text:
HeadlinesJune 05, 2014
Watch Headlines
Senate Shown Bergdahl Captivity Video; Hometown Cancels "Welcome Home" Event
The Obama administration is seeking to contain a congressional backlash over a prisoner exchange that saw the release of American soldier Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for five Taliban leaders. On Wednesday, top intelligence and military officials held a closed-door briefing for the entire Senate, showing them a recent video of Bergdahl in declining health. The administration says the video helped spur action to win his release over fears his life was in danger. Opponents of the deal say the White House failed to give Congress proper notice and may have endangered American lives by encouraging the capture of U.S. soldiers. The criticism has exploded following news Bergdahl may have left his base after turning against the war spread through right-wing media. On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid defended the prisoner swap.
Sen. Harry Reid: "President Obama, as commander-in-chief, acted honorably in helping an American soldier return home to his family. Sergeant Bergdahl's release is an answer to many American's prayers. I can't imagine how relieved his parents and family must feel. Unfortunately, though, Mr. President, opponents of President Obama have seized upon the release of an American prisoner of war — that's what he was — using what should be a moment of unity and celebration for our nation as a chance to play political games."
Sgt. Bergdahl's hometown of Hailey, Idaho, meanwhile, has canceled a celebration for his release, citing public safety concerns. In recent days, angry phone calls and emails poured into Hailey over the town's support for the soldier. We'll have more on this story after headlines.
Family of Western Couple Held by Taliban Pleads for Their Release
In the aftermath of the U.S.-Taliban prisoner exchange, the family of an American woman and her Canadian husband held captive in Afghanistan since late 2012 are calling for renewed efforts to win their release. On Wednesday, relatives shared a video they say came from the Taliban of Caitlan Coleman and Joshua Boyle pleading for their freedom. Coleman was pregnant at the time of their capture and gave birth in captivity.
Assad Claims Election Victory; U.N. Aid Chief Appeals for Access to Besieged Areas
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has declared a landslide victory in elections dismissed by rivals as a sham. The Syrian government says Assad took more than 88 percent of the vote, which was held mostly in areas under his control. At the United Nations, Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos appealed to Assad for greater access to besieged areas.
Valerie Amos: "If I were able to speak to him right now, I would say, 'Put the people of Syria first.' I mean, that has been my message from day one. And if you put the people of Syria first, then I think the rest falls from that, in terms of our ability to make sure the people are properly fed, that they have enough water, that they have proper sanitation, that they have healthcare, that they're able to educate their children, and crucially, that they have peace, security and stability."
U.N. Cites Progress on Syrian Chemical Stockpile Despite Missed Deadline
The United Nations has confirmed Assad will fail to meet a deadline later this month for the removal and destruction of his regime's entire chemical stockpile. But Sigrid Kaag, head of the joint mission overseeing the stockpile's removal, said major progress has been made.
Sigrid Kaag: "The deadline will not be met. But it is important, however, that all the materials are out of harm's way, and the destruction can start as soon as possible aboard the U.S. ship, as considerable time has lapsed, and considerable cost and time and investments have been made to get the job done. Equally so, I'd like to underline that significant progress has been attained over an impossible period of time, nine months."
Rebel Group Kidnaps Kurdish Students in Northern Syria
In other news from Syria, more than 150 Kurdish students are being held captive following their kidnapping by rebels in a northern province last week. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is said to be holding the students at a prison in the town of Manbij. It is one the worst mass kidnappings in Syria's three-year civil war.
Thousands March on World Cup Stadium in São Paulo
Thousands of protesters have marched in the Brazilian city of São Paulo in protest of public spending on the upcoming World Cup. The Homeless Workers' Movement led Wednesday's march to São Paulo's main stadium ahead of the World Cup's opening a week from today.
Jusue Rocha, protest organizer: "Today we want to get the attention of the government, marching to the stadium, saying that we want to negotiate and open a channel of dialogue with the government to negotiate our demands. If they do not attend to our needs, we already know the way to the stadium — and on the 12th, we will be there again."
Appeals Court Overturns Rejection of Citigroup-SEC Settlement
A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court's rejection of a proposed $285 million settlement between Citigroup and the Securities and Exchange Commission over Citigroup's sale of toxic mortgage debt. In a major decision three years ago, District Court Judge Jed Rakoff said the proposed settlement was "neither reasonable, nor fair, nor adequate, nor in the public interest" and "pocket change to any entity as large as Citigroup." The SEC had accused Citigroup of selling $1 billion of deceptive mortgage-backed securities in 2007 just as the nation's housing bubble was about to burst. Citigroup made $160 million in profits on the transaction, while investors lost $700 million. Rakoff's decision stood to have a major impact on how the SEC settles cases with major banks. But on Wednesday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Rakoff "abused [his] discretion by applying an incorrect legal standard." The overturning of Rakoff's decision means the settlement will likely be approved.
Court Upholds BP Liability for Pollution in 2010 Spill
The oil giant BP is facing new fines for its 2010 Gulf oil spill following a new court ruling. On Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2012 decision that BP and the company Anadarko Petroleum should be fined under the Clean Water Act. BP and Anadarko had large stakes in the well that blew out and caused the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The ruling could lead to billions more in fines.
Wal-Mart Faces Worker Strikes Ahead of Shareholders Meeting
The retail giant Wal-Mart is facing new worker strikes this week in 20 cities nationwide. Employees have walked off the job since last Friday calling for higher wages and protesting alleged worker retaliation. The actions are being held in the lead-up to the company's annual shareholders meeting on Friday. A new report from the group "Walmart 1 Percent" says Wal-Mart's four surviving heirs have given less than a tenth of 1 percent of their $140 billion fortune to their family's own charity.
Relatives of U.S. Drone Strike Victims Won't Appeal Court Ruling
The relatives of three Americans killed in U.S. drone strikes in Yemen without trial say they would not appeal the dismissal of their lawsuit against Obama administration officials. The families of Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, his teenage son, Abdulrahman, and of Samir Khan had filed the suit accusing top U.S. officials of unlawful killings. But in April, a federal judge ruled the victims' constitutional rights were never violated, and said the U.S. officials involved cannot be held liable. In a statement, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union said: "The U.S. government killed three Americans without due process. Getting answers in court should not be too much to ask in a democracy, but our system of checks and balances failed these families."
California Prisoners Win Class-Action Status for Lawsuit Challenging Solitary Confinement
A federal judge has given class-action status to a lawsuit challenging solitary confinement at California's Pelican Bay State Prison. The plaintiffs say over a decade in solitary has subjected them to cruel and unusual punishment and violated their right to due process. Thousands of prisoners took part in a statewide hunger strike against long-term solitary confinement last year. The class-action lawsuit could cover hundreds of prisoners.
"Reset the Net" Protests Back Online Encryption, Privacy
Activists and tech companies are holding a day of action today to promote greater online privacy. The "Reset the Net" campaign from the group Fight for the Future calls for increased website encryption and privacy tools for users. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the publication of the first Guardian story based on the leaks of National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden.


Burnt corpses found in upmarket Lagos - News of the People http://www.newsofthepeople-ng.com covers every facet of Nigerian Entertainment industry and the world. From News, Gossip, Comedy, Videos, Blogs, Events, Weddings, Nollywood, Celebs, Scoops and Games, we serve our readers up-to-date information on showbiz personalities, profiling celebrities and news around them.
The badly burnt corpses of two suspected robbers were left overnight on a street in the most upmarket district of Nigeria's commercial hub Lagos after they were lynched by a mob, witnesses said Saturday.
A reporter saw the bodies in the Victoria Island commercial district, a stone's throw from the city's best known hotel on a road lined with banks, shops and bars that are popular with expatriates and the local business elite.
Local people said that the men had been suspected of stealing bikes from "Okada drivers", the city's ubiquitous motorcycle taxi riders, and had been caught and killed by a vigilante mob.
Police spokespeople were not immediately available for comment, but both civilian vigilante justice and extrajudicial killings by security forces are common in Nigeria, where few have faith in the criminal justice system.


