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The Earl of Wessex goes market shopping to show support for post lockdown business
Photo by Royal Family Twitter
The Earl of Wessex visited a local market as England's second lockdown came to an end, to show his support to traders coping with the ongoing economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Edward spent December 3rd touring Newbury Market in Berkshire which was welcoming back traders selling non-essential supplies for the first time since November. Only businesses offering essential goods were allowed to trade during the lockdown which ran from November 3rd until December 2nd 2020.
The Earl spent time talking to firms working at the market which has been an integral part of Newbury for many years. He heard from traders about the impact of the pandemic on their businesses and discussed their plans for the future.
Darren Bateson from Charlton Park Garden Centre said afterwards that "he genuinely took an interest in how we've been doing since lockdown. He stopped and talked to all of us traders at the Market".
Debbie Smith, the market manager, and the Mayor of Newbury, Elizabeth O'Keeffe, accompanied the Earl during his visit. Councillor O'Keeffe said they were proud to welcome the prince to the market, adding "Having been an especially difficult year for everyone, the Market Traders have continued to come along in all weathers to ensure that the Market is open for business for local shoppers. Their loyal support is very much appreciated by everyone who uses the Market."
Newbury Market trades around the year on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Lydia Starbuck
Lydia Starbuck is Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton, a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. June has been a reporter, producer and editor, picking up several awards over the years. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.
Kate's podcast pal is crowned Queen of the Castle
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The Child Protection Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Group's (CP MERG) Technical Working Group on Data Collection on Violence against Children was established to provide guidance in this area and to produce outputs that can assist countries and partners in their efforts to gather data that are both reliable and useful and obtained in an ethically sensitive manner. The goal is to support, facilitate and coordinate the development of guidelines, standards and tools for the collection of data on violence against children at global, regional and national levels. With these objectives in mind, the Working Group decided to undertake a review of quantitative studies on violence against children to provide an overview of some recent data-collection activities that will feed into the development of guidelines.


IDF General Staff appoints Brig. Gen. Baruch to lead a panel charged with investigating specific, irregular deaths during recent protests on the Gaza border, particularly of journalist Yaser Murtaja.
Head of the Operations Directorate's Instruction and Doctrine Division, IDF Brigadier General Motti Baruch, will head a panel tasked with examining and investigating the events on the Gaza Strip border during the past two weeks, in which a total of 30 Palestinians were killed, it was announced Sunday.
The investigation will examine the army's response to the border protests and mainly focus on several incidents deemed to be worthy of an inquiry, such as the death of journalist Yaser Murtaja, who was reportedly shot by Israeli soldiers while wearing a navy-blue protective vest marked 'PRESS' in bold capital letters.
border fence. "The IDF does not intentionally fire on journalists," The IDF responded. "The circumstances in which journalists were hit, allegedly by IDF fire, are unknown to us and are being examined."
The panel's investigation will be similar in nature to other probes the IDF carried out, such as ones that examined abnormal incidents that took place during Operation Protective Edge, and the 2015 death of a UNIFIL peacekeeper in crossfire between Israel and Lebanon.
IDF officials stressed that the panel was formed to help IDF soldiers avoid prosecution in the International Criminal Court at The Hague and should not be interpreted to mean that their actions were in some way unwarranted.
"The investigation will work to back the troops," emphasized an IDF officer.
Baruch will be is assisted by the Military Advocate General, Brigadier General Sharon Afek. Only at the end of the examination will it be decided whether to open Military Police investigations.
Tensions near the border have risen in recent weeks following the Hamas-sponsored protests there, calling for Israel to lift its "siege" of the enclave and recognize the Palestinian people's right of return to what is now Israeli territory.
On Friday, some 20,000 Palestinians demonstrated at the Gaza border in a protest that soon devolved into day-long rioting. In total, nine Palestinians were killed as a result of ensuing clashes with Israeli forces that day, two of them—including Murtaja—succumbing to their wounds early Saturday morning.
According to official Palestinian sources, two of the nine casualties were youths aged 16 and 17. The sources claim more than 400 were injured in the clashes.
Both the number of attendees and the number of deaths were lower than in the inaugural Great March of Return protest on the Friday prior to that, when 30,000 residents of Gaza marched at the border and 18 died in following clashes with The IDF.
See all talkbacks "Special IDF investigator to probe Gaza border deaths"


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August 3, 2018 Study, Technology
Concern Grows About VOA Interviewee's Detention
The detention of a retired Chinese academic who was taken into custody during a live television interview with VOA has sparked criticism from human rights activists and analysts who worry the Chinese government is increasingly cracking down on dissent.
Sun Wenguang, a retired Shandong University professor who is critical of China's human rights record, is believed to be in detention in a military-run hotel in Jinan, eastern China. He was taken away during a telephone interview on the VOA Mandarin television show Issues & Opinions on Wednesday morning.
Chinese authorities have disclosed no information about why the professor was detained. VOA tried to reach the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China for comment, but the mobile phone open to the public was turned off, and the landline was not answered.
The Public Security Department of Shandong University and the Shanda Road Police Station of Jinan's Public Security Bureau were also contacted. Neither would comment.
Sources told VOA's Mandarin service that Sun was being detained at Yanzi Mountain Villa at Jinan Military Region, a military-linked hotel and reception center.
On Friday, VOA's Beijing reporter visited Sun's home in an apartment building and spoke with his neighbors. They said the professor has long had security officers staking out his apartment and watching his movements. None said they understood why he drew such scrutiny.
One of the neighbors said Sun was "a good person and a good neighbor."
The detention of the retired Chinese academic has sparked criticism from human rights activists and analysts, who worry that the government is increasingly cracking down on dissent.
"There is no question that since taking and consolidating power, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not only cracked down harder on dissidents, but has in effect changed China's social contract, which had offered a significant amount of personal freedom � if you stayed outside the political realm," Atlantic Council senior fellow Robert Manning said Friday. The changes narrow "the bounds of the acceptable in terms art, culture, social expression, civil society."
'Distressing'
Human Rights Watch China Director Sophie Richardson said the news about Sun was distressing on a number of levels.
"This is a man who has a long and laudable track record of peacefully criticizing the government," said Richardson, "so it's bad enough the government is persecuting him at all. It's worse still for them to do so as a result of surveilling his communications with media outside of the country, to break through his apartment to take him away while being interviewed live."
"We are certainly extremely concerned about the treatment of him. He is not a young man. And the fact that he is being held routinely is very worrying," she added.
Chen Guangcheng, a well-known blind civil rights activist and lawyer, related this incident to his personal experience. Chen escaped his house arrest and fled to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing in 2012. He left the embassy for medical treatment in the U.S. after U.S. officials negotiated with the Chinese government.
"I've had a similar experience. Those Communist Party minions one grabbed the phone, others grabbed his hands and forced him to the side. Such a scene just jumped out in my mind," Chen said.
Entry by police
While Sun was being interviewed, criticizing China's foreign aid and diplomatic strategy in Africa, he suddenly said that local police had forcibly entered his residence and demanded he end the interview.
When Sun refused, the phone line went dead. Subsequent efforts by VOA to reconnect with him have been unsuccessful.
VOA was interested in interviewing Sun because he had written an open letter critical of Xi on the eve of the Chinese president's trip last month to Africa and the Middle East.
In the letter, Sun urged Xi to stop spending money overseas on aid, loans and investments, saying the money would be better spent in China. Sun also criticized Xi's authoritarian rule. Xi consolidated his power at the National People's Congress in March.
On the show, Sun said Xi "wants to make nice with African countries, and that's not what we are against. But there are so many other things for him to take into account. China has got a huge population, and there are still so many people living in destitution. You need to consider your own economic capability when providing for others. If you don't actually have the scale of capability to match up with the scale of things you are trying to do, just don't do it."
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Beginning Solo Guitar Pop Rock Classics PDF download. Pop/Rock Classics. The Beginning Solo Guitar series features books with arrangements in "chord-melody" style. Each solo combines melody and harmony in one full-sounding arrangement that can be played with a pick or fingers. Lyrics are also included. This songbook features the favorites Blackbird, Tears in Heaven, The Sound of Silence, Man in the Mirror and more. Level: From Beginner to Advanced.
Pop rock is a fusion genre that mixes a catchy pop style and light lyrics in its (typically) guitar-based rock songs. There are varying definitions of the term, ranging from a slower and mellower form of rock music to a subgenre of pop music. The detractors of pop rock often deride it as a slick, commercial product, less authentic than rock music.
Download Beginning Solo Guitar – Pop Rock Classics PDF free and other books from our site. Only high quality PDF scans. Please write a review, it's important for our community.


