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Apple this week informed employees that they have a right to discuss wages and pay-related complaints externally, but the company faces mounting pressure over its employee policies, including a recently filed Securities and Exchange Commission complaint.
Staff in the U.S. were made aware of their express rights in a memo posted to Apple's people site, reports NBC News. The memo marks a noted shift in policy for a company that has over the past months worked to tamp down attempts to organize over similar matters.
"Our policies do not restrict employees from speaking freely about their wages, hours, or working conditions," the memo reads, according to the report. "We encourage any employee with concerns to raise them in the way they feel most comfortable, internally or externally, including through their manager, any Apple manager, People Support, People Business Partner, or Business Conduct."
The internal communique does not express entitlements unique to Apple employees, as rights to organize and speak out about wages are covered by the National Labor Relations Act. The page itself is a new post that underscores text from Apple's public Business Conduct Policy document.
While it is being hailed by the press and some employee rights advocates as a win for workers, it is unclear what impact the memo will have, if any, on Apple staff at large.
Company workers have been pushing for more transparency on pay equity issues, with some creating surveys for the purpose. Apple squashed those attempts and shut down an internal Slack channel dedicated to discussion of the issue in August.
In September, SVP of Retail and People Deirdre O'Brien issued a memo to address chatter over pay equity and workplace issues, saying Apple's approach to the former is "best in class." O'Brien also urged staff to reach out to managers or human resources about wage and workplace concerns.
Today's memo arrives as Apple faces increased scrutiny over its employee policies. Now-former employees Cher Scarlett and Janneke Parrish helped form the so-called #AppleToo movement, which gathered and publicly shared stories about alleged racism, sexism, inequality and other workplace issues. Scarlett also filed a National Labor Relations Board complaint claiming Apple retaliated against workers who attempted to discuss pay.
Parrish was fired in October for deleting files off a work phone during an investigation. Scarlett this week said she was leaving Apple and would drop her NLRB complaint after settling with the company.
The NLRB is investigating seven other labor charges against Apple, including multiple complaints from former software engineering manager Ashley Gjovik. Gjovik, who earlier this year aired concerns over workplace safety issues, sexism and discrimination, was fired in September for allegedly leaking intellectual property.
In October, Gjovik filed an SEC complaint targeting Apple's statements in response to a shareholder resolution that sought to exempt instances of workplace harassment and discrimination from employee nondisclosure agreements. At the time, Apple refused to consider the proposal, saying it had contingencies in place for such exceptions.
From Gjovik's SEC filing, reported here for the first time:
The statements made by Apple Inc. to response to the Shareholder Resolution introduced by Nia Impact Capital includes false & misleading statements of material importance. With the SEC's recent prioritization of enforcing ESG commitments and verifying disclosures, Apple Inc. must be investigated for making false statements to its shareholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Apple continues to deny its now well-known and public issues with discrimination, retaliation, work conditions, labor compliance, and intimidation of employees. Apple's response ignored the numerous open government investigations into its labor practices and the active use of over-broad confidentiality agreement to terminate employees speaking out about labor conditions and/or reporting unlawful activity by Apple to authorities.
"Apple has a very long history of labor offenses, both civil and criminal," Gjovik said in a statement to AppleInsider. "They are also facing a major investigation by the NLRB into their internal employee policies and the threatening memo Tim Cook sent Apple employees in September. Apple is the biggest company in the world and has more money and power than some nations. We must hold it accountable, we must demand transparency, and we must not look the other way just because we like its gadgets."
A previous version of this story incorrectly suggested that the wage memo was an update of existing online documents. AppleInsider was later informed that the post is new. The article has been updated with the correct information.

domain: law


'Her style is dull!' Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen slams Meghan Markle's dress sense after House Rules judge was overlooked for refurbishment of pregnant Duchess of Sussex's Windsor home
Former Changing Rooms star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - now a judge on Australian reality series House Rules - has slammed Meghan Markle's fashion style as 'dull'.
The straight-talking, flamboyant interiors man, who shot to fame on UK television but is currently working Down Under told the Australian arm of News Corp on Saturday, that he was less than impressed with the 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex's dress sense.
It comes after the British-born style guru, 54, was apparently overlooked for the refurbishment of the Royal couple's new Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage.
'Her style is dull!' Former Changing Room star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 54, slammed Meghan Markle's dress sense, in an interview with the Australian arm of News Corp on Saturday
Not holding back: 'Meghan is far too dull, she'd run screaming from me,' Laurence said of the Duchess of Sussex (pictured in February 2019)
Llewelyn-Bowen told the global news channel that Meghan would run 'screaming' from his flamboyant style because it was at odds with her own more subtle take on fashion
'Meghan is far too dull, she'd run screaming from me,' Laurence said, following the news that renovations are being overseen by interior designer Vicky Charles.
The choice to go with Vicky may have come as a shock for Laurence, who previously worked on the interiors for the Queen and Prince Phillip.
Laurence did however have praise for the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles.
'My only hope for a proper, decent royal commission is when we get a Queen Camilla,' he told News Corp. 'She's just over the garden fence and I'm very much hoping for a royal command.'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, has just undergone a £3 million [AU $5 million] renovation.
Official plans submitted to Windsor and Maidenhead Council this month, reveal the interior decor to likely feature a range of stone, grey and taupe hues, coupled with Nepalese cashmere blankets and throws for comfort.
Elsewhere, the renovations include a nursery, believed to incorporate a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and a well-stocked playroom.
Royal snub: It comes after the British-born style guru was overlooked for the refurbishment of the Royal couple's new Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage [pictured]
In charge: Interior design renovations are overseen by interior designer Vicky Charles [pictured]
Last July, Laurence offered some design suggestions for the nursery of the Royal couple's firstborn.
'My grandson has been living in a nursery that I've decorated with some very scary dragons,' he told Yahoo Lifestyle at the time.
Having planned parties for Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana, Laurence said that sophistication is a great asset when designing a child's room.
'I always think that actually you shouldn't dumb down design just because a kid's a kid, children have a very receptive eye!' he explained.


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Wash well ripened cherries, drain them, pit it and puree. Stir the mass of Fruit with jam sugar, add the juice of one lemon and can be run through a short. Now shake the elderflower well, sort und pluck them off and then do it in the prepare jars. Then bring the fruit mixture to boil and stirring constant while 4 minutes at the sparkling boil. Pull pan from the stove and stir the cherry water under. Fill the hot jam in the jars an close it immediately.
Wiener Gelling Sugar 1:1
1 part fruit and 1 part gelling sugar
To produce jam or jelly. Wiener gelling sugar is a fine crystal sugar which is mixed with citric acid and pectin in the correct relationship. The ingredients cause gelation, the sugar acts as a preservative. Fruits and sugar are in 1:1 processed. 1 kg package

domain: food


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More From 'Most Haunted'
For more from Yvette and the gang, check out our 'Most Haunted' hub, where you will find up to date news on the show, highlights and evidence from the latest investigations, and a complete 'Most Haunted' episode guide.
Really and UKTV have confirmed that Most Haunted will return for a new series on January 19th, 2018. With an episode filmed at Birmingham's Steelhouse Lane Lock-Up, a historic Grade II listed police station which operated for 125 years, only closing last year.
The show's executive producer Karl Beattie tweeted
early in the new year that "the first episode in the new @OnlyMostHaunted series is a 2hr as live special and it's a corker, never have we faced this type of paranormal activity!"
However, it seems the order of the series has been changed and the "as live" episode will air mid-series, with an investigation of Codnor Castle Cottage, overlooking the beautiful Erewash Valley in Derbyshire.
2017 was quite a year for the long-running ghost hunting show hosted by Yvette Fielding. Her and her team of fearless paranormal
investigators have brought us two new series in the last twelve months, including an epic Halloween special at Croxteth Hall, and some of the best episodes to date.
The show has made front page news headlines and appeared in countless other publications as a result of what Yvette described as Most Haunted's "most groundbreaking" ghost footage ever. The spook dubbed "the Wentworth Ghost" was captured on camera during an episode shot at Wentworh Woodhouse in South Yorkshire.
With viewing figures up to 30% higher than ten years ago and more people watching Most Haunted at Halloween than any other paranormal show, it has been the show's best year yet. So it's no surprise that the Really channel has confirmed that show will be returning for its 22nd series in 2018.
Advertisement ‐ Content Continues Below.
"No one know what 2018 will bring, with one exception... more Most Haunted, and we hope you enjoy every episode."
The Most Haunted Team
The new series will mark the 238th episode of the show, which first aired in 2002, but what can we expect from series 22?
Not much is known about the locations that will feature in the new series. Of course we know the first episode will be a two-hour special at Steelhouse Lane Lock-Up. The team will also visit Dudley Castle, Llanfylin Workhouse, and Codnor Castle.
Some fans are worried that one of the shows paranormal investigators has left having been seen less in the most recent series. Stuart Torevell only appeared in the episodes shot at The Fleece Inn and Rowley's House, as well as the Halloween special. But the long-running cast member does return this series, albeit in the second episode.
Some fans are hoping that the next series will get a little more scientific with the introduction of most more ghost hunting
gadgets, as seen in other shows like Ghost Adventures. Where as other viewers would like to see the show move further away from science and reintroduce a medium to the cast.
Of course when the show first aired it was Derek Acorah who took on this role, he lasted for six series before being replaced by David Wells. Gordon Smith, Brian Shepherd and Chris Conway all also had a stint as the show's medium.
However there are those fans who simply say, "this latest series has been the best yet. Don’t change a damn thing."
Are you ready for the new Most Haunted for 2018?
Really are looking for die-hard fans of all things paranormal for the chance to appear on TV.
The channel, which is home to Most Haunted are giving you the chance to submit a video of yourself which will feature on an upcoming promo for the new series of Most Haunted.
Really posted the news on their Facebook page
and are asking fans to reply to the post with a video of themselves answering one of the following questions. Why do you love Most Haunted? What's your Most Haunted viewing routine? Why are you interested in the paranormal? Full details of the competition can be found here