Once you write down exactly what you want and read it every day.You start to dream about it.This experiment I have been doing since I was in the eighth standard.Does it work?Depends on what you want and how hard you can focus on it.The power of our minds and mindful focusing on a single thought takes practice.But here goes.
I am writing this letter because I wanted to say thank you.Thank you for all that you have given me.Thank you for the ability to be thankful, for always remembering where I have come from and where I want to go.
Thank you for giving me a family who are my biggest treasure. and a friend for life.
Writing a letter to the Universe-Does it work?
A kind, understanding child, who makes me happy with her five-year-old wisdom.
Thank you for this ability to write away my tears.To write when I am happy, to write when I am angry.To write to teach and write to learn.Thank you, Universe for always guiding me with your light.
Thank you for this beautiful nature which surrounds me wherever I go.
Thank you for always protecting me.Thank you for giving me guardian angels helping me forever.
Since I got over with the thank you, I need to tell you some things I need help with.
Dear Universe please help me deal with my anxiety, related to the mounting violence against doctors everywhere, especially in West Bengal.I am regretting the decision to come back.But then I think of my mom, who needs us at least in the same state.My daughter who would be in the hands of strangers anywhere else.
So guide me dear Universe.
Help me work on my expectations.Help me get rid of my tendency to expect people to be more than what they are.People can only give what they have.Unrealistic expectations help no one right?
Do remind me of this when people surprise me, with their lack of understanding about human nature and the circle of deeds.
Please stop this violence and madness we see everywhere.Why do news channel harp on about murders and horrors?Why can't they spread positive stories like We are the world Blog Fest.
Universe do help me focus on the good and beautiful in my life.
Thank you, Universe for always being a good friend, a wise parent and a wonderful teacher.Will write again soon.This was fun!
I do believe that the good you do comes back to you, and so does the reverse. It is a lovely idea to write to the universe and express your gratitude once in a while. It makes you feel blessed. Thank you for this heartwarming post.
I am a big believer in the theory of Karma and I believe any thought you send out does come back to you – whether it be positive or negative. Whenever I desperately want something – I write it down and I believe it does get listened by the universe. I loved the post!!
So thoughtful feeling of yours , thx for sharing !
I too believe that Universe is always listening. Loved and truly admire the quote.
Being grateful, always and letting it out to the universe does wonders for us. I have experienced it myself . I know it works, always. This is a letter straight from your heart and I do wish all your things which need fixing also get sorted out.
Violence on doctors is getting worse day by day. I sincerely hope this subsides down.
Loved this letter! Being grateful is important. Often we focus on the bad and forget to count our blessings.
Loved the way you were thankful. I also appreciate your asking help of the universe – it does listen, but in a way we can't fathom. Hope the madness stops and cheer spreads all around. Stay safe!
The universe is always listening to us. And working to realise our dreams. Enjoyed this intense mail to the all encompassing universe.
Yes, I believe in universe. When you believe in your dreams and read it daily, it happens for sure.
Oh the universe does listen and it delivers in mysterious ways.
The world is indeed at our feet and of course I do acquiesce with you on the fact that as far as we can conceive it, we can achieve it. I am a really big dreamer and of course my dreams scares me some times.
That's such a lovely thought—to send a letter to the universe! I would really like to think it will listen if someone wishes for something ardently! Lets hope that things all into place just as you'd like them to be. Stress not…hope for the best!
The universe will revert back to you soon. Because he/she/it is listening.
You know a wise man said- When you want something, the whole universe conspires to make it happen.
So, it does listen. Maybe not, at the exact time we want, but it does!
Loved the take on the promot Amrita!
I can understand your anxieties…West Bengal is really becoming a lot different than the one in which we grew up.
The Universe does listen! I know that for sure! It is just a matter of you wishing hard enough and the universe conspires to make it happen. I hope all your worries vanish and you get all you desire.
I do believe in the fact that if one seeks something from the universe intensly, the universe does reach out in all possible way to make it happen. Your letter is very articulated that the universe would sure let all thungs happen as per your wish!
Gratitude is an essential virtue. Thanking the universe for bestowing us with a good health and pleasures should be a regular practice.


Ask a Roofer: Can you Install a Roof in the Winter?
John answers a question we get a lot this time of year: is it ok to shingle a roof in cold weather?
Is Metal Roofing Right For Me?
What Type of Roof Do I Have?


It's no secret that, as it stands, the trucking industry is fairly male dominated. In fact, only 3% of truck drivers are female. To ensure the success of this industry, and to create healthy and positive work environments, it is crucial to increase the representation of women in all positions. Erb Transport is acutely aware of this issue, and is actively working to dispel the myth that trucking is a "male's job".
Sherri Gilbert, a truck driver at Erb, agreed without hesitation to discuss her experience being a woman in this field. She agrees that it's time to change the narrative surrounding women and truck driving; and show the public that it can and should be done.
Sherri is a straight truck driver at our Baden terminal, and has been at Erb Transport since November 2017. Prior to driving at Erb, she had spent the last 16 years working in a factory. Sherri explained that the choice to transition into truck driving was exactly what she had needed. As a single mother of two, Sherri had done her fair share of driving. She loved driving her children places, and eventually decided to turn that into her career.
Sherri experienced a few roadblocks while studying to be a driver, but always managed to find a way around them. She explained that studying while working full time was a difficult, yet rewarding, choice. When Sherri finally received her education and started her career at Erb she, justifiably, admitted feeling a little intimidated. The trucks are much larger than the average vehicle, and again, many of the drivers are male. Today, Sherri feels fully supported and valued in her position. "The guys are great. They give me advice and I give them advice. It's two way." Overcoming that initial fear and uneasiness about driving such a large vehicle made room for her to discover the endless benefits of truck driving.
On occasion, Sherri has even leveraged Erb Transport's Passenger Policy and has brought female friends on a few rides. She would love to introduce other women to this industry, and start to close the gap between male and female employees. It is so important for women in this industry to support each other, and we are so proud to know that Sherri truly demonstrates this while she's on the road.
Sherri admits to having seen a lot of shock, almost disbelief, when other truck drivers or dock workers open their doors to see a woman driver. "Sometimes I really do like the look on their face when they see me, a woman. It's kind of funny," Sherri remarked. Overall, she feels sincerely comfortable and self-assured in her position. She's well-trained, confident, and has a great workplace support system. She couldn't see herself doing anything else.
Erb Transport understands the need for diversity in all aspects of the workplace. Diversity in gender, age, ethnicity, and more is crucial for a healthy and well-rounded environment. Diversity encourages different ideas, fosters collaboration, and brings different perspectives to the table. Fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace is attainable, and we are committed to this reaching this goal as we move forward.
Awesome article!! I really enjoyed hearing this woman's story. It's nice to see and hear about Companies that are truly trying to create a workplace that is based on equality, fairness and support for their employees!


text:
process.env['errorpolicy'] = (global as any)['__Zone_Error_BlacklistedStackFrames_policy'] = 'lazy';
import './node_error_entry_point';