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Montana 2020 Census Newsletter
Montana Department of Commerce sent this bulletin at 09/30/2020 12:05 PM MDT
CENSUS STORIES OF THE WEEK
Montana's Self-Response Rate Reaches 60 Percent
The 2020 Census self-response rate in Montana today reached 60 percent.
With all the goal-post-moving throughout the U.S. Census Bureau's counting operations, partners across the state are continuing their unwavering work to share the message that every Montanan needs to be counted.
From Census Be Counted Drive-thru events to multiple, targeted and statewide marketing campaigns, including the ongoing 2020 Census State Championship, and from direct outreach to low-response communities to small community Be Counted gatherings, Montanans are seeing and hearing about the importance of an accurate count for our state's next 10 years.
REMINDER: Court Extends Census Count to October 31
A U.S. District Court Judge has ordered that the U.S. Census Bureau continue its 2020 operations through October 31. As of today, that order stands despite attempts to appeal the ruling. On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau put out a press release saying it intends to defy that court order and wind down operations by October 5.
The state of Montana will continue to support outreach and promotional efforts to make sure Montanans know why it's so important to respond to the Census. Today, the deadline is Oct. 31 – but Montanans should not wait to respond, do it right now! As the goal posts have continued to move throughout this process, it's critical to stay focused on what's truly important: ensuring Montanans are represented at every level of government, and making sure Montana gets its fair share of federal funding. Make sure your friends, family and neighbors respond today at MY2020CENSUS.GOV or by calling 1.844.330.2020.
2020 Census State Championship
Earlier this month, the Montana Department of Commerce launched the 2020 Census State Championship to encourage counties and tribes in Montana to compete for the highest increase in self-response rates to the 2020 Census. For the past week, Roosevelt and Blaine counties have been in the county competition lead. Fort Peck and Northern Cheyenne are leading the competition for tribes with the two highest increases in self-response rates over the past week. Yellowstone County has the highest overall self-response with 73.6%.
You can track your community's progress in the 2020 Census State Championship here.
An accurate and complete count of all Montanans is critical for determining the federal funding distributed to the state – overall, more than $2 billion from 300 federal programs is allocated back to Montana based on Census information. The Census count also shapes local voting and school districts, and it determines whether Montana will receive a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Montanans who have not yet responded to the 2020 Census can do so by going to MY2020CENSUS.GOV, by calling 1-844-330-2020, or by mailing in their Census form if they received one in the mail.
Montana presses to finish census, eyeing 2nd House seat – ASSOCIATED PRESS
Time is running out to respond to the 2020 Census – EKALAKA EAGLE
Report: Montana could potentially lose additional House seat in census undercount – GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE
Commerce Department Launches the 2020 Census State Championship – PHILLIPS COUNTY NEWS
Fearing A Census Undercount, Rural Montanans Count Themselves – MTPR
'Family Connections' host event to help the 2020 Census – KHQ
Trump Administration Appeals Order That Extends Census Counting Through Oct. 31 – NPR
These events are current as of the publication of this newsletter, but are subject to change as the U.S. Census Bureau revises its operations.
March 12 – October 31: Self Response Phase
July 31 – September 30: The U.S. Census Bureau has said it will provide Mobile Questionnaire Assistance to locations allowing residents to complete the Census on site
August 11 – October 31: Non-response follow-up (door-to-door Census counting operations)
December 31, 2020: Deliver Census Count to the President
Montana Customized Census 2020 Resources
U.S. Census Bureau YouTube Channel
U.S. Census Bureau Outreach Materials
U.S. Census Bureau PSA Toolkit
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT 2020 CENSUS OPERATIONS AND ENUMERATION?
To be routed to your local U.S. Census Bureau office, call
855-562-2020, select option 3, and enter your zip code.
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
MONTANA CENSUS 2020
301 S. PARK AVE. | PO BOX 200501 | HELENA, MT 59620-0501
P: 406.841.2700 | F: 406.841.2701 | TDD: 406.841.2702
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Research Roundtable: Professor Ole Hammerslev, University of Southern Denmark
School of Law event Tuesday 16 October 2018
Date: Tuesday 16 October 2018, 14:00 – 16:00
Location: Liberty Building SR (G.32)
Type: Seminars and lectures
Professor Hammerslev has written widely on the legal professions, legal aid and legal and criminal justice education and will present on his current and planned research projects.
Professor Hammerslev has written widely on the legal professions, legal aid and legal and criminal justice education. He is currently co-editing with Hilary Sommerlad (and Rick Abel and Ulrike Schultz) the two volume international comparative collection 'Lawyers in Society', which returns to Abel and Lewis' study of the world's legal professions thirty years on.
At this research roundtable, Ole will present on his current and planned research projects, and there will then be an opportunity for colleagues to share their own ideas with a view to develop future potential research collaborations. In particular, Ole is interested in issues of professional identity, particularly around the legal profession's conceptions of its future skills needs and in relation to legal aid and legal aid lawyers. He is also keen to talk to colleagues about clinical legal education projects including those delivered as part of the curriculum, and an Inside/Outside project involving criminology students studying alongside prisoners.
All colleagues are welcome to attend the afternoon roundtable discussion. If you have a specific project or question in mind and can't make the session, then please contact Andrew Francis,
Details of Ole's current and recent projects can be found on his web profile.
Please click here to register for the research roundtable.
G.32
Liberty Building
The Liberty Building can also be found on the campus map.


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Photos: Day 30 of the Bay Area coronavirus…
Photos: Day 30 of the Bay Area coronavirus shelter-in-place order
Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils plan for eventually lifting the order
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: People walk by a social distancing awareness sign along Shore Line Drive near Crown Beach in Alameda, Calif., on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Today marks day 30 of the Bay Area coronavirus shelter in place. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE – APRIL 15: Medical staff walk into work as first responders show gratitude by clapping and cheering them on at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA – APRIL 15: Vesna Kahriman, the owner of Americano, talks with Sergeant Elaine Briggs of the Livermore Police Department, at the restaurant in Livermore, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The restaurant, which has been around for three years in Livermore, has been giving away free meals to first responders and healthcare workers. The owners have also made a commitment to not lay off anyone during the pandemic. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: Sean Coffey, 10, works on his shooting skills with his father and coach Tim Coffey, of Alameda, at Lincoln Park in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks the day 30 of shelter-in-place order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Medical personnel bring a person from an ambulance into the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The Alameda County District Attorney's office is now investigating after thirteen patients have died and a total of 66 people have contracted the coronavirus at the facility. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 15: The temporally closed Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park is photographed on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The historic greenhouse and botanical garden is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE – APRIL 15: People record as medical staff walk into work as first responders show gratitude by clapping and cheering them on at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. (Randy Vazquez / Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: A youngster makes use of the swing as yellow tapes indicates the playground is closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at Lincoln Park in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks the day 30 of shelter-in-place order. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: Youth pose for pictures at a memorial for a homicide victim on Foothill Boulevard near 23rd Avenue in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. One man was killed and one was wounded nearby on April 8. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: A lone person practices racquetball as a closed sign due to COVID-19 is attached to the wall of the handball court at Lincoln Park in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks the day 30 of shelter-in-place order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: People practice social distance as they line up outside the Ebony Beauty Supply store on International Boulevard in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks day 30 of the Bay Area shelter in place. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: A person with a face mask does laundry at RAG'S coin laundry in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks the day 30 of shelter-in-place order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: A woman walks past Golden State Warriors and Oakland Raiders logos on day 30 of the coronavirus shelter-in-place order in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The NBA season has been put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: A person with a dog walk past Bowlero Alameda in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks the day 30 of shelter-in-place order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
LIVERMORE, CA – APRIL 15: Vesna Kahriman, left, the owner of Americano, and Kiara Arias, of Livermore, right, talk with Sergeant Elaine Briggs of the Livermore Police Department, at the restaurant in Livermore, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The restaurant, which has been around for three years in Livermore, has been giving away free meals to first responders and healthcare workers. The owners have also made a commitment to not lay off anyone during the pandemic. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
ALAMEDA, CA – APRIL 15: People hang out at Crown Beach as they maintain social distance in Alameda, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Today marks day 30 of the Bay Area coronavirus shelter in place. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: Trailers that were brought to Oakland to be used by homeless people remain empty on day 30 of the coronavirus shelter-in-place order in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Some of the trailers have been there since a joint press conference was held with Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Libby Schaaf on Jan. 16. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
By Jane Tyska | jtyska@bayareanewsgroup.com, Ray Chavez | rchavez@bayareanewsgroup.com, Randy Vazquez | rvazquez@bayareanewsgroup.com and Doug Duran | dduran@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group
PUBLISHED: April 15, 2020 at 8:45 p.m. | UPDATED: April 20, 2020 at 7:03 a.m.
CLICK HERE if you're having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
Our staff photojournalists witnessed both joy and despair around the Bay Area on day 30 of the coronavirus shelter-in-place order.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference Wednesday that he'd like to see California double the number of tests for COVID-19 that it are conducted each day by the end of April. He'd also like continue a massive expansion of testing through the summer as the state moves toward reopening public life.
San Francisco passed 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases Wednesday, reporting 26 new positive tests for a total of 1,013, as well as two deaths, bringing its total to 17.
Alameda County officials announced 13 new deaths from COVID-19 over a two-day span, for a total of 36, while its number of confirmed cases rose to 962. Santa Clara County saw five new coronavirus deaths and 127 confirmed cases over two days, for a total of 1,793 confirmed cases and 65 deaths. Both counties had problems with their health databases that kept them from releasing figures Tuesday.
Contra Costa County reported 15 confirmed coronavirus cases and two new deaths Wednesday, while San Mateo County officials announced 26 new cases but no deaths.
Meanwhile nursing homes continue to be hard it. The Alameda County District Attorney's office has opened an investigation into a Hayward nursing home where an increasing number of patients — 13 as of Wednesday — have died from coronavirus. At the Gateway Rehabilitation and Care Center, 67 people — 41 patients and 26 staff — have contracted the virus so far.
Photo Galleries and Videos
Jane Tyska | Photojournalist
Jane Tyska is an award-winning staff photojournalist, videojournalist, drone pilot and picture editor based out of Oakland, and has worked for the Bay Area News Group since 1997. She's there when news breaks and has been known to arrive on assignment by many modes of transport, including motorcycle and boat.
jtyska@bayareanewsgroup.com
Follow Jane Tyska	@tyska
Ray Chavez | Photographer
Randy Vazquez | Visual Journalist
Randy Vazquez has been a visual journalist with The Mercury News and East Bay Times since 2017. Formerly he worked for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he also interned. Vazquez is a proud alumnus of the New York Times Student Journalism Institute and San Jose State University.
rvazquez@bayareanewsgroup.com
Follow Randy Vazquez	@RandyVMedia
Doug Duran | Photographer


