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What is Beaches Link designed to achieve?
As Sydney continues to grow, with more and more trips being made, so will the challenges to our transport network.
Heavily constrained routes to the Northern Beaches impact on all road users, including bus commuters, and Military Road.
Areas such as Mosman, Artarmon and the Northern Beaches run the risk of lagging behind the rest of Sydney because of current transport reliability.
Faster and more reliable trips are essential to reducing congestion and providing new levels of access to jobs and services.
Beaches Link is key to delivering the transport vision for Sydney.
Beaches Link will:
Improve journey times and reliability on critical transport routes on both sides of Middle Harbour
For the first time, provide a motorway link between the Northern Beaches and the rest of Sydney
Relieve traffic pressure on the North Shore
Integrate with Sydney's public transport network (bus, metro and rail) to deliver significant improvements for bus services.
Why do we need Beaches Link?
As Sydney's population grows, our economy and jobs will also grow, as will the number of trips made in and around Sydney every day.
Congestion costs our economy around $6.1 billion a year.
By 2030, this cost is expected to hit $12.6 billion a year. Motorway connections, as part of an integrated transport network, provide critical support to a growing economy in a global city like Sydney.
Beaches Link is a key initiative for Sydney's integrated transport network. It will relieve congestion, improve access by public transport to jobs and services and increase the efficiency of the freight network.
The project has been identified as an infrastructure priority by both the NSW and Australian Commonwealth Governments.
It supports the NSW Government's strategic objectives for Greater Sydney and delivers on recommendations made by Infrastructure Australia.
Has public transport been integrated into the project?
Yes. Beaches Link benefits public transport across the Northern Beaches, the North Shore, North Sydney and around the CBD by opening up new express bus connections and adding capacity to existing corridors.
Enable direct, reliable public transport between the Northern Beaches and the Sydney Metro at North Sydney as well as south of Sydney Harbour and new direct connections to centres such as St Leonards
Free up Military Road for more reliable bus services through Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay and ease pressure on Warringah Road for bus services through Frenchs Forest, Forestville and Roseville Bridge
Improve bus travel on the Warringah Freeway, including a new continuous, free-flowing bus lane between Miller Street and Sydney Harbour Bridge and improved access to North Sydney
Enable opportunities for express buses to use Beaches Link.
In addition to new express routes, Beaches Link will turbocharge the 2,000 weekly B-Line services introduced by the NSW Government in 2017.
Has active transport been integrated into the project?
Yes. Beaches Link delivers over five kilometres of new cycleways and pedestrian paths. New active transport connections will provide new travel options and create new paths for recreation.
New Wakehurst Parkway shared path:
Links the new Northern Beaches Hospital precinct with Seaforth, Balgowlah and Manly
Integrates with the Garigal National Park and Manly Dam Reserve trails with safe underpasses and overpasses
Balgowlah Recreation precinct:
Provides additional shared pathways integrated with existing paths to nearby schools and shops
What community consultation has been undertaken?
The proposed reference design for Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link was released on 26 July 2018 and extensive community engagement was undertaken through to 1 December 2018.
The engagement included 20 community information sessions that were held across the proposed alignment, including at Balmain, North Sydney, Crows Nest, Mosman, Cammeray and Balgowlah. The sessions were attended by more than 2,600 people.
In total, more than 7,300 items of feedback were received by the project team during the engagement phase, including more than 4,000 comments pinned to two online comment maps.
The 2018 community engagement builds on the engagement carried out for the 2017 concept design in when 16 information sessions were attended by more than 2,100 people.
When will the business case be finalised?
A summary of the final business case will be prepared and released by Infrastructure NSW, the NSW Government's independent infrastructure advisory agency, once an investment decision has been made.
What does the environmental assessment process involve?
As with any major transport infrastructure project, Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link will be subject to a rigorous and comprehensive environmental impact assessment.
This assessment will examine all potential environmental and social impacts that may occur during the construction and operation of the project, and proposed mitigation measures to avoid, manage or mitigate these impacts. This includes traffic, air quality, noise and vibration, spoil disposal, sediment management, Aboriginal and European heritage, flora, fauna and marine ecology, and sustainability.
There will be two Environmental Impact Statements – one for Western Harbour Tunnel (including Warringah Freeway upgrade) and one for Beaches Link (including the Gore Hill Freeway connection). Each will address the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) issued in December 2017.
The environmental assessment will be managed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. There will be a public exhibition period and the documents will be available to view on the Department's website during that time.
You will be able to make formal submissions on any aspect of the project once the EISs are on display. There will be further community engagement during the exhibition period, including further community sessions.
The Environmental Impact Statements will be reviewed by the Department of Planning and Environment, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, NSW Chief Health Officer, and independent reviewers before planning approval can be granted.
How can I contact the project team?
Mail: Customer feedback,
Roads and Maritime Services
Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059
Where can I find further information on the project?