domain: news


The Little CZ 2075 RAMI
For the last 15 years, CZ produced a great sub-compact pistol based on its vaunted CZ 75 line that was perfect for concealed carry, the handy little 2075 RAMI.
Introduced in 2005, the RAMI was in every sense a chopped-down CZ 75, using the famed pistol’s double-action/single-action design and double-stack magazine format. Whereas the full-sized CZ 75 typically had a 4.7-inch barrel which yielded an 8.15-inch overall length and 38-ounce weight, the alloy-framed RAMI hit the market with a 3-inch barrel, 6.5-inch overall length, and an unloaded weight of less than 26 ounces.
More on the RAMI in my column at Guns.com.


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This blog explores and examines the intersections of rhetoric, race, and religion.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
6 ways politicians can win the atheist vote
In the aftermath of President Obama’s electoral romp over Mitt Romney, the media and pundits have paid much attention to the demographics that propelled him to victory, especially women, Hispanics and young voters. But there’s one more group that played an underappreciated yet crucial role in his reelection, and which only now is starting to get the recognition it deserves.
A growing segment of American society – up to 20%, according to recent surveys, and higher than that in younger generations — is what pollsters call the “nones,” people who answer “None of the above” to questions about religious affiliation. This includes declared atheists and agnostics, as well as people who choose not to identify with any organized religion. In many swing states like Ohio, Florida and Virginia, President Obama lost both Protestants and Catholics by relatively small margins, but won nonreligious voters by huge margins, enough to put him over the top. In the country at large, there are now as many nonreligious people as there are evangelical Christians.
But the political loyalties of this group can’t be taken for granted. For example, despite his dependency on unaffiliated voters, President Obama has broken a campaign promise by continuing to fund and promote George W. Bush’s “faith-based initiative,” which funnels federal money to religious charities that discriminate in hiring. In effect, nonbelieving taxpayers are being forced to subsidize jobs they could never be hired for.
In this cycle, the specter of a Romney presidency indebted to the religious right persuaded nonreligious voters to choose the lesser of two evils. But there’s no guarantee that this will happen in every future election. If Democrats continue to antagonize atheists and other nones, they may just stay home, and that’s a prospect politicians shouldn’t take lightly. As the Republicans become increasingly ideologically purified, Democratic candidates will need, more than ever before, for their base to turn out in big numbers, and that includes the nonreligious. Anything that turns them off, that dampens their enthusiasm or discourages them from showing up, could mean the difference in a close race.
So, how do politicians motivate the nonreligious vote? How do they appeal to them and get them to come out and support them? Here are a few suggestions.


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Imagine a football team that didn’t have an offensive coordinator or call plays. On every snap, every individual player could choose whom to block, where to run and what type of play they thought would help their team the most. Imagine a Broadway musical where the director didn’t assign roles, there were no scripts, and all the actors were told to go out and entertain people. Finally, imagine a general on the eve of battle not coordinating his troops and instead allowing each regiment to do what it thought was best.
The scenarios above sound like a recipe for disaster, so it is worth questioning why many retailers approach their pricing strategy in the same exact manner. The absolute best plan for price strategy is to actually have a strategy and not a collection of tactics that don’t amount to a greater objective. Sadly, too many retailers allow their individual merchants to control pricing in a decentralized manner. This prevents the execution of truly powerful pricing tactics that drive real price perception in the market while achieving financial objectives at the enterprise level.
Creating a centralized strategy with strong leadership, adoption, and governance is the best way for retailers to price successfully in today’s increasingly challenging retail environment. Keeping in mind this is the critical element to success, here are our top pricing strategy best practices that are critical to driving value for your organization.
A lot of lower-priced discounters and premium retailers know how they want to be positioned and priced appropriately for their brands, assortments and shopping experiences. However, there is a lot of space ‘in the middle’ where retailers large and small struggle to establish a pricing identity. Not everyone can or should compete with Amazon, Walmart and Alibaba. Similarly, not everybody can price like Nordstrom or Tiffany’s. Knowing who you are and having a consistent, centralized (as mentioned earlier) pricing message is critical to establishing a true identity in the marketplace, which leads to long-term financial benefits.
Transparency is an increasingly important pricing strategy best practice. Today’s shoppers are savvy, informed, and they vote with their purchases. Having transparency in pricing is critical in an omnichannel world where shoppers have all the information available at their fingertips, and are likely to consider a wider range of competitors than ever before. In this environment, anybody can purchase from your competitor at any time from the comfort of their own home. Thus, having a clear pricing message that is consistent with the values of your organization and its shoppers is vital for success.
It wouldn’t be prudent to put all of your retirement and investments into one company’s stock. Similarly, it wouldn’t be prudent to spend your entire budget in one area and ignore all others. Despite this, many retailers fail to look at the aggregate portfolio of their business when it comes to pricing strategy. In lieu of a centralized, analytical approach to identifying company-wide key value items, many organizations are still allowing merchants to create lists of personally important items using limited or no analytics at all. Category pricing strategy roles (i.e. traffic driver vs. margin enhancer) are often non-existent or designed without a portfolio impact in mind. A collection of tactics at the merchant level, which are not aggregated to a greater strategic objective, that also lack analytics and have no real governance is a recipe for a pricing disaster in an increasingly sophisticated retail environment.
Most people are not only aware, but also comfortable with the fact that the airline, hospitality and rideshare industries use advanced pricing algorithms. It is inconceivable for a major retailer in today’s world to not use technology to help with replenishment, planogram creation or key HR functions. Despite these facts, there are still some retailers who have not taken the necessary steps to enhance their pricing with advanced analytical platforms. The ability of an AI pricing solution to model billions of outcomes based on real consumer insights is simply impossible for a human to replicate – and yet, there are still retailers who are ‘bringing knives to a gunfight’. All the best strategies in the world cannot make up for a technological gap so wide that it will eventually determine tomorrow’s survivors and failed banners. That's why adopting the right technology to keep your company informed, agile and competitive is one of our top retail pricing strategy best practices.
A competitive strategy is only as good as its reaction time. If your competitor is shopping you more frequently than you are shopping for them, they will win the war on price perception. Unless your organization is shopping every item, every day and reacting accordingly (based on operational constraints and priorities), there is definitely room for improvement. Developing strategies that focus on the most important parts of your portfolio and leveraging the best technologies available to drive dynamic pricing, is essential to survival in today’s competitive world.
At Revionics, we can support you in developing these and numerous other pricing strategy best practices as you progress into a more pricing fluent organization to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Whether you want to optimize everyday prices, establish a more strategic approach to markdowns, run successful promotions that get results, or meet any other retail pricing goals, our dedicated team of pricing strategists and data scientists will walk with you through the pricing journey to maximize your company's success.
Matthew specializes in Pricing & Retail Strategy, Corporate Strategy & Customer Focused Solutions. Matt is a leader in Pricing Strategy Development, Business Strategy Development & overall Corporate Strategy. Matt has a strong merchant background and experience with C-Level presentations. He has 20+ years of experience in Retail encompassing Consulting, Buying, Pricing, and Marketing across a variety of retail verticals, industries, and regions. Having lived and worked in France, Germany, Hungary and South Africa (with additional long-term engagements in other markets), Matt has 8+ years of driving customer-focused success at Revionics.

domain: finance


The Boker Plus LDE Fixed Blade Knife is a sleek, classically shaped dagger featuring a heavily textured, brown G-10 handle with superior handling, and can be carried horizontally or vertically in its compact leather sheath.
The thumb groove on the front end of the handle, further enhances the well conceived ergonomics. The 440C stainless steel blade features a Desert coating.
440C stainless steel blade
Brown G-10 handle
Includes leather sheath
Type Fixed Blade
Total Length 230mm
Blade Length 110mm
Blade Material 440C Steel
Handle Material Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic ( GRP )
This item is sold brand new. It is ordered on demand from our supplier and is usually dispatched within a few days.