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NBA 2K20 Tops US Charts in September, Switch Best-Selling Console - Sales
by William D'Angelo , posted on 18 October 2019 / 5,785 Views
The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console in the US in September 2019, according to figures from NPD.
Overall spending on hardware dropped 22 percent year-on-year to $240 million, while spending on software dropped four percent to $732 million. Overall spending on video games fell eight percent to $1.278 billion.
"Nintendo Switch was again the best-selling hardware platform of September and remains the best-selling platform of 2019," said NPD analyst Mat Piscatella.
"Year-to-date spending across tracked video game hardware, software, accessories, and game cards has fallen 6 percent when compared to 2018, to $8.3 billion," said Piscatella. "Declines in hardware spending have driven the decrease."
NBA 2K20 was the best-selling game in the US in September and is already the best-selling game of 2019.
"NBA 2K20 debuts as the best-selling game of September 2019, and instantly becomes the best-selling game of 2019 year-to-date," said Piscatella. "NBA 2K20 launch-month sales were the highest for any sports game in history, exceeding sales of the previous record holder, NBA 2K19."
Borderlands 3 debuted in second place and had the best launch in franchise history. It is also already the third best-selling game in 2019.
Gears 5 debuted in seventh place. While it might appear to be a low debut for one of the biggest franchises on the Xbox, the game was available day one on Game Pass.
Here are the top 20 best-selling games in terms of dollars:
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening*
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
Gears 5^
Mario Kart 8*
Minecraft#
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*
Plants vs Zombies: Battle For Neighborville
Marvel's Spider-Man
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*
*Does not include digital sales
^Does not include Steam digital sales
#Only includes digital sales for PlayStation 4 and Xbox one
Here are the top 10 selling games so far in 2019:
Here are the lists of top 10 selling games by platform for the month:
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Super Mario Maker 2*
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age*
Astral Chain*
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe*
Super Mario Party*
Pokemon: Ultra Sun*
Pokemon: Ultra Moon*
Super Mario Maker*
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D*
Super Mario 3D Land*
Super Smash Bros.*
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D*
Minecraft*
Luigi's Mansion*
thanks VentureBeat.
Sholities (on 17 October 2019)
Nice! Code Vein is in the top 10! Hope we get a sequel!
Cerebralbore101	Sholities (on 18 October 2019)
Yeah that game looks pretty neat. Saw it on Jimquisition a few days ago. Might pick i up.
The_Liquid_Laser (on 17 October 2019)
Mario Kart 8, Smash Bros, and Zelda: BotW continue to impress. Many months later they are still charting even though they are only on a single platform and don't include digital sales.
Zenos	The_Liquid_Laser (on 17 October 2019)
To be pedantic written like that those games are on 2 platforms, but most people also want to forget the Wii U. :P
The_Liquid_Laser	The_Liquid_Laser (on 18 October 2019)
Context matters. We are talking about the above sales charts. Doubt any of those games sold on the Wii U last month.
SanAndreasX (on 19 October 2019)
So I guess the NBA now outsells the NFL as far as video games go? I know they did it one year a couple of years back. Hope Dragon Quest XI S did okay between physical and digital copies.
Cerebralbore101 (on 18 October 2019)
Wait, why the heck are NBA and MK11 so high on this list? "20 best-selling games in terms of dollars" Oh I see. NPD is counting dollars and not actual sales numbers. Neat.
Zenos (on 17 October 2019)
The Switch top 3 sellers are great games and don't depress me.