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Rugby closed the gap on Premier pace-setters Sutton Coldfield when they cruised to a maximum-points eight-wicket victory at Fillongley while their rivals were forced to settle for a draw at Kenilworth.
Rugby skipper Matthew Ewer elected to bowl at The Parks and wasted no time in justifying that decision as he nailed Aaron Blackmore first ball to launch a highly impressive 13.3-4-33-5 assault.
Steve Ward (2-23) and Raj Chohan (2-22) provided exemplary support while Owen Edwards removed the dangerous Ahsan Sayed for a single as Fillongley struggled to 130 from 47.3 overs – opener Phil Hammond notching 27 but the only real hint of control coming from a fifth-wicket stand of 48 between Kyle Taylor (29) and Dan Smith (14).
Home spirits rose when Stephen Gardner Jnr saw off Chohan with only 11 on the board, but that proved all too fleeting as Rugby galloped to 131-2 in 22.5 overs – Charles Robards clubbing nine fours and a six in his 75-ball 58 while Edwards remained undefeated on 64, accumulated from 49 deliveries with the aid of ten fours and two sixes.
Kenilworth did Rugby a favour – and bolstered their bid to escape the relegation zone – when they clung on for a share of the spoils at home to Sutton Coldfield.
Put into bat, the visitors claimed their full 50-over entitlement to amass 239-5 – opener Mark Guest taking 121 balls to score his 72 while Lee Thomason, his partner in a second-wicket stand of 121, laboured over his 57 for 91 deliveries.
James Hunt provided some late acceleration with an unbeaten 38 as Tom Pope and Matthew Bolshaw picked up two wickets apiece. And Sutton looked to have plenty of time in hand as they reduced their hosts to 97-8 despite a diligent 38 from no.3 Christopher Prophet.
Dan Childs (15-8-24-5) and Graham Clark (9-5-23-3) did the damage, but their progress was halted by a ninth-wicket stand of 31, Tom Pope cracking three fours and a six in his defiant 24.
Michael Watts remained at his post to finish three not out from 39 balls while last man Jaesh Naik fended off 17 deliveries to card an invaluable unbeaten duck that carried Kenilworth to safety and five points with 128-9.
That keeps them seven points clear of bottom club Highway who suffered a 115-run drubbing against Olton & West Warwickshire.
The Fletchamstead men looked on course for their second win of the season when they reduced the visitors to 66-6 courtesy of Justin Patel (2-43), Joshua Bates (2-30) and Chris Bates (2-17).
But they found Gary Hawkins in immovable-object mood, the skipper reeling off ten fours and two sixes in a 110-ball 101 before he was finally run out by Patel having shared a seventh-wicket stand of 101 with Phillip Trilloe (35) and lifted the tally to 204-8.
That was far too rich for Highway's blood, the home side bowled out for 108 in 41 overs by Tony Bristow (3-23), Sunil Vyakaranam (3-4) and Ben Brookes (2-15). Only one batsman reached double figures, captain Matt McCarthy defying the submissive trend to fire eight fours and two sixes in his 78-ball 54.
An inspired spell by James Taplin spearheaded Nuneaton's 105-run demolition of Handsworth.
The home side totalled 230-9 from their 50 overs, opener Adam Walters (62) providing the solidity at one end while Ruban Field (39), Christopher Knight (35) and Russell Rice (32no) picked up valuable runs at the other.
Waqar Ahmed (4-47) and Clifton Folkes (3-50) shared the bulk of the wickets, but their efforts were overshadowed as Lee McNeill dismissed Errol Peck for a single to set the stage for Taplin's 12-1-32-6 contribution.
Skipper Thomas Dangarembizi's duck set the alarming trend for Bedworth's total of 84 in 42.3 overs, Jack Smith and Christopher Camwell sharing the top-score honours on 16 as Kevin Crotty cut loose with a deadly 12.3-5-1-7-6 spell.
Coleshill's reply got off to a far-from-certain start, Sam Smart (2-18) reducing them to 29-3, but Sunny Ahmed (28no) and Pete Magafas (27no) picked off boundaries with ease to whisk them home at 87-3 off the second ball of the 16th over.
Bablake Old Boys fared little better as they were trounced by seven wickets at home to Four Oaks Saints.
Four of the first six Bablake batsmen were dismissed for ducks en route to a disappointing total of 148 from 47.4 overs, Steve Swaffield proving the defiant exception with 63 while captain Jason Pyott hit 25.
And although Pyott employed eight bowlers in his attempt to defend the near-enough undefendable, Saints duly wrapped it up in 30.1 overs, skipper Alex Perkins carrying his bat for 80 while Ryan Ervine followed up his excellent 15-5-29-4 stint with 35 in their 151-3.


Melissa Musick on how most of our problems are not legislative or technological. Read it here: To Nurture Unity, Bring Back the Angelus. Want to be connected to others praying The Angelus? Download the 3D Catholic app.


In the midst of our current economic crisis, we peer anxiously over the precipice into an uncertain future, and try to put things in perspective by looking to the past. One name above all keeps on cropping up, often there is a grainy picture of a tall man with thinning hair and a heavy moustache, a half familiar figure from a former era of worldwide economic depression, an era that closed when the Second World War peremptorily intervened. The name of John Maynard Keynes first came to public attention on both sides of the Atlantic in the early 1920s, when the depression in Britain engaged his attention, with the argument that unemployment needed a radical remedy. This was a direct attack on the orthodoxy of the free market doctrines of the day, with their reliance on the self acting mechanisms of the Gold Standard and Free Trade to do the trick, in the long run. No, said Keynes, coining one of his most famous phrases, In the long run we are all dead. It is a measure of Keyness apotheosis that it was President Nixon who said in 1971 that we are all Keynesians now, but slowly the name of Keynes lost its gilt, his thinking was dismissed as depression economics, irrelevant in a booming economic world. And then came the great meltdown of 2008. Incomprehensibly the market forces, on which the rising generation had been taught to rely, failed to deliver the goods, failed to offer self correction and failed to cope with a self inflicted crisis of confidence. For thirty years Keynes reputation had languished, in thirty days the defunct economist was rediscovered and rehabilitated. Engaging and authoratitive, Keynes explores the often misunderstood man in the context of his own life and times, the impact of his homosexuality and his later marriage to ballerina Lydia Lopokova, and questions the relevence and significance of his groundbreaking ideas today.


Burlap table runner wedding is the type of style for the wedding table cloth that will be perfect for the vintage theme wedding. The style of the table cloth is indeed very beautiful and it also gives some elegant and luxurious impression. In addition, for that, here are several review and explanation about this table cloth that you can use as your source of idea as well as inspiration of the theme.
The burlap table runner wedding is the type of table cloth that is beautiful and elegant. The basic concept of these burlap runners on round tables is to place two different color of table cloth. The top table cloth will be smaller and shorter, however, it would seem like it is covering the bottom table cloth. Furthermore, there will be ribbon on the table cloth. This way, the table will look beautiful and sweet.
For the burlap table runner wedding, there are so many types of color that can be used. For one, the bottom table cloth could be white. As for the tip table cloth, it could be in a bold color. Therefore, the color will be contrast and creating the attractive effect. As for the decoration, you can place a ribbon on the table cloth. And then, the lace table cloth will also be suitable. Furthermore, you can also put potted plant on the table.
The wedding details could be expensive and will take a lot of money. Therefore, you should have a wise consideration about the spending way of the money. Therefore, you will be able to save some budget. Furthermore, it will be better to have the cheap burlap table runners. In addition, for that, you can get the burlap table runner wedding from the cheap renter or you can find it from cheap or discounted home appliance store.