Further information is available on the project website at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/whtbl


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Study Examines Trends in Healthcare Use and Costs after VA's Implementation of Patient-Aligned Care Teams
VA invested nearly $2 billion during fiscal years 2010-2012 in its effort to transform how it delivers healthcare. The centerpiece of this effort is the Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) initiative, with the goal of transforming primary care in a manner consistent with the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. Started in 2010, PACT involved all VA outpatient primary care clinics, which collectively treat more than five million Veterans annually who receive VA primary care. Before the implementation of PACT, primary care providers worked in large groups that shared nurses and other staff members. Under PACT, each primary care provider became the leader of a team that also includes a registered nurse care manager, a medical assistant, and an administrative clerk. Additional support staff were hired to meet these goals, including 1,271 registered nurse care managers. This study analyzed data for 11 million VA primary care patients treated from FY03 through FY12 to assess how trends in healthcare use and costs changed after the PACT implementation. Using VA administrative data, investigators estimated return on investment by modeling trends for eight categories of VA healthcare, including outpatient encounters, hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) and urgent care visits.
The implementation of the PACT model of care in the VA healthcare system was associated with modest increases in primary care visits – and with modest decreases in both hospitalizations for conditions like heart failure that might be avoided with better ambulatory care, and outpatient visits with mental health specialists.
It is estimated that these changes avoided $596 million in costs compared to the investment in PACT of $774 million, for a potential net loss of $178 million during the study period. The investment in PACT was overwhelmingly attributed to hiring personnel to staff primary care teams.
Previous studies observed reductions in ED and urgent care visits after implementation of the PCMH model of care. Although no reduction in VA ED use was observed, only 111 of 908 sites provide ED care, and the study was not able to measure visits at non-VA EDs.
The study did not include the effects of PACT on services covered by Medicare for eligible VA beneficiaries, or the effects on services for which VA has limited resources (e.g., mammography, dialysis, and colonoscopy) and, therefore, contracts with external providers.
Although PACT has not generated a positive financial return, it is still maturing and trends in costs and use are favorable. Thus, adopting patient-centered care does not appear to have been a major financial risk for VA.
Drs. Hebert, Liu, and Wong are part of HSR&D's Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, WA. Dr. Wong is supported by an HSR&D Career Development Award.
Hebert P, Liu C-F, Wong E, et al. Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiative Produced Modest Economic Results for the Veterans Health Administration, 2010-2012. Health Affairs. June 1, 2014;33(6):980-87.
PACT (21)
Specialized Primary Care Homes Effective in Treatment of Patients with Serious Mental Illness
Examining the Investment in Caring for High-Needs Patients
Primary Care Intensive Management for High-Risk VA Patients Did Not Improve Long-term (12-24 Month) Outcomes or Costs
Embedding Social Workers in VA Primary Care Teams Reduces Emergency Department Visits
Effect of Intensive Primary Care on Patient Experience Outcomes
Benefits of Medical Home Model Tailored for Homeless Veterans Versus Standard Primary Care
Women's Health VA Stakeholders Discuss "Ideal" Care
Homeless Veterans Report More Positive Experiences in Facilities with Homeless-Tailored Primary Care Teams
Homeless Population-tailored Patient-Aligned Care Team Can Reduce Acute Care Services and Healthcare Costs
More Patient-Aligned Care Team Components Translates to Improved Quality of Care for Veterans with Chronic Disease
VA Experience with Implementing Intensive Primary Care Programs for Veterans at Highest Risk
VA's Patient Aligned Care Teams' Challenges in Providing Care for Women Veterans
Intensive Outpatient Care for High-Need Patients Does Not Reduce Acute Care Use or Costs Compared to Standard VA Care
Impact of Evidence-based Quality Improvement Strategy on VA Patient-Aligned Care Team Implementation
Impact of Medical Home Features on Use of VA Healthcare and Total Costs of Care
VA PACT Implementation Increases Primary Care among Veterans with PTSD
JGIM Supplement Highlights VA's Patient-Aligned Care Teams
Outcomes Associated with VA Implementation of PACT
» next 20 PACT Briefs...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Last week I was searching images in Google and came across a meme that said "It's ok to be a glowstick; sometimes we need to break before we can shine." Since I read the meme, I haven't been able to get it out of my head and it seems appropriate for this season of my life. Think about a glowstick for just a minute. Unless it's broken, it can't be used. It HAS to be broken in order to fulfill its purpose and glow. Many times the Lord has to break us in order for us to function and glow as He desires.
It's hard to believe that I am now closer to 40 than I am to 30. In October I will only have a single year left in my 30s. My life is changing. The Lord is breaking certain things in me and I can tell a new chapter is getting ready to begin. Since I resigned my job as a school based therapist back in May of 2013. I feel like I have been in a holding pattern. It's been a chapter of waiting. While I don't have all of the answers, I can see where the Lord is breaking me and He is slowly changing my circle of friends.
Honestly, it's hard to imagine knocking down walls one has spent almost an entire life building. Different circumstances and events have added bricks and reinforcements in my own wall and it almost resembles a fortress at this point. I am now watching the Lord bring people into my life to start tearing down that wall. Yes, I have some great friends, but many of those relationships aren't what they used to be. Part of that has been me pulling back. Part of it is life has pulled us in different directions and other times it's just part of the natural ebb and flow of life. There are days when it's hard to see that some of those relationships are not what they used to be. In some ways I look at how life has pulled certain people together and while I haven't been left out completely, the relationships have changed. Here lately, I feel like I am on the outside looking in when it comes to certain friends.