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What is a Special Character? Why Do I Need to Have One in My Password?
A special character is a symbol other than a letter or number, ie. [email protected]#$%^&*. To obtain a special character hold down the [Shift] key while simultaneously pressing any one of the number keys (1 through 8, for example). The special character requirement is to ensure the security of your account.
The System Is Not Accepting My New Password. What Should I Do?
Passwords must be a minimum of eight characters in length, and must contain at least one letter, one number, and one special character. To reset your password, click the "I Forgot My Username and/or Password" link. Once you've entered a new password (twice to ensure it is correct), you will receive the message "Password reset successful."
I Need A New Password, But No Longer Have Access To The Email Address The Reset Password Email Was Sent To.
If you don't have access to the e-mail address listed on your account, there is no way for you to create a new password. For security reasons, the reset password e-mail can only be sent to the e-mail address associated with your account. In the event you cannot receive the reset password e-mail, you will need to create a new account with a valid e-mail address.
I Do Not Have Access To a Computer And/Or The Internet. How Do I Apply For A City Of Detroit Job Vacancy?
Please visit http://www.publiclibraries.com/michigan.htm for a complete listing of libraries in your area with free public access computers and internet. You can also contact your local Michigan Works! Office http://michiganworks.org/agencies/agency/178/. The Michigan Civil Service Commission Employment Information & Career Planning Services offices in Detroit can offer assistance as well.
I Am An Out-of-State Resident. Can I Apply For Job Vacancies With The City of Detroit?
Yes, non-residents may apply to any job vacancy as long as it is not an internal-only job vacancy. Those job vacancies are reserved for current City of Detroit employees.
Do I Have To Apply To Each Job Vacancy Separately Or Is There A Way To Select More Than One Job At A Time?
How Do I Search For All Job Vacancies?
You can search for specific job vacancies at www.detroitmi.gov/employment by Category, Department, Location, and/or Keywords by selecting your criteria and clicking on "Go". To clear search criteria, click "None" at the top of each search box then click "Go". You can also search for all criteria within a search box by clicking "All" then clicking on "Go".
Can I Apply For Multiple Job Vacancies?
You may apply for as many job vacancies as you choose.
What Happens After I Apply For A Job Vacancy?
Once you submit your application electronically, it forwards directly to human resources. You will receive a confirmation email immediately. Applications are screened based on the minimum requirements and other job-related factors. Continuation in the selection process does not guarantee employment with the City of Detroit.
I Started Applying For A Job Vacancy, But I Had To Save And Come Back Later. How Do I Finish Applying?
• To finish applying for a job vacancy, log into your profile with your username and password. In the "Jobs You're Currently Applying For" section, click on the job title of the vacancy you were working on. Complete the remainder of the application and submit. However, to be considered for a job, your online application must be submitted by the closing date and time identified for the position.
• A position with a closing date of "Continuous" means that applications are continuously evaluated as they are reviewed.
Can I Submit A Paper Application or Resume Instead of Filing Out An Application Online?
No, the City of Detroit no longer accepts paper applications. An applicant must apply online. You may attach your resume.
How Do I Create An Applicant Account?
To create an applicant account, go online to www.detroitmi.gov/employment and click on jobs or promotional jobs.
• Once you have selected a position, click on "create an account". If you cannot find a position open that matches your qualifications, you may still create a personal profile: select the "Position Not Listed" link; click on the "apply" link, then click on "create an account" link and follow the directions. If you have previously created an account for any position, you may update your profile by using these instructions.
Can I Share My User Account with My Spouse, Relative or Friend?
When I Try to Create an Account or Update My Email Address, I Get A Message Stating"The Email You Entered Is Already In Use."
If you receive this message, it means that there is an account associated with that particular e-mail address. You may have applied with an agency in the past that is a NEOGOV customer. Your information is retrievable and can be accessed by following the "I Forgot Username and/or Password" steps.
What If I'm Not Ready To Submit My Application At This Time?
You may come back to your application to submit at a later time. If working on the Agency-Wide or Supplemental Questions, select "Save Work In Progress" before you exit. Be sure to log back into your account and submit your application prior to the posting close date.
There is no way to make changes once you certify and submit the application to the agency. If you wish to update the application you can either re-apply for the position or contact the agency to see if it's possible to have changes noted. If you receive an error message when resubmitting your application that does not allow you to apply again, or if the position has closed, contact the Human Resources Department. Our applicant support team will not be able to make changes to an already submitted application.
I Forget to Add An Attachment (I.E. My Resume, A Cover Lette, Etc.) To My Job Application. How DoI Add An Attachment To An Application I've Aleady Submitted?
Once an application is submitted, you cannot make any changes to that application. Any attachments added to your application template will not be automatically received by the City of Detroit. In order to ensure the City receives any newly attached documents, you must submit a new application. If you receive an error message when resubmitting your application that does not allow you to apply again or if the position has closed, you may wish to contact the Human Resources Department directly.
Must I Answer the Supplement Questions? What are Supplemental Questions and How Do I Submit My Anwers to These?
Yes. These questions are used to gather job-related information about you and your educational or work history. If there are supplemental questions attached to a job vacancy, you will find them on the "Supplemental Questions" tab of the posting. Your answers to the supplemental questions automatically submit with your application.
Is It Possible to Withdraw My Application?
It is not possible to withdraw an application online. Once officially submitted, the application becomes property of the City of Detroit and you must call directly for further action.
Once the account is created, it will remain in the system and cannot be deleted.
Once logged into your account, click on "Application Status". You will see all of the applications you have submitted and the status for those applications. If you still have questions regarding your status after viewing this page, you will need to contact the Analyst listed on the job posting.
Do I Have To Complete The "Work Experience And Education" Section On My Application If I Attach A Resume?
Yes, even though an applicant attaches a resume with an application, each applicant must enter a work history entry for each job worked.
Why Can't I Just Submit A Qualifying Questionnaire?
The online process speeds recruitment so that the City of Detroit fills positions more efficiently.


The author's girlfriend, Sarah, and dog, Moosie, on the pup-friendly patio at Three Heads Brewing.
We hoisted our glasses and said something sappy about what an amazing day we were having.
My girlfriend and I were sitting at a picnic table outside Nedloh Brewing Company with a flight of beer in front of us and my pup next to us. As we took in the laidback rural setting and prepared to indulge, we clanked the six-ounce tasters and pulled them close to our noses for a swift whiff.
With the first sip, my mouth puckered. I gulped down another mouthful of Funky FLX, Nedloh's cabernet sauvignon barrel-aged saison and paused.
And if I hadn't read the Insider's Guide to the Rochester Craft Beer Scene a few days earlier, I wouldn't have known to stop by the brewery. Created by Linh Phillips of Sir Rocha Says and Carolyn Stiles of Rochester Beer Gals, the guide delivers a compact yet thorough review of craft brewers in the Rochester region, including digestible descriptions to introduce people to new experiences and local beer.
The local brewing industry is rapidly expanding both locally and statewide. Since 2011, New York's craft brewing industry has grown by 542 percent, according to Governor Cuomo's office.
And that's where the guide comes in.
An accurate description of the experience of visiting a brewery—bringing its vibe to life—can be just as valuable as glowing reviews of its beer, explained Three Heads Brewing's "Minister of Mayhem" Geoff Dale.
Andy Cook, owner of Swiftwater Brewing Company, relies heavily on word-of-mouth to drive people into the brewery, which is located in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. "This guide will get people excited to cross each brewery off their to-do list," he said.
Cook sees social media and online review sites as an extension of word-of-mouth in the digital space. The work of bloggers and online influencers to share breweries' stories helps accelerate the process, getting the word out wider and faster.
The brewing industry in the Rochester region and across Upstate New York began its surge when consumers started demanding more locally made products and unique experiences. The catalyst was New York State's work to update regulations, approve new laws and tax credits and provide funding.
However, to truly establish this region as a craft-brewing powerhouse, it will take sustained efforts to promote brewers locally and expand awareness of our industry beyond the borders of our region and state.
By introducing consumers to new local beer experiences, the guide has the potential to help shape brand ambassadors and Finger Lakes beer evangelists; the type of people who will post pictures of their beer in front of landmarks on Instagram and motivate their friends to expand their beer horizons.
However, the long-term impact of all of this work to create and promote Rochester-made beer has the potential to go beyond tourism.
The guide itself is organized, easy-to-access, quick-to-read and mobile-responsive. It's now another ingredient in the mix of activities, assets and activists brewing a vibrant craft beer industry and contributing to local economic growth.
That's how I used it, and it worked—I found beer I liked and an experience I'll remember, and a brewery gained both a customer and ambassador.