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Since the 2010 General Election, the Conservative party has sought to remodel welfare along neoliberal lines, continuing and intensifying the work of New Labour, while finding a ‘compassionate’ rationale to do so. We have seen the Conservatives struggle to rebrand neoliberal reforms as ‘red Toryism’ and ‘the Big Society’ although, as if in exasperation, these vagaries recently gave way to a revival of the Thatcherite ‘Essex man’ at the recent Conservative conference. Regardless, these welfare reforms began back in October 2010 and the act which sets out their most significant and wide reaching reforms so far is the UK Welfare Reform Act of March 2012.
The act is founded on the principle that work must always be a financially more attractive option for welfare recipients than claiming benefits. This in turn is apparently based on the true fact that working is generally good for mental and physical health and wellbeing while long term unemployment has been linked to depression and ill health. It is also based on a certain political view of the individual and their relationship to society. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith (who didn’t manage to lead his party to an election due to losing a motion of no confidence) is largely responsible for this blend of socially conscious rhetoric and harsh Victorian orthodoxy. His Centre for Social Justice claims it can “fix broken Britain will an army of social entrepreneurs1” who can presumably sort out Britain’s “booming industry in baby farming2” which he seems to believe exists.
The founding principle behind the reforms does not take into account either childcare obligations or disability, which are two of the most common reasons why claimants do not enter the labour market. Lone parents (90% of which are women) and disabled people are also the two groups hardest hit by the reforms.
Charities and anti-poverty groups3 have already criticised the reforms, arguing they will be deeply counter productive if they are not matched by government action to create jobs, expand childcare provision or invest in social and affordable housing. Other strategies they recommend to complement the reforms include the provision of financial literacy and budgeting skills and more funding for adjustments and alterations to help disabled people enter the workforce4. These too have been ignored. In fact, local authority funding for childcare has fallen since 2010, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the money which is used by disabled people to make changes to their work stations, vehicles, computers and office equipment that allow them to stay in work, has been significantly reduced.
The reforms consist of 39 individual changes to welfare payments, eligibility, sanctions and timescales for payment and are intended to save the exchequer about £18 blln. However, research by Shelter and Cambridge University suggests that the reforms will in fact cost more in terms of the extra strain on local authorities, such as homeless accommodation services, and the NHS.
Income Support, Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for lone parents will be reduced and lone parents will now face new sanctions if they do not find work promptly. They will only receive Income Support if their children are less than 5 years old. Lone parents whose children are older than 5 will have to apply for Job Seekers Allowance and find work regardless of local childcare opportunities. However, cuts to local authority budgets since 2010, and to early years projects such as Sure Start, have significantly reduced the opportunity to find affordable childcare. This will make it harder for lone parents to enter the workforce. A similar paradox is faced by disabled claimants of DLA because the cuts will make it harder for disabled people to stay in work (DLA is specifically designed to be used to make adjustments to home and workspace).
All welfare payments will be turned into one single monthly payment, paid directly to the recipient, called ‘Universal Credit’. This direct payment does not account for recipients’ possible rent arrears, mental health problems, learning disabilities or substance addictions. Research by Shelter5 suggests that this tends to lead to higher rent arrears and homelessness because vulnerable tenants rarely budget effectively. Housing Associations have therefore suggested that the reforms should be coupled with new financial literacy skills training so that claimants can budget better. The alternative is arrears, debt and homelessness.
Housing Benefit (and Universal Credit overall) will be capped at £500 per week6 regardless of the claimant’s location, family size and circumstances. In London, where rents are high, this could mean a large scale movement of poorer social groups to the periphery of the city, thereby intensifying the city’s geographical and economic segregation. The overall benefit cap of £500 per week appears generous, but London Property Watch7 calculates that average rents for central London range from £560 per week (for a single bedroom property) to £1500 per week (for a three bedroom property). So even if a claimant had no dependents, such as children, they would still be unable to cover their rent with the new cap (this is before taking subsistence into account), and would have to move outside of London to find affordable housing. This process is likely to be mirrored to a lesser extent in other cities as well and has lead to accusations of ‘economic cleansing’ by anti-poverty groups.
Other broader changes include raising all benefits annually by a percentage lower than the annual rate of inflation (using the Consumer Price Index rather than Retail Price Index), an overall reduction in Housing Benefit for all claimants, a reduction in Working Tax Credit for all parents and a reduction in Child Benefit and the Sure Start maternity grant for all parents. Women, single parents and young people are also most likely to be in part time, insecure and low paid work and will therefore be most likely to claim Tax Credits, Housing Benefit and Income Support, all of which are targeted by the reforms. Cambridge University’s research, Shelter and anti-poverty groups therefore all predict that women and children will be disproportionately affected.
Furthermore, Incapacity Benefit has been replaced with Employment Support Allowance, and disabled recipients of IB / ESA are being tested for their eligibility by the controversial private multinational ATOS Healthcare, who previously designed ATM’s. Condemned by the BMA and the NHS, ATOS has found 75% of former IB recipients able to work8, including people with terminal cancer, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Subsequent appeals have overturned 40% of these decisions (70% if the claimant is accompanied9), which are made by a computer rather than qualified medical professionals. The appeals procedure is very expensive for the government and the cost (at least £50mlln annually10) has wiped out the savings that were made by cancelling recipients’ IB. It has also lead to dozens of suicides among disabled people with severe health conditions found fit to work11.
Universal Credit replaces other benefits from 2013 onwards and includes new sanctions. If a claimant refuses work once, they lose the £65-a-week allowance for three months. If they do this twice, the forfeit their JSA for six months, and if they do it three times, it is forfeit for three years. The rules makes no provision for the special circumstances that could lead to a claimant refusing work 3 times such as poor mental health, learning disabilities or a dispute regarding prospective working conditions. This will mean that the claimant will have no recourse to public funds and will simply be left to fend for themselves.
Applications to Universal Credit will all be made online and will no longer be made via a hand- written form. Statistically the demographic most likely to apply for Universal Credit are those with the least access to the internet but no extra provision has been planned for this. Charities and anti-poverty groups have requested new PC’s in Job Centres Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau and libraries to cope with the changes. However, both government funding to CABs and local authority spending on libraries has fallen since 2010 and no extra provision of PC’s is planned. This will most likely mean that eligible claimants will simply not apply and be forced to turn to alternatives ways to survive. The Centre for Social Justice assures us that former claimants will instead become new entrepreneurs, only it may not be in the manner they intended, as fans of The Wire will attest.
The effects of the Welfare Reform Act will be felt most keenly by the middle income quintile, especially if they are single or unemployed, followed by the poorest quintile, either single or unemployed. However, they will reduce the entitlements of all groups, regardless of income, household status or age. Overall, they will also affect the poorest quintile dramatically more than the richest quintile. The reforms will also see over £9 blln removed from the annual household budget of disabled people. The Scottish Drugs Forum, Poverty Alliance and Demos have argued that the reforms will see a marked rise in drug use and drug death.
Cambridge University12, The Poverty Alliance, The Joseph Roundtree Foundation13, Shelter14 and the Scottish Drugs Forum15 have deliberately identified key outcomes of the reforms. Unfortunately, their research makes for grim reading. The Scottish Drugs Forum is so concerned that it has included its criticisms in its annual report, for the simple reason that they counter the Scottish Government’s cross-party consensus on drug recovery. Given that the Conservative party’s stated position on substance misuse runs counter to scientific and expert advice16 regarding classification, prisons sentencing and the role of rehabilitation, this is hardly surprising.
These organisations agree that the reforms will negatively impact Britain’s mental and physical health with a disproportionate affect on the poorest, which will in turn put increased strain on local authority services and the NHS. This strain is in danger of eliminating any savings from the cuts, not least because cure is so much more expensive and early intervention or prevention.
A surge in alcohol and drug dependency is predicted, as is a rise in drug dealing, a common instance when communities are pushed into destitution through the removal of any recourse to public funds. This will in turn impact policing and the prison service and is predicted to be matched by a wider rise in crime. It is interesting to note (given our current government) that it is cheaper to send someone to Eton for a year than to prison.
These organisations also predict a worsening of our diets, especially among young children and lower income groups. Cheap food tends to have the least nutritional value and the most calories17. Other projected outcomes include a rise in teenage pregnancy and a significant negative impact on the early years experience of children from poorer backgrounds. This also comes at a time when a range of children’s charities and public sector bodies are discovering how vital the early years experience is to life chances and future development.
These reforms will hit unemployed families and families with low paid work, as well as all households with children regardless of income. They will disproportionately affect lone parents and in particular single mothers as well as disabled people and people with long term health conditions. There is no demographic which will not see a drop in income and there is no social group who will be protected from the affect this will have on our economy, our society and our friends. Frightening as the prospect is, it serves as a stark reminder that to successfully challenge these moves we must challenge the very concepts behind them. We must challenge the idea that childcare is somehow less meaningful than paid employment. We must challenge the idea that we are only worthy of respect when in full time paid work. And we must replace them with an obvious, human and omnipresent principle: from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs.
Christopher Read has an MPhil in Politics from Sussex University and works for a community education service based in Edinburgh.
 Iain Duncan Smith: The Father of Four Who Wants to Provide Bread for Just Two, http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/hayley-meachin/child-benefit_b_2016625.html?utm_hp_ref=uk
 The Poverty Alliance, Briefing on the Stage One Debate Welfare Reform Bill
 The Joseph Roundtree Foundation, www.jrf.org.uk/publications/implementing-universal-credit
 ‘Benefit applicants: 75% fit to work or drop claims', BBC News, 28 April 2011
 Unfit for Purpose - Scottish CAB evidence on ESA, Citizens Advice Service, May 2010
 Sick and disabled people are being pushed off benefits at any cost, The Guardian, 31 July 2012
 The Poverty Alliance, Briefing Paper 18: Latest Developments in Employment Support Allowance
 Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research, the University of Cambridge:
 UK Drug Policy Commission, A Fresh Approach to Drugs, 2012

