text:
Who Is the Antichrist?
Who ... or what ... is the antichrist? Evil alliance—or sinister individual? Some say his appearance is still in the future. Others say he appeared long ago in the days of ancient Rome. But the Bible indicates that he is alive today! Bible prophecies teach that this antichrist power will play a crucial role in the final events of earth's history. Do you know who he is? Are you sure? You need to be, for you can't understand last-day events until you understand this evil power. Be prepared for one of the most intriguing Study Guides yet! This Study Guide is based on the book of Daniel chapter 7 and clearly and unmistakably identifies the antichrist. But it is only an introduction. Future lessons will reveal details of some of his activities that will have worldwide impact. What you discover today may displease or sadden you, but please remember that the prophecy of Daniel 7 comes from Jesus, who loves you. Pray for God's guidance as you delve into this urgent subject. Be sure to read Daniel 7 before studying this lesson.
1. As chapter 7 begins, Daniel sees four beasts coming up out of the sea. In prophecy, what does a beast represent? What does the sea represent?
"The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth" (Daniel 7:23).
"The waters ... are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues" (Revelation 17:15).
Answer: A beast represents a kingdom or nation. Water represents multitudes of people or large populations.
2. The four beasts of Daniel 7 represent four kingdoms (verses 17, 18). Babylon, the first kingdom (Daniel 2:38, 39), is represented as a lion in Daniel 7:4. (See also Jeremiah 4:7; 50:17, 43, 44.) What do the "eagle's wings" mean? What do the "four winds" of verse 2 represent?
"The Lord will bring a nation against you ... as swift as the eagle flies" (Deuteronomy 28:49).
"Says the Lord of hosts: ... a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the earth. And ... the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth" (Jeremiah 25:32, 33).
Answer: The wings of eagles represent speed. (See also Jeremiah 4:13; Habakkuk 1:6–8.) Winds represent strife, commotion, and destruction. (See also Revelation 7:1–3.)
The bear with three ribs in its mouth symbolizes Medo-Persia.
3. What kingdom does the bear represent (Daniel 7:5)? What do the three ribs in its mouth symbolize?
Answer: Read Daniel 8. Notice that the beasts in chapter 8 parallel those in chapter 7. Daniel 8:20 specifically names Medo-Persia as the kingdom that precedes the male goat—that is, Greece—of verse 21. Medo-Persia is the second kingdom—the same power as the bear of Daniel 7. The empire was made up of two groups of people. The Medes came up first (represented in Daniel 7:5 by the bear raising up on one side), but the Persians eventually became stronger (represented in Daniel 8:3 by the ram's second horn that grew "higher"). The three ribs represent the three principal powers conquered by Medo-Persia: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.
The leopard beast of Daniel 7 represents the world kingdom of Greece.
4. Greece, the third kingdom (Daniel 8:21), is represented by a leopard with four wings and four heads (Daniel 7:6). What do the wings represent? What do the four heads represent?
Answer: The four wings (instead of two, as the lion had) represent the incredible speed with which Alexander conquered the region (Jeremiah 4:11–13). The four heads represent the four kingdoms into which the empire of Alexander the Great was divided when he died. The four generals who headed these areas were Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.
The world empire of Rome is symbolized by the monster beast of Daniel chapter 7.
5. The Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom, is represented by a powerful monster with iron teeth and 10 horns (Daniel 7:7). What do the horns represent?
Answer: The 10 horns represent the 10 kings or kingdoms into which pagan Rome was eventually split (Daniel 7:24). (These 10 kingdoms are the same as the 10 toes of the image described in Daniel 2:41–44.) Roving barbarian tribes swept in upon the Roman Empire and carved out land niches for their people. Seven of those 10 tribes developed into the countries of modern Western Europe, while three were "uprooted" and destroyed. The next section will discuss those kingdoms that were rooted up.
Visigoths - Spain
Anglo-Saxons - England
Franks - France
Alemani - Germany
Burgundians - Switzerland
Lombards - Italy
Suevi - Portugal
Heruli - Rooted up
Ostrogoths - Rooted up
Vandals - Rooted up
The little horn of Daniel 7:8 represents Antichrist.
6. In the Daniel 7 prophecy, what happens next?
"I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words" (Daniel 7:8).
Answer: The "little horn" power appears next. We must identify it carefully because the biblical characteristics identify it as the antichrist of prophecy and history. There must be no mistake in making this identification.
7. Does the Bible give clear points identifying antichrist?
Yes. God's Word gives us nine characteristics of the antichrist in Daniel 7 so we can be certain of his identity. And even though some might find these truths painful, we must be honest enough to accept them as His revealed will. Now let's discover these nine points.
A. The little horn would come "up among them"—that is, from among the 10 horns that were the kingdoms of Western Europe (Daniel 7:8). So it would be a little kingdom somewhere in Western Europe.
B. It would have a man at its head who could speak for it (Daniel 7:8).
C. It would pluck out or uproot three kingdoms (Daniel 7:8).
D. It would be different from the other 10 kingdoms (Daniel 7:24).
E. It would make war with and persecute the saints (Daniel 7:21, 25).
F. It would emerge from the pagan Roman Empire—the fourth kingdom (Daniel 7:7, 8).
G. God's people (the saints) would "be given into his hand" for "a time and times and half a time" (Daniel 7:25).
H. It would "speak great words against" or blaspheme God (Daniel 7:25 KJV). In Revelation 13:5, the Bible says the same power speaks "great things and blasphemies."
I. It would "intend to change times and law" (Daniel 7:25).
Don't forget—all these identification points come directly from the Bible. They are not some human opinion or speculation. Historians could tell you quickly what power is being described, because these points fit only one power—the papacy. But in order to be certain, let us carefully examine all nine points one by one. There must be no room left for doubt.
8. Does the papacy fit these points?
Answer: Yes—it fits every point. Let's take a closer look:
A. It came up among the 10 kingdoms of Western Europe.
The geographical location of the papal power is in Rome, Italy—in the heart of Western Europe.
B. It would have a man at its head who speaks for it.
The papacy meets this identifying mark because it does have one man at the head—the pope—who speaks for it.
C. Three kingdoms were plucked up to make way for the rise of the papacy.
The emperors of Western Europe were largely Catholic and supported the papacy. Three Arian kingdoms, however, did not—the Vandals, Heruli, and Ostrogoths. So the Catholic emperors decided they must be subdued or destroyed. Here is how theologian and historian Dr. Mervyn Maxwell describes the results in volume 1, page 129, of his book God Cares: "The Catholic emperor Zeno (474–491) arranged a treaty with the Ostrogoths in 487, which resulted in the eradication of the kingdom of the Arian Heruls in 493. And the Catholic emperor Justinian (527–565) exterminated the Arian Vandals in 534 and significantly broke the power of the Arian Ostrogoths in 538. Thus were Daniel's three horns—the Heruls, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths—'plucked up by the roots.' " It is not difficult to recognize that the papacy fits this point.
D. It would be different from the other kingdoms.
The papacy clearly fits this description, as it came on the scene as a religious power and was different from the secular nature of the other 10 kingdoms.
E. It would make war with and persecute the saints.
That the church did persecute is a well-known fact, and the papacy admits doing so. Historians believe the church destroyed at least 50 million lives over matters of religious conviction. We quote here from two sources:
1. "That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history." 1
2. In The History of the Inquisition of Spain, D. Ivan Antonio Llorente provides these figures from the Spanish Inquisition alone: "31,912 persons were condemned and perished in the flames," and 241,450 were "condemned to severe "penances."
Words of Care and Concern
Lest anyone should think that we are attacking fellow Christians by identifying the little horn power, please keep in mind that the prophecy is aimed at a system and not individuals. There are sincere, devout Christians in all churches, including the Catholic faith. Daniel 7 is simply a message of judgment and correction upon a large religious institution that compromised with paganism, as many other churches have also done.
Prophecy Reveals Faults of All Faiths
Other prophecies point out the faults of the Protestant and Jewish faiths. God has true people in all religions. His true people (no matter what their faith) will always humbly accept the correction of the Lord and will not shut their ears and hearts against Him. We should be thankful that God's Word speaks with impartial honesty on every subject.
Prophetic Time:
Time = 1 year
Times = 2 years
½ time = ½ year
F. It would emerge from the fourth kingdom of iron—the pagan Roman Empire.
We quote two authorities on this point:
1. "The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptized. ... The very capital of the old Roman Empire became the capital of the Christian empire. The office of Pontifex Maximus was continued in that of the pope." 2
2. "Whatever Roman elements the barbarians and Arians left ... [came] under the protection of the Bishop of Rome, who was the chief person there after the emperor's disappearance. ... The Roman church ... pushed itself into the place of the Roman World-Empire, of which it is the actual continuation." 3
G. God's people (the saints) would "be given into his hand" for "a time and times and half a time."
Several things need clarification here:
1. A time is a year, times is two years, and half a time is half of a year. The Amplified Bible translates it: "Three and one-half years." 4
2. This same time period is mentioned seven times in the books of Daniel and Revelation (Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5): three times as a "time, times, and half a time"; twice as 42 months; and twice as 1,260 days. Based on the 30-day calendar used by the Jews, these time periods are all the same amount of time: 3½ years = 42 months = 1,260 days.
3. One prophetic day equals one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34).
4. Thus, the little horn (antichrist) was to have power over the saints for 1,260 prophetic days; that is, 1,260 literal years.
5. The rule of the papacy began in ad 538, when the last of the three opposing Arian kingdoms was uprooted. Its rule continued until 1798 when Napoleon's general, Berthier, took the pope captive with hopes of destroying both Pope Pius VI and the political power of the papacy. This period of time is an exact fulfillment of the 1,260-year prophecy. The blow was a deadly wound for the papacy, but that wound began to heal and continues healing today.