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Record Niche
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Where Were You in the Morning? – Shawn Mendes
By recordniche / May 21, 2018
A pop singer/songwriter who broke records with his debut single, Shawn Mendes was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After posting a series of his cover versions to various video-sharing sites, Mendes earned a dedicated following of viewers. His mix of Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber's styles also appealed to Island Records, who signed Mendes in 2014. That same year they released the then-15-year-old's debut single, "Life of the Party." American radio initially ignored it, but the track entered the Billboard 100 singles chart at number 24, making Mendes the youngest artist to land a debut single in the Top 25. The song was also included on Mendes' four-track Island debut, The Shawn Mendes EP. The EP performed well, reaching number five on the Billboard charts on its way toward sales of over 100,000, setting the stage for his full-length debut, 2015's Handwritten.
Preceded by the single "Something Big," Handwritten appeared to strong sales, debuting at number one in both Canada and the U.S. The single "Stitches," which was released that April, became one of Mendes' biggest hits, reaching the Top Ten in the U.S. and Canada and topping the charts in the U.K. and Germany. In addition, his single "Believe" landed on the soundtrack for the Disney Channel fantasy musical Descendants. While opening for Taylor Swift on the North American dates of her 1989 World Tour, Mendes and Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello collaborated on the song "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which appeared on the deluxe version of Handwritten that was released in November 2015; the song reached the Top 20 on the U.S. and Canadian Hot 100 charts.
The Top Ten single "Treat You Better" preceded Mendes' second album, Illuminate, which was recorded in upstate New York and arrived in September 2016. Illuminate, which featured co-songwriting contributions from Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris, debuted at number one in the U.S. and Canada, where it also achieved platinum status. It was quickly followed in December by the digital-only Live at Madison Square Garden. Mendes launched a massive world tour in the spring of 2017 and notched another Top Ten single in "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back." Around this time, he also delivered the live acoustic session MTV Unplugged. ~ David Jeffries
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Sheep Milk Market Booming Demand Leading To Exponential CAGR Growth By 2027 | Industry Growth Insights - Murphy's Hockey Law
Sheep Milk Market Booming Demand Leading To Exponential CAGR Growth By 2027 | Industry Growth Insights Murphy's Hockey Law […]
Archive for the 'Research & Development' Category
All about taking Southdown 'to next level'
Posted by Christina On December - 4 - 2018
By Sally Rae, Rural Life, ODT Dec 3 2018
Don Murray, of Lawrence, views some of his Southdown sheep.
Southdown sheep might be a breed steeped in history — it is the oldest of the terminal sire breeds in the UK — but a group of breeders in New Zealand is firmly focused on positioning it for the future, as Sally Rae reports.
Lawrence farmer Don Murray quips he is a novice when it comes to breeding Southdown sheep.
There were stalwart breeders who had been there "forever" and from whom he had learned a lot since establishing his stud in 2006.
Mr Murray said he had always liked breeding sheep and was interested in recording. His father-in-law, who had bred Southdowns, further encouraged his interest to venture into stud breeding.
He had always been impressed by the breed, particularly its early maturity and ability to get lambs on the truck early.
His stud ewe numbers had built up to about 240 and were run in conjunction with a total operation of just under 5000 stock units on 550ha, following the recent acquisition of more land.
It was a hill country property and so it was a different environment from some areas where stud sheep were farmed, and had larger paddocks and gullies, yet the breed thrived.
He sold 60-odd rams a year and with many being used for hogget mating, he thought he had better go back to that himself.
Now two years into hogget lambing, it was "just so easy", resulting in good lambs at weaning and a very saleable product.
Last year, 40% of his works lambs went on the truck at weaning and a lot of those would have been Southdown-cross, he said.
Southdown-cross progeny test lambs being graded by Miles Medlicott at weaning, watched by John Macaulay.
That was where the real advantage of the breed was — "the ability to be gone" — and to yield at a variety of weights.
Now breeders were trying to the breed "to the next level" and the establishment of a Southdown progeny test was about providing validation, he said.
The progeny test, based at Simon and Kirstin Engelbrecht's property at Stoneburn, near Dunback, was now in its second year and involved 20 sires from 14 breeders from Northland to Southland.
The Engelbrechts did not traditionally use Southdowns but were interested in supplying breeding ewes for the programme.
The couple were very successful commercial farmers, winning the Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards and the New Zealand ewe hogget competition.
Mr Engelbrecht was responsible for getting the ewes in the trial mated and the lambs on the ground.
Lamb survival of the Southdown-cross progeny was excellent with less than 4% losses from lambing to tailing. Lambs would then go to Southdown breeder Chris Medlicott's specialist fattening operation near Waimate to be finished.
One of the drivers of the programme, which is being supported by Beef + Lamb NZ Genetics, is Oamaru Southdown breeder and veterinarian Dave Robertson.
It could be difficult for smaller breeds to get scale to get good performance recording numbers, Mr Robertson said. The solution was to have a progeny test where the environment was standardised.
Objectives included getting better accuracy and reliability with performance recording, better genetic connectedness between breeders, comparing commercial meat quality traits within the breed, exploring some of the genetic technologies that were available for modern sheep breeding and looking at things like intramuscular fat and eating quality, and demonstrating the commercial relevance of the breed to industry.
There had always been the perception that Southdown and Southdown-cross had good eating quality but one of the aims was to get numbers around that.
Stoneburn farmer Simon Engelbrecht (left) and South Canterbury Southdown breeder Chris Medlicott discuss the logistics of the Southdown progeny trial.
"We want Southdown sires that produce lambs that grow fast, yield well and taste good — with the science to prove it," he said.
Traits other than production were also important to breeders, with the likes of structural soundness and feet still important to the breed.
To be able to have a "snapshot into the future" of what a ram lamb could produce was very powerful. It removed some of the "guesswork and hoping something clicks" with a breeding programme.
The next step was how to harness that information and it had the potential to change how genetics were chosen.
Southdown New Zealand president Todd Anderson, of Winton, said the breed had continued to evolve over time to meet the requirements of the industry.
The main focus was to maintain "killable growth' — meaning that lambs were killable at any stage, from 14kg or 15kg if need be through to 25kg "or whatever", Mr Anderson said.
Breeders had a strong belief that it was not just about mass production, it was about quality of product.
The only way for New Zealand to economically progress was to sell a premium product to people that had the means to pay for it.
Part of that was that the consumer would want a story. The Southdown was one of the oldest sheep breeds in the world. And as far as meat quality was concerned, it was about grain, colour and marbling.
Mr Anderson said the breed was the wagyu of the sheep world in some ways and produced "beautiful quality meat".
There had to be a conscious effort not to lose those attributes and so the instigation of the progeny trial was very exciting.
Carcass attributes, finishing ability, feed efficiency and killable growth were factors that were important to Southdown New Zealand as breeders, as well as to its clients in the sheep industry, if it wanted to be in that global niche market.
New Zealand needed to realise that if it continued to sell based on commodity needs, then it would fast-track itself to the "bottom of the rung".
Southdown breeders had always been proactive in terms of embracing science, so that was not something new, while stockmanship was also an important aspect.
The future — by continuing to maintain killable growth and a quality product for the consumer — was looking bright, but breeders also acknowledged they could not "stand still and rest on our laurels", he said.
Veteran Southdown breeder John Macaulay, of South Canterbury, applauded the progeny test initiative.
He watched last season's lambs go through the process at Alliance Group's Smithfield plant on January 31, almost 450 lambs weighing in at an average of 19.4kg.
He was impressed with things in the cooling room, where the lambs were a "sight to behold". Looking across at comparable lambs of other breeds, they were "all over the place with no uniformity", he said.
Ultimately, it was about growth rate, muscling and protein being produced as quickly as possible and the Southdown was one of the breeds that could do that.
There were about 70-odd registered breeders in New Zealand and most were "totally dedicated", which was one of the reasons the breed was performing, he said.
Featured, Publications, Research & Development, Southdown Feature Rural News
A true terminal sire that's gone in a hurry
Posted by Christina On March - 2 - 2016
Southdown breeder Chris Medlicott says farmers too often focus on the price per lamb instead of the return on kilograms of dry matter eaten.
He says more lambs sold off the ewe at weaning equates to higher efficiency, but this is not always achievable on different classes of country.
Medlicott says high lamb weaning weights are achieved by high quality feed, milking ability of the ewe and genetic ability to grow and lay down muscle. He also believes early spring country plays its part.
"For lambs left after weaning, it is important to have them growing at speed. The quicker those lambs exit your farm over summer the more options you have to improve next year's production or take on trading stock."
Medlicott says a simple way to work out the value is on a weak schedule price, like that predicted for the upcoming main killing season.
"At $5/kg a 17kg lamb brings $85," he explains. "Lambs left after the December 10 weaning draft – with an average liveweight of 28kg — at a store value of $2.40/kg bring $67.20 per head.
"But when these lambs reach an average kill weight of 17kg by January 12 it equates to a return of only 28 cents per kilo of drymatter consumed.
"At a later killing date of January 29 the return will only be 23 cents, and if killed on March 20 the return will now be only 14 cents per kilo of dry matter consumed."
Medlicott says the key message is for farmers to do their sums, taking into account a range of things including climatic conditions.
"Getting lambs away early is one of the strengths of the Southdown breed. A really positive attribute of the Southdown is they don't suffer a weaning check, so you can be back drafting soon after weaning.
"A true terminal should be exactly that – gone in a hurry."
Breeders, Media, Research & Development, Southdown News
Farming couple to keep pushing the boundaries
Posted by Christina On May - 2 - 2014
SHOWCASE: Mt Taranaki provides a backdrop to Mangaotea Farm owned by Robin and Jacqueline Blackwell, who enjoyed success in the 2014 Taranaki Farm Environment Awards.
The taste of success in the 2014 Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards has whetted the appetite of Tariki farmers Robin and Jacqueline Blackwell.
PASSIONATE ABOUT FARMING: Robin and Jacqueline Blackwell won four merit prizes in the 2014 Taranaki Farm Environment Awards.
The couple, who own Mangaotea Farm, a multi-faceted operation that includes breeding and selling bulls, dairy grazing and a sheep stud, won four merit prizes in the competition, held in Taranaki this year for the first time.
Now held in 10 regions, the Farm Environment Awards are organised by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust which formed a partnership last year with the Taranaki Regional Council to bring the contest to Taranaki.
Tikorangi's Trewithen Farm, owned by Faull Farms and operated by sharemilkers Loie and Tony Penwarden, were the supreme winners.
Contest judges highlighted the Blackwells' commitment to and passion for Mangaotea Farm, which winters 11,327 stock units on a 90:10 cattle to sheep ratio.
At Mangaotea Farm the Blackwells breed angus, hereford and murray grey bulls and buy jerseys as weaners for their annual on-farm sale. The sale has grown from 60 bulls at their first one 17 years ago to 180 yearlings and two-year-olds at this year's 18th event on September 18.
As well as breeding bulls, they also graze young dairy stock for long-term clients and operate a southdown stud. Demand for their southdowns rams is so great they can't breed enough.
After the bull sale, bulls can remain on the property until November 20 when paddocks are shut up so 1500 bales of hay can be made in late summer for winter use on the farm and for sale. They also make 350 bales of silage.
Last year's drought and this year's dry spell have been challenging. Last spring they made extra supplement to fill any feed deficit. "I like to have it there in case, to have feed in the bank. We'll keep doing that," Robin Blackwell said.
The two dry years have also prompted the couple to investigate ways of harnessing water on the property, where annual rainfall is 1800mm.
The 658ha Mangaotea Farm consists of flat to easy rolling country with some steep ridges and gullies. Its high point is 307m above sea level.
Robin grew up in the Tariki area and in 1980 he took over the original 80ha block of Mangaotea that his father, Maurice, had bought in 1963. The couple have gradually increased the size of their holding, purchasing five neighbouring blocks between 1991 and 2009 and leasing a 215ha adjacent property. Their total effective area is 591ha.
They've established infrastructure like fenced drains, laneway and shelter with an eye for ease of management. Four kilometres of fenced laneways across the farm allow stock to be moved easily.
The farm takes its name from the Mangaotea Stream which runs through the property. Fencing and planting the stream began in the 1990s and so far they've fenced 14.4km of streambank and planted 3300 plants.
They're also fencing and planting minor tributaries to keep stock out of waterways. "It saves time and money. We don't lose stock and we don't have to clean the drains," said Jacqueline Blackwell. "Fencing the drains means less work in the long run. We don't have to spend time clearing them because they don't get blocked and we never lose stock."
Robin said riparian fencing and planting was part of any development both because it protected the environment and made wintering of cattle much easier. "Any development is viewed long-term. We do it once and we do it properly."
They've also placed two 1.5ha peat swamp areas with mature kahikatea in a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant and they're planning to establish covenants on other areas of the farm.
Under a Taranaki Regional Council land management plan, they've left erosion-prone land in native vegetation or retired it.
They were persuaded by TRC land management officer Jessica Hyland to enter the Ballance awards.
"We hadn't thought about it but we thought we'd like to give it a go. We like to push boundaries because it's good to benchmark against others," Robin said. "But there's no such thing as the perfect farm."
The contest provided an opportunity to step back from their business and look at it objectively. "You get so busy in the day-to-day activities that you don't always sit back and look at the big picture."
Despite their success, Jacqueline said their involvement with the contest didn't feel complete.
"We're always open to opportunities to showcase what we do and we work well as a team, bouncing ideas off each other. We love to showcase our product and compare it against the rest of the country. We genuinely love what we do."
The couple want to be in the top 10 per cent of farms for performance. She said with repeat clients in all facets of their business, they believed their customers were satisfied. "We think ahead and think about the consumer and the way they would view our property."
Robin described the level of competition as impressive. He enjoyed the positive atmosphere of the awards evening and found the stories of other contestants stimulating.
Feedback from the judges highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of their operation. "The weaknesses they mentioned were those areas in the back of our minds where we thought we should be doing more. So we're acting on suggestions to build strengths in those areas."
One weakness was the lack of written health and safety documentation which, with just one staff member, they had not developed.
Judges said the way the couple managed their multi-faceted operation was a strength, as was their infrastructure, biodiversity, animal health and sustainability. The judges were impressed with their measures to protect stock health and their awareness of the risk posed by movement of multiple stock classes in and of the property.
In time their adult children want to be part of the business. "Our job is to build the brand and set it up for them to diversify and carry it on," Jacqueline said.
Daughter Zarrah works on a sheep station in Australia, son Hamish is an earthmoving contractor in Marlborough and Daniel is a software engineer in London.
In the past the couple have succeeded in Beef + Lamb NZ's Steak of Origin awards, three times as semi-finalists and once as a finalist.
This year is the fourth they have entered the contest. Two angus animals and a murray grey were processed at Taranaki Abattoirs at Stratford in March. Semifinalists will be announced on Monday.
Jacqueline said the couple was thrilled with their success at the awards. They won Beef+ Lamb New Zealand's livestock award, Hill Laboratories harvest award, Donaghys farm stewardship award, and the Taranaki Regional Council sustainability award.
Their team of supporters, including sole employee Mike Johnson, Merial Ancare territory manager Tony Hammond, PGG Wrightson's Kim Harrison, CMK's Brian McFarlane, of Stratford, Taranaki Veterinary Centre vet Craig Hassell, BNZ's Leean Nelson and Alison Sulzberger and Silver Fern Farms' Phil Morresey, joined them at the awards evening in New Plymouth earlier this month.
Breeders, Research & Development, Southdown Feature Rural News, Southdown News