Two years ago, the Lord allowed me to walk into a Christian Women in Media Association regional dinner. I had no idea what I was walking into and had no idea the blessing I would receive from this group. The beginning of this year the Lord brought an incredible small group of ladies to a regional dinner. While we are all still getting to know each other, I am grateful for the time spent with them this past week in conversation and a ministry event. These ladies are all beautiful in their own rights. They have amazing testimonies of how the Lord has moved in their lives. I count it a privilege to cheer them on in their current projects and am grateful for their encouragement in pursuing my own dreams. I'm excited to spend more time with these ladies and get to know them better. I'm also excited to watch the Lord expand all of our ministries with the support and encouragement of each other.
I have spent almost 2 years attempting to write a book. The first time I was about 3 chapters in when my computer ate the whole thing and refused to let it be recovered. Last fall I started writing again, but stopped almost 2 chapters in because I was terrified of failing. If I didn't finish the book, it couldn't be rejected and I wouldn't be seen as a failure. Fear has never stopped me from pursuing anything in the past, but I have dreamt of writing a book since I graduated from college and the fear of moving forward is almost paralyzing. The Lord never hands us fear. He only gives courage. In my season of being a glowstick, He is trying to break me of my fear. At my age is almost embarrassing to admit that fear is even a factor in pursuing my dreams. "Do not fear," "Be courageous" is something I have heard repeatedly over the past several months. Without a shadow of doubt, I know the Lord wants me to release all fears and trust Him to move forward with the dream He gave me.
The Lord is also trying to break me of my independence. I don't mean this in a way that I will start being codependent and not able to function on my own, but breaking me of the mentality that I have to do things alone. When I rely on my strength and my strength alone, I will fail every single time. When I rely on the Lord, things fall into place in a way that only He can make them work. When I allow others to be His hands and feet in my life, it takes bricks out of my wall. It opens me up to genuine relationships. I have been stubborn and independent my entire life. Granted, there are times when it's helped, but too many times I stumbled because I was too proud to ask for help.
Allowing the Lord to bring you into a time of breaking is hard and can be somewhat painful. While it can be a lonely season, especially when change is involved, lean into Him because it will be worth it in the end.
Allow the Lord to break you my dear friends and shine!


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Patna HC stays alleged verification forgery case vs BCI chairman Mishra & ex-VC (who quickly vacated office, having no interest in getting involved)
The BCI lawyer verification drive is not what it seems, alleges a Patna lawyer
By Prachi Shrivastava	Tuesday, 21 March 2017 17:46 Bar, Bench & Litigation	An estimated 5 minute read...
No comments received from Manan Kumar Mishra on allegations
The Patna high court stayed a criminal trial against Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and office bearers on 9 March, seven months after a local lawyer alleged that advocate verification rules had been notified through forgery and cheating and were being used to misappropriate funds.
In July 2016, Patna district court advocate Umesh Singh had filed a criminal complaint, alleging forgery, cheating and conspiracy allegations against Mishra, then-BCI vice chairman Nilesh Kumar Aggarwal and the BCI's "current" general secretary.
On 14 February 2017, judicial magistrate Sarika Vahila passed an order saying that a prima facie case of forgery and cheating was made out against Mishra and Aggarwal and that a trial could proceed, which was reported by a local Hindi newspaper at the time.
The BCI, represented by advocate Sanjay Kumar Pandey, in a writ petition then challenged the magistrate's jurisdiction to have ordered a trial without a detailed inquiry.
In temporarily staying the magistrate's order, Patna high court's Justice Birendra Kumar gave Singh two weeks' time to respond, failing which the application should be dismissed. Counsel for the state of Bihar asked for time to file a counter affdiavit.
While Singh's petition, a copy of which we have seen, offered no additional evidence for his allegations and we were not able to verify his claims independently, we had emailed Mishra and Aggarwal for comments on the allegations on 8 March.
Mishra has not responded to date.
However, Aggarwal responded and questioned the veracity of the allegations, as well as any alleged involvement of his.
Ex-vice chairman Aggarwal leaves, not wanting to get dragged in
Aggarwal, who is the BCI's elected member from Ranchi, said he had been appointed as the council's vice chairman in May 2016, but that he had resigned as BCI vice chairman in July 2016, shortly after Singh had filed the case.
He commented: "I had joined [as vice chairman] only with the intention of doing something good for the institution but the moment I came to know [of the forgery and cheating complaint] I tendered my resignation as I did not want to be involved in all these wrongdoings."
Aggarwal noted: "The complaint only points fingers at the office of the vice chairman and not at Nilesh [Kumar Aggarwal], so I thought [the office] adversely affects my practice at Ranchi as it hurts my reputation."
He also told us that the Patna high court had stayed Vahila's order on 9 March, issuing notice to Singh to appear, adding last week when contacted that a copy of the order was not yet available because of the intervening Holi break.
The complaint in a nutshell
Singh had filed the criminal complaint in July 2016.
While the substance of the complaint is not completely clear from the petition, Singh made several allegations and added in a phone call last Wednesday that Mishra was allegedly not using the verification exercise to weed out fake advocates but was using it to create a vote bank in his own favour.
However, Singh did not share with us any further evidence to support his allegations, despite our repeated requests since last Wednesday.