Reporter Sheryl Ubelacker reported on October 26, 2016 that 1 in 18 Canadian hospital patients experience harm from preventable errors.
Note: This article originally appeared in Robichaud's Criminal Defence Litigation.
Many years ago, in Life Before Law School, I was an elected official in municipal politics.
Sometimes snapshots from the past creep up on us at unexpected times. Sometimes they are bright pictures that make us smile; at other times they remind us of something that made us who we are. I recently had one of those latter snapshots.
I was at a great criminal defence lawyers' conference earlier this month, listening to some of the finest members of my profession offer advice and new techniques to help us better fight for our clients. The information that was shared was excellent and thought-provoking. And, as so happens at these things, some of what was said triggered other ideas, and reminders for me of skills that are important, and sometimes under-utilized.
A few weeks ago I was in Toronto, for a wonderful criminal lawyers' conference. I learned a great deal, and after the conference I walked past Old City Hall Courthouse. That courthouse has great personal significance for me because it's really where my career in criminal law began.
I rarely wade into the murky waters of gender politics, particularly as they relate to my profession, but the recent case of R. v. Ghomeshi cries out for comment.


text:
/**
 * UI presentation components.
 *
 * @module xeogl
 * @submodule stories
 */


text:
Big Idea No.4: Supports for Small Business
This article is part of a series that explores Five Big Ideas for economic development in the Cowichan region.
Emilia-Romagna of Northern Italy is one of the wealthiest and most advanced regions of Europe, known for its decentralized and democratic economy, high level of entrepreneurialism and world class artisan products. And it may offer lessons for the Cowichan region on how to build a stronger local economy where small and medium-sized firms play a larger role.
Emilia-Romagna's per capita income is 25 per cent higher than the national average and its unemployment rate has historically been one of Europe's lowest.
With 4.3 million inhabitants and 90,000 manufacturing firms (compared to New York's 19.7 million people and 26,000 manufacturing firms), this region is also one of Europe's major exporters, producing high quality and specialized goods in a wide range of sectors including metal products and ceramics, machinery and advanced mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic equipment, textiles and garments, and food and agriculture.
Ferrari, Ducati, Lamborghini, Maserati and other world-class products are all manufactured in Emilia-Romagna.
Interestingly, more than half of these manufacturing firms have fewer than 50 employees. Only a handful of businesses employ more than 500 employees, and most of these are co-operatives owned by their workers.
So what gives Emilia-Romagna its advantage? How are its small and mediumsized firms able to compete so effectively in the global market during this age of corporate globalization?
What makes this region of Italy unique is the high degree of cooperation and networking among smaller businesses and artisans.
While much of this occurs organically, the regional government plays an important role.
During the 1970s, the regional economic development agency worked in partnership with the business associations, chambers of commerce, trade unions and universities to establish a network of "real service centres."
Offering a broad range of business services, these centres target artisans and very small firms in key export sectors such as textiles, footwear, ceramics, building, and agricultural machinery.
They provide services that would typically be too costly for smaller firms to afford, such as sales and marketing expertise, research and analysis, advanced research and testing, quality certification and education programs.
"Service centres scan the globe for the most current information on markets, consumer trends, technological developments, and best practices which they then provide to their members," explains John Restakis, the former executive director of the BC Co-operative Association and an expert on the Emilia-Romagna model.
"They are driven by the needs of small firms which they serve, and are situated in the industrial districts where their membership is located. What service centres make possible, in short, is global knowledge for use in local production."
Emilia Romagna's small and medium-sized firms are also given a competitive advantage through other shared service support mechanisms that allow them to focus on their area of specialization.
For example, the National Confederation of Artisans and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (CNA) offers its members comprehensive business services including training, planning, counselling and marketing advice, as well as "back room services" such as financial, legal, payroll, accounting, insurance.
Additionally, they provide extended social service coverage, including pensions, workplace injury coverage and maternity leave.
These shared service support mechanisms allow smaller firms to "stick to their knitting," remain small and highly specialized, and stay competitive on the global market. Could the Emilia-Romagna model of small business supports, cooperation and networking be applied to the Cowichan economy, or perhaps to Vancouver Island as a whole?
Imagine for a moment if the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) were to transform its existing economic development division into a "real service centre" offering comprehensive business services to smaller firms and artisans in key sectors such as value-added forestry, agri-food, tourism and small-scale manufacturers and artisans.
Or picture the CVRD partnering with the local business associations, chambers of commerce, and organizations such as Community Futures to develop shared service support mechanisms including "back room services" for small and medium-sized firms in the region.
There are all kinds of possibilities.
The Cowichan region already has many dynamic small and medium-sized firms and highly talented artisans.
But with the right business supports in place, we can encourage greater specialization and co-operation among our businesses while also giving them a competitive advantage on the global market. There is so much potential in the Cowichan region. Let's not miss this opportunity.
Stay tuned for the final instalment of our series, where we will explore Big Idea No. 5: Local Ownership, and discuss the future role of the CVRD including Economic Development Cowichan and the Economic Development Commission.
Rob Douglas is a councillor for the Municipality of North Cowichan and director for the CVRD. Roger Hart is a member of the CVRD's Economic Development and Environment Commissions. The views expressed here are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the CVRD, its commissions or the Municipality of North Cowichan.
- See more at: http://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/news/big-idea-no-4-supports-for-small-business-1.1973855#sthash.b130y86C.dpuf