6. This same period of persecution is mentioned in Matthew 24:21 as the worst period of persecution God's people experience. Verse 22 tells us it was so devastating that not one soul would have survived if God had not shortened it. But God did shorten it. The persecution ended long before the pope was taken captive in 1798. It is plain to see that this point, likewise, fits the papacy.
H. It would speak "pompous words" of blasphemy "against [God]."
Blasphemy has two definitions in Scripture:
1. Claiming to forgive sins (Luke 5:21).
2. Claiming to be God (John 10:33).
Does this point fit the papacy? Yes. Let's first look at the evidence for it claiming to forgive sins, taken directly from its own literature: "Does the Priest truly forgive the sins, or does he only declare that they are remitted? The Priest does really and truly forgive the sins in virtue of the power given to him by Christ."5 The papacy further undermines Jesus by setting up a system of confession to an earthly priest, thus bypassing Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 3:1; 8:1, 2) and only Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Next, consider the evidence for it claiming to be God: "We [the popes] hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty."6 Here is more evidence: "The pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ, Himself, hidden under the veil of flesh."7
I. It would "intend to change times and law." In a future Study Guide, we will deal with the "times" of this point. It is a major topic and needs separate consideration. But what about changing "law"? The Amplified Bible translates "law" as "the law." The reference is to changing God's law. Of course, no one can really change it, but has the papacy attempted to do so? The answer is yes. In its catechisms, the papacy has omitted the second commandment against veneration of images and has shortened the fourth commandment from 94 words to eight and divided the tenth commandment into two commandments. (Check this for yourself. Compare the Ten Commandments in any Catholic catechism with God's list of the commandments in Exodus 20:2-17.)
There is no doubt that the little horn power (the antichrist) of Daniel 7 is the papacy. No other organization fits all nine points. And, incidentally, this is not a new teaching. Every Protestant Reformer, without exception, spoke of the papacy as antichrist.8
1 W. E. H. Lecky, History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe, Volume 2, 40.
2 Alexander Clarence Flick, The Rise of the Medieval Church, 148, 149.
3 Adolf Harnack, What is Christianity? (New York: Putnam, second edition, revised, 1901), 269, 270.
4 Amplified Bible, La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 2015
5 Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion (New York: Schwartz, Kirwin & Fauss, 1924), 279.
6 Pope Leo XIII, Encyclical Letter "The Reunion of Christendom" (dated June 20, 1894) trans. in The Great Encyclical Letters of Pope Leo XIII (New York: Benziger, 1903), 304.
7 Catholic National, July 1895.
8 R. Allen Anderson, Unfolding the Revelation, 137.
The angel told Daniel that the prophecies of this book would be sealed until 1798, the time of the end.
9. Wasn't Daniel told to seal up his book "until the time of the end" (Daniel 12:4)? When will Daniel's prophecies be opened to our understanding?
Answer: In Daniel 12:4, the prophet was told to seal the book till the "time of the end." In verse 6 an angelic voice asked, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?" Verse 7 says, "It shall be for a time, times, and half a time." The angel assured Daniel that the section of the book dealing with end-time prophecies would be opened after the end of the 1,260-year period of papal control, which was, as we learned earlier in this Study Guide, 1798. So the time of the end began in the year 1798. As we have seen, the book of Daniel contains crucial messages from heaven for us today. We must understand it.
All religious teachings must be compared with Scripture to determine their accuracy.
10. Many Christians today have been misinformed regarding the antichrist. To believe an untruth about the antichrist could cause a person to be deceived. What should a person do when new Bible teachings are encountered?
"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Answer: When a new Bible teaching is encountered, the only safe procedure is to compare it carefully with Scripture to see if it is in harmony with God's Word.
11. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it might be painful?
Many momentous prophecies from the Bible books of Daniel and Revelation will be featured in upcoming Amazing Facts Study Guides. God has given these prophecies to:
A. Reveal earth's closing events.
B. Identify the participants in the final phase of the battle between Jesus and Satan.
C. Clearly reveal Satan's sinister plans to ensnare and destroy us all.
D. Present the security and love of the judgment; God's saints will be vindicated!
E. Uplift Jesus—His salvation, love, power, mercy, and justice
Major Participants Will Appear Repeatedly
Key participants in the closing war between Jesus and Satan will appear repeatedly in these prophecies. These include: Jesus, Satan, the United States, the papacy, Protestantism, and Spiritism. Jesus repeats and expands His messages from the prophets to make certain His warnings of love and protection come through with clarity and certainty.
1. I always thought the antichrist is a person, not an organization. Am I wrong?
This Study Guide has presented evidence that the antichrist is an organization—the papacy. The words "eyes of a man" in Daniel 7:8, however, do point to a leader. Revelation 13:18 speaks of a man with a number being involved. In Daniel 8, Greece is represented by a goat and its leader, Alexander the Great, is symbolized by a horn. The same is true of antichrist. The organization is the papacy. The pope in office is its representative. The prophecy of Daniel 7 is not saying that popes are evil and that Catholics are not Christians. There are many warm, loving Catholic Christians. The system, however, is called antichrist because it has attempted to usurp Jesus' authority and attempted to change His law.
2. Do you think it is wise for Christians to pass laws enforcing Christianity?
No. The Bible is clear that all should have freedom to choose the direction they wish to go in matters of conscience (Joshua 24:15)—even if they choose to deny God. The Creator permitted Adam and Eve to choose to disobey even though it hurt both them and Him. Forced worship is not acceptable to God. Forced worship is the devil's way. God's way is loving persuasion. History shows that virtually every time the church passed laws to enforce its beliefs, persecution and murder of others resulted. This is a lesson we can learn from the history of the little horn during the Middle Ages.
3. Perhaps I have misunderstood, but my concept has always been that antichrist would be an evil being who openly opposed God. Is this concept incorrect?
We usually consider the word "anti" to mean "against." It can also mean "in the place of" or "instead of." Antichrist is guilty of assuming the prerogatives of God. It claims:
A. Its priests can forgive sins—which only God can do (Luke 5:21).
B. To have changed God's law by dropping out the second commandment (against
worshiping images) and splitting the tenth into two parts. God's law cannot be changed (Matthew 5:18).
C. That the pope is God on earth.
Satan's Original Plan
Satan's original plan was to assume God's position and authority. His aim was to oust God and rule in His place. (See Study Guide 2.) When Satan was ejected from heaven, his aim did not change but rather intensified. Through the centuries he has endeavored, using various human agencies, to discredit God and take over His position.
Antichrist Appears to Be Spiritual
Satan aims to replace God in these last days by deceiving people into following the antichrist, who appears spiritual and holy. The main purpose of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation is to expose Satan's traps and strategies and lead people to anchor in Jesus and His Word for safety.
Antichrist Will Deceive Many
Most people will follow the antichrist (Revelation 13:3) thinking they are following Christ. Only the elect will be safe (Matthew 24:23, 24). They will be secure because they test every spiritual teaching and leader by Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). Religious deception is everywhere. We cannot be too careful.
4. Doesn't the Bible say in 1 John 2:18–22 that there are many antichrists?
Yes. There have been many antichrists down through history who have worked against the kingdom of God. However, there is only one entity that specifically fulfills all the prophesied characteristics of the antichrist. In Daniel chapters 7 and 8 and in Revelation chapter 13, you will find at least 10 identifying traits of the antichrist. These 10 identifying marks are all fulfilled in only one entity—the papacy.
5. In prophecy, does the symbol "beast" mean "beastly" characteristics?
Not at all. God uses the symbolism of a beast to signify a ruler, nation, government, or kingdom. It is His way of depicting governments in prophecy. We do this ourselves to some degree: We have depicted Russia as a bear, the United States as an eagle, etc. The symbol "beast" is not a demeaning, disrespectful term. It is synonymous with "animal" or "creature." Even Christ is portrayed as a lamb by John the Baptist (John 1:29) and the apostle John (Revelation 5:6, 9, 12, 13). The term "beast" is utilized by God to give us a message about nations and leaders—good and evil.
1. Which four world kingdoms are represented by beast symbols in Daniel chapter 7? (4)
_____ Sweden.
_____ Egypt.
_____ Greece.
_____ China.
_____ Medo-Persia.
_____ Japan.
_____ Babylon.
_____ Iraq.
_____ Rome.
2. In Bible prophecy, a beast represents a (1)
_____ Computer.
_____ Kingdom or nation.
_____ Creature or alien.
3. The 10 horns on the monster beast represent (1)
_____ Ten years.
_____ Ten special cities.
_____ Riches.
_____ The kingdoms into which pagan Rome eventually split.
4. How many tribes or nations were "rooted up" by the little horn power? (1)
_____ Eight.
_____ One.
_____ Six.
_____ Three.
5. The little horn power, or Antichrist, represents (1)
_____ One of Babylon's generals.
_____ An evil ruler from the days of old pagan Rome.
_____ An evil power that will arise after the second coming of Jesus.
_____ Atheism.
6. Check the true statements about the little horn (Antichrist) power from the list below: (3)
_____ It came from Egypt.
_____ It would persecute God's people.
_____ It arose immediately after Babylon fell.
_____ It speaks great words against God.
_____ It attempted to change God's law.
7. In prophecy, "time, times, and a half time" is symbolic of (1)
_____ Three and one-half literal days.
_____ 42 years.
_____ 1,260 literal years.
8. When did "the time of the end" begin? (1)
_____ A.D. 31
_____ A.D. 1991
_____ A.D. 588
9. Antichrist is an organization, rather than a person. (1)
10. Antichrist exists today. (1)
11. God approves of enforcing true worship by law. (1)
12. General Berthier's capture of the pope only wounded the papacy. Its deadly wound began to heal and continues healing today. (1)
13. What item from the list below is essential for the spiritual safety of God's people in these end-time days? (1)
_____ Learn to preach.
_____ Pray much in public.
_____ Test every religious teaching by the Bible.
14. Are you willing to follow where Jesus leads, even though it may be painful? (1)