Singh confirmed last week that the judicial magistrate's order in his favour had been stayed by the Patna high court but added that he was yet to receive a copy of the notice to appear.
Patna high court's Justice Kumar in his stay order summarised the allegations as:
By the impugned order cognizance has been taken against the petitioners for offences under Sections 420 and 468 of the Indian Penal Code in Complaint Case No. 2312 (C) of 2016 by learned Judicial Magistrate, 1 st Class, Patna.
Allegation in the complaint petition is that the petitioners by producing some fictitious document get the earlier Bar Council Rules replaced by some new once just to cheat the members of the association.
Aggarwal rebuts allegations
Former BCI vice-chairman Aggarwal commented: "The statement which has been made [by] the complainant, is absolutely perverse without any basis and knowledge the same was only to malign an institution and its office bearers it is a clear case of perjury or fraud with court."
Aggarwal added that the complainant had hidden from the court the fact that the verification rules had been challenged before various high courts and the Supreme Court had already given directions for their early implementation.
This point was also mentioned by Justice Kumar in the stay order:
Submission of the petitioners is that the validity of the new rules was challenged in C.W.J.C. No. 9976 of 2016 which was dismissed by a Division Bench of this Court by order dated 30.09.2016 vide Annexure – 3 of the writ petition
Any rule or order passed by the BCI was the decision of the general house, therefore no office bearer could be individually held responsible for it.
Aggarwal added: "It is the duty of complainant to show prima facie before learned court that any specific account opened and any specific amount deposited and withdrawn by any individual or even by BCI. In contrary, he has alleged that on the basis of forged rule, amount has been collected, for wrongful loss and gain. He [is] having no details [and] has filed this case in public interest, [but] he is not the sufferer since he had not deposited any amount."
Aggarwal concluded in his response: "He has not alleged any specific role, except naming office bearers in accused column, [but] no other averments [were] made or alleged against any office bearers specifically."
Mishra did not respond to our email putting to him the allegations in the petition, and offering him unedited publication of his full response.
As we've said above, we are not able to confirm the veracity or details of the allegations made in court.
That said, last year three BCI members were jailed for corruption after the CBI busted their racket of taking bribes to accredit law colleges, so it should be in the interests of all sides in this case for transparent and speedy hearings to establish whether the allegations hold water.
Patna high court order staying case filed by local advocate against BCI chairman Mishra (PDF)
Patna high court order staying case filed by local advocate against BCI chairman Mishra (Text)
BCI Transparency Certificate of Practice Supreme Court Bar Council of India (BCI) Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Like+0 Object-0 Guest 3 years ago
Bar & Bench is reporting that Mishra is threatening nationwide strikes on Facebook
barandbench.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/manan-kumar-mishra.png


We are replete with sports equipments for different sports like swimming, badminton, cricket, football and more. All the sports goods that we offer are of high quality, ensuring a safe and happy game. There are a number of accessories we need for swimming including swimming goggles and cap. The goggles are UV protected and anti-fog that ensure clear vision under water. They keep eyes safe and are also safe to be used on eyes. Thus, these accessories are crucial while swimming. Order can be placed online and the products get delivered on time.


Italy is home to countless villas, and Oliver's Travels is your one-stop online destination to find the best of the best. Whether your desire is Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, Umbria, Amalfi, Sorrento, the Italian Lakes or any other beautiful Italian region.
Browse charming Italian country cottages and farmhouses or charismatic Italian villas from regions all throughout Italy. Oliver's Travels explores the country and handpicks the very best accommodations to offer on their website. In fact, their experts have reviewed over 100,000 holiday homes – and only select the top 2%.
You can even check out periodical special offers by villa owners. From discounts, to little extras to make your stay even more enjoyable.
Visit their website below to view the exceptional collection of destination offerings and inspiring ideas to plan your next trip to Italy.
While we are partial to Italy, we know you'd like to see the world. Oliver's Travels has you covered in confidence where ever your travels take you.


official website of Mysore District is https://mysore.nic.in/en/ or https://applyadmission.net/aioat2019/ from 01-02-2019 onwards. The closing date to submit the online application form for the Mysore District Special Teachers Posts Recruitment is on or before 15-03-2019. The candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of merit in the online examination and interview for the Mysore District Special Teachers Posts Recruitment 2019. For more details of age limit, qualification, and how to apply are given below for the Special Teachers Govt Jobs in Mysore District Recruitment 2019.
The age limit for the candidates is in between 18 to 35 years to apply for the Mysore District Special Teachers Jobs Recruitment 2019.
The required qualification to apply for the Mysore District Special Teachers Posts Recruitment 2019 is candidates should have completed PUC with D.Ed.SPl.Ed. (VI/ HI).
The candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of merit in the online examination and interview for the Mysore District Special Teachers Posts Recruitment 2019.
The online examination will be conducted on 21-04-2019.
The result will be displayed on 24-04-2019.
The salary offered for the shortlisted candidates will be Rs.11025/- per month.
Interested and eligible candidates can apply through online official website of Mysore District is https://mysore.nic.in/en/ or https://applyadmission.net/aioat2019/ from 01-02-2019 onwards. The closing date to submit the online application form for the Mysore District Special Teachers Posts Recruitment is on or before 15-03-2019.