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
J-En Translations
Jennifer O'Donnell & Wesley O'Donnell ・ Japanese-English Translators
Interviews With Localizers
Kansai Cats
Books for Translators
Sarah Tangney – Freelance Japanese-English Game Translator – Interviews With Localizers
– Discussions with people in the
Japanese media localization industry –
Sarah Tangney
Meet Sarah Tangney
Hi! I'm a translator/editor/writer, and I've been fascinated by words and language for my whole life.
My Japanese studies started because of anime but I quickly fell in love with the language itself and it's been all over for me from there. (I still watch anime though.)
I'm originally from Texas and just returned to the US after seven years living in Japan, which is a huge transition.
I'm doing some freelance translating and editing right now (actively seeking new clients and opportunities!) but I also might end up going back to in-house if something good comes along. We'll see…
What led you to localization?
I wanted to be a Japanese-to-English translator for a really long time, but for some reason I thought I couldn't get a job unless I had a degree (master's) in translation. I always wanted to work with entertainment media (games, manga, anime) of some kind, and had done several internships at a manga publisher in the US.
My original plan was to work in Japan for a couple years while getting my Japanese to JLPT N1 level; then go back to the US and complete a master's program in translation.
Only then would I feel like I was qualified to work as a translator. (I think I was just paranoid about not being able to land a translation job. Especially without the help of a larger organization, like a school.)
However, to my surprise, a recruiter contacted me while I was working in Tokyo about a localization opening at a mobile game company.
I had just passed N2 and started doing some small translation projects to make extra money. But thought I still had a ways to go before I could be a "real" translator.
I took the translation test for that company, passed it, and started working there. It was in 2014, so the smartphone game industry in Japan was just taking off. And my company had just begun to make English versions of its games. I ended up learning on the job, while continuing to study Japanese on my own and eventually passing N1 about a year later.
Actually, I've found that if you have good Japanese skills (at least N2) and are a native English speaker with a college degree already living/working in Japan, it isn't terribly difficult to get hired at a game company to work on the in-house localization team.
Getting hired from outside Japan probably isn't going to happen though.
What did you wish you knew before becoming an established translator?
I wish I'd known that you can become a translator even without a master's degree in translation!
But also, I do wish I had been able to take more translation-focused classes in undergrad. I was able to take one, but it was for French, not Japanese. I so wish now I'd gone to a college that had translation courses.
What's been the biggest challenge establishing yourself as a translator?
I still don't feel like an established translator. Even though I've worked on the in-house localization team at two game companies and done a lot of translation work at a third one; not to mention many many moji of freelance work for various companies.
It's still difficult to get new freelance work since there's so many other freelancers out there. It can also be hard to send off two translation tests in the span of a week and get accepted for one but rejected by the other.
You can be a really experienced, really talented translator, but just not have the style the company is looking for and get rejected.
It's very hard not to take that rejection personally and start doubting yourself and your own talent and abilities as a translator.
What does working as a Localization Coordinator and Associate Producer for a Japanese game company entail?
For that job, basically I was working in two different capacities for one mobile game.
One of these roles was as the localization coordinator; auditioning new translators; setting translation deadlines for the month; making sure all translations came in on time; reviewing and editing the scripts.
The other role was as the associate producer for the game. The way it worked at my company, associate producers worked under a game's producer and director, who were in charge of setting the schedule and making decisions.
Associate producers then were responsible for accessing the back end/control panel of the game; uploading scripts and images; creating spec sheets for the engineers to code what needed to be added to the game; registering translations of in-game items; registering times for in-game banners and events so things would start and end on time; gathering data for post-event analysis meetings; and so much more! I was busy all day every day!
What's the overall office culture like in a Japanese company?
It can definitely feel overly formal sometimes.
I worked at game companies, so we were allowed to wear casual clothes to work every day, but in all other respects it was like any other company in Japan.
At work, everyone uses keigo (formal Japanese) to speak to each other. Even on Slack and other office messaging systems, you'd start off a message to your Japanese coworker with "Otsukaresama desu" and end it with "Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu" and if you didn't they could interpret it as you being rude.
It could also be considered rude if you passed a coworker in the hall and didn't say "otsukaresama desu" to them, or didn't greet your team with "good morning" as you got to work every day.
Most offices are open plan, and you're not supposed to be too loud because it can be distracting to other teams. When I worked at one company on the localization team (made up mostly of non-Japanese employees using English to communicate), we received many complaints from neighboring teams that we were being too loud.
I don't think we were too loud. I think foreign languages you can't understand are just perceived to be louder than a language you can understand. But nevertheless, our team had to be extra conscious of our surroundings and try to be quiet just to discuss work-related things.
You were also expected to be very dedicated to your job. (Especially if you were an official company employee, or seishain.)
People who worked late every day were seen as more hardworking and dedicated than people who left on time every day. Most people worked late every day (often multiple hours past quitting time), either to show dedication; out of habit; or because they truly did have tons of work left to do. I also know lots of people who came in regularly on weekends or holidays.
For me personally, I couldn't handle this overwork culture. I liked to work hard all day and then go home on time.
If I needed to stay late to finish that day's work, I would, but most of the time I was able to and did go home on time, but each time the majority of my team would still be at their desks and I felt like a slacker.
What are some of the biggest differences between working in-house and freelance?
I'm not sure I can say anything here that isn't obvious; if you're in-house you get steady work/income, but have to actually put on real clothes and commute into an office.
While if you're freelance you get a lot more freedom in exchange for a loss of stability and reliability in terms of work volume and income.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Oddly, whenever I'm fully freelance I find myself yearning for a full-time in-house job, and when I'm in-house I keep thinking, "I just wish I could go freelance!"
What do you enjoy working on most?
I love getting to be really creative with a translation to reflect how a particular character speaks.
One of my favorite characters whose stories I translated for an otome game was this borderline sleazy, messy guy oozing sex appeal, who loved to tease the female main character. It completely fit his character to have him using a small amount of slang and some sexual innuendos, and it was not too much of a departure from the original Japanese at all.
The fans also loved it and always took screenshots to post on social media. I really loved getting to see lines I had written screenshotted and shared online, even though I couldn't come forward myself and say "I wrote that."
When I'm the editor and not the translator, I love getting to work with truly talented translators and seeing what a great job they've done with the text.
At one of my in-house jobs I got to edit work by Cassiel Merricat, and most of the time I didn't need to change anything because what she'd done was already so fantastic.
What have you been most proud of?
I think it was my time working in-house at companies that publish otome games, especially the second one I worked at.
The localization is well-known for being really good there. I was proud to be a member of the team who was directly contributing to that well-deserved good reputation.
I also loved that I got to get in on the ground floor with otome smartphone game translation in Tokyo. (Things got going in 2013, and I joined the industry in 2014.) I was able to work on some great projects that hopefully made a lot of people very happy.
I always got super into the series I was working on and developed my own favorites among the cast of characters, and I think that love was reflected in the work I did.
Is there something you worked hard on that you think no one noticed?
Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Since most translators sign NDAs and are not allowed to come forward and say, "I worked on this". It can be a little sad to not get to claim credit for your work.
I'm a bit jealous of in-house staff at companies like Square Enix who are allowed to have professional Twitter accounts proclaiming that they're a translator there. (Although it's true that they don't always get to discuss the specific projects they're working on).
I did start a professional Twitter when I worked at KLabGames (Love Live! School Idol Festival and Bleach: Brave Souls). But I wasn't on the localization team there.
At the other companies where I was on the localization team, using the company's name as an in-house translator was virtually unheard of. Even most of our long-standing freelancers had signed NDAs. They weren't allowed to mention the company by name in interviews or any public forums.
Just to keep on the safe side and a little out of habit; I haven't mentioned the names of either of those other two companies here.
Lack of Recognition
The other thing is that most of the people who end up reading your translation don't know Japanese fluently. Even if you pulled off an amazingly creative translation in one spot, the only one who noticed was probably the person who edited/proofread the text. And even then, maybe they didn't have time to comment because they had to finish the edit before the deadline!
So I think there's a lot of things that translators in general—not just me—feel that we worked hard on but didn't get enough attention. I almost want to start a Translation Awards where industry professionals can nominate one another for particularly genius lines!
What do you think people don't know about localization that you wish would?
I've seen a lot of fans lately get upset at the usage of slang in a localization. They see English slang and assume that the translator or localization team added it in; because it must not be there in the original Japanese. I've even seen people using "contains slang" as a reason to dismiss a translation of an entire game as "bad". But Japanese has slang!
There are so many amazing and creative ways Japanese people use their own language. If a translator is able to render that same sense in English, that should be applauded. But instead, fans often jump straight to being suspicious that the text was "tampered with" in some way, when it really wasn't.
I would love for western fans to understand that Japanese has slang and a translation isn't necessarily "overly localized" simply because it contains slang.
If you could do anything what would you love to do or try out?
I would love to get to do more literary translation. I'm a lifelong reader and hope to write original fiction myself someday, but I also want to take a really good Japanese novel and translate it into well-written English.
I'm thinking of starting a few projects just for the practice, and currently deciding what authors to start with.
Is there anyone or anything you draw inspiration from?
It may sound silly, but watch Terrace House on Netflix with English subtitles. I don't know who's working behind the scenes there, but they're doing amazing things with the scripts. I keep taking screenshots of things like You (one of the commentators) subtitled as saying, "100% tapped that" about a guy on the show. (This was on an episode from the Hawaii season, for anyone who wants to find it). It's such a breath of fresh air and it perfectly expresses the Japanese too.
I really like watching Japanese media with English subtitles to see what other people have done. Sometimes you get new ideas for good things to do, and sometimes it reinforces when translating something a certain way is not a good idea. (It also works for watching media in English with Japanese subtitles, which I also do on a regular basis. But most of the time I find the Japanese subtitles aren't capturing all the nuances of the English.)
I also truly respect all the freelance translators I know, and wish I could understand their secrets one day!
What is your vision for the future of localization?
I believe that you don't have to choose between faithful and beautiful for a translation; it takes some creativity but you can have both.
I would love for everyone to continue making translations that express what's in the Japanese and sound nice in English.
Most of all, I would love to see translators come together more to share knowledge and to network with one another. Just recently there have been some amazing new communities. It's allowed us all to access some great resources that didn't exist just five or ten years ago.
I would also like for there to be less conflicts between fans and people on the localization side; and for fans to realize that people in localization are very much fans too and not the enemy. A lot of things have to happen for that to become a reality, of course, but that's my dream anyway!
You can find Sarah Tangney here!
Twitter @SarasarahT
LinkedIn Sarah Tangney
More Interviews With Localizers Here!
Jennifer ODonnell November 30, 2019 December 1, 2019 Interviews With Localizers No Comments
← Manga Translation Pitfalls
Emily Balistrieri – Literary Translator – Interviews With Localizers →
Japanese – English Translation Competitions 2020
Emily Balistrieri – Literary Translator – Interviews With Localizers
Manga Translation Pitfalls
Molly Rabbitt – Translator and Educator – Interviews With Localizers
Lucile Danilov – French Game Translator and Consultant – Interviews With Localizers
Julie Goniwich – Technical and Creative Translator – Interviews With Localizers
Liz Bushouse – Video Game Translator – Interviews With Localizers
Game Translation
Kansai Kittens
Manga Translation
Translation Business
Join me on Twitter!
@JENTranslations @JENTranslations
RT @reimenayee: NEW BLOG POST: Advice for First Time Editors of Graphic Novels. Some considerations to keep in mind, since the comics mediu…
I first heard about Outer Wilds last year in the podcast @talkingsimpod (great podcast btw!) and now I just watched… https://t.co/iGEF9ZNt9L
RT @JoJoesArt: Hey @aaroncarter .. You are using my artwork to promote your merchandise. I have not given you permission to do so. My art i…
Follow @JENTranslations
Copyright © 2020 J-En Translations. Powered by WordPress. Theme: Spacious by ThemeGrill.