Stefania Lucchetta was born in Bassano del Grappa (Vicenza) and is an expert in jewels design. Her products shapes are quite impossible to be reproduced with other materials or techniques. Stefania has produced for Silhouette the ring "Vacuum", a unique piece, that represents the oneness of our lives which turn continuously as different orbits around the unknown (vacuum), the central empty space of the ring.
The Italian Designer Francesco Ballestrazzi also reinterpreted the idea of oneness. Learn more about his interpretation of oneness.


Employer : Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)br/>Please Contact Employer Directly.
Pay Scale : Rs 35000/- per month consolidated.
M.Sc (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology with NET.
In the absence of candidates with NET, candidates with M Sc [Agriculture] in plant pathology (without NET) will be considered.
Interested candidates can attend walk-in-interview at Venue: College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Main Campus, Vellanikkara on Date & Time: 15.09.2018 at 9.30 AM.


text:
You are here: Home / Sports / DAVID WRIGHT ASSUMES NEW ROLE AS SPECIAL ADVISOR TO METS COO AND GM
DAVID WRIGHT ASSUMES NEW ROLE AS SPECIAL ADVISOR TO METS COO AND GM
January 7, 2019 Comment Off 24 Views
FLUSHING, N.Y., January 7, 2019 – The New York Mets announced today that David Wright will assume a new role with the club as Special Advisor to Mets COO Jeff Wilpon and General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen. In a related move, the organization and David mutually agreed to his release from the current roster.
"David Wright is an iconic Met and will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said. "David attended the recent Winter Meetings at the suggestion of myself and Brodie Van Wagenen where he contributed throughout with our baseball operations group and wanted to pursue this route. We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family and will be a great asset in this new role."
"I again want to thank the Wilpon and Katz families for everything they have done for myself and my family," Wright said. "I will always be tremendously grateful for the way the fans treated me because playing in this city and for this team was a dream come true. I look forward to contributing and taking on the challenges of this new role."
Wright was a seven-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner and a two-time Silver Slugger recipient. He holds the franchise record for hits (1,777), RBI (970), runs scored (949), doubles (390), total bases (2,945), extra-base hits (658), walks (761) and go-ahead homers (87).
In : Sports
Previous article COWBOY SANTAS TOY DRIVE CONCLUDES AT GLOBE LIFE PARK; Rangers announce autograph schedule for Monday night
Next article USF Sarasota-Manatee alum, Amanda Evora, Olympian to compete on Battle of the Blades this fall
International Women's Day on Apple Music
The USF Patel College of Global Sustainability announces the new Elizabeth Moore Fund for Global Sustainability
Four reasons why Hawaii is the perfect adult spring break destination in 2021
NETFLIX'S "HIGH ON THE HOG" SOUL FOOD SCHOLAR, JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNING AUTHOR ADRIAN MILLER IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS AND TO PROVIDE EXPERT COMMENTARY ON GRILLING SEASON, BARBECUE, AND BLACK CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN CUISINE
Ross Johnston Named Winner of the 2021 Young Professional of the Year Award

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
VA seeks more funding to complete community care consolidation
Susannah Luthi
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie on Tuesday asked a Senate panel for nearly a 10% funding boost for VA medical care, primarily for private treatment and to aid the department's consolidation of all community health choices by June 6.
While the funding would go toward private treatment, Wilkie told the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee several times that he doesn't support privatizing the agency's healthcare system.
"We don't privatize the VA because we still have the largest healthcare system in the country, with 170 hospitals, and our veterans are voting with their feet," he said. "This is not a libertarian VA. If it were, I would be giving myself a card that says veteran and go out to the public sector and get everything I want. I fall back not on anecdote but on stats, that our veterans are happy."
The White House budget asked for $84.1 billion for the VA, which is $4.6 billion over last year's budget, as the department transitions to the new system mandated by last year's VA Mission Act. The funding is estimated to pay for treatment of 7.1 million veterans in 2020.
Wilkie came under fire from Democrats over the recently proposed access standards, released for public comment in late January. After the hearing, the committee's ranking member, Jon Tester (D-Mont.), told Modern Healthcare his main contention over the access standards is whether the department will use them to measure private hospitals and physicians as well as the VA.
"Are they going to be able to utilize their standards, and be critical of the private sector if they don't meet the VA standards of time, and access, and quality of care?" Tester said.
He included the caveat that he thinks the budget should put the VA "in good shape" as long as it's well-administered and noted that he doesn't personally believe Wilkie is an advocate for privatization.
While the VA access standards have yet to be finalized, the department is working on other aspects of implementation, including the contract awards for insurers who will pay private hospitals and physicians. The stakes are high for the private medical sector, that under VA Choice complained of late and underpayments.
Under the VA Mission Act, the U.S. has been split into six regions, each of which will be administered separately by various insurers.
So far, the department has awarded three of the six awards to UnitedHealth Group's Optum Public Sector Solutions.
Two companies have lodged protests against the contracts for regions 2 and 3 with the Government Acccountability Office: TriWest HealthCare Alliance Corp., which administers a swath of the current VA Choice program, and Wellpoint Military Corp.
VA spokesman Curtis Cashour said the department is "different stages of acquisition of contracts" for the remaining three regions.
"Protests and contract negotiations will have zero impact on patient care, as covered veterans enrolled in community care programs will continue to receive care under VA's Patient-Centered Community Care Program—as provided by TriWest—while the protests are considered and negotiations continue," Cashour added.
Wilkie emphasized that satisfaction among veterans for the care they're getting at VA facilities is growing, as evidenced in surveys the department is sending out. He added that veterans are "voting with their feet."
Tester countered by saying that unless the facilities are staffed and functioning, that could change.
In one provision, the VA Mission Act authorized an "asset review" committee to determine which facilities are still operational or need investment . Wilkie told the panel he's likely going to seek authority to "accelerate" the launch of the commission tasked with that review "so it moves more rapidly than the timeline the committee has given."
The budget hearing with Wilkie and his top deputies followed a Democratic letter signed by 55 lawmakers from both chambers asking the secretary to re-evaluate the proposed access standards before finalizing them. Tester and House VA Committee Chair Mark Takano (D-Calif.) led the letter.
They blasted the department's current proposal, arguing that the "VA is now planning to designate all clinical services as potentially making a veteran eligible for community care under the 'designated access standards,' which marks a significant departure from Congressional intent."
"Given our concerns, we would urge the agency to re-evaluate the number and type of access standards the secretary is designating under the VA Mission Act," the letter stated. "We also strongly recommend the VA review its estimates of the budgetary impact of these standards. Finally, we believe that the department should remain the primary coordinator of care for all veterans, instead of setting up a system where it's possible that a subset of veterans will never see a VA doctor."