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Six NOCs apply to host the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2018
By Paula Kim on 02/03/12 at 4:14 am
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is pleased to announce that six National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have submitted applications for Candidate Cities to host the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2018. These NOCs are, in alphabetical order: Argentina (Buenos Aires), Colombia (Medellín), Great Britain (Glasgow), Mexico (Guadalajara), Netherlands (Rotterdam) and Poland (Poznań).
IOC President Jacques Rogge said: "We are delighted with the high level of interest shown in hosting the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2018. It is a shining endorsement of just how successful the inaugural summer (Singapore 2010) and winter (Innsbruck 2012) editions were and reflects how the popularity, excitement and awareness surrounding the YOG continue to build at an impressive pace."
The next deadline for the bid process is 15 March 2012, when the NOCs, Bid Committees and YOG Candidate Cities must submit the signed 2018 YOG Candidature Procedure.
Timeline - 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games 2018 Bid Process
Signature of the 2018 YOG Candidature Procedure: 15 March 2012
Submission of the YOG Candidature File and other documents: 15 October 2012
Shortlist of YOG Candidate Cities by the IOC Executive Board: 12-13 Feb. 2013
Report by the IOC Evaluation Commission: May 2013
Election of the host city of the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2018: July 2013
23/11/10 - Youth Olympic Champion's uniform added to the Olympic Museum
17/08/10 - Team Triathlon to Demonstrate How the Sport Inspires Youth
16/08/10 - Aaron Barclay of New Zealand wins first YOG gold in Men's Triathlon
15/08/10 - First Gold Medal of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games goes to Yuka Sato of Japan


Do you ever watch "Parks and Rec." and think to yourself, April Ludgate is my spirit animal?
Like the character, you can only withstand so much human interaction before you decide that communication is totally overrated. But if you haven't experienced this before now, you probably will after you've had to deal with the immature jack weed who hit your car and refuses to take any responsibility for the accident.
Here are some ways to deal with the incompetence of the other driver and get your life back on track.
Unfortunately, not everyone takes responsibility when they've done something wrong. It's like the 3-year-old who blames their imaginary friend for having clogged the toilet with Legos; you know they did it, it's just a matter of them admitting to it.
You would hope adults would be different, but that isn't always the case. What makes things worse is when you have to deal with this type of person after a car accident. Even if they swear up and down that they have auto liability insurance coverage, you won't know that they can make financial reparations for the accident until they make a claim with their carrier. What can you do if the person who hit you on the road drags their feet in getting the insurance process going?
Call the Police: After you have both moved your vehicles to the side of the road, call the police to report the accident and to get an officer on the scene.
Get the other driver's license plate number: Write down or take a picture of the other vehicle's license plate number.
Get the make, model, and year of the vehicle: Take notes of the general description of the car, including the damages it sustained in the accident.
Get the other driver's name: Ask the other driver for his name or business card. Make sure you get it written down.
Get the name of the other driver's insurance carrier: Ask the other driver for the name of their insurance carrier. Remember, they don't have to show you their insurance card, but they will have to show it to the responding officer on the scene.
Get a description of the accident: Take pictures of the damage sustained to both of your vehicles, and write down or record on your phone the details of the accident while they are still fresh in your mind. If there are witnesses at the scene, ask them for their names and phone numbers should the other driver dispute your claims later.
Make sure not to lose your cool if the other driver responds negatively to your questions. Because you don't know the personality of the other driver, you won't want to induce anger. According to The Washington Post, in 2013, (the most current available data) almost 250 fatal auto collisions were a result of road rage. Your safety comes first, and if the other driver is responding to you in a confrontational matter, there is no need to escalate the situation. Just wait on the side of the road until the responding officer comes to the scene.
After the accident has been reported and you have exchanged information, contact your and the other driver's insurance carrier, you will want to make sure the other driver has filed a claim. If the at-fault driver has not made a claim, their insurance agency has the right to deny your claim, leaving you responsible for covering the bill.
To combat this, let your insurance agency know that the other company is refusing to pay out the claim. Your company will contact the at-fault driver's to make sure they pay up, regardless of whether their client filed a claim or not. If they are still refusing, bring forward your evidence to prove the other driver was at fault.
It can be very frustrating when people don't own up to their mistakes, especially when money is involved. By following the steps above, you will be taking care of yourself and getting the payout you deserve.