domain: politics


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Data from: Patterns of migrating soaring migrants indicate attraction to marine wind farms
Cite this dataset
Skov, Henrik et al. (2016). Data from: Patterns of migrating soaring migrants indicate attraction to marine wind farms [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.4t8h5
Monitoring of bird migration at marine wind farms has a short history, and unsurprisingly most studies have focused on the potential for collisions. Risk for population impacts may exist to soaring migrants such as raptors with K-strategic life-history characteristics. Soaring migrants display strong dependence on thermals and updrafts and an affinity to land areas and islands during their migration, a behaviour that creates corridors where raptors move across narrow straits and sounds and are attracted to islands. Several migration corridors for soaring birds overlap with the development regions for marine wind farms in NW Europe. However, no empirical data have yet been available on avoidance or attraction rates and behavioural reactions of soaring migrants to marine wind farms. Based on a post-construction monitoring study, we show that all raptor species displayed a significant attraction behaviour towards a wind farm. The modified migratory behaviour was also significantly different from the behaviour at nearby reference sites. The attraction was inversely related to distance to the wind farm and was primarily recorded during periods of adverse wind conditions. The attraction behaviour suggests that migrating raptor species are far more at risk of colliding with wind turbines at sea than hitherto assessed.
Western Baltic Sea

domain: literature


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So you think paying an attorney to plan your estate is too expensive? How expensive will it be if that online company you used gets it wrong? When it comes to estate planning, you should think DIY= DI Don’t. This article from Consumer Reports discusses the many pitfalls of do-it-yourself estate planning.
Consumer reports: DIY = DI Don’t
Apr 4, 2013


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Get the whole story right here – with more exclusive photos than you’ll see anywhere else. See how this bust really left these alleged crooks “up in the air” …
Everything holding up this Parkrose neighborhood house – from the wooden cribbing to the smallest clamp – is stolen, police say.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It’s the afternoon of February 17, and some Portland Police Bureau (PPB) detectives and officers are getting “writer’s cramp” documenting huge quantities allegedly stolen merchandise – while other team members get a physical workout inventorying the stuff – at a jacked-up house in the Parkrose neighborhood.
Trucks line the narrow street near 4708 NE 109th Avenue, about a block south of NE Sandy Boulevard, as folks from construction supply firms stop by to reclaim stolen merchandise.
It isn’t merely a matter of a couple of swiped boxes of nails, or a couple of purloined door knobs, at this crime scene. To learn the astonishing extent of these alleged activities, read on …
Police say they believe that the rebar was stolen as recently as the night before the bust; the cribbing was swiped from Clackamas-based mega-mover Emmert International.
Eight-month investigation ends in Parkrose
PPB Public Information Officer Lt. Kelli Sheffer offers provides background about the multi-agency investigation that led to six search warrants being executed, and property being recovered from seven locations in the Portland metropolitan area.
“This was the culmination of an eight-month-long investigation into one of the largest burglary, identity theft, and stolen property fencing operations in recent history,” Sheffer says.
Portland Police Bureau Detective Jeff Bender reveals details of this case – said to be one of the largest local theft rings in recent history.
At the site, Detective Jeff Bender fills in the details.
“This case began, ironically, with a car prowl. The Port of Portland arrested an individual last summer [as he was] doing a car prowl.”
In and of itself, that was a “fairly benign” bust; but Bender said it led to the arrest of another individual, Michael Pavlicek.
“Pavlicek’s arrest led to the recovery of about $1 million in stolen property – and he got a 10-year prison sentence. And because of that particular case, we started to pay attention to the folks who live at this address,” Bender reveals.
The owner of this house did follow the rules by taking out building permits, records show. But, police say, they were a little careless about the rules in using them. All the materials used in this massive “home improvement project” were stolen.
The investigation began in earnest around last August. Ironically, according to City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services, the owner of the home, listed in City title records as Steven M. Terrill, did apply for – and eventually was granted – a building permit to replace the front porch, raise the house one foot, and add an auxiliary living unit in the basement.
Bender continues, “Over the course of the next four to six months, Detective Mark Georgioff and I developed a lot of intelligence information that led us to the search warrants that we executed today.”
Brand new lumber and pressboard sheets are on steel pallet racks, as if on display at a home-improvement store.
Allegedly stolen merchandise fills huge online store
In addition to accusing the perpetrators of large-scale commercial thefts, thefts from construction-related companies, and residential burglaries, Bender alleges the prime suspect worked with a “professional shoplifting” ring.
“These are ‘boosting crews’ that would steal numerous items from retail stores. Most of the goods, we believe, were delivered to this particular address. From there, the merchandise was moved out to various storage units, or other private residences, until they were sold.”
In addition to accusing the suspects of privately fencing the pilfered goods, Bender tells us these people were prolific sellers on various Internet sites, such as eBay and Craigslist.
“We’re still putting figures together, but we do know that, in 2009, this particular group made about 90,000 sales on eBay. That would be somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.1 million in sales. We don’t yet have the figures for other sales – but we know that’s going to hit [near] the million-dollar mark, too.”
Officers remove what they say are parts of a brand-new chandelier from the house.
There’s significant profit in selling stolen merchandise, Bender points out. “A box of Crest White Strips retails for about $40 to $50 a box. They buy them from the ‘boosters’ [shoplifters] for about $5, and resell them for $25 on eBay. Locally, if you bought the White Strips from an independent market, at a severely undercut price, you might assume those are stolen.”
Because the suspects were likely shipping merchandise out of the state, we ask if this has caught the attention of federal law enforcement authorities.
“There are some federal authorities who are looking into this particular case, and other cases that have arisen out of this,” Bender replies.
Officials say accused “Safeway Shoplifters”, 52-year-old Richard L Remington and 32-year-old Angela Evans — arraigned on February 17 in Multnomah County Circuit Court on organized retail theft on 22 counts of first-degree theft and one count of third-degree theft – fenced stolen goods at the Parkrose house in the past, detectives say.
‘Safeway boosters’ thought to be involved
Asked of the couple, recently arrested for stealing from Safeway stores, were involved with the Parkrose operation, Bender says he believes they were in the past.
“That group was peripherally involved with some of the operations that happened here. We believe that, at least in years past, they had delivered some product to this particular group; and it was sold on eBay.”
Some construction materials returned
In addition to the consumer retail goods, Bender accused the Parkrose ring of stealing or fencing all kids of construction equipment, “tools from big to small. “We have everything from giant compressors and welders, to a battery powered drill.”
Looking up at the house, towering 12 feet above its former foundation, Bender remarks, “We believe the wooden cribbing was stolen from Emmert International; we’re still investigating were the lifting jacks came from. Everything you see under the house is stolen, including the steel I-beams, the rebar – down to the smallest clamp. Right now, we have no idea how we’ll remove the materials from under the house.”
Already, just that day, Bender says, officers returned in excess of $50,000 worth of stolen items to business owners.
Ken Munson of Pacific Building Products says he’s surprised to have his stolen merchandise returned.
“I was shocked when they told me they had all of my stolen stuff,” says Ken Munson, from Pacific Building Products – located west of the location on N. Columbia Boulevard.
“I’ve already hauled four sliding glass doors, and there are probably that many more – plus a dozen windows, back there. They must’ve had a big trailer, a truck, and a lot of people to steal all the windows and glass doors off our lot last fall.”
Munson said he was “amazed”, looking at the material at the site. “I never thought that I would see my merchandise again.”
Says ‘timing was right’
As we watch about a dozen officers and detectives load out and document truckloads of allegedly stolen merchandise, Bender describes why they waited, until today, to make the busts.
“The timing was right, in that every day they continued to operate was another day that there were going to be more victims,” explains Bender. “It took us a while to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. We felt like we had to move on this case, to ‘stop the bleeding’.”
PPB East Precinct Sgt. John Scruggs and Officer Jeffrey Pontius pause before loading an entire retail display rack of allegedly stolen building adhesives.
Parkrose Hardware pitches in
When we ask if nearby Parkrose Hardware was victimized, Bender said he thought not, because the theft ring didn’t want to raise suspicion in the immediate neighborhood.
“But, the owners of Parkrose Hardware have been very helpful. We ran into the suspect in the store by accident. The store provided us with some helpful information when we were there.”
The day of the bust, Bender added, “The store was kind enough to allow us to give us space to host [victimized] business owners this morning, before we brought them to this site, to recover their stolen property. They also offered up the use of a Bobcat so we could load some of the heavier items. We haven’t needed it – so far – but the day isn’t over. We really appreciate their support.”
Throughout the day, and into the evening, police continue to pick, catalog, and load evidence into a truck.
Says good police work leads to successful outcome
About the bust, Bender says, “This is really satisfying. It is amazing to me that a case that began with something as small as a car prowl can lead to the arrest of dozens of people, and the recovery of millions of dollars in stolen property.
“It also points to the good work Portland’s police officers do every day, even on the smallest cases. I also think that it sends an important message: ‘Every call you make, to report suspected crime, makes a real difference’.”
The theft ring’s accused “ringleader” 38 year-old Steven Michael Terrill, and alleged accomplices 33-year-old Ethan Andrew Curtis and 20-year-old Alisha Metro face a variety of criminal charges.
Lt. Sheffer later names 38 year-old Steven Terrill as the “ringleader of a network of individuals who committed multiple thefts at both commercial and residential properties.”
Terrill, along with other individuals, Sheffer adds, are alleged to be involved in vehicle thefts, creating fake credit cards, and selling stolen property on popular websites such as Craigslist and eBay.
“33-year-old Ethan Curtis and 20-year-old Alisha Metro were also arrested for their involvement in these alleged crimes,” adds Sheffer.
MCDC records indicate Terrill and Curtis remain in custody, Metro has been already been released from jail.
© 2011 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News