text:
Any Colour You Like è un brano strumentale del gruppo progressive rock britannico Pink Floyd, contenuto nell'album The Dark Side of the Moon del 1973. Il brano è stato scritto dal chitarrista David Gilmour, dal tastierista Richard Wright e dal batterista Nick Mason. Prima di prendere il titolo Any Colour You Like, il brano veniva suonato nei concerti con il titolo di Scat o Dave's Scat Section.

Struttura musicale
Si tratta di un brano musicalmente molto semplice: è costituito da una base di due accordi, su cui si sviluppano, alternandosi, varie improvvisazioni di sintetizzatore (a cui viene applicato un consistente effetto eco) e di chitarra elettrica (a cui viene applicata una modulazione di tipo tremolo dovuta all'uso di un amplificatore rotante).

La struttura musicale viene leggermente alterata nelle ultime quattro battute del brano, per permettere allo stesso di innestarsi naturalmente nel brano successivo, Brain Damage, che avvia la conclusione dell'album.

Degne di nota sono le versioni eseguite al Brighton Dome nel 1972 durante il Dark Side of the Moon Tour (precedente all'uscita dell'album omonimo), e al Wembley Stadium nel tour del 1974 (successivo all'album).
In entrambe le versioni la parte finale del brano viene allungata, dando spazio a un virtuoso assolo di chitarra di  Gilmour, a cui risponde altrettanto energicamente il resto del gruppo, in particolare la batteria di Mason.

Significato

Pur essendo un brano totalmente strumentale, Any Colour You Like non intacca la concettualità dell'album Dark Side of the Moon. Questo brano viene infatti utilizzato dai Pink Floyd come ponte tra Us and Them e Brain Damage, dando al lato B del vinile la stessa continuità musicale di cui gode il lato A.

Il titolo del brano, traducibile in italiano con 'Qualunque colore ti piaccia', riconduce inoltre alla copertina dell'album, raffigurante un fascio di luce che si scompone nei sette colori dell'arcobaleno attraversando un prisma. Inoltre, nell'edizione CD del 1994 dell'album (tuttora in vendita), i testi presenti nel libretto allegato sono inseriti ognuno su una pagina di colore diverso dalle altre (rosso per Breathe, arancione per Time, giallo per Breathe (Reprise), verde per Money, blu per Us and Them, indaco per Brain Damage e violetto per Eclipse). Per questi motivi, nonostante non sia mai stato esplicitamente spiegato da nessuno il significato del titolo, si possono effettuare delle ipotesi. Si può pensare infatti che esso sia:
 un'allegoria: la luce, intesa come la realtà del mondo in cui l'uomo moderno vive, con i Pink Floyd che, in funzione di prisma,  scindono la realtà stessa in diversi capitoli, ciascuno corrispondente ad una canzone dell'album.
 una domanda rivolta all'ascoltatore, a cui viene chiesto: «Quale canzone gradisci di più?»
Secondo alcuni il titolo del brano è un riferimento ad una battuta attribuita a Henry Ford, secondo la quale la Ford Modello T era disponibile in qualunque colore piacesse al cliente, purché fosse nero.

Curiosità
Questo è l'ultimo brano interamente strumentale composto dalla formazione storica dei Pink Floyd a comparire su un album in studio. Il successivo sarà Signs of Life del 1987 composto dopo l'abbandono del bassista Roger Waters anche se durante il tour di The Wall veniva suonato un brano strumentale (The Last Few Bricks) tra Another Brick in the Wall parte 3 e Goodbye Cruel World per consentire ai roadies la costruzione del muro.

Si tratta inoltre dell'unico brano composto dai Pink Floyd a firma dei membri Gilmour, Wright, Mason e senza la presenza di Roger Waters.

Note

Collegamenti esterni

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Mont-Roig. Tarragona. Costa Dorada. The Tourist Board of the Tarragona Provincial Government has collaborated with the Catalan Tourism in developing the program of visits by a group of American journalists who moved to Mont-Roig del Camp during a visit to Catalonia. The Municipal Tourism Montroig has supported this action. A total of seven American journalists visited this weekend the town of Mont-Roig del Camp, making their stay in Catalonia, in order to know which houses the exhibition Miró Foundation in Barcelona until the next March: "the scale of evasion." This exhibition, featuring works by renowned painter Joan Miró, will be transferred later to Washington. Journalists representing various U.S. media (Saveur Magazine, National Geographic Traveler Online, Sirius / XM Radio - The Bob Edwards Show, 1stdibs.com, Adobe Airstream, The National Abu Dhabi, Washington Times, World Journal and Capitol File Affair ), have been accompanied by a representative of the National Gallery of Arts. The trip has been organized by the Catalan tourism, particularly from its Tourist Promotion Centre in New York. He has done with the collaboration of the Tourism Council of Tarragona Province and support of the Municipal Tourism Montroig Camp. During his stay in Mont-Roig, journalists have visited the Centre Miró, have made the route 3MR "Look, Miró, Montroig" and are nearer to Mas Miró.


GIRRAJJI STONE CRUSHERS PRIVATE LIMITED - Company .Girrajji Stone Crushers Private Limited's Corporate Identification Number is (CIN) U26960UP1994PTC016086 and its registration number is 16086.Its Email address is girrajjigmail and its registered address is 40-G, SIDDHARTH ENCLAVE, MAU ROAD, KHANDARI, BYE PASS ROAD, AGRA AGRA UP 282005 IN , - ,.m s girrajji stone crusher agra,m s girrajji stone crusher agra,Goyal Stone Crusher in Agra Road, Jaipur - 302004 | Stone .Goyal Stone Crusher in Agra Road, Jaipur - 302004. Listed under Stone Crushers and Stone Metal Suppliers with Address, Phone Number, Map, Contact details, Photos, Reviews and Ratings of Goyal Stone Crusher, Jaipur on Indiacom.
Girrajji Stone Crushers Private Limited's Corporate Identification Number is (CIN) U26960UP1994PTC016086 and its registration number is 16086.Its Email address is girrajjigmail and its registered address is 40-G, SIDDHARTH ENCLAVE, MAU ROAD, KHANDARI, BYE PASS ROAD, AGRA AGRA UP 282005 IN , - ,.
Goyal Stone Crusher in Agra Road, Jaipur - 302004 | Stone .
Goyal Stone Crusher in Agra Road, Jaipur - 302004. Listed under Stone Crushers and Stone Metal Suppliers with Address, Phone Number, Map, Contact details, Photos, Reviews and Ratings of Goyal Stone Crusher, Jaipur on Indiacom.