Today we'll continue our discussion of coal's journey through a power plant. Keep in mind that the material presented in this series of blogs is meant to be a primer.
A photographer gains an inside look at China's massive power complex, and at efforts by the world's largest energy consumer to spur cleaner future growth.
Find great deals on eBay for Coal Mining Equipment in Mining Equipment. Shop with confidence.
Fossil Energy Study Guide: WHAT IS COAL? Coal looks like a shiny black rock. Coal has lots of energy in it. When it is burned, coal makes heat and light energy.
The Coca-Cola Freestyle drink machine serves all of your favorite Coca-Cola brands. Choose from 100+ flavors or create your very own drink!


text:
Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography
John R. Helliwell*, Alexander J. Blake, John Blunden-Ellis, Moreton Moore, Carl H. Schwalbe
Illustrative extracts from the writings of Paul P. Ewald and of Max von Laue are presented. The latter in turn contains extensive text contributions from William Lawrence Bragg. These selections we have chosen so as to indicate the nature of the discovery of X-ray diffraction from crystals (experiments undertaken by Friedrich, Knipping and von Laue) and its early and prompt application in crystal structure analyses (by William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg). The platform for these discoveries was provided by a macroscopic physics problem dealt with by Ewald in his doctoral thesis with Arnold Sommerfeld in the Munich Physics Department, which is also where von Laue was based. W.L. Bragg was a student in Cambridge who used Trinity College Cambridge as his address on his early papers; experimental work was done by him in the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, and also with his father, W.H. Bragg, in the Leeds University Physics Department. Of further historical interest is the award of an Honorary DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in 1936 to Max von Laue by the University of Manchester, UK, while William Lawrence Bragg was Langworthy Professor of Physics there.
Crystallography Reviews
https://doi.org/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
discovery of X-ray diffraction
honorary DSc for von Laue
Max von Laue writings
Paul Ewald writings
William Lawrence Bragg writings
http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Crystallography Chemical Compounds
Physics Medicine & Life Sciences
crystallography Physics & Astronomy
physics Physics & Astronomy
Helliwell, J. R., Blake, A. J., Blunden-Ellis, J., Moore, M., & Schwalbe, C. H. (2012). Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography. Crystallography Reviews, 18(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
Helliwell, John R. ; Blake, Alexander J. ; Blunden-Ellis, John ; Moore, Moreton ; Schwalbe, Carl H. / Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography. In: Crystallography Reviews. 2012 ; Vol. 18, No. 1. pp. 3-19.
@article{d16a313c532046e885e2a330b3d95f4b,
title = "Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography",
abstract = "Illustrative extracts from the writings of Paul P. Ewald and of Max von Laue are presented. The latter in turn contains extensive text contributions from William Lawrence Bragg. These selections we have chosen so as to indicate the nature of the discovery of X-ray diffraction from crystals (experiments undertaken by Friedrich, Knipping and von Laue) and its early and prompt application in crystal structure analyses (by William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg). The platform for these discoveries was provided by a macroscopic physics problem dealt with by Ewald in his doctoral thesis with Arnold Sommerfeld in the Munich Physics Department, which is also where von Laue was based. W.L. Bragg was a student in Cambridge who used Trinity College Cambridge as his address on his early papers; experimental work was done by him in the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, and also with his father, W.H. Bragg, in the Leeds University Physics Department. Of further historical interest is the award of an Honorary DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in 1936 to Max von Laue by the University of Manchester, UK, while William Lawrence Bragg was Langworthy Professor of Physics there.",
keywords = "centennial celebration, discovery of X-ray diffraction, honorary DSc for von Laue, Max von Laue writings, Paul Ewald writings, William Lawrence Bragg writings",
author = "Helliwell, {John R.} and Blake, {Alexander J.} and John Blunden-Ellis and Moreton Moore and Schwalbe, {Carl H.}",
doi = "10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958",
journal = "Crystallography Reviews",
publisher = "Taylor & Francis",
Helliwell, JR, Blake, AJ, Blunden-Ellis, J, Moore, M & Schwalbe, CH 2012, 'Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography', Crystallography Reviews, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography. / Helliwell, John R.; Blake, Alexander J.; Blunden-Ellis, John; Moore, Moreton; Schwalbe, Carl H.
In: Crystallography Reviews, Vol. 18, No. 1, 01.2012, p. 3-19.
T1 - Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography
AU - Helliwell, John R.
AU - Blake, Alexander J.
AU - Blunden-Ellis, John
AU - Moore, Moreton
AU - Schwalbe, Carl H.
N2 - Illustrative extracts from the writings of Paul P. Ewald and of Max von Laue are presented. The latter in turn contains extensive text contributions from William Lawrence Bragg. These selections we have chosen so as to indicate the nature of the discovery of X-ray diffraction from crystals (experiments undertaken by Friedrich, Knipping and von Laue) and its early and prompt application in crystal structure analyses (by William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg). The platform for these discoveries was provided by a macroscopic physics problem dealt with by Ewald in his doctoral thesis with Arnold Sommerfeld in the Munich Physics Department, which is also where von Laue was based. W.L. Bragg was a student in Cambridge who used Trinity College Cambridge as his address on his early papers; experimental work was done by him in the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, and also with his father, W.H. Bragg, in the Leeds University Physics Department. Of further historical interest is the award of an Honorary DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in 1936 to Max von Laue by the University of Manchester, UK, while William Lawrence Bragg was Langworthy Professor of Physics there.
AB - Illustrative extracts from the writings of Paul P. Ewald and of Max von Laue are presented. The latter in turn contains extensive text contributions from William Lawrence Bragg. These selections we have chosen so as to indicate the nature of the discovery of X-ray diffraction from crystals (experiments undertaken by Friedrich, Knipping and von Laue) and its early and prompt application in crystal structure analyses (by William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg). The platform for these discoveries was provided by a macroscopic physics problem dealt with by Ewald in his doctoral thesis with Arnold Sommerfeld in the Munich Physics Department, which is also where von Laue was based. W.L. Bragg was a student in Cambridge who used Trinity College Cambridge as his address on his early papers; experimental work was done by him in the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, and also with his father, W.H. Bragg, in the Leeds University Physics Department. Of further historical interest is the award of an Honorary DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in 1936 to Max von Laue by the University of Manchester, UK, while William Lawrence Bragg was Langworthy Professor of Physics there.
KW - centennial celebration
KW - discovery of X-ray diffraction
KW - honorary DSc for von Laue
KW - Max von Laue writings
KW - Paul Ewald writings
KW - William Lawrence Bragg writings
UR - http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
U2 - 10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
DO - 10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958
JO - Crystallography Reviews
JF - Crystallography Reviews
Helliwell JR, Blake AJ, Blunden-Ellis J, Moore M, Schwalbe CH. Some historical extracts relevant to the discovery and application of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals to contribute to the centennial celebration and the International Year of Crystallography. Crystallography Reviews. 2012 Jan;18(1):3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/0889311X.2011.641958