text:
Inside Coventry's new Hindu temple - and it's here for the whole community
Spiritual leaders came together to celebrate the new religious building, which will also act as a community hub
Naomi de SouzaCommunity Reporter
The Hindu community of Coventry has celebrated the opening of a new temple.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir opened in Heath Road, in Stoke, on Saturday (June 29).
Spiritual leaders came together to celebrate the new religious building, which will also act as a community hub.
As well as providing a place of worship for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha sect, it will also offer activities for children, healthcare and will host charitable events.
Classes already running at the centre include arts and music, Sunday school, and social groups for all ages.
New community hub opens at this Coventry Temple
Amongst the guests at the opening was Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director for Coventry City of Culture of Trust.
She said: "I really enjoyed the new mandir (temple) today.
"It's a place the whole community can come together, but also a place that's inclusive for others. Everyone is welcome."
Deputy Lord Mayor Ann Lucas added: "Today is proof that we might be different, but the views held here are the same views held by Muslims, Christians, and all religions.
"We're going to show the rest of the world how people in Coventry live in peace together."
Coventry man does the impossible
Community group hit high note
Coventry charity changing lives
Meet the Cov men's friendship group
What is Hinduism?
Hindusim is over 4,000 years old, making it one of the world' oldest religions.
Central to Hinduism is the belief in a supreme God - Brahman. Brahman is present everywhere and there is a part of Brahman in everyone.
Hindus worship in a temple called a mandir. Mandirs vary in size from small village shrines to large buildings, surrounded by walls.
Hindus believe that life is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They also believe what happens in the next life depends on how the previous life was lived.
This idea is known as 'karma'.
According to the Office of National Statistics , Christianity is the largest religion in the UK at 59.3%.
Islam comes in at 4.8% of the population, Hinduism at 1.5%, Sikhism at 0.8% and Judaism at 0.5%
For more information on how you can get involved with community events at the new temple, email info.coventry@uk.baps.org


Check out some of our before and after pictures of organized spaces.
Posted on April 30, 2015 December 7, 2015 by shawnachildersPosted in Catch-all Spaces, Closets, Craft Areas, Storage AreasTagged closet, cluttered closet, craft drawers, gift bags, messy closet, storage, wrapping paper.
Posted on December 5, 2014 December 5, 2015 by shawnachildersPosted in Catch-all Spaces, Craft Areas, Garages, Home Organizing, Storage AreasTagged concrete, garage, shelves, storage, wood, work areas, workshop.
Tidy Up That Garage Space!
Garages! This client was ready to get hers tidied up! And she was glad she could call in some help! She had already started identifying like items and gathering them in totes on the shelves outside her entry door. We clarified what she wanted on each shelf and also took into consideration the priority of the … Continue reading Tidy Up That Garage Space!
Posted on August 25, 2014 December 5, 2015 by shawnachildersPosted in Garages, Storage AreasTagged garage, garage shelving, organized garage, organizing a garage, shelving, storage, storage organizing.
Posted on August 6, 2014 by shawnachildersPosted in Garages, Storage AreasTagged decorations storage, garage, garage shelving, holiday decor, organized garage, storage.


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text:
/*
 * KeyValueTable.hpp
 *
 *  Created on: Jun 14, 2015
 *      Author: jcassidy
 */

#ifndef KEYVALUETABLE_HPP_
#define KEYVALUETABLE_HPP_

#include <string>
#include <vector>
#include <boost/serialization/serialization.hpp>
#include <cassert>

#include "OSMEntity.hpp"
#include "ValueTable.hpp"

class KeyValueTable {
public:

    unsigned addKey(const std::string k) {
        return keys_.addValue(k);
    }

    unsigned addValue(const std::string v) {
        return values_.addValue(v);
    }

    const std::string& getKey(unsigned ki) const {
        return keys_.getValue(ki);
    }

    const std::string& getValue(unsigned vi) const {
        return values_.getValue(vi);
    }

    std::pair<std::string, std::string> getKeyValue(std::pair<unsigned, unsigned> p) const {
        return std::make_pair(keys_.getValue(p.first), values_.getValue(p.second));
    }

    bool keyValid(unsigned ki) const {
        return keys_.valueValid(ki);
    }

    bool valueValid(unsigned vi) const {
        return values_.valueValid(vi);
    }

    unsigned getIndexForKeyString(const std::string s) const {
        return keys_.getIndexOfValue(s);
    }

    unsigned getIndexForValueString(const std::string s) const {
        return values_.getIndexOfValue(s);
    }

    std::function<const std::string&(unsigned) > keyLookup() const {
        return [this](unsigned i) {
            return cref(keys_.getValue(i));
        };
    }

    std::function<const std::string&(unsigned) > valueLookup() const {
        return [this](unsigned i) {
            return cref(values_.getValue(i));
        };
    }

    std::function<std::pair<const std::string&, const std::string&>(std::pair<unsigned, unsigned>) > pairLookup() const {
        return [this](const std::pair<unsigned, unsigned> p) {
            return std::make_pair(cref(keys_.getValue(p.first)), cref(values_.getValue(p.second)));
        };
    }

    const std::vector<std::string>& keys() const {
        return keys_.values();
    }

    const std::vector<std::string>& values() const {
        return values_.values();
    }

private:
    ValueTable keys_;
    ValueTable values_;

    template<class Archive>void serialize(Archive& ar, const unsigned ver) {
        ar & keys_ & values_;
    }
    friend class boost::serialization::access;
};

/** A key-value table which is bound to a specific set of tags.
 *
 */

class BoundKeyValueTable : public KeyValueTable {
public:

    BoundKeyValueTable(OSMEntity* e = nullptr) : entity_(e) {
    }

    void addTag(unsigned ki, unsigned vi) {
        assert(entity_);
        assert(keyValid(ki));
        assert(valueValid(vi));

        entity_->addTag(ki, vi);
    }

    void activeEntity(OSMEntity* e) {
        entity_ = e;
    }

    OSMEntity* activeEntity() const {
        return entity_;
    }

private:
    OSMEntity* entity_ = nullptr;
};