Download "COMPANY Sponsorship Opportunities. To learn more call Evan Rosenberg at or"
8 The Player s Club You Can t Get Closer Than This Experience the excitement of live PGA TOUR golf with your key clients, prospects, and employees from your own private space on the 18 th Green 60 guests per day Food and beverage provided Logo & Link on tournament website Company name on tournament sponsor board Electronic scoreboard recognition 10 General Admission Tickets for every $1,000 included in the package Thursday - $7,000 Friday - $7,000 SOLD! Saturday - $8,500 SOLD! Sunday - $10,000 SOLD!


text:
UPDATE: Kohler employees return to work following strike
Posted: Thu 7:31 AM, Dec 17, 2015
UPDATED: Thursday, December 17, 2015 -- 7:33 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- Union workers at the Kohler Co. are returning to work.
A steady stream of vehicles pulled into the Kohler plant early Thursday where union members reported for first shift work after a monthlong strike.
United Auto Workers Local 833 members voted overwhelmingly in favor of a four-year deal Wednesday. Union officials say the new agreement provides a wage increase in each year of the contract and improves health care costs compared to the company's previous offer.
The strike by about 2,000 Kohler employees began Nov. 15 and was the first walkout at the company in more than 30 years. The privately-held Kohler makes plumbing products, cabinets, furniture, engines and owns hotels and golf courses.
Copyright: Associated Press 2015
UPDATED: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 -- 9:33 p.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- Union workers have overwhelmingly approved a new contract ending a monthlong strike against the Kohler Co. in Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1NqyqUY ) reports union officials say the tentative agreement was supported by 91 percent of the 1,846 employees who voted Wednesday. Workers will return to their jobs Thursday morning.
The strike began Nov. 15 at the privately held maker of plumbing products, cabinets, furniture and other items.
Under the agreement, employees would get wage increases in each year of the four-year contract, according to union leaders who represent about 2,000 workers at Kohler's kitchen and bath plant in the village of the same name and at a generator factory north of Sheboygan.
The workers are members of United Auto Workers Local 833.
UPDATED: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 --- 6:41 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- The Kohler Co. and its striking union have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year labor contract.
Members of United Auto Workers Local 833 are expected to vote on the pact Wednesday. Union leaders say the agreement includes wage increases and benefits in each year of the contract. Union president Tim Tayloe says the agreement also narrows the gap on a two-tier pay system. He says the health care plans have been modified to reduce the potential for out-of-pocket costs.
Company CEO David Kohler says the agreement recognizes the contributions of the workers in making Kohler more competitive in the future.
Local 833 represents about 2,000 workers at Kohler's kitchen and bath plant in Kohler and at a generator factory north of Sheboygan. The union went on strike Nov. 15.
UPDATED: Sunday, December 6, 2015 --- 9:22 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- Talks have been resumed between the Kohler Co. and the union that's been on strike for nearly three weeks in Wisconsin.
Tim Tayloe, president of Local 833 of the United Auto Workers, said in a text message Friday that the union and the company met this week, and will meet again next week.
A Kohler representative confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1XQZTC0 ) that negotiations have resumed.
Local 833 represents about 2,000 workers at Kohler's kitchen and bath-ware plant in the Village of Kohler and at a generator factory north of Sheboygan. The union went on strike Nov. 15.
The union wants to do away with a two-tiered pay scale that it says unfairly limits new employees to roughly $13 an hour. Kohler has said its contract offer was fair.
UPDATED: Wednesday, December 2, 2015 -- 6:45 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- The union on strike against the Kohler Co. is circulating a list of members who have crossed the picket line and returned to work.
United Auto Workers Local 833 President Tim Tayloe says the list was distributed at the request of members and that he has encouraged strikers not to retaliate against those who have gone back to work.
Sheboygan Press Media (http://shebpr.es/1XGEyuS ) reports the list also states the 13 on the list are no longer union brothers or sisters and that "a scab is a scab." Union members who have crossed the picket line in the two-week-old strike say they can't afford to stay off the job. Luis Rodriguez says he can't support his four children and pregnant wife on $200 a week in strike pay.
No new bargaining talks have been scheduled.
UPDATED Friday, November 27, 2015---1:48 p.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- A union official says Kohler Co. workers plan to strike through the holiday weekend and they remain united in their desire to do away with a two-tiered pay scale that they say unfairly limits newly hired employees to about $13 an hour.
Union spokesman Pete Behrensprung said Friday that Kohler workers have been picketing "around the clock since Nov. 15," including the rain on Thanksgiving and that they would continue to do so until their demands are met.
He says the workers haven't heard anything new from the company and that no new negotiations have been scheduled.
Kohler's president and CEO, meanwhile, wrote a letter to the Sheboygan Press on Wednesday, saying the workers' demands would lead to job cuts.
Copyright 2015: Associated Press
UPDATED Wednesday, November 18, 2015---8:24 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- A court injunction keeps union members on strike against the Kohler Co. from interfering with traffic around the plant.
The company filed a complaint in Sheboygan County Circuit Court alleging the hundreds of union picketers that have gathered outside Kohler gates are causing traffic jams and harassing people trying to enter the property.
The Journal Sentinel says an injunction was issued Tuesday by Judge James Bolgert.
United Auto Workers Local 833 president Tim Tayloe says he's heard that some language by strikers was getting out of hand, so he's reminded members their fight isn't with the people who are driving to work at Kohler.
No new contract talks are scheduled.
UPDATED Monday, November 16, 2015---9:02 a.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- Union members are picketing at the gates of the Kohler Co. after authorizing the first strike at the Sheboygan area company since 1983.
Hundreds of strikers marched from the union hall to the company Monday morning where picketing began at the gates of the plumbing and hospitality company. United Auto Workers Local 833 says 94 percent of voting members rejected Kohler's latest offer. About 1,800 workers attended Sunday's membership meeting.
Workers have taken issue with what they call an inadequate pay increase, higher health care costs and the continuation of a two-tier wage scale.
Kohler had called for three raises of 50 cents each -- about 2 percent a year -- for most of its workforce. The offer raised health care costs but included a $1,200 bonus that the company said could cover the increase.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATED: Monday, November 16, 2015 -- 6:46 a.m.
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) -- Union workers at Kohler Co. have rejected the company's latest contract offer and overwhelmingly approved a strike.
United Auto Workers Local 833 announced the vote results Sunday. The union says paper balloting showed 94 percent of workers favor a strike. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1SRZVZm) it would be the company's first strike since 1983.
Workers have taken issue with what they call an inadequate pay increase, higher health care costs and the continuation of a two-tier wage scale that pays newer employees less.
The company has said its last contract offer would've raised the average wage for lower tier workers to above $17 an hour.
A strike could idle about 2,100 production employees at a plumbing-ware foundry in the Village of Kohler and at a generator plant near Sheboygan.
Posted: Saturday, November 14, 2015 -- 8:08 p.m.
KOHLER, Wis. (AP) -- With a possible strike looming, the Kohler Co. has presented what the company calls its final contract offer to Wisconsin union workers.
The current contract expires at midnight Saturday. Union members meet Sunday to hear presentations from union leaders and possibly decide to strike.
The company's proposal would raise pay for workers on both levels of the two-tier wage scale Kohler put in place five years ago over the union's objections.
Tim Tayloe, president of United Auto Workers Local 833, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Saturday that he can't recommend the company's proposal.
The union represents 2,100 production workers at the company's plumbing products foundry in the Village of Kohler, and at a generator plant north of Sheboygan.
A strike would be the first at Kohler since 1983.
Copyright: The Associated Press 2015
Northside Elementary School bomb threat one of many across the U.S.
Authorities search for missing mom and 3 sons
Officer acquitted in Freddie Gray case
Loon population strong in Wisconsin


text:
BP Appoints Robert Dudley New CEO
Posted on July 27, 2010	 - By MadameNoire
(Market Watch) — BP's new chief executive, Robert Dudley, is an industry veteran with wide-ranging qualifications, but it was his American passport as much as his in-depth knowledge of Russia and his green credentials that sealed the deal for the board. BP said Tuesday that, by mutual agreement, Tony Hayward will step down as group chief executive with effect from October 1 and he will be succeeded by fellow executive director Dudley.


text:
Ashtabula, city, Ashtabula county, northeastern Ohio, U.S. It lies along Lake Erie, at the mouth of the Ashtabula River, about 54 miles (87 km) northeast of Cleveland. The site was settled in 1801; its name, of Algonquian origin, possibly means "river of many fish" and was applied to the township (1808). In the 1850s Hubbard Homestead and other houses in the town were stations on the Underground Railroad, an escape route for slaves. The town was the site of one of the country's deadliest railroad accidents on Dec. 24, 1876, when an iron bridge collapsed under a Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad train, killing 92 people. Modern Ashtabula is a St. Lawrence Seaway port with a fine harbour; it handles with Conneaut (to the east) large quantities of coal and iron ore. It is also a trading centre for the Lake Erie resort area and manufactures a variety of products, including automobile bodies and forgings, fibreglass, plastics, corrugated boxes, and chemicals. A regional campus of Kent State University is located in the city. Inc. village, 1831; city, 1891. Pop. (2000) 20,962; (2010) 19,124.
Ashtabula: railyard Coal train in a railyard, Ashtabula, Ohio. © Matthew Trump
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.
Ohio, constituent state of the United States of America, on the northeastern edge of the Midwest region. Lake Erie lies on the north, Pennsylvania on the east, West Virginia and Kentucky on the southeast and south, Indiana on the west, and Michigan on the northwest. Ohio ranks 34th in terms…
Charles Burchfield, American painter known initially for his realistic watercolours of the American scene and later for his mystically poetic landscapes. From 1912 to 1916 Burchfield attended the Cleveland School of Art. He returned to his home in Salem, Ohio, where he had an industrial job and in…
Official Site of the City of Ashtabula, Ohio, United States


National U20 Shield Competition Fixtures for 2014/2015 are as below. Staffordshire will be looking to build on last seasons success in reaching the National Quarter Final. Training sessions are due to be held in September and October.
All dates are Sundays and the sessions will start at 2:00pm.