text:
'It's about freedom': Women on the frontline of Sudan's uprising
Nita Bhalla| Reuters
NAIROBI: When public protests erupted in Sudan over the rising cost of bread almost two months ago, women's rights activist Hala al-Karib did not hesitate to join the masses on the streets defying the security forces to voice their anger.
Economic hardships, including soaring inflation, limits on bank withdrawals and fuel shortages, have taken a heavy toll on Sudan's 40 million people – and protesters are demanding President Omar al-Bashir step down after three decades in power.
But for Karib and many women risking their lives on frontlines of these protests – the most sustained challenge to al-Bashir since he took power in 1989 – a change in government means more than just economic prosperity.
"The price of bread was a trigger for protests, but it's not about bread, it's about equality. It's about dignity, it's about freedom," said Karib, regional director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa in Khartoum.
"The government has an Islamic militant ideology which at its core aims to exclude women from the public space. For 30 years, women in Sudan have fought against this oppression, so it's no surprise they are out in significant numbers now."
From students and academics to housewives and street traders, women from all sections of society are demonstrating, she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, adding that the scale of female participation in the protests has been unprecedented.
FLOGGINGS AND DEATH SENTENCES
Sudanese women face a barrage of threats, from child marriage to domestic violence and rape. One in three women are married before 18, while nine out of 10 have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), the United Nations says.
Yet there are few policies in place to protect women and girls. Marital rape and child marriage, for example, are not considered crimes in the predominately Muslim African nation.
Islamic law in Sudan allows for the marriage of a girl once she hits puberty. It also says a 10-year-old girl can be married by their guardian with the permission of a judge.
Sudan's record on women's rights was pushed into the global spotlight in May last year after teenager Noura Hussein was sentenced to death for killing her husband as he tried to rape her – despite being a child bride and acting in self-defense.
Her case drew international condemnation – including an online petition with more than 1.5 million signatures appealing for clemency – and her death sentence was later commuted to a five-year jail term.
Women's rights groups, as well as the U.N., also point to Sudan's public order laws which regulate women's freedom of dress, movement, association, work and study.
These "morality laws" have for years been used to oppress women including activists, students and street vendors – with punishments ranging from floggings to imprisonment, they say.
"We cannot go about our daily lives in freedom and without fear," said Wini Omer, a Sudanese journalist and activist who was arrested in February last year and charged with prostitution for having a meeting with two men and one woman.
"These morality laws are used arbitrarily to criminalize women. We can be flogged or jailed for not having our hair covered or for wearing trousers," said Omer, who is currently living in Britain.
Thousands of women have been sentenced to flogging as a result of prosecution under the public order law, according to No to Women's Oppression Initiative, a campaign group in Sudan.
Sudan is also one of a handful of countries not to have signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a key global treaty aimed at ending gender violence.
"Sudan's ruling elite has a very outdated, conservative interpretation of Islam and enforce a very strict version of sharia which gives very harsh punishments, especially to women," said Ahmed Elzobier, Sudan researcher for Amnesty International.
"The government is very hesitant to sign CEDAW as it goes against their ideology. But Sudanese women are very aware of their role as agents of change which is why we are seeing them come out in these protests."
WOMEN PRISONERS TO SCHOOL GIRLS
Since the latest wave of demonstrations began on Dec. 19, students, activists, teachers, doctors and others have held almost daily protests across Sudan.
In some cities, security forces have responded with tear gas and witnesses have reported the use of live ammunition.
Rights groups say at least 45 people have been killed and more than 1,000 detained during clashes with riot police. The government puts the death toll at 30.
Despite this, the protests continue with thousands of women, from both rural and urban areas, taking an active role.
Videos posted on social media show women from Port Sudan in the east to the capital Khartoum dressed in headscarves, marching and chanting, clapping and singing songs. Some clips show women prisoners protesting in jails, while others show school girls.
"In some protests I have been to there are more women than men. Some are marching, others are serving tea to the protesters," said a 32-year-old female activist in Khartoum, who did not want to be identified.
"Even those women who cannot leave their homes are helping to shelter people being dispersed by police. Grandmothers who cannot march are standing outside their homes and banging pots and pans to motivate protesters."
But the response has been severe, say human rights groups.
Scores of women have been detained – including many women's rights activists – and female protesters have been beaten and verbally abused and called prostitutes by the security forces, said Amnesty International.
Human Rights Watch said it has received reports of women demonstrators being groped and threatened with rape by pro-government militias.
Officials at the Sudanese embassy in Nairobi did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations against the security forces.
Women protesters like Karib are defiant that the demonstrations will continue.
"I am very hopeful and I haven't been this hopeful before. There is such a strong demand for change and, as women, we have played a very strong role in opposing this regime," she said.
"There's no turning back now."
Sudan signs initial political and security deal with rebel group
Sudan appoints new spy chief after crushing mutiny
Death toll from tribal clashes in Sudan's Darfur rises to 24
Sudan sentences 29 intelligence agents to hang for teacher killing
Sudan opens Darfur crimes probe against Bashir, 50 ex-regime figures
An appeal to the world for Sudan's future
Sudan's chance for democracy
Moscow's hand in Sudan's future
The Fight to Save Sudan from the Counterrevolution
As Sudan uprising grew, Arab states worked to shape its fate


With the commencement of the new academic year the Senior School is excited to deliver for the first time a number of new courses further expanding the offerings available at the College.
The development and application of digital technologies impacts most aspects of living and working in our society. Digital technologies have changed how people interact and exchange information. These developments have created new challenges and opportunities in lifestyle, entertainment, education and commerce.
Throughout the Applied Information Technology ATAR course, students investigate client-driven issues and challenges, devise solutions, produce models or prototypes and then evaluate and refine the design solution in collaboration with the client. Students are provided with the opportunity to experience, albeit in a school environment, developing digital solutions for real situations.
The Outdoor Education General course in particular, focuses on outdoor activities in a range of environments including: rope mobility, climbing and abseiling, white water kayaking and rescue, bushwalking, expedition planning, and surfing.
The course provides students with an opportunity to develop essential life skills such as communication, leadership and self-management, whilst building a comprehensive understanding of the role they play in the environment. The course aims to provide the boys with the skills necessary to pursue personal interests or a career in outdoor activities, such as environmental management, eco-tourism and vertical rope access.
Many students play a musical instrument, or sing, or indeed do both. Some are interested in the production side of music, such as recording, editing and mixing. Some are songwriters. In today's marketplace, the savvy musician has a level of skill in each of these areas.
The course is designed with this in mind, and incorporates elements of the three aspects mentioned above. Successful completion of this course means students will graduate with a formal qualification in Music, delivered by Scotch College but auspiced by Melbourne based group COSAMP, the educational division of professional Melbourne recording studio Salt Studios.
The IB DP further mathematics higher level (HL) course caters for students with a very strong background in mathematics who have attained a high degree of competence in a range of analytical and technical skills, and who display considerable interest in the subject. Most of these students will expect to study mathematics at university, either as a subject in its own right or as a major component of a related subject.
From the fall of Ancient Greece to the rise of Artificial Intelligence, this course provides a philosophical grounding to some of the biggest questions we face. We will challenge assumptions, provoke debate and offer a multi-disciplinary approach to how we might ask the right questions and answer them together in a community of inquiry. For guidance, we will collaborate with our academics and industry partners, drawing on politics, economics, history, psychology, the arts, science, technology, ethics and religion in the pursuit of truth.


