSN, CNM, provides general obstetric and gynecological care for women, as well as contraception counseling and preventive medicine. The Illinois native earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aurora University in Illinois and received a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on midwifery from Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, Ky. Her experience includes 10 years working as on obstetrics nurse at Illinois Valley Community Hospital. She also was associated with Birth Care Staffing, an agency that assists hospitals in fulfilling specialized nursing needs. She is a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives and Midwives Alliance of North America.
Midwifery is a field of healthcare focused on women's health, especially as it relates to pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period.


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This location is in the city of Danville, CA. Danville has an average Walk Score of 23 and has 42,039 residents.


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KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah announced that provincial officials were setting up a Women’s Tailoring Centre, saying that the programme aimed at strengthening women economically and socially.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the tailoring centre at the Razzaqabad Flood Relief Centre on Thursday, he said this is the right time for the centre as it can help the women affected by the flood and transform their grievances into aspirations.
The centre is a programme under the Economic Development Project organised by the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme.
The chief minister said that the Shaheed Benazir Income Support Programme initially distributed Rs1,000 every month, but now deserving women are being provided Rs3,000 each.
He lauded the efforts MNA Nafeesa Shah and said that more than 8,750 women will be imparted skilled training in 133 districts. There are thousands of young people without jobs in the province and it is the government’s responsibility to provide them with employment. About 96,000 young people have been trained in various skills under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Youth Development Programme, out of which 32 per cent have jobs, while others have initiated their personal business, said Shah.
The chief minister also announced that 50,000 acres of land have been distributed among women haris while another 100,000 acres of land will soon be distributed among the women.
Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto said the government and NCHD participated in rescue and relief operations and more than 25,000 people were rescued in Dadu. Over 350 women are being trained in tailoring, cutting, stitching with a monthly stipend of Rs2,500 while more than 8,750 women will be trained in four months.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2010.