#endif /* KEYVALUETABLE_HPP_ */

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Home News GAIN Capital registers 14.6% QoQ jump in revenues in Q3 2015
GAIN Capital registers 14.6% QoQ jump in revenues in Q3 2015
News November 3, 2015 —by Maria Nikolova 0
Nice comeback for retail forex broker Gain Capital / Forex.com in Q3, after a dismal Q2.
Gain Capital Holdings Inc (NYSE:GCAP) has just published its financial metrics for the third quarter of 2015, with net revenues staging a decent rise in both annual and quarterly terms, with the retail business fueling the strong results.
Worth noting is that the company managed to register solid net income in the three months to September 30, 2015, after a challenging second quarter of 2015, when GAIN reported a net loss of $8.8 million, blaming it on adverse trading conditions.
Net revenue for the third quarter of 2015 amounted to $127.9 million, up 14.6% from $111.6 million registered in the second quarter of 2015. The result for the third quarter of 2015 was 23% higher than in the third quarter of 2014.
Net income for the third quarter of 2015 was $7.8 million, compared with a loss of $8.8 million incurred in the second quarter of 2015.
The result was, however, way below the record net income of $17.6 million in Q4-1014 and $15.3 million seen in the third quarter of 2014. Gain Capital is clearly not yet seeing the 'cost synergies' it has been touting from its acquisition earlier this year of UK online trading firm City Index, with revenues increases yet to really hit the bottom line. Gain did state that the integration of City Index is on track to achieve $40-$45 million in run-rate cost synergies by Q4 2016, so we guess we'll just have to be patient and see how it actually plays out.
In the third quarter of 2015, GAIN's retail business generated net revenue of $118.8 million, up from $90.4 million in the third quarter of 2014 (down 5% on a pro forma basis).
The retail OTC business contributed $100.9 million of net revenue, up 55% from $64.9 million in the third quarter 2014 (up 3% on a pro forma basis).
For the quarter, GAIN's futures business brought $12.5 million of net revenue.
Other retail revenue was $5.4 million in the quarter.
Average daily retail OTC trading volume was $15.6 billion, up 70% from $9.2 billion in the third quarter of 2014 (up 25% on a pro forma basis).
Average daily futures contracts were 34,429, up 29% from 26,736 in the third quarter of 2014.
Institutional Business
In the third quarter of 2015, net revenue from the GTX business was $8.3 million, compared to $8.5 million in the prior year quarter. Average daily volume for GTX was $16.7 billion in the quarter, an increase of 1% from the prior year quarter.
GAIN's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share of the Company's common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 22, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business December 11, 2015.
"This quarter reflects GAIN's continued success in executing its strategy, particularly relating to the scaling and diversification of our retail business," commented Glenn Stevens, CEO of GAIN Capital.
"Reflecting the increased diversification of our retail revenue, four product groups contributed significantly to our total retail revenue for the quarter, with each achieving in excess of $10 million in revenue," continued Mr. Stevens. "Non-FX products represented 50% of retail revenue year-to-date, which further illustrates GAIN's progress on its diversification strategy. Third quarter average daily OTC volume of $15.6 billion represents an increase of 30% over the same period last year and reflects the impact of GAIN's acquisition of City Index, as well as its ability to grow active accounts," continued Mr. Stevens.
"The integration of City Index is on track to achieve $40-$45 million in run-rate cost synergies by Q4 2016, with several significant milestones achieved during the quarter. We believe achievement of the targeted synergies and continued cost rationalization provide GAIN with a significant opportunity to continue to expand our margins," continued Mr. Stevens.
To view the full announcement from GAIN Capital, click here.
US forex broker
GAIN Capital Q3 2015
GAIN financial metrics
Q3 2015 earnings
US Forex morket
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text:
14 civilians die in DR Congo machete attack
Machete-wielding attackers killed at least 14 civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo's restive North Kivu province, a local official said Sunday, in a wave of violence plaguing the mineral-rich region.
A further nine people were injured in the assault near the village of Rubaya some 60 kilometres (35 miles) north of the province's capital Goma, regional governor Cosmas Kangakolo told AFP.
He said a battalion of the Congolese army and police officers had been dispatched to Rubaya.
"The attackers arrived in my neighbourhood. I hid but two neighbours were killed by machetes," local resident Pascal said.
READ ALSO: Emery believes in Arsenal revival
An armed Hutu militia known as the Mai-Mai Nyatura has been operating in the Masisi territory, where Rubaya is located. The region is a hub for mining coltan, a key component in cell phones and other electronic equipment.
For more than 20 years, North and South Kivu provinces have been in the grip of inter-ethnic bloodshed between militia groups, which often extort money from civilians or fight each other for control of mineral resources.
The violence in the border region sees near-daily killings, rape, mutilations and other atrocities.
The latest attack came after Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his dedication in helping women overcome the injuries and trauma of sexual abuse and rape in South Kivu province.
He was also part of an international campaign calling on multinational companies to control their supply chain to ensure they are not buying so-called "blood minerals", which fuel the violence in eastern DRC.
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Crafty Cucumber: Gee, That's Swell!
This week The Memory Nest Design Team was asked to create a layout using Cashmere Dame by Glitz. It is bold paper - bold colors and patterns, with large, retro looking coordinating stickers. Since the paper was bold to begin with, I decided to go a little bold in my photo choice and scrap a picture of my tulips that I bought in desperation this past winter (desperation that winter was nowhere near over, that is) and was having a heck of a time finding coordinating paper for. Somehow the leaves and stems in the picture were an unusual green color, making the photo hard to work with...that is until I saw the greenish turquoise color used on this paper and a match was finally found.
When my layout was complete, I decided to combine the scraps of paper that I had left with another of the coordinating stickers to make a card. Many of the stickers in this line would be great for cards.
This is great paper. The bold patterns were really fun to layer together and made for some really funky creations.
Head on over to The Memory Nest today to see what the other Design Team members created using this paper line.
I mean really! It is beautiful. I look forward to your layouts every week.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment Jessica.
The bold and crazy patterns are so fun!
I love the bold and crazy patterns too! I am always happy to link up to your party. Thanks for reading.
The tulip picture looks great in this layout! I love little memories like this - such a real way to document life. :) I also think it's neat how you used your scraps to make a card. I think I might try that soon! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely. I have been trying to document the little moments of life a lot more lately. I think it will be fun to look through my albums in the future and read about not only the special events and big trips, but the moments that made up the everyday. Thanks for reading.
You did a great job with the bold patterns.
Thank you Lanaya. I appreciate you stopping by each week.


Always one of the more compelling bottlings for the price each year, this vintage shows deep plum, black cherry and vanilla on the welcoming nose. The mouthfeel is impressively thick and the firm texture quite gravelly, carrying flavors of black fruit, roast beef and black pepper. Editors' Choice.
The Smith Ranch was a horse ranch for generations, while to the south, the Hooks raised cattle. We discovered these ranches in a search for the ideal place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. The climate along the western slopes of the Santa Lucias was perfect, and the ranch had a beautiful view of the Salinas Valley. So in 1974, we purchased the two ranches and established the Smith & Hook Winery on the old Smith Ranch. We made our first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979 and quickly developed a reputation for excellence. Hahn Estates represents a continuation of the Smith & Hook tradition of excellence in winemaking. The Hahns own over 1,400 acres of vineyards in Monterey County. Grapes from the different vineyards vary in character and style. With such versatility, we can create supple, accessible wines. In German, "Hahn" means "rooster," and for this reason, a rooster embellishes the Hahn Estates label.


text:
Washington FC
Latimer off to the best possible start back at the Mechanics
Washington recorded their first win in seven games against Chester-Le-Street before defeating West Allotment to ensure returning manager Ritchie Latimer got off to the best possible start. "It feels great to be back it's been a while since managing but I've been doing a bit of scouting for Fleetwood since […]
Missed chances prove costly as Mechanics winless run continues
Washington spurned a two goal lead as they fell 3-2 at home to Bishop Auckland on Saturday. The hosts have now gone five games without a win since their 2-0 win against West Allotment Celtic. Goalkeeper Dale Connor and full-back Reece Noble were absent from the side as a spirited first […]
Ryhope face Washington in Northern League local derby
Ryhope CW travel to Washington on Saturday in a relegation six-pointer in the Northern League knowing they could leapfrog the hosts into 18th position. Gary Pearson's side had lost nine consecutive league games before last Tuesday's league win over Seaham Red Star. But, the Wearside outfit have been knocked out […]
Ryhope suffer late cup heartbreak at Ashington
Ryhope CW were knocked out of the Northern League Cup on Tuesday night after conceding in injury time to lose 2-1 at Ashington. Shaun Henderson gave the hosts the lead in the first half, before half-time substitute Kyle Davis levelled things for Gary Pearson's men. Ben Harmison scored in the final […]
Sweet hat trick condemns Washington to third straight defeat
Washington slumped to a 4-1 defeat at mid-table Consett in the Northern League First Division on Tuesday night. The visitors weren't able to replicate their heroics against a Consett side which they defeated 3-2 just over a fortnight ago. A hat trick for Michael Sweet ensured it was a night to forget […]
Washington screamer not enough as Sunderland RCA claim victory
Colin Larkin and Kieran Martin scored to earn Sunderland RCA bragging rights over rivals Washington on Saturday. Larkin scored from the penalty spot after Greg Swansbury was fouled in the box early on in the first half. RCA were then unfortunate to lose the lead after half time as the Mechanics […]
Washington's Callaghan joins South Shields
Washington's first choice full-back Anthony Callaghan has joined league rivals South Shields. Callaghan departs before the club's Ebac Northern League clash against Bishop Auckland on Wednesday evening. The attacking full back reflected on his time at Washington and paid tribute to their start to last season: "We had a good start […]