A mentorship program for males and females that are in middle school and high school. Participants are supported through a relationship with an adult mentor.. Participants are supported through a relationship with an adult mentor. Mentors meet with students twice per week in a group setting guiding them through set curriculums which addresses topics such as leadership, family and peer relationships and self-esteem. Participants also take part in off-site field trips and volunteer experiences.
Share this form to a friend!
I want to sign up for M.O.V.E. & L.O.V.E.
We are currently taking applicants. Sign up today!
MEDICAL: REQUIRED APPROVAL FOR APPROPRIATE STATEMENT * Agree - I authorize administration of basic first aidDisagree authorization administration of basic first aidAgree LDC Staff/ Volunteers permission to seek medical treatment for my child. I understand that treatment may include emergency transportationX-rays or surgery in some circumstances for my child and I agree to assume responsibility for charges associated with this or any other treatment given to my child.I disagree permission to seek medical treatment for my child.


DESCRIPTION: The Greater Yellowlegs is a wading shorebird. Plumage is mottled brown on top with fine white stripes on the head, and white for the abdomen and rump. The breast is white with fine dark stripes. The bill is dark and longer than the head. The legs are long relative to body size, and yellow. Adults are similar, and juveniles have browner upper parts. The length is around 16 inches (40 cm).
NAME: The English name is self-explanatory. 'Greater' implies that there's also a similar 'lesser' yellowlegs. The Latin genus name 'Tringa' refers to a bird with a white rump and a bobbing tail in ancient Greece. As for the Latin species name 'melanoleuca', it means 'black white' in reference to the top part plumage, but it's actually more brown than black.
HABITAT: Wetlands of the Canadian boreal forest such as marshes and bogs during the summer. On Hawaii they can be observed in mudflats or pools or fishponds. Other wintering habitats include rice paddies or wet meadows.
DIET: The greater yellowlegs feeds from various insects and crustaceans found in shallow waters.
NESTING: The nest is a shallow depression on the ground in a well-hidden area near water. About three grey-brown eggs are laid. The chicks become autonomous within 48 hours.
DISTRIBUTION: The breeding range of the Greater Yellowlegs covers the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. They migrate to the coasts of south USA, to Mexico and South America. Some vagrants will end up in Western Europe, and other rare individuals will choose some Pacific islands such as Hawaii.
CONSERVATION: Greater yellowlegs used to be hunted before legislation on migratory birds protected them in North America. Unfortunately, hunting of wintering migratory birds still occurs in some parts of the world such as the Caribbean. However the main threat is loss of habitat on their wintering grounds. In spite of this, the species is still considered as 'least concern'.
NOTES: At least one individual was observed on Dec. 20 at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu, and photographed by Michael Young.
SIMILAR SPECIES: Lesser Yellowlegs. It is not easy to tell the greater Yellowlegs apart from the lesser yellowlegs. One way to distinguish them is by the bill length, which is longer than the head for the greater yellowlegs. Another way is by the species calls which are different (see here for the lesser yellowlegs calls). Also check this reference: https://www.thespruce.com/greater-or-lesser-yellowlegs-386349 .


text:
HomeAPSARemembering Robert Dahl: Help APSA Recognize Outstanding Scholarship on Democracy
Remembering Robert Dahl: Help APSA Recognize Outstanding Scholarship on Democracy
December 17, 2015 APSA, GiveAPSA15, Grants Comments Off on Remembering Robert Dahl: Help APSA Recognize Outstanding Scholarship on Democracy
Professor Robert Dahl, who would have turned 100 today, was a giant in the discipline of political science. He wrote a series of landmark books, including A Preface to Democratic Theory and Who Governs? He served as APSA President from 1966 to 1967, and participated in countless committees and activities of the Association throughout his long professional career. Professor Dahl was also especially interested in supporting younger scholars and new talent in the profession, and mentored many doctoral students who have become leaders in political science themselves.
The Robert Dahl Fund supports APSA's new Robert Dahl Prize, which will be awarded to an untenured faculty member who has produced scholarship of the highest quality on the subject of democracy. Your contribution in his memory enables APSA to recognize outstanding younger scholars and new talent in the profession.
Your contribution to the Robert Dahl Fund enables APSA to recognize outstanding younger scholars and new talent in the profession.
To make a donation, visit www.apsanet.org/donate-now.
Throwback Thursdays: #APSA2014 Poster Session – Washington, D.C.
APSA Ralph Bunche Fund: Support Opportunities for Underrepresented Students
The #APSA2014 Annual Meeting took place at the Marriott Wardman Park, in Washington, D.C. Below are some highlights of the poster session.


text:
Danisco close to concluding sugar negotiations
22-Jun-2008 - Last updated on 19-Jul-2008 at 22:17 GMT
Related tags Dkk Sugar beet Danisco
Danisco has said it is close to concluding negotiations with
potential buyers of its sugar business, but is still working
towards spinning it off into a separate business by the end of 2008
in case a suitable deal cannot be struck.
The latest remarks from Danisco came in its full year financial report, published this morning. It indicates that an outright sale will take place only if it proves to be "more value enhancing" than a spin-off. It has not given any firm time scale for the negotiations to be concluded, however. Meanwhile France's Tereos, which confirmed to FoodNavigator.com last month that it was bidding to buy the business, announced on Friday that it is pulling out of the race. Tereos cited the reason as there being "too many uncertainties attached to the bid process". According to reports, the decision was based on a block by Danisco on Tereos teaming up with a group of sugar beet planters. This leaves just Nordzucker in the running - and Nordzucker executives have expressed willingness to pay between €700m and €1bn. As for Tereos, it has said it will investigate other acquisition opportunities. The sugar business of Spain's Ebro Puleva, which came on the market in May, looks a likely target. Danisco's sugar de-merger was first announced in August 2007, and the rationale is to allow shareholders to target their investments, and to let both companies focus on development opportunities in their respective spheres. Originally planned to take place two years down the line, the de-merger was brought forward to 2008 as the outlook for the post-reform European sugar market took on a rosier hue. Strong performance  In its full year report 2007/8, Danisco posted EBIT of DKK 652m (€87.4m) for the sugar division, up from DKK 171 (€22.9m) last year. Earnings remained on a par, at DKK 1785. "We booked a goodwill write down of DKK 600 million (€80.5m) as a result of the ongoing de-merger or sales process," said the company. Sugar showed strong operating performance throughout the year, posting EBIT of DKK 652 million (€87.4m). Across the group as a whole, Danisco reported revenue of DKK 18,778m (€ 2518.2m) and EBIT of DKK 2,151m (€288.5m). The ingredients division recorded organic growth of 5 per cent and flat EBIT of DKK 1588m (€213m), despite the impact of higher costs and a hit of DKK 70m (€9.4m) due to the unfavourable dollar exchange rate. Cultures, Genencor and emulsifiers were said to have "solid momentum", while sweeteners faced some challenges as a result of declining demand for xylitol.
Related topics Carbohydrates and fibers (sugar, starches)
Can we believe the Danisco-Apax rumours?
Danisco Sugar to be sold to Nordzucker
Danisco ingredients suffer from low demand and high prices
Danisco pledges research, acquisitions in healthy ingredients
Solutions for Navigating Starch Supply Challenges
CP Kelco | 29-Nov-2022 | Technical / White Paper
Starch is relied on for thickening, water-holding or moisture control, texture, and mouthfeel, so replacing it can be a challenge.
Subtleties in sugar reduction
Cargill | 24-Oct-2022 | Technical / White Paper
While indulgence became common practice during the stress of a global pandemic, consumer habits are returning to normalcy… spurred on by new research on...
Have your cake and eat it, too – How innovations in flavor science and technology are serving-up healthier desserts and confections By T. Hasegawa USA
Plant Baked Protein: A Bright Future for Hemp Seed By Applied Food Sciences