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Q: How to get the windows phone application download link from windows store I'm developing windows phone 8 application, in which i have the share application functionality.
The main purpose of this share feature is to share the application download link(windows store) on the face-book or twitter.
Before publishing the application to the store, we can't get the download link of the application. But we need this application download link to implement the share feature.
So how can we get/estimate the application download link.
Thanks

A: Quick and easy solution, submit the app to the market without this functionality but not publish it to the marketplace. Then get the deeplink information, put it on the app and then release the update. This will mean double the certification time though.
Or, have the app query a webserver for the information on first start and save the resulting deeplink in the app settings. That way you can publish the app, get the deeplink and then update the information on the webserver side before it's published to the store.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Maven Compiler Throws Kotlin Version Error I am trying to build a Kotlin project on maven. I am using the kotlin-maven-plugin version 1.7.10. But every time I run mvn clean install -e, I keep getting the error:
Class 'kotlin.Unit' was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin. The binary version of its metadata is 1.7.1, expected version is 1.1.16.

Now I will be honest, I dont know much about Kotlin. So some pointers on this would nice. I have tried adding the apiVersion tag in the plugin and set it to 1.3, but that did not work.


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Maximum attack! In conversation with Markku Alén
By Richard Heseltine
| 20 Apr 2020
For the latest classic car news, features, buyer's guides and classifieds, sign up to the C&SC newsletter here
He offers a look of solidarity but it may have been a wince. It's hard to tell.
A queue is forming, our minder proffering a smile that reads: 'Let's wrap this up quickly.'
Markku Alén is straining to be heard over the throng of well-wishers and hero-worshippers wanting to get close to one of rallying's most charismatic superstars.
It's as though a seismic disturbance has unsettled the air, but then we are in the middle of the Caramulo Motorfestival.
The Finn famously won the Portuguese Rally five times, a feat not lost on the 40,000 spectators carrying national flags, models, photos and hats for him to sign. This is no longer an interview, more a case of him being shelled with questions posed at larynx-shredding volume.
All smiles at the 1980 1000 Lakes
Fast-forward a few hours and we're at a reception in an art museum, and able to finish what we started. Our hero appears relaxed, if a little tired.
"I love it here. I always went well in Portugal," he says. "I did the rally 15 times and only retired once. There were certain rallies on which I always did well, but also some – such as Monte-Carlo – that, for whatever reason, I didn't seem able to win. I finished on every step of the podium apart from the one that matters."
Alén was, for two decades, the most exciting man to watch in the World Rally Championship. His personality drove him, inexorably, to take up the fight more fiercely than anyone else.
At least, that's how it appeared from the outside.
During broadcasts of the RAC Rally of Great Britain, each time a microphone was shoved in his face at a rest halt, he was invariably asked what his plans were for the next stage.
Just as night follows day, he would tender an unblinking death stare before uttering: "Now we go maximum attack!" And he did.
Alén's 1973 RAC Rally wasn't without incident but he recovered for third place to announce his arrival
Alén never claimed the World Championship for Drivers, but he held the crown for 11 days in 1986 before it was controversially taken away from him.
Nevertheless, he won 19 rounds of the WRC from 129 starts, and secured the 1978 FIA Cup for Drivers, the precursor to the World Championship.
He also held the record for most stage wins – 801 – until Sébastien Loeb eclipsed it in 2011.
Given that his father was a champion ice racer it is not surprising that Alén became a wheelman, but he claims that this didn't influence his decision to take up motorsport.
"My heroes growing up were Timo Mäkinen, Pauli Toivonen and Hannu Mikkola," he explains. "They were the original 'Flying Finns'. When I was 16 years old, I watched the 1000 Lakes as a spectator. That was in 1967. I watched these guys and knew then that I wanted to drive rally cars.
"I had done some karting, and some things with motorcycles, but this excited me more. As soon as I got my driving licence I was out there competing. My first event was the Hankrally [Snow Rally]. I finished second.
"When I was 18, I won the 1969 Finnish Junior Cup and the following year I was competing on the same events as the stars I looked up to. It was pretty amazing. It all happened very quickly."
All eyes on Alén as he heads for the top step at home in 1979, his third win in four years. He'd follow it with a fourth a year later – all in Fiat's purpose-built 131
Having started out in a Renault 8 Gordini, it was aboard a Sunbeam 900 (Imp) that Alén made an impression.
His hero, 1968 European Rally Champion Toivonen, was instrumental in him making the leap from amateur to professional: "I bought the Sunbeam from him and he took an interest in me. He was a hard guy, you know? He was tough, and I learned a lot."
Following an impressive outing in a borrowed Group 1 Opel Kadett on the 1970 1000 Lakes, which ended with the biggest accident of his career, he bagged a drive with the Finnish Volvo concessionaire under the Marlboro Racing Team Finland banner.
However, it was in 1973 that he rocketed into the spotlight. He had driven a David Sutton-fielded, Clarke & Simpson-livered Ford Escort on that year's Lindisfarne Rally, but for the RAC Rally of Great Britain he was armed with a Motorcraft RS1600.