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New York: Gordon Harrison, 1978.
First Edition. Hardcover. First Edition. 9 1/2" X 6 1/4". viii, 314pp. Very mild shelf wear to covers, corners, and edges of yellow cloth over boards. Spine lettered in orange. Bamunkey Regional Library stamp to top edge of text block. Pages are clean and unmarked. Binding is sound.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Malaria is resurgent, most tragically in Asia where the battle had seemed almost won. In India, malaria cases, which were reduced to 50,000 in 1961, soared in 1977 to 30 million or more. Classically one of the greatest if least spectacular of the killers, malaria may become that once more. What happened and why are the subject of this history, which begins with the discoveries that precipitated hostilities and traces the ups and downs of the battles that followed.(Publisher). Good +. Item #6455

domain: library


text:
WHAT DOES THE TERM VISA IMPLY IN TODAY’S WORLD?
A Visa is a legal document that allows the person to legally visit a foreign country for personal, business as well as for official purposes. It is mandatory for every person to have a valid visa before visiting a foreign country. A Valid visa is an important document that plays an important role in verifying the intent of the person and helps the authorities in doing a thorough background check of the person.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISA IN SAUDI ARABIA?
Since Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest global market in the world, there are different type of visa services provided such as
This type of visa is issued for those who intend to visit Saudi Arabia for business matters and work and is used to obtain consular access for the same.
It is a special type of Visa that is provided to pilgrims for pilgrimage. For woman pilgrims, it is mandatory to have travel with male kin above 18 years of age.
A tourist visa is issued for those who intend to visit Saudi Arabia for sightseeing and tourism activities. This helps in boosting the tourism and other related industries thereby increasing employment opportunities.
This Visa is provided for Spouse, children of persons who are employed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


text:
Fire damages martial arts gym in Morley
An investigation is underway into a fire at a martial arts gym in the Perth suburb of Morley.
Firefighters were called to the Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts gym on Walter Road just after midnight.
Damage has been estimated at $100,000.
Firefighters have found the seat of the blaze but investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing.


NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Evaluation of smoke detectors for use in underground mines.
2009 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 22-25, Denver, Colorado, Preprint 09-072. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2009 Feb; :1-8
Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the responses of a prototype smoke detector and a commercially available photoelectric smoke detector to smoke particles generated from various combustion sources. The prototype smoke detector combines optical scattering measurements with ionization chamber measurements in order to reduce/eliminate nuisance alarms due to the presence of airborne dusts or diesel exhaust particles. The commercially available smoke detector is designed for use in harsh environments where airborne dust represents a major problem due both to nuisance alarms and detector contamination. In the experiments, the responses of the two detectors were measured when exposed to smoke particles from the exhaust of a diesel engine and from a variety of fire sources, including wood, coal, styrene butadiene rubber, and No. 2 diesel fuel. For the solid fuels, data were obtained for both smoldering and flaming combustion. This report describes the experiments, their results, and the use of these results as they apply to early-warning fire sensors capable of the rapid and reliable detection of fires in atmospheres that may or may not be contaminated by either airborne dust or the products produced from diesel engines. Subsequent to these laboratory experiments, six smoke detectors were installed in an underground limestone mine for further testing and evaluation.
Monitoring-systems; Monitors; Mining-industry; Fire-safety; Underground-mining
2009 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 22-25, Denver, Colorado, Preprint 09-072
Page last reviewed: September 2, 2020
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division