Nose: The Nikka 12 needs some time in the glass before you start Nosing. But after a while you will be rewarded with nice and reasonably sophisticated Floral and Fruity Aromas. I find Buttered Toast and Apricot Marmalade, Caramel, Malt, Ripe Fruit like Plums, Apples and Peaches, Mahogany Wood, Vanilla, a nice Espresso note, Grass, Honey, Treacle, Lemon and Orange Zest and a generous sprinkle of Cinnamon. There's a little bit of Alcohol around.
Palate: Quite Thin, Sweet and Watery with Sugared Tea, Toffee, Caramel, Oak, Nuts, light Vanilla, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Orange Zest, Grass, Apples and Dried Apricots.
Finish: Short and mainly Sweet with Sugared Tea, light Honey, Vanilla, Cereals, Oak, Pepper, Nutmeg, Ginger and some Cocoa Powder.
With a bit of water the Nose gets a bit more Fruit and Honey. Palate and Finish gain still more Spices but otherwise become too Thin.
They also produce a lot of Blended Whisky and the 12 Years Taketsuru (named after the founder of Nikka) I am tasting today is a Blended or Vatted Malt Whisky from Spirit produced at the two above mentioned Japanese distilleries. It sells at around 70 US Dollars. There are also 17 and 21 Years Expressions in the Taketsuru Series. The best known blends are probably Nikka from the Barrel and Black Nikka, the latter mainly in Japan. Nikka was founded by Masataka Taketsuru He studied Chemistry at the University of Glasgow between 1918 and 1920 and worked and learnt as apprentice at Distilleries like Longmorn and Hazelburn. Apparently he was very gifted because later on Masataka became a Master-Blender. Nowadays the Nikka Whisky Distilling Company is part of Asahi Breweries.
Drinking Experience Neat: The Nose is Good. The rest is Average.
Conclusion: I am disappointed with this Vatted/Blended Malt. The Nose is quite nice and has some distinct Fruity, Floral, Mahogany and Coffee Aromas. But on the Palate the Nikka 12 Years Pure Malt is Thin and Sugary Sweet with some Oak, Toffee and Spices. The Finish is similar to the Palate and quite Short. It's too expensive for what it offers and not good enough to be considered as one of my daily to-go-to Blends.


text:
493: Picture Show
A Picture is Worth A Thousand… Dollars
Painter Schandra Singh usually sells her paintings to wealthy art collectors. So when she gets a letter from a father of a boy with autism, saying his son loves her work, she decides to do a trade with him, one of her sketches for one of his. It's only later that she realizes she's not the only artist in her circle of friends who got that letter. Reporter Scott Pinkmountain looks into who is behind the form letter. (24 minutes)
"Let Me Move You" by Jimi Hendrix
Images of Anthony's Art and Collaborations
More in Children
653: Crime Scene (2018)
Act Three: A Criminal Returns to the Scene of the Crime
Sometimes criminals return to the scene of their misdeeds — to try to make things right, to try to undo the past. Katie Davis reports on her neighbor Bobby, who returned to the scene where he robbed people and conned people.
627: Suitable for Children
Act Three: The Questionnaire
Over the last few years, there's been a flood of kids from Central America who've arrived in the United States by themselves.
617: Fermi's Paradox
Act Three: Rosie's Paradox
One night Rosie's father, busy working, told Rosie, then 9, to stop distracting him with her questions.
Abdi and the Golden Ticket
A story about someone who's desperately trying – against long odds – to make it to the United States and become an American.
A locksmith tells the story of an act of kindness he committed, hoping for a small reward. That, and other stories of kindness in New York City.


Original page of "Princess", a British comic about a ballerina who goes on many exciting adventures. Very finely illustrated by Bill Lacey in the early 1960s. Beautiful artwork that appeared in the magazine "Lion".
Size: 45 x 58 cm. The page is folded in half. The fold in the middle is nearly invisible. This was done often at the time with pages of very large size.
Please study the photos carefully, they are part of the description.


The early service, 8:00 a.m. is a simple Holy Communion service using Rite I in the prayer book. Our 10:00 a.m service is our family communion service, using Rite II with full choir. Coffee hour is also held after this service in the fellowship hall.
9:30 am and the children are brought up to the Sanctuary to join their families at approximately 10:30 am. Classes begin September 7.
Sunday School, grades 7-12 meets immediately after the 10 am service, beginning September 21. On some Sundays, Youth Group activities will begin after the class.


KRC Machine Tool Solutions introduces its KRC Fusion VI high-performance machine tool, a modular, large-format gantry system capable of being parametrically configured for a range of sizes and configured for specific or multiple processes.
Harper International (Buffalo, N.Y., U.S.) announces the release of its next-generation oxidation oven system, as well as enhancements to its high-temperature (HT) furnace systems.
Netzsch (Selb, Germany, 6/R20) is featuring technology it developed in collaboration with Kistler (Winterhur, Switzerland) to create advanced technology for intelligent composites parts production.
L&L Products (Molsheim, France, 6/R27) is introducing A-K321 and A-K322, acrylic-based, fast-curing, two-component toughened structural adhesives that provide primerless adhesion to most metals, thermoplastics and composites.
Huntsman Corp. (Everberg, Belgium, 6/M31) is introducing a new RIMLINE HC+ PU resin system that is said to offer significant benefits for automotive interior vehicle design and efficiency.
Kordsa (Istanbul, Turkey) is showcasing its fabric development, textile products and advanced honeycomb technologies in Booths D32 and G27, Hall 6 at JEC World 2019.


The Culture Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will meet on 29 and 30 January 2015 in Lomé, Togo, for their 5th regular meeting to discuss some key documents of the Community's programmes and cultural events.
These documents will be submitted for their consideration by the Technical Committee of Experts of the Culture of ECOWAS, commonly called Technical Committee, which will meet from 27 to 29 January 2015 in the Togolese capital.
A statement by the ECOWAS Commission on Monday in Abuja noted that the ministers will be informed of the achievements, constraints, challenges and opportunities identified during the various consultations and the implementation of cultural development programmes and action plans.
The expert meeting will also provide the Regional Cultural Programme for the period 2015-2017 and analyze reports of several previous meetings on cultural issues.
The experts will also discuss the findings of the validation meeting of the study on the first Forum of ECOWAS on education for a culture of peace through inter-religious dialogue.
In addition to experts and Ministers of Culture of member states and staff of the ECOWAS Commission, the Lomé meeting will also bring together resource persons, including representatives of religious organizations such as the Christian religion, the Islamic religion and endogenous religions.
Representatives of development partners and civil society organizations working in the members area of culture will also participate in this meeting, while January 31, 2015 will be dedicated to the organization of cultural events in the Togolese capital.
This report was posted on January 29, 2015.


Check out this great cast on method that lets you knit from either side!
Learn how to tackle the provisional cast on method, also known as the open cast on method, in this free knitting tutorial. This cast on method uses a length of waste yarn that is removed later to reveal stitches from your main yarn underneath. These revealed stitches are then placed back on the needle and knit in the opposite direction.
This is a great method for making hems or for knitted projects that are closed off at both ends - such as a knit toy. We also see this method a lot in triangle shawls, in which one side is worked entirely to the corner before the same cast on edge is picked up and knit to complete the other side.
Check out the video below to learn how to knit the provisional cast on method, or read the written instructions for a printable, step-by-step guide.
Cut a strand of waste yarn with enough length for the number of stitches you need to cast on, plus a few extra stitches. Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook.
Take your knitting needle and place it parallel to your crochet hook. Keep your working yarn behind your needle.
Cross your needle behind your crochet hook and over your working yarn.
Hook your yarn with your crochet hook in front of your needle.
Pull a loop through your slipknot.
Move your yarn back behind your needle from between your crochet hook and needle.
Hook the yarn once again with your crochet hook in front of your needle and pull through another loop.
Repeat steps 6-7 until you have as many loops on your needle as the pattern calls for you to cast on.
Move your yarn in front of your needle and crochet a chain of at least a few stitches to make an "emergency chain." This is what you unravel later on to create your live stitches. For more information on how to crochet a chain, watch the video, or visit our friends over at AllFreeCrochet.
Pull the remaining length of waste yarn through your last chain, but not too tightly.
You now have all of your stitches cast on, plus your emergency chain complete, and you can begin knitting off your cast on stitches with the yarn designated for your project.
Once one side of your project has been knitted and you must pick up stitches from the other side of your cast on, take the end of your emergency chain and a needle that is slightly smaller than the one you used to knit your first side.
Pull the remaining length from step 12 back through the last chain the way you pulled it in. This is why you don't want to pull too tightly on step 12.
Start to unravel your chain.
Unravel until you reach the edge of your knitting.
Take your knitting needle and place it in your first stitch.
Pull the waste yarn so the chain which that stitch was connected to comes undone.
Go under your next stitch and place your needle through.
Repeat steps 6-7. Be careful not to accidentally pick up the waste yarn as you put your needle into your stitches. After you have reached the last stitch, pull the waste yarn entirely off of your work. You are now left with all live stitches with your pattern's yarn on your needles. You are now ready to start knitting the other side of your work.
Fantastic video! I've been nervous to try Provisional Cast On, but after watching this video I am quite confident that I can do this with no problem. Thanks!