Alén/Kivimäki on the 1973 RAC Rally of Great Britain
His appearance has long-since entered into legend. Leaving the road in Sutton Park on the opening day, he and wingman Ilkka Kivimäki dropped to 177th place.
Cue an epic comeback drive: "We went off at a very fast part of the stage; the same corner where Mikkola had crashed. A lot of people left the road there. We were in fifth gear, really going fast, and then we went head over heels into the trees. The car looked bad, but the spectators were able to help push it towards the road.
"Then Tony Fall went off at the same spot and ended up where our car had been moments earlier. They then had to move his car for safety reasons so we lost a lot of time before we were able to get going again. We were fastest on the next stage, though."
Despite another 'moment' on the final day, the youthful duo came home third.
Here, Alén/Kivimäki are en route to victory in the '76 1000 Lakes Rally in the Fiat 131 Abarth
The 22-year-old Alén was subsequently inundated with offers of factory drives, and in 1974 he was a works man for Ford and Fiat.
"I think I was the only driver to be with two teams, but ultimately I had to make a choice," he recalls. "My deal with Ford was only for a part-season, but Fiat wanted me to do more and more events.
"The Escort was a fantastic car, but the works team already had the Finnish mafia [Mäkinen, Mikkola et al] and Roger Clark so I decided to go with Fiat." Pause for dramatic effect. Smile. "Of course, it helped that they offered me more money!"
Strong results came in thick and fast, and Alén claimed his maiden WRC win in Portugal in '75 at the wheel of a Fiat 124 Abarth Rallye.
A year later he was piloting a 131 Abarth: "That was so much better than the 124, which was a road car altered for rallying. The 131 was the opposite. I worked closely with [development driver] Giorgio Pianta on the car and we did a lot of testing in the run up to each rally. Preparation was fantastic.
"We also had a lot of help and support from Pirelli. It was a big step up. I won the 1976 1000 Lakes [the first of six victories on his home event] and again in Portugal in 1977."
The Finn scored two victories in a Lancia Stratos, including here at Rallye Sanremo in 1979
Dovetailing his 1978 outings in the 131 and a Lancia Stratos HF to take the FIA title, his wins included the Giro d'Italia automobilistico in the Dino-engined supercar.
"I had driven against the Stratos many times, so it was great to finally do some events in one. I couldn't believe how easy it was, although I was too tall – I was always hitting my head on the roof."
Further seasons would feature him jumping between Fiat 131s and Lancias, before the newly combined operation under parent company Fiat handed him a fresh weapon: the Lancia 037.
Having blooded the supercharged Group B machine on the non-WRC Rally Costa Smeralda in '82, the following three campaigns would see him put in emphatic performances as he fought Audi quattros and then Peugeot 205 T16s.
Powering the 037 to victory in the 1983 Tour de Corse
"I am not sure if it was the best car I ever drove, but it was my favourite," he admits. "It was also the only one I never rolled… I loved the 037, but not having four-wheel drive cost us on gravel.
"On Tarmac, it was unbelievable; just fantastic. I won the Tour de Corse with an 037 in 1983 and '84, and was very proud of those results.
"The Delta S4 that came next was a very different type of car. Of course, we now had four-wheel drive and a lot more horsepower, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed driving it as much as the 037.
"We did our first rally in that car at the end of 1985 [he was second to teammate Henri Toivonen on the RAC Rally of Great Britain]: I knew we had a car to fight Peugeot."
The 1986 season was, however, one to forget.
In 1986, Alén/Kivimäki claimed victory on the Olympus Rally (left) and third on the Safari Rally
During the first half of his campaign he had little to show for his efforts, save second place in Sweden.
In Portugal there had been a driver revolt over crowd safety, while in Corsica his car was withdrawn following the deaths of Toivonen and his co-driver Sergio Cresto.
Thanks to retirements on the Monte and in Greece, it didn't appear as though he had a shot at the WRC title.
Results improved, however, and having contested each round he arrived for the Sanremo just 22 points behind Peugeot rival Juha Kankkunen, with 20 points on offer for victory.
With only Sanremo's final Tarmac leg left to run, the three 205 T16s were controversially excluded. Chief scrutineer Lanfranco Caneschi considered the cars' protective undertrays to be illegal; that they were actually in place to provide extra downforce. Given that even Lancia team boss Cesare Fioro opined that they weren't, Alén's victory was devoid of glory.
Reunited with his 131
He then placed second in Britain and won the Olympus and the drivers' title. But the subsequent annulment of the Sanremo results following a successful protest by Peugeot Talbot Sport crowned Kankkunen instead.
"I still don't know the full story of what happened," admits Alén. "I don't know if politics came into it, but I never understood why the Sanremo people didn't let the Peugeots complete the rally and then throw them out.
"It made no sense to drop them so late in the rally. By not letting them finish, and with the Peugeot team's protest then being successful, they couldn't simply reinstate them in the results. If they had, I might have finished second to Juha and perhaps still have won the title.
"Who knows? It was handled very badly. I have no problem with Juha, but it isn't a happy subject for me."
On the way to victory at home in 1987 in a Delta
Group B was abruptly axed at the end of 1986 because of safety concerns, with Group A becoming the top-flight class for '87. Alén isn't convinced this was the right approach.