Table of Contents Basic Wash Cycle ................................18 Component Locator Views ............................20 Control and Inverter Board Connections ....................... 22 Control Board ..................................25 Control Features ................................6 Control Panel ..................................24 Dampers ....................................46 Dispenser Assembly ................................ 29 Dispenser Motor ................................32 Door .......................................
Nomenclature Model Number W C V H 6 2 6 0 F 0 W W Brand Control W = General Electric Color Features WW - White GG - Granite Feature Packages B = Base Engineering Revision C = Contract/HPS Alpha or Numeric HD = Brand Feature Pack Model Year Capacity/Conﬁ...
Introduction The new GE Front Load Washer has the following features: • Energy Star Qualiﬁ cation assures less energy waste and lower utility bills. • 10 wash cycles include a variety of fabric-speciﬁ c settings, from Extra-Heavy Cottons to Easy-Care Colors.
Control Features Model WBVH6240 11 10 WASH EXTRA RINSE SPIN DELAY DOOR LOCKED ELICATES CTIVE ANDWASH PEED TAIN RAIN & OLORS/ INSE & ORMAL HITES Model WCVH6260 11 10 WASH EXTRA RINSE SPIN DELAY DOOR LOCKED CTIVE ELICATES TAIN ANDWASH...
Power Press to “wake up” the display. If the display is active, press to put the washer into standby mode. NOTE: Pressing POWER does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply. Wash Cycles The wash cycles are optimized for specific types of wash loads. The chart below will help you match the wash setting with the loads.
Washer Features Cycle Signal Use the SIGNAL button to change the Press the button until you reach the volume of the end of cycle signal. desired volume. Prewash Prewash is an extra wash before the main wash. Use it for heavily soiled clothes or for clothes with a care label that recommends prewashing before washing.
The Dispenser Drawer You may see water in the bleach and fabric softener Slowly open the dispenser drawer by pulling it out until it stops. compartments at the end of the cycle. This is a result of the flushing/siphoning action and is part of the normal operation of the washer.
If these parts are not available, they can be ordered by visiting our Website at www.GEAppliances.com or by calling 800.GE.CARES. Long Vacations: Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all water from hoses if weather will be below freezing.
Dispenser Drawer Area: Detergent and fabric softener may build up in the dispenser drawer. Residue should be removed once or twice a month. ■ Remove the drawer by first pulling it out until it stops. Then reach back into the left rear corner of the drawer cavity and press down firmly on the lock tab, pulling out the drawer.
Pedestal Installation (Washer and Dryer) Optional 12-in. high storage drawer pedestals with WARNING: Due to the size and weight of the dividers are available to provide convenience and washer or dryer, and to reduce the risk of personal extra storage space for detergent, dryer sheets and injury or damage, 2 people are required for proper other cleaning supplies.
Pull the drawer out to its stop position. Place the pedestal against the bottom of the washer or dryer. Ensure that the drawer front is Remove the screws from the drawer slides. at the front of the washer or dryer. Slide the drawer out of the base and set it aside.
Screw locknuts onto the supplied leveling legs. Ensure that the slides are closed, then slide the Turn the nuts toward the bottom and against drawer into the opening. the rubber part of the leg. Align the drawer supports to the slides on each Install the leveling legs, with locknuts, in each side.
The GE front load washer is designed to allow cabinets, ceiling, etc. is 43 inches without certain models of the GE dryer to be placed on top pedestal, 55 inches with pedestal, and 84 (stacking). Dryer models that currently qualify for inches stacked.
To stack the dryer: Remove the adhesive backing and ﬁ rmly place the 4 rubber pads over the leg brackets. Caution: Do not lay dryer on its back. Use the packing material or a protective surface when laying dryer on its side. Carefully lay the dryer on its side.
Set the dryer upright using packing material or a WARNING! protective surface that ensures the brackets do not damage the ﬂ oor. Do not push on the dryer after it is stacked on the washer. Pushing on the dryer may result in pinched Place and level the washer in the approximate ﬁ...
Operation Overview Select the SPIN SPEED to change the ﬁ nal spin speed Basic Wash Cycle of the cycles. Follow the fabric manufacturer's care label when selecting spin speed. Note: See for identiﬁ cation Component Locator Views and location of washer components. Select the WASH TEMP to adjust the proper water temperature for the wash cycle.
Cold: The available selection of spin speeds is controlled by cycle selection. • Cold water valve energized. For example: • Cold selection is tempered by default for main Spin Speed Whites Delicates wash. High 1000 rpm 525 rpm • Cold can be tempered by cycling of hot water Medium 750 rpm 450 rpm...
Component Locator Views Top View Water Valve Outlet Hose Water Valve Line Filter 3-Way Pipe Dispenser Inlet Hose Nozzle Hose Water Level Control Dispenser Assembly Dispenser Vent Hose Thermistor Heating Element Front View Damper Motor Pump Outlet Hose Tub Drain Hose Inverter Pump (Continued Next Page)
Component Locator Views (Con't) Tub Drive Pulley Belt Motor Dispenser Drawer – 21 –...
Control and Inverter Board Connections Control Board Door lock and line ﬁ lter Door lock, heater, 120 VAC output to inverter, dispenser motor, hot and cold water valves WCL main level and overﬂ ow switches, heater, neutral output to inverter, and door lock Dispenser switch Hot and cold water valves and dispenser motor WCL foam switch and door switch...
Washer Components Service Panel Top Panel Removal of the service panel provides access to WARNING: Sharp edges may be exposed when servicing washer. Use caution to avoid injury and the pump cleanout, pump, tub drain hose, heater assembly, inverter, wire junction box, front dampers, wear Kevlar gloves or equivalent protection.
From inside the cabinet, lift and push forward to Control Panel release the bottom tab from the front bracket. The control panel is held in place with 5 Phillips- head screws and 5 tabs. To remove the control panel assembly: Remove the top panel.
Control Board The control board is mounted in a housing that is attached to the inside of the control panel. The control board and housing are replaced as an assembly. The control board assembly is held in place by 4 Phillips- head screws and 3 tabs.
To remove the control board assembly: Door Lock Remove the control panel. (See Control Panel The door lock contains a door switch and solenoid Pull the cycle knob off. operated locking and unlocking mechanism. A release ring, located at the bottom, allows for Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws that hold the manual unlocking of the door.
Use a long-nose pliers to grasp the wire loop at Note: The door latch is solenoid activated. It can the spring location and expand it to clear the remain locked after power is removed. gasket. To manually unlock door: Disconnect the washer from electrical supply. WARNING: To avoid injury, ensure all mechanical movement has stopped.
Front Panel Line Filter The front panel is hung on 2 hooks attached to The line ﬁ lter helps to smooth out any ﬂ uctuations in the cabinet and held in place with 4 Phillips-head voltage, protecting the control board and providing screws.
Caution: When testing the dispenser motor, DO Dispenser Assembly NOT remove the wiring harness from the dispenser motor unless replacing the motor assembly. The The dispenser assembly provides automatic motor assembly has a special locking connector dispensing of detergent, bleach, and fabric softener and the wiring harness will not stay reconnected if as long as the user ﬁ...
Caution: A small retainer for the dispenser motor wiring, located underneath the unused inlet, is fragile. To avoid breakage, use minimal outward pressure when releasing wiring. Inlet Hose Release the dispenser motor wiring from the retainer. Inlet Tube Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws that attach Tank Inlet the motor and clip to the dispenser tank.
Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws that hold the Remove the dispenser from the cabinet. dispenser to the front bracket. Caution: The water inlet pipe is ﬁ rmly attached to the dispenser tank. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the dispenser tank. Remove the water inlet pipe by twisting and pulling outward.
Note: The inlet pipe seal is difﬁ cult to install, place a Dispenser Motor small amount of liquid soap on the seal. Install the inlet pipe in alignment with the indentation at the The dispenser is operated by a 120 VAC, 60 HZ. bottom of the dispenser tank.
Water Level Control Operation Water Level Control When the machine is empty, the foam switch is The water level control is installed on the cabinet closed and the motor circuit is disabled. When the right side top brace. The water level control is main wash cycle is activated, the ﬁ...
The overﬂ ow water level is approximately 6 inches To remove the water level control: above the door opening. Overﬂ ow protection will Remove the top panel. (See Top Panel occur at this water level. Press down the single tab, then disconnect each Overﬂ...
To remove the water valve: Pump Disconnect the 2 blue wires and the orange wire The pump consists of a 120 VAC, 60-Hz motor, from the cold water (C) solenoid. impeller, impeller housing, and a removable strainer that helps prevent foreign objects from entering the Disconnect the 2 blue wires and the brown wire pump impeller and drain outlet.
To remove the pump: Disconnect the 2 wires from the pump. Remove the service panel. Outlet Caution: Under normal conditions, approximately Hose 1 quart of water will drain out when the pump Pump Wires cleanout is removed. Drain Hose Place a shallow pan under the drain cleanout. Turn the pump cleanout counterclockwise approximately 2 turns, then pull outward.
Heating Element Speciﬁ cations: Heater Assembly • 120 VAC • The heater assembly is located above the pump, • 970 Watts and is accessed from the front of the washer. • Approximately 8 Approximately 8 Amps Amps • The heater assembly consists of a heating Approximately 15 Ω...
To replace the thermistor: To reinstall the heater assembly: Push the thermistor into the rubber gasket until Slide the heater assembly into the tub opening fully seated. and inside the bracket attached to the outer tub. Note: Ensure heater assembly is fully seated in the tub.
To remove the inverter: Inverter Remove the service panel. (See Service Panel The inverter receives commands from the control board and controls motor operation. The inverter is Press the 4 tabs inward and remove the junction enclosed in a protective housing and is located on box cover.
Press the lock tab and remove the motor ground Motor Assembly wire. The motor assembly consists of a reversible, Remove the plastic wire tie that holds the motor variable speed, 3-phase induction DC motor, and wiring in place. sensor. The motor drives the tub drive pulley with a 7-rib belt.
On the inverter board, check for an approximate Remove the belt by turning the tub drive pulley resistance value of 6 ohms between any two of and rolling the belt off the pulley. the three terminals: A to B (Blue to white) - 6 Ω •...
Note: The threaded plate can fall out of the Door recessed slot in the motor mount. Ensure this plate is reinserted in the slot upon reassembly. To remove the door components: Note: When reinstalling bolt, apply Locktite (Part # Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws that hold the WX5X1005) to bolt threads.
Note: Place the door on a soft protected ﬂ at surface Remove the 5 Phillips-head screws from the so that the door glass faces up. (The door should protect cover and ring. rest on the handle side) Release the 2 tabs that hold the protect cover Remove the 8 Phillips-head screws that hold the and ring from the door frame.
Caution: When reinstalling the door hinge, be sure Door Hinge to use the short screw on the top. Damage to the To remove the door hinge: dispenser inlet may result if the wrong screw length is used. Remove the door. (See Door Push the tub assembly back while pressing the Grasp the hinge pin with a pair of pliers and pull...
Note: When reinstalling the nozzle to the gasket, it Pull the tub gasket off the outer tub lip. may be helpful to remove the nozzle from the hose. Ensure that the washer is placed on the outside and that the nozzle is aligned with the indent on the inside of the gasket.
Remove the pin that secures each damper to Dampers the chassis by pressing the lock tab while pulling the pin out. Each of the 4 dampers are secured to the outer tub by a gray upper bushing that locks in a slot in the Note: It may be helpful to tap the pins out with a outer tub.
Remove the 3 (10-mm) hex-head screws and Wash Basket washers that hold the top counterweight to the outer tub. Lift the counterweight. The wash basket is contained inside the outer tub. The wash basket is rotated by a belt driven tub drive Note: When reinstalling the top counterweight, use pulley.
Disconnect the heater assembly wires. Installing Front Counterweights Remove the plastic wire tie that holds the heater When installing the front counterweights, make assembly wiring and the tub ground wire to the sure the short bolts are used to attach the top outer tub.
Remove the tub vent hose from the left rear of Outer Tub Assembly and Suspension the outer tub: The outer tub assembly is constructed in two halves Note: The tub vent hose is difﬁ cult to remove. and contains the wash basket. The bearing and seal assembly is part of the outer tub rear half.
Remove the Phillips-head screw that holds the Lift the outer tub assembly up, then release the tub ground wire. Remove the ground wire from 2 suspension springs from the slotted plastic the outer tub wire guides. inserts in the cabinet top braces. Carefully remove the tub assembly out the front of the cabinet.
Service Test Mode The washer control has a service test mode that can be utilized by the service technician in order to test critical components and to access error codes. This test mode will help the service technician to quickly identify failed or improper operation of washer components.
T e s t Press Displays Exit Mode Start/ Display deﬁ nes model id (01-03). Always displays"---" when control Press Power. Pause board replaced. Proper model must be set when control board Returns to t01 replaced. Rotate knob until desired selection is displayed (01-03), then press and hold Start/Pause until beep.
Error Codes Error Code Description Problem Possible Cause/Action Fill timeout - No Fill time exceeds • Ensure manual water supply valves are fully open. 8 minutes. ﬁ ll/slow ﬁ ll • Inspect inlet hoses for kinks/obstructions. • Inspect water valve screens for restriction. •...
Error Code Description Problem Possible Cause/Action DC Fault - Inverter failure. • Non-recoverable error. Inverter • Replace inverter control board. Drive motor - Load too • Check Motor - t10 tumble, t11 spin, T14 spin. overload current heavy. • Check mechanical faults - check belt, basket, bearing - rotate basket by hand.
Error Code Description Problem Possible Cause/Action Under volts after Initial minimum • Check Motor - t10 tumble, t11 spin, t14 spin. start voltage not • Power down (unplug) washer, wait 30 seconds and received retry - if reoccurs, replace inverter. (Note: Cannot - motor does occur with open winding.) not run.
Error Code Description Problem Possible Cause/Action Door unlock Switch failure • Power down (unplug) machine, wait 30 seconds and switch failure occurs during retry. unlock. • Check wiring and connections between door lock and main control. • Check door lock switches and solenoid. •...
Error Code Description Problem Possible Cause/Action Water Water • Check water temperature sensor - t07. temperature temperature • Check integrity of wiring and connections between sensor shorted sensor shorted. main control and water temperature sensor. • Check integrity of water temperature sensor - replace if necessary.
Any part of the washer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this From the date of the full one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related service costs original purchase to replace the defective part.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Service location for service.