domain: sociology


Four in 10 Franklin County voters would have to find a new time, place or way to cast their ballots under election-rules championed by Ohio Republicans in a new law. Experts and the people who run local elections fear lower turnout or longer lines on Election Day as a result.
“If we put 140,000 people back on Election Day, you have to wonder,” said William A. Anthony Jr., director of the Franklin County Board of Elections, citing the approximate number of people who took advantage of the conveniences the county offered in 2010 that allowed them to vote without going to the polls. “That’s a whole lot of people,” Anthony said. “Even 60,000 is a lot.”
Or 234,000. That’s the number of Franklin County voters who cast ballots during the 2008 presidential election on dates, at times or in locations that would be shut down if the GOP election changes – which have been signed into law but are the target of a referendum campaign – are implemented. Read More
As North Carolina House leaders try this week to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of voter ID legislation, they’re ready to risk defeat on one of the most politically divisive issues raised by the General Assembly’s new GOP majority.
House Speaker Thom Tillis has committed the House to attempt that override and several others during this week’s brief legislative session focused on redistricting. An override vote that fails to get a three-fifths majority means the legislation dies until after the 2012 elections. Still, Republicans appear ready to lose some votes to stake out a position for next year’s campaigns.
“You’d rather never lose on a veto override. There are some that you are more willing to take that risk than others, because you know it’s the right thing to do and the public will know that you did the right thing,” said Rep. Ruth Samuelson, who counts votes for House Republicans. “There are some vetoes that are more political than others.” Read More
The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court’s order for a new election gives the candidates for principal chief a second chance to declare a definitive win. It also gives the tribe’s embattled election commission a chance to restore faith in the system.
The contest between Principal Chief Chad Smith and challenger Bill John Baker became a back-and-forth tug-of-war during the days immediately following the June 25 general election.
After both candidates were declared winners — then losers — allegations of fraud and deception surfaced. The integrity of the tribe’s election process suffered, and at least one commissioner targeted for criticism became a casualty of the bitter contest. Read More
One Democratic state politician says there are 887,000 Ohioans without a state-issued driver’s license or photo ID. The Service Employees International Union also puts the number of Ohioans without IDs at hundreds of thousands.
The number has become important because of a bill that passed the Ohio House and is now before the Senate that would require a state-issued photo ID to vote.
But records from the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles show about 8.83 million voting-age residents have an Ohio driver’s license or photo ID – about 28,000 more than there are voting-age residents in the state, according to the 2010 census. A Dispatch analysis of state driver’s license data found that the percentages of voting-age Ohioans with state-issued IDs also vary from county to county. Read More
Area municipal clerks are seeing a jump in requests for mailed absentee ballots, thanks to efforts by special interest groups to make sure people don’t miss out on the Aug. 9 Senate election.
In that rare recall election, Republican Sen. Dan Kapanke will face Democratic challenger Jennifer Shilling, a five-term state Assembly member who last week won a primary over Republican James Smith, who ran as a Democrat to give Kapanke more time to campaign.
“We’ve got so many people going door to door, and they’re kind of strong-arming people into applying for an absentee ballot,” said West Salem Village Administrator/Clerk Teresa Schnitzler. Read More
Recent changes to Florida law require third party voter registration organizations to register with their local supervisor of elections office. Those that don’t follow the law can be held liable to fines and criminal penalties.
While the new law seeks to minimize voter fraud, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation is under way to determine if the rules violate the Voting Rights Act. Read More
A key member of Bersih 2.0′s steering committee said he does not trust the biometric voting system proposed by Election Commission (EC) because of the latter’s poor reputation.
Wong Chin Huat said: “I don’t trust the biometric system because I don’t believe the EC has the competence and integrity to prevent rigging and other abuses.
“Does the EC have the competency to maintain the system and also to detect or eliminate hacking by an external party?” asked Chin Huat.
The Election Commission would consider whether to endorse Pheu Thai party-list candidates and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan within the 30-day deadline, EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said.
Meanwhile, another red-shirt leader, Thida Thawornseth, said the group would wait and see the EC’s decisions before deciding on future moves. However, Thida said the group’s decision had nothing to do with a request by Pheu Thai’s PM-in-waiting Yingluck Shinawatra for the group not to pressure the electoral body.
“The red shirts are formed by the people. People’s opinions can vary. However, no one should be worried that the red shirts will do any damage,” she said. Read More
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said it will strive to modernize, reform and redeem the integrity of the agency through a five-year program.
Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes said the program, the Comelec Strategic Plan 2011-2016 or Comstrat, is anchored on the guiding principles of independence, integrity, accountability, transparency, impartiality, professionalism, efficiency, service orientation and rule of law.
“Comstrat is the summary of the five programs that we will be doing at the Comelec. It will start this year up to 2016. Most of us (commissioners) will not see the end of this program because we shall be retired by then,” he said. “But Comstrat had been ratified by the Comelec en banc so it will have to be implemented in the next five years.” Read More
The government has agreed in principle to provide allocations for the Election Commission (EC) to implement the biometric voter verification system, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.
Notwithstanding the funds, he said, it was important to ensure the system was running smoothly when the time came for it to be implemented. “I want the EC to ensure the system’s integrity and functionalities in line with its objective,” he told reporters after meeting Barisan Nasional component party leaders. He hoped that the system would be in place in the coming election but said that it was up to the EC whether they had sufficient time to develop the facility. Read More
Latvians have overwhelmingly voted in favour of dissolving parliament in a referendum called to combat the power of oligarch businessmen, early results of the poll showed.
With more than 57 per cent of ballots counted, 94.8 per cent of voters supported the legislature’s dissolution, according to Central Election Commission data released on its website on Saturday.
“Overall voter participation in the referendum was good,” election commission chairman Arnis Cimdars told a news conference. The referendum will lead to a snap election in September. Read More
Voter turnout in Latvia topped 44 percent in the July 23 national referendum on dissolving the Saeima, according to data compiled by the Rīga-based Central Election Commission shortly after polls closed at 10 p.m. local time.
Now the counting begins, but the result will likely be that 100 MPs will be out of a job and will start planning their campaign for the expected September elections.
In all, about 682,000 citizens voted, with turnout especially strong along the Gulf of Rīga, where many people were spending their weekend at a beach. Saulkrasti County, on the gulf’s eastern side, registered turnout that topped 150 percent thanks to voters from outside the district casting ballots there. Read More
Egypt’s parliamentary elections will be held in the second half of November, two months later than originally scheduled, Chief of the Higher Election Commission Abdul Moaez Ebrahim said on Saturday.
He added that the elections of both houses of the parliament will be held at the same time and fully supervised by judges. “Whether Egyptian expatriates will be able to vote or not needs a political decision,” Ebrahim told reporters in Cairo. Read More
In its preliminary response to the bill, which has been welcomed by some sections , the Zimbabwe Election Support Network said that it has, “critically assessed the draft Electoral Amendment Bill gazetted last month and suggested further improvements.”
“The Electoral Amendment Bill addresses a number of issues which ZESN believes are essential for the creation of a conducive environment and the levelling of the playing field for credible free and fair elections. At the same time ZESN notes that, even though some of the reforms will significantly improve the current electoral legal framework, the proposed amendments do not go far enough in addressing the creation of a peaceful electoral environment.” Read More


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Footballers often state a preference for expressing themselves on the pitch - but Jody Craddock can also express himself on canvas.
This became apparent last night when the former Sunderland AFC player was the VIP guest at a private viewing of his paintings.
Jody, who was accompanied by wife Shelley, agreed to an exhibition at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens as a way of saying thanks to the fans of the city football club.
He said their sympathy and support, when he and Shelley lost their first son, Jake, to a cot death in 2002, had been greatly appreciated.
Jody now lives in the West Midlands and plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He and Shelley have a baby boy called Joseph.
Always keen on painting and drawing as a child, Jody said it never occurred to him to become a professional artist. In any case, his talent for football took him away in a very different direction.
The paintings on show are a mixture of portraits and landscapes. Some were done when Jody took up a brush again following the death of his son, seeking solace in the hobby.
The exhibition opens to the public today, and a portion of any proceeds through sales will go to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.
The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 2-5pm.