"I loved the Group B cars. I liked having the power. It meant the driver made the difference. In Group A, you had only 300bhp and it was boring," he adds, mimicking driving with one finger.
Nevertheless, Alén won at the helm of the Martini-liveried Delta 4WD and Integrale – and more than once, claiming his last WRC victory on the 1988 RAC Rally of Great Britain.
A partial season in 1989 followed by drives with Subaru and Toyota rounded out his frontline career, although he continued to rock up in everything from the DTM in a semi-works Alfa Romeo 155 to the Andros Trophy ice-racing series, via driving big rigs on the Dakar Rally.
More recently, he has helped hone several Ferrari production cars as a development driver, while also fronting a TV show in his homeland where he pushes vowel-laden exotics to their limits.
The '88 RAC would be Alén's last win at rallying's highest level
By way of a parting shot, a clumsily asked question is met with a look of incredulity. That, and laughter: "Was I ever scared in a car? No. Well, not when I was driving." Pause.
"I was never scared in a rally, but perhaps in a race. I remember being uncomfortable when I did Le Mans in a Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo in 1980. I didn't feel at home. Going down the Mulsanne Straight flat-out, I thought, 'What am I doing here?' That's the only time."
And with that, the curtain descends on the interview, but not before he acquiesces to one final request.
Please say it. Go on, you know you want to.
"Okay, maximum attack!"
Images: Motorsport Images
Thanks to Sara Bravo and Alexandre Amorim
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Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university home to over 6,000 undergraduates. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the college boasts 17 varsity teams in the NCAA Division III classification. While it frequently finds itself placed in the top 25 colleges in the nation, perhaps Carnegie Mellon is best recognized for its phenomenal Computer Science program—except for a brief deviation in 2009, CMU has been consistently ranked #1 in Computer Science, beating out the likes of Stanford, Cornell, and MIT. Its other programs aren't too shabby, either, and as a result over 33,000 seniors each year apply to CMU.
This prompt is essentially asking you to write a "Why X" essay for Carnegie Mellon. Because so many students apply to CMU, the admissions officers are interested in accepting only the students who are genuinely interested in attending CMU. Therefore, you should do some research to find specific examples of resources you would like to take advantage of as a potential CMU student. For some, this might mean going online to read more about CMU's Fine Arts resources; for others, you might want to ask your close friend who attends CMU about the engineering facilities. Either way, the goal is to have some details on-hand for when you go to write your essay.
What you are interested in studying and why?
What relevant past experiences do you have related to this field?
If you can answer all three questions in a smooth manner, then you will have an effective essay.
List the books (if any) you've read this year for pleasure. Choose one and in a sentence describe its impact on you.
There's no "trick" to this question—the adcoms literally just want to know what books you've read this past year. Be as truthful as possible. If you are unsure which book you want to choose to describe in one sentence, then ask yourself, "Is there anything I want to tell the admissions officers about myself that I haven't already?" If you have a clear answer to this question, then you can strategically choose a book that will allow you to convey that message when you describe its impact on you. For example, if you haven't yet told the adcoms about your deep love of philosophy—specifically, when it comes to morality—then you might accordingly choose Justice, by Michael J. Sandel and describe how the book allowed you to examine various case studies and develop a new perspective on what morality really is.
If there was an interruption during your secondary school or collegiate experience or between your secondary school and collegiate experience (gap year(s)) when you were not enrolled and as a result, not making normal academic progress, please explain the reason for the interruption.
The majority of students will not have to answer this question; however, if you are a student who fits the description above, then your best bet is to honestly describe what occurred. If you feel that your reliability or character is called into question when you only objectively describe the situation, then succinctly explain yourself at the end of your description and—if appropriate—express that things will be different in the future. For students whose interruptions were due to taking a gap year (or something similar), then describe your experience and explain its impact on you briefly. For example, maybe you volunteered in Africa for 6 months and now you are a more mature individual. Finally, if you took time off due to a family occurrence or illness, then—once again—explain the situation and leave it at that.
While not a requirement, have you been interviewed by an alumni or on campus representative prior to applying for admission? If so, indicate the name of your interviewer and tell us how it impacted your decision to apply.
This question is pretty straightforward if you did not get interviewed before applying to CMU—don't answer it. If you did receive an interview, then hopefully you remembered to record your interviewer's name. When describing how it impacted your decision to apply, it's best to recall specific details from your conversation—for example, maybe you and your interviewer share a love of Quidditch, and your interviewer mentioned to you that CMU has a strong Quidditch team. Mentioning small yet specific details about either CMU or your interviewer's experience with CMU will go a long away in showing that you were impacted by your interview.


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text:
Professor Kevin Burrage
My research focuses on the use of innovative modelling and simulation methodologies for solving important problems in biology and physio
Professor Jan de Gier
I am interested in solvable lattice models, an area of maths which offers exciting research possibilities in pure as well as applied mat
Professor Aurore Delaigle
Aurore Delaigle is a Professor and ARC Future Fellow at The University of Melbourne.
Professor Peter Forrester
Peter Forrester received his Doctorate from the Australian National University in 1985, and held a postdoctoral position at Stony Brook
Professor Rob Hyndman
Rob J Hyndman is Professor of Statistics and Head of the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University.