With Starfighter’s final chapter nearing, it’s time to talk about the film’s star, Benicio Del Toro.
With his character having died, the fate of his film has come to an end.
While it is no doubt a bittersweet moment for fans, Del Toro has been at the center of the Starfighter universe for a long time.
As a young man, Del Toros first movie role was in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, and he went on to play the lead in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.
Now, with the release of his new film, Del Tofino is ready to celebrate the film by taking to the stage in his home state of California to promote The Last Fighter.
The Last Starfighters star has been in the spotlight since he was announced as the director of Star Wars IX, a project that was meant to be the follow-up to Rogue One.
That film, starring Felicity Jones, has yet to be released.
But as the news of the film breaking came out, the actor shared that he was unsure if he would be returning for the next installment.
However, the future of the series has finally been announced, and Del Toro says that he has already been cast.
“I have been cast to direct The Last Jedi,” he shared in a tweet.
“Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me, the cast, and the team.”
Del Toro is best known for his roles in the Star Wars franchise, including The Last Hero, which was his last film in the franchise.


text:
Inspired by Elysia’s confusing discovery of emotion in BETA by Rachel Cohn, we challenged you to a week of emotional flash-fiction. The Figment editors read your stories and chose ten finalists to send to Rachel for judging. We’re now pleased to announce the winners of this contest!
Read through the winning stories below, and be sure to congratulate your fellow Figs!
Congrats! You will receive a copy of Beta by Rachel Cohn, Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh, Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone, Dark Star by Bethany Frenette, and Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters.
The daily winners will each receive an ebook copy of Beta from the iBookstore.


• Advocates say, ‘No food security without constitutional backing’
As prices of food items skyrocket due to production, storage, processing, and marketing challenges, lawmakers and policymakers have been called upon to make the right to food a human right in the constitution, without which there can be no food security and agribusiness development in Nigeria.
This appeal was contained in a memorandum, with number FIF 010920 (1), entitled: ‘The Need to Make the Right to Food a Fundamental Human Right in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ and addressed to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Senate President/Chairman, Senate Ad hoc Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution, National Assembly, Abuja, a copy of which The Guardian sourced.
The Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF), one of the advocates, urged the committee to be positively disposed to recommending the Right to Food Bill currently pending before the Senate (SB Bill 240), in consideration of the attributes, values, and virtues of the bill.
The fulcrum of the bill requires amending the constitution in Chapter 2 (Directive Principles of State Policy, wherein not justiciable), and also amending the Constitution in Chapter 4 (Fundamental Human rights, wherein justiciable).
By moving the food security provision from chapter two to chapter four, citizens can better engage the government over failure to make food available and affordable by not providing requisites such as irrigation facilities, rural road networks, market, and other rural infrastructure, thereby influencing policy authorities to create an enabling environment and the productivity and security of the farm population (crop and livestock farmers alike); these being the responsibility of the government and connected to food production and availability in all parts of the country.
They propose that Mr President be mandated to produce and review on yearly basis an implementation strategy as a schedule to the bill, and to deliver an annual Food Situation Address to the National Assembly in accountability for the huge resources appropriated for the purpose, and in recognition of food security as the bedrock of national security.
The bill, it is argued, is geared towards the improvement of the policy environment for food security and agribusiness in terms of policy responsibility, accountability, transparency, and due process on the part of the government.


Mr. Leotard, also known by his Twitter name Straddling a Potty in a Red Leotard, has struck again! This time, though, his public appearance is altogether more surreal.
Wearing his namesake leotard and armed with a recording of the “Anpanman March,” the well-toned man performed an unusual but skillful dance.
The YouTube video, posted yesterday, has already received around 40,000 views. And once you see it, we think you’ll understand why.
In case you missed our previous article, Mr. Leotard, as we’ve decided to call him, is a Twitter celebrity who tweets pictures of himself straddling a child’s potty, usually in a red leotard. No, we don’t have any idea why either.
Yesterday, the performer uploaded a new video to YouTube, in which he dances to the “Anpanman March.” Anpanman is a Japanese children’s superhero whose head is literally made of anpan–bread with a sweet bean-paste filling. The character is perhaps one of Japan’s most famous and beloved, known by nearly everyone regardless of age.
▼Anpanman (left) and Shokupanman (right) performing the “Anpanman March.”
The new video from the Twitter celebrity features Mr. Leotard, in his red leotard, performing a ballet-like dance with smooth, precise movements on a public street as the “Anpanma March” plays. At first, the people passing by try to ignore him, scooting along with their heads down as soon as they spot him.
However, as the song and performance go on, a sizable audience assembles, watching Mr. Leotard with rapt attention.
▼This seems to be one of his signature moves.
When the song ends, Mr. Leotard hurries towards the viewer to turn off the camera as the crowd remain in a stunned silence, a single onlooker attempting to start a ripple of applause. If you have time, we strongly urge you to watch the performance! It is as mesmerizing as it is strange.
▼Click play to enter the rabbit hole.
Now, you may well be asking “why?” but it’s a question without a clear answer. The best we’ve come up with is that Mr. Leotard is simply a very dedicated performance artist. Some of his tweets feature pictures of the well-toned man with a sign reading, “Please take pictures of me,” standing straight-faced in public, as you can see below.
Passers-by are also welcome to take photos with the Twitter celebrity, as they young man below has done. In an exchange between the two on Twitter, Mr. Leotard thanked him for “taking the leash.”
Still, it’s hard to say exactly why he’s doing this. For now, though, we’re happy to simply sit back and appreciate it!
Some YouTube commenters were supportive of the new video.
Your smooth, precise movements and the way you stand on the tips of your toes without shaking belie how strong and flexible your leg muscles are. As do your jumps and landings. It’s very well done! There aren’t many people who could perform as well or as smoothly as you can! Amazing!
Oh! A new piece! LOL
Such smooth movements!
Others less so..
What? He’s just a madman, isn’t he?
I felt embarrassed just watching this!
While it’s certainly not something you see everyday, we can’t help wondering if that isn’t the point. Perhaps he’s just a regular guy trying to give people something to smile about?
Or maybe he is just a madman.
Either way, we are happy to see more from Mr. Leotard. Let us know if you ever spot him out and about Tokyo!
▼You can also check out the “Anpanman March”, as performed by Anpanman, below.


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With its location between the Baltic Sea and the river Oder the Szczecin Lagoon is heavily
influenced from both sites. Next to direct atmospheric deposition on the water surface area of the
lagoon the river Oder is the most important source for nutrient emissions. For the implementation
of the EC Water Framework Directive a considerable reduction of nutrient emissions to the Oder
and loads to the Lagoon have to be achieved. This study considers several management options
with a great potential for the reduction of emissions, although, especially for nitrogen, it seems
unlikely to meet the reduction goals until 2015.
By the implementation of the Waste water Ordinance (AbwV) emissions can be reduced
significantly. As in the Oder catchment the nitrogen surplus on agricultural land is in most cases
lower then requested from the Fertilizer Ordinance, its implementation will only have very limited
effect on the nutrient emissions. The development of nitrogen surplus has shown an increasing
trend for the last years, which suggests gaining importance for future emissions from this source.
The European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme EMEP (Co-operative Programme for
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-Range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe) proposed
a reduction of atmospheric deposition until 2015, which would have a positive effect for both direct
depositions on the water surface area of the lagoon and the emissions from the Oder catchment.
Management options to reduce emissions via urban systems, erosion and tile drainages should be
implemented in hot spot areas and can in total contribute to a relevant reduction of the total
emissions from the catchment. Hot spot areas have been identified by the impact ratio. For setting
up management plans, however, a further consideration of the spatial distribution of monthly
nutrient emissions is suggested.

domain: geography


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Sleepy Forest Cottages
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TripAdvisor Reviews Sleepy Forest Cottages Big Bear Lake
Travel Blogs from Big Bear Lake
Monday, May 4, 2015 PCT Day 15 Trail Angel Papa Smurf made breakfast for all of us hikers that spent the night. After that, he gave us all rides to run our errands including eventual rides back to the trail. They only errand I needed to do was buy trail food at the grocery store. It still mesmerizes me how patient and willing to help these trail angels are. They help without really expecting anything in return. ...
... orange glow and warmth behind us. As we weaved our way up the mountain the temperature started to drop rapidly, and suddenly I was shaking and the heater was on… we still had the top down of course. Once we reached the top it was pitch black but we could see the edges of the road clearly marked by large snow markers. We had arrived in Big Bear.
The air was crisp and fresh and I was still shaking, it was maybe 10 degrees and quick adjustment down from the ...
... to the summit which is a couple of thousand feet above the valley floor before retracing my steps to join old Route 66 as it wound through Cajon Pass, a valley created by the San Andreas Fault. Another quick stint on I-15 followed before that road headed west to Los Angeles and I-215 headed south to San Bernardino. After a mile or so I left I-215 to follow Route 66 into San Bernardino. I kept with Route 66 as it headed to the right turn ...