The assessment rolls are available in different document formats, for different applications. Click on the file type for help with each.
Some of the missing town assessment rolls can be found on the individual Town Assessors' web site.


text:
Stars of Urmia ⧚ Farhad Kalantary
Sazmanab presented the exhibition "Stars of Urmia" by the Oslo-based artist Farhad Kalantary.
Stars of Urmia was a video installation with its visuals composed of several layers of rotating imagery moving with varying speeds and directions. The original video showed the reflections of sunlight over the salty waters of Lake Urmia. The digitally treated images of the installation, however, have taken a step towards abstraction. The installation resembled a monochromatic view of stars and space combined with the sound of shifting radio frequencies.
Farhad Kalantary, born in Tabriz (Iran, 1962), is an artist and curator whose work focuses on film and video. He studied video and filmmaking at Laney College, Oakland (1987-90), San Francisco State University (BA, 1992), and the San Francisco Art Institute (MFA, 1996). Kalantary is now based in Oslo, Norway. Working primarily with non-narrative imagery, Kalantary's works combine the autobiographical with an investigation of the formal and historical aspects of his media. His works indicate an exploration of the sense and experience of time and place. Kalantary's works have exhibited in various international film festivals, galleries, museums and TV broadcasts in the US and Europe. The Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm and The Arts Council of Norway feature his works in their collections. Kalantary's recent works include a major solo exhibition at The Stenersen Museum in Oslo where he displayed a twenty-screen video installation in which he revisits locations from his childhood and family history in Iran and Morocco. Kalantary is also an independent curator/researcher. Ongoing projects include an in-depth study of the history of film/video art in Norway and an investigation of the geopolitics of artistic practices. Kalantary is the founder of TopFloor: Centre for Film/Video/Digital Art in Trondheim, 98-01, and since 2003 he has led the artist initiative Atopia: Film & Videokunst in Oslo.
Opening reception: Friday, November 21 – 3-10 PM
Tags: 2014ExhibitionInstallationVideo


text:
Egypt acts as middleman for Russia-Libya arms deal
19/02/2015 Al Monitor Press Articles
CAIRO — The Libya dossier has now risen to the top of the priority list of the administration of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, following an increase in the number of kidnappings and the killing of Egyptians at the hands of armed militias affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) in Libya. The latest such incident …
International Relations and CooperationSecurity Forces
Armed Non-state ActorsStates
Libya's Derna militia denies links to IS
19/02/2015 Middle East Eye Press Articles
The Mujahideen Shura Council, which is in de facto control of Libya's eastern Derna city, said that it has no links with the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
Armed Non-state ActorsLocal Authorities
Libya's Derna militia denies links to IS
ISIS militants seize university in Libya's Sirte
19/02/2015 Al Arabiya News Press Articles
Militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seized a university in the Libyan city of Sirte, a faculty member and residents said, days after a video showed them staging a convoy parade.
Security ForcesSecurity Situation
The Lebanonization of Libya: Is partition next?
19/02/2015 Opinion and Analysis
The state of chaos in Libya cracking the country between East and West and inviting the specter of both ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, puts the country at a very critical juncture, threatening its unity and reigniting the debate on the value of the 2011 NATO military intervention …
Armed Non-state ActorsExecutive AuthoritiesStatesالأمم المتحدة
Fight for control of Sidra oil terminal reaches stalemate
19/02/2015 Libya Herald Press Articles
The battle for Sidra has ground to a halt as a result of Misratan forces being pulled out of the drive on the oil terminal and being redeployed against Islamic State terrorists in Sirte.
Islamist government calls on UNSC to end Egyptian army attacks in Libya
19/02/2015 The Middle East Monitor Press Articles
A minister in Libya's Tripoli-based Islamist government called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to put an end to the Egyptian army's "criminal operations" in Libya stressing that his government condemns terrorism and stands against it. During a press conference in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, Foreign …
HoR creates armed forces Commander-in Chief role
The House of Representatives (HoR) voted on Monday to create the role of Commander-in-Chief/Supreme Commander of the armed forces, the HoR Media Office reported.
Armed Non-state ActorsExecutive AuthoritiesHouse of Representatives
The International Criminal Court must start pursuing war criminals: LFJL
Human rights abuses and war crimes continue, said Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL). In spite of threatened sanctions by the UN and a mandate to prosecute violators by the International Criminal Court (ICC), nothing has been done to curb the abuses.
Armed Non-state ActorsCivil Society
Tunisia opposes foreign military intervention in Libya
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid said Wednesday that his country opposed any foreign military intervention in crisis-hit Libya.
Training and Education Justice Legislation Security Forces Civil Society and Oversight Electoral Process Security Situation ICT and Media Governance National Security Political Transition Violent Extremism Trafficking and Migration Human Rights Security Sector Reform Humanitarian Issues Health Situation Budget and Finance Civil-Military Relations Detention International Relations and Cooperation Security Sector Governance Border Management Community Safety Natural Resources Governance Gender and Security Bribery Ombuds and Complaints Mechanisms


Ever since my childhood I have loved being physically active. I climbed trees, rode a bike, played games, and DANCED. It gave me joy, self confidence, and a sense of wellbeing.
During my years as a primary school teacher I taught Modern Educational Dance, choreographed school performances, and taught Keep Fit to the staff. At the start of 2000 I found myself in a situation where I needed to review my life and realised school teaching was not giving me the joy and job satisfaction I wanted. I decided to take my life back and re-train to do what I had always wanted to do: MOVE.
By the end of that year I was teaching fitness classes and I loved it! Over the years I have taught fitness to many different groups of people: from school mums to active (and not so active) grannies (and grandads), to people in wheel chairs and with other mobility issues, to people with learning difficulties, and to ladies after breast cancer.
My health and fitness qualifications combined with previous dance and teaching experiences are sprinkled with "life", to produce friendly, caring and effective programmes, where everyone can participate at their own level, and enjoy!
I specialise in Fitness Pilates in which I am continually amazed at the wonderful changes experienced from the seemingly simple exercises. At first participants are taught basic exercises to introduce them to the principles needed to build a strong and effective Pilates practice. They learn how to take responsibility for themselves and their progression through the Pilates levels. Step by step bodies become stronger and more flexible, better posture is achieved, balance is improved, and a sense of quiet and peace is experienced.
I also specialise in the over 50's age group , where many of us often require treating our bodies with a little more respect and TLC. These are groups who appreciate that we need time to think and practice in order to get the most out of our fitness routines. Some people come who wish to start to exercise, or who wish to return to exercise, or who are recovering from illness or injury, and have finished their physiotherapy sessions. It really is never too late to exercise and to reap the benefits.
If you are interested in any of the classes I run presently, or would like a more personal one-to-one session, please do call to discuss your interests and your needs: 01953 483787. Or click here to write to me.