Professor Robert Kohn
Professor Dirk Kroese
Dirk Kroese is a professor of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Assoc. Professor Lewis Mitchell
I'm a lecturer in applied mathematics at the University of Adelaide.
Dr Earo Wang
I'm a lecturer in the Department of Statistics at the University of Auckland. I earned my Ph.D.
Dr Michael Wheeler
Research Fellow, ARC DECRA Fellow
Dr Gentry White
Dr White is a Senior Lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology Mathematical Sciences School and a Associate Investigator in th
Dr Nicole White
Dr Jason Whyte
I like to ask awkard questions, such as "What does your model already know about the value of your planned experiments?"
Dr Walter Willinger
NIKSUN
Dr. Willinger is Chief Scientist at NIKSUN, Inc., the world leader in real-time monitoring and cyber forensics solutions.
Dr Stephen Woodcock
Dr Alan Woodley
Dr Paul Wu
Research Fellow, Associate Investigator
I am an engineer turned statistician who gets to work on exciting projects across many disciplines with really cool people.
Dr Hongbo Xie
Hong-Bo Xie is a Vice-Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow/Lecturer at QUT and an Associate Investigator at ACEMS, QUT.
Mr Behrooz Niknami
I am currently studying the behaviour of stochastic matching models.
Mr Matthew Nitschke
I am originally from the United States and have been a lecturer and teacher in mathematics at all levels. Now in Australia, I am workin
Mr Tui Nolan
I have received formal education in Mathematics and Physics, and I am currently a PhD student in Statistics at the University of Technol
Mr Mitchell O'Sullivan
After a four year stint as an analyst modelling payments data to detect and prevent financial crime, I returned to QUT in mid-2019 to co
Miss Nuwani Palihawadana
I am currently a PhD student of Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics of Monash University, under the supervision of Profes
Mr Rex Parsons
I'm a PhD student at QUT working under Dr Susanna Cramb and Prof Steven McPhail.
Mr Jon Peppinck
Master of research student (Programming/Mathematics) Web Developer (Angular) / Programmer
Stanislav Polishchuk
I'm a simple researcher.
Mr Armin Pourkhanali
I am currently a Ph.D. student at Monash University.
Mr Jacob Priddle
In November 2018, Jacob graduated from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) with a Bachelor of Mathematics.
Glenn Wightwick


Treble Cone Combo Packs Treble Cone First Timer Package Start your skiing or riding addiction with a solid platform of skills. Small personalised lessons with a guaranteed maximum of 8 per group. Multi-day packages mix learning, fun and savings! INCLUSIONS & CONDITIONS: Full day use of the Learner Lifts Skis, Boots & Poles or Snowboard, Boots & Wristguards Rental 2 Hour Group Beginner Group Lesson Scenic Chairlift Ride (includes Hot Drink) The Scenic chair ride is a return trip on the 6 seater express to take photos of the most amazing view possible off a New Zealand ski area. It can be used any day of a package. First time packages which include rentals are for consecutive days and are non transferable. Progression Package Inclusions & Conditions - Full Day Lift Pass - 2 x 2 hour Group Lesson (ski or snowboard) - Ski or Snowboard Equipment Rental (all day) *Unused portions are non-refundable. Ski or Snowboard equipment includes: Skis, Boots & Poles or Snowboard & Boots ONLY.
Ticket only valid at Treble Cone Ski Resort. 3 & 5 Day Anytime Pass does not need to be used consecutively. Passes are not transferable. Group lessons are suitable for all levels and divided on abillity. Whether you're learning the basics or if you simply want to become a better skier/rider.
Queenstown Superpass is valid at either Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Queenstown Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in the Southern Lakes, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown's closest mountains - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Your Superpass can be redeemed as a full mountain Day Lift Pass (9am-4pm) at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables any day of the 2018 season.You can also exchange your Superpass for a Twilight Pass at Coronet Peak (1230pm-9pm), Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays when Night Skiing operates. Your Superpass can also be exchanged for credit towards an off-mountain activity if your legs need a break from the slopes. Valid Mountains: Use your Queenstown Superpass card as your lift pass to ski or ride at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables on any day of the 2019 season. Pick Up Location: Visit Guest Services on the mountain or the Snow Centre in town to collect your Queenstown Superpass vouchers, or to exchange your passes for use at any of the other ski areas or off-mountain operators in the programme. Complete the Passholder details section of the Queenstown Superpass voucher holder. When redeeming at an off-mountain operator, you will be required to sign a voucher in front of them. For off-mountain operators, in addition to the voucher you may need to pay an upgrade. The operator will advise you of any upgrade amounts required when you make your initial enquiry/booking and will collect the amount payable at the time you redeem your voucher with them. Bookings and enquiries are to be made directly with the operator booking offices. Ages: Adult: 18-64yrs, Youth: 6-17yrs, Senior: 65-74yrs Kids Ski Free: Children under 6 can ski free at Coronet Peak & Remarkables Booking Information: Date of birth required to book BONUS: If you feel like a road trip, your Superpass is also accepted as a Day Lift Pass at Mt Hutt Ski area in Canterbury. Season Dates: Coronet Peak 15 June - 29 September / Remarkables 8 June - 13 October NOTE: $30pp fee applies for packaging lift product WITHOUT accommodation.