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Friday, April 25, 2008
San Juan de los Reyes
San Juan de los Reyes is a church in Toledo that Ferdinand and Isabella built with the intention of it being the place where they would be interred. (The architect was Juan Guas., according to Wikipedia.com) But when they conquered Granada and expelled the Moors completely from Spain, it was in Granada where they finally chose to be interred, not Toledo. The church in Toledo remains, however, and is located toward the top of the large hill on which Toledo is built. There is a is a little plaza in front of the church, and it overlooks the surrounding area. I stood there and took this video.
As I thought about these monarchs, their great victories but also their expulsions from Spain of the Jews and Moors and the installation of the Inquisition, I began to think of them not so generously. (After all, I am a Democrat.) Then we visited this church. I noticed an odd decorative feature on the outside walls, chains arranged on them hanging down. Carol read about the church from the guidebook, and we were informed that the chains were those of Christians whom Ferdinand and Isabella freed from the Moors when they took Toledo. Ideologically I moved a bit to the right at that point. Reality has a way of moving people in that direction, I think.
Posted by Paul Stokes at 4/25/2008 06:03:00 AM


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Post by KostaAndreadis @ 04:10pm 12/07/19 | 0 Comments
Which is free for all those that own the Ninja Gaiden meets Super Metroid action game that we thoroughly enjoyed when it debuted last year. The Messenger: Picnic Panic presents three new sunny levels alongside new boss battles as our ninja hero takes a trip to Voodkin Island.
Check it out.
As per the main game players will be able to shift between both an 8-bit and 16-bit presentation, which in addition to altering the look and feel of levels open up new gameplay. The Messenger was also recently added to the Xbox Game Pass for PC library - alongside it's presence on other PC digital platforms as well as Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.

domain: hobby


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established by the Radicals, to show that they were at least not ignorant of literature.
Parkes wrote the articles on the prose writings of Milton.
He is a subscriber to the North American, and has been much pleased with the article in a late number (for July, I think) on Milton.
He thinks it the best essay on Milton ever written, and is anxious to know who is the author.
I have felt ashamed that I cannot tell.
Do not fail to let me know.
July, 1838, Vol.
XLVII. pp. 56-73. By Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Jan. 27, 1839.
Among the persons whom I have seen since I wrote the foregoing pages have been Leigh Hunt
1784-1859. and Thomas Campbell.
1777-1844. I yesterday morning saw Leigh Hunt, on the introduction of Carlyle.
He lives far from town,—in Chelsea,—in a humble house, with uncarpeted entry and stairs.
He lives more simply, I think, than any person I have visited in England; but he possesses a palace of a mind.
He is truly brilliant in conversation, and the little no


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Got my baby bts on Friday. When he/she arrived he was a bit cold. After getting him/her settled and warmed up he ate for me! I wasn't expecting him to eat within hours of arriving but he/she did! I've been continually sitting by his terrarium and bon... Read more
Keeping skinks as pets can be rewarding for anyone interested in having a unique and different pet keeping experience. They can be maintained in a medium sized terrarium and fed a varied diet that includes insects, rodents, vegetation and ready to use prepared foods. They rarely reach a size over twenty inches in length and can live up to a healthy age of fifteen to twenty years and beyond. They are a live bearing lizard that has been bred in captivity for years with many exciting and visually stunning color morphs.

domain: pet


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It’s the weekend after Thanksgiving, and usually by now I’ll be reaching the end of my patience with the leftovers. Most years I’ll turn whatever turkey meat I have left into turkey salad using this recipe, but this year I decided to try something different. Since the weather here has been cooler lately (in Texas, anything below 70 degrees is considered “cooler”), I decided to try making a turkey soup.
This is a very easy to make recipe with only a few major ingredients, most of which you may have from cooking on Thanksgiving (onions, celery, carrots, and especially turkey). So, it’s a great recipe to use up those items and not leave any waste. It’s also different enough from most of the typical “after Thanksgiving meals” that you’ll find it a welcome change.
There was one major problem I encountered while preparing this soup. In the original recipe, it called for 8 cups of broth or stock (turkey or chicken, whichever you have) and one pound of wild rice (and then one cup of heavy cream to be added later). By the time the rice was done, there wasn’t much left in the way of liquid and the soup was the consistency of a thick stew. After doing a little research, I figured out what happened:
Wild rice is different from long-grain, Jasmine, and other white rice in that wild rice needs more water to cook it. White rice usually is cooked in a 2-to-1 ratio (2 cups water per 1 cup dry rice). By comparison, wild rice is usually cooked in a 3-to-1 ratio (3 cups water to 1 cup dry wild rice). 1 pound of dry wild rice is about 2 1/2 cups, and therefore needs about 8 cups of water. Since there were only 8 cups of broth in the recipe, this meant there was nothing left after the rice was cooked. To make up for this, I slowly added hot water (I was out of broth) until it reached a consistency I was okay with for serving (about 4 cups). But, I noticed as I was packaging up the leftover soup later that it had thickened even more, so when I pull the soup out for the next meal more water will be added (probably another 3-4 cups).
In all fairness, I think the person who wrote up the recipe may have used a more common long-grain and wild rice blend, while I followed the description and used a purely wild rice blend. I adjusted the measurements accordingly on the recipe card and added notes to help with either selection.
Adapted from Midwest Nice
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
A creamy delicious soup that uses Thanksgiving leftovers - win-win!
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and saute until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
Add the broth and stir until thoroughly mixed. Add the bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer until the rice is cooked, about 40-45 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf. Add the cooked turkey and the heavy cream, stirring until well blended. Cook about 5 minutes or until the turkey is warmed through. Check taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Serving Size 2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 305kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11.5g18%
- Saturated Fat 4.7g24%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 580mg25%
- Potassium 353mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 32.5g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3.4g14%
- Sugars 2.8g
- Protein 17.5g35%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- The nutritional information assumes the following:
- A pure wild rice blend is used
- 8 cups of chicken broth and 8 cups of water are used
- This recipe can vary greatly depending on the type of rice blend used.
- Pure wild rice blends require 3 cups of liquid per cup of dry rice.
- Long grain (white) and wild rice blends require just over 2 cups of liquid per cup of dry rice.
- White rice alone requires 2 cups of liquid per cup of dry rice.
- How to adjust the quantities needed:
- If using a pure wild rice blend, plan on 16 cups of broth (or a combination of 8 cups broth and 8 cups water).
- If using a long grain and wild rice blend, plan on 12-14 cups of broth (or a combination of 8 cups broth and 4-6 cups water).
- If using white rice alone, plan on 12 cups of broth (or a combination of 8 cups broth and 2 cups water).
- The soup may still thicken toward the end of cooking. If this happens, add hot water 1 cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Turkey or chicken broth or stock may be used.
- Chicken can be substituted for the turkey if desired.
- For a creamier flavor, increase the amount of heavy cream up to 2 cups.


To help small businesses boost their exports, a public-private body has released a collection of 100 success stories of Japanese companies that have expanded overseas.
The stories feature the voices of workers at manufacturers and retailers that have received advice to increase exports from the Consortium for a New Export Nation, which was created by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
METI hopes that a wider range of Japanese companies will enjoy benefits from tariff cuts and abolition under free trade deals, ahead of the planned effectuation of a new trade pact between Japan and the United States.
The stories, collected by the Japan External Trade Organization, were released online last week.
The collection explains tariff rate drops under the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, which took effect in December last year among Japan and 10 other countries, and Japan’s economic partnership agreement with the European Union, implemented in February this year.
The stories also refer to keys to solving problems at the 100 companies.
Automobile parts maker Ogawa Industry Co., based in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, started plant operations in Mexico, a TPP member, last year.
In its story, the company says that its president, Kiyoshi Ogawa, got advice from an expert at the consortium about Mexico’s tax system.
“We want to increase the value of our business,” the president is quoted as saying.
Soy sauce maker Fueki Syoyu Brewing Co., based in Kawajima, Saitama Prefecture, underlines the importance of product lineups tailored for overseas markets. The company has started business in France.
The consortium was established in 2016. It has supported over 8,500 small and midsize companies in cooperation with financial institutions, local governments and regional chambers of commerce.
For now, the central government aims to concentrate on promoting exports to the United States following the recent conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement.
“Small and midsize companies will have a big opportunity when the United States abolishes or cuts tariffs on Japanese chemical products, bicycles, soy sauce and other products,” a ministry official said.