"The planner diary from the ""Ready to go" by Carpisa line is designed to fix your appointments in style. The daily diary features feint ruled sheets of paper for every day of the month. The solid coloured accessory is available in three trendy colours - red, black and yellow. The appointment diary has a tone-on-tone elastic closure and a page mark in the same colour."


text:
« James H. Mills – South Asia's Lost Cocaine? Coca Leaf and Colonialism in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), c. 1870-1894
Slugs & Steins: David Brundage – The Easter Rising and New York: How Ireland's Revolution Triggered a Fight Against Empire »
Watsonville is in the Heart: Digital Archive Launch & Community Talk Story
April 9, 2022 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Museum of Art & History
On April 9, come celebrate the launch of the Watsonville is in the Heart Digital Archive. The new archive features oral history recordings, original documents, and family artifacts that capture the rich history of Filipino life and labor in California's Pajaro Valley. Learn more about the UCSC Watsonville is in the Heart research initiative and its partnership with The Tobera Project, and share in conversation with Watsonville community members working to uplift stories of the manong generation, the first wave of Filipino workers to arrive in the United States at the start of the twentieth century.
The digital archive launch will include a Talk Story panel, "Women of the Pajaro Valley," to highlight three community members at the forefront of this memory-preservation work: Juanita Sulay Wilson, Eva Alminiana Monroe, and Antoinette DeOcampo Lechtenberg.
The evening will include pop-up exhibits, interactive archive stations, and a chance to meet with members of the Watsonville is in the Heart team and of The Tobera Project. For more information, contact wiith@ucsc.edu.
This event is sponsored by the University Library, California Humanities, The Humanities Institute, and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.
Museum of Art & History
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 United States


text:
Growth in container rates for US west coast edges down in Sept.
SEJONG -- Shipping costs for container cargo bound for the west coast of the United States inched down in September from a month earlier amid mounting worries over a US economic downturn, government data showed Monday. The average freight rate for a 40-foot container from Asia's fourth-largest economy to the US west coast fell 0.4 percent on-year to 13.88 million won ($960,000), according to the...
S. Korea eyes W1.5t investment by revamping regulations
South Korea plans to overhaul a set of business regulations as part of efforts to bolster investment, the finance ministry said Monday, amid growing fears over an economic slump. The decision was made during a meeting of economy-related ministries presided over by Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. South Korea plans to overhaul 24 business-linked r...
Job growth slows in Sept. amid recession worries
South Korea posted 19 straight months of job gains in September, although the employment growth has cooled amid worries over a recession prompted by soaring interest rates and slowing exports. According to Statistics Korea data released Friday, the number of the employed rose to 28.38 million last month, up 707,000 from the same month a year ago -- the largest annual gain since 1999 in the month...
IMF chief downplays possibility in Korea's financial crisis
SEJONG -- The chief of the International Monetary Fund on Friday dismissed the possibility that South Korea would face a financial crisis, seemingly suggesting that the current economic situation of the nation is different from the 1997 or 2008 crises. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the remarks of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva came during a meeting with Korea's De...
Finance minister calls on World Bank to expand ties with Korea
SEJONG -- South Korea's top economic policymaker on Thursday called for close collaboration between the Korean government and the World Bank Group to address major global issues, such as tackling climate change. In his meeting with WB Group President David Malpass in Washington, DC, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho stressed the role of World Bank's local liaison office at...
BOK's big-step rate hike coincides with gov't view: finance minister
WASHINGTON/SEJONG -- South Korea's finance minister said Thursday the central bank's decision to take another big-step rate hike was necessary to cope with inflation and the strong US dollar. On the previous day, the Bank of Korea (BOK) raised the benchmark seven-day repo rate from 2.5 percent to 3 percent in line with efforts to bring inflation under control. It is the first time in about 10 ye...
Finance ministry tells global investors Korean FX market slated to be open 24/7
SEJONG -- South Korea's economic policymakers said the government will allow foreign-based financial firms to "directly" participate in the local foreign exchange market during a meeting with global investment bank executives. Saying that the policy is a part of the government's effort to provide a foreign investor-friendly environment, the officials reiterated that Korea is mapping out details ...
S. Korea confirms second big rate hike as surging dollar adds to inflation woes
The Bank of Korea returned to its second outsized rate hike since July as a surging US dollar and higher import bills chip away at efforts to curb persistent inflation. The central bank raised its policy rate to a 10-year high of 3 percent by 50 basis points on Wednesday -- an increase that is twice the usual size and marks a break from the August guidance that supported a gradual 25 basis point...
S. Korea's trade lobby group chief calls for reprieve of US law on EV credits
The chief of South Korea's trade lobby group has called for the United States to allow at least a three-year delay in the implementation of a new US law on tax credits for electric vehicle buyers seen as a disadvantage to Korean automakers. Koo Ja-yeol, chair of the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), delivered the message when he met with US Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Pat Wilson, ...
IMF predicts gloomy outlook for Korea, urges monetary tightening
SEJONG -- The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday suggested a gloomy prediction for the 2023 economy of the world as well as South Korea, citing protracted downside risks such as high inflation and cheap currencies against the US dollar. In its World Economic Outlook, the US-based organization revised its forecast on the 2023 gross domestic product growth of global economy down to 2.7 percent...
S. Korean officials, businesses discuss joint responses to US EV tax law
South Korean officials held a meeting with domestic car and battery makers Tuesday to discuss responses to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as Washington sought public input on its implementation amid concerns over its discriminatory features, the industry ministry said. The IRA, signed by US President Joe Biden in August, excludes electric vehicles assembled outside of North America from tax ...
Customs agency detects W256.7b worth of items with false country-of-origin labels
South Korea's customs agency said Tuesday it has detected 256.7 billion won ($179.6 million) worth of imported items disguised as being locally produced through September this year. The amount marks a 35 percent rise from the same period a year earlier, according to the Korea Customs Service. Among the major items were optical instruments, with their value reaching 115.8 billion, followed by ma...
Exports down 20.2% during first 10 days of October
South Korea's exports slipped 20.2 percent on-year in the first 10 days of October due mainly to sluggish overseas sales of chips, data showed Tuesday. The country's outbound shipments stood at $11.8 billion in the Oct. 1-10 period, compared with $14.8 billion a year earlier, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service. Imports also went down 11.3 percent on-year to $15.6 billion durin...
4 in 5 foreigner apartment purchases by Chinese, US nationals over past 7 years
SEJONG -- More than 80 percent of all apartment purchases by foreigners over the past seven years were made by US and Chinese nationals, an opposition party lawmaker said on Monday. According to relevant documents, which were handed over to Rep. Yang Kyung-sook of the Democratic Party of Korea from both the Land Ministry and the Korea Real Estate Board, foreigners bought 29,792 apartments in the...
BOK says riskier borrowers close to bankruptcy ahead of rate hike
Some 381,000 households would be unable to repay their loans even if they liquidated everything they have including their homes, as of December last year, Bank of Korea data showed Monday. The report -- revealed by Rep. Kang Jun-hyeon of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea as part of the annual parliamentary audit -- said "riskier borrowers" account for 3.2 percent of the entire loan g...
Wheelchair-using subway protesters not underprivileged: Seoul mayor
NATO chief warns of risks of overreliance on China