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As REF 2014 goes by: a fight for cash and glory… (with apologies to Casablanca)
By John Holmwood and Stephen McKay
In this analysis of REF 2014, we extend the analysis of disparities across sub-panels that we recently published in a blog for the Times Higher. We show how these outcomes are not 'facts' about the relative standing of the social sciences, but artifacts of a flawed exercise.
Notwithstanding its severe limitations and pronounced neo-liberal features set out by Derek Sayer, among others, the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) matters in its consequences. This is because it is one of the means by which research funding is distributed (with greater funding concentrated under the current formula on the proportion of 4* activity within a Unit of Assessment). It also makes (and breaks) the reputations of departments, and their institutions more generally, as well as providing judgments of the relative standing of different subject areas. Indeed, it may also contribute to decisions leading to the break-up and even closure of departments, especially in the context of more fragile and fluctuating undergraduate demand.
REF2014 introduced new arrangements for the evaluation of research over that of RAE2008, making comparison of results more difficult. Most importantly, it introduced criteria associated with the impact of research upon users and external, non-academic, audiences. This replaced the previously separate esteem indicators (which were absorbed into research environment) and was evaluated via case studies (2 for the first 14 FTE staff submitted, with a further case study for each additional 1-10 FTEs; ie 3 for 15-24 FTEs, 4 for 24-35, etc) and a statement of strategies used to promote impact within the unit of assessment. This had two consequences. The first was to encourage 'reverse engineering' of submissions, limiting the number of staff submitted in order to manage the number of case studies required. The second was to give each case study a disproportionate impact upon overall grade point averages, when compared to outputs.
REF2014 also merged some Panels (reducing their number from 67 to 36) and created a new system of Main Panels and Sub-Panels. The former had the responsibility of overseeing the application of common criteria and practices by the different subject Sub-Panels under their remit. In this context, Sub-Panels functioned as an aggregate of markers of outputs, impact case studies and research and impact environments. They had little role in reflecting upon the overall pattern of outcomes, a role that was undertaken by the Main Panel (as in the previous RAE2008, when Main Panels were first introduced). There were extensive mechanisms and test exercises in place to 'calibrate' judgements across panel members and across Sub-Panels prior to the marking exercise beginning. However, very little was done to check that this calibration was maintained in practice and, it would seem, little checking of the results for consistency.
The social sciences submitted to Main Panel C and were organized as a number of 'core' disciplinary sub-panels (Economics, Politics and International Studies, Sociology) and 'interdisciplinary' applied areas (Social Work and Social Policy; Education; Business and Management Studies; Sport and Exercise Sciences; Leisure and Tourism), as well as 'hybrid' sub-panels where the 'core subject was combined with its associated applied area (for example, Anthropology and Development Studies; Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology; and Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, with Law a somewhat separate case). An initial proposal to merge Sociology with Social Work and Social Policy was blocked by the latter rather late in the day.
In the analysis that follows, we will concentrate on the relation between the Sociology and Social Work and Social Policy Sub-Panels, although we will also present data from other Sub-Panels within Main Panel C. It is our contention that Main Panel C failed to maintain consistency in approach across the different sub-panels.
For a number of commentators, including one of the present authors (Holmwood 2010), there are particular concerns for sociology as a discipline in a context where Social Work and Social Policy is also available as an alternative subject panel for submission. Indeed, the number of UofAs submitting to the Sociology panel had declined from 67 in RAE1992, to 61 in RAE1996, 48 in RAE 2001, 39 in RAE 2008, with a further fall to 29 in REF2014. From 2008 to 2014 there was a reduction in FTE staff from 927 to 704. Social Work and Social Policy were only combined from 2008, with separate panels for 2001 and earlier (when there was 958 social policy staff in 47 submissions and 383 social work staff in 30 submissions), so such a consistent time-series of submissions is not possible. There was a slight fall from 68 in RAE2008 to 62 in REF 2014, partly because of multiple submissions by institutions in 2008 compared with 2014. There were 1243 FTE Social Work and Social Policy staff submitted in 2008, rising to 1302 in 2014.
This decline in Sociology submissions is largely accounted for by the withdrawal of those Units of Assessment that had appeared in the bottom part of the Sociology rank order in RAE2008. In consequence, Sociology submissions in REF 2014 were disproportionately from research intensive institutions that expect to do well in overall rankings of institutions across all their submissions (and, indeed, generally did so). Yet, our analysis shows that Sociology did significantly worse than other social science disciplines and, even where UofAs ranked highly within the Sociology rankings, they did so with lower grade point average scores and grade profiles than other high ranking subjects within their local institution. Social Work and Social Policy did considerably better and was one of the highest ranking subjects overall, and not only among the social sciences, partly in terms of its treatment of its highest rated submissions. This contrasts with its performance in RAE2001, when it was one of the lowest performing subjects in the social sciences (See McKay 2006). Politics seems to have been the class laggard in the 2008 exercise, perhaps somewhat rectified in 2014.
It seems that there was 'learning' by Panels across exercises. Indeed, there was a general inflation of grades between RAE2008 and REF 2014, which HEFCE justifies by arguing that international citations have increased across the same period. They also claim that there is consistency across Panels and Sub-Panels. The implication is that different scores represent real differences in 'quality' across the different subjects, something HEFCE sought to ensure its calibration exercise. HEFCE is content with consistency being demonstrated through a comparison of the average proportion of 3* and 4* scores, without any discussion of whether there are any differences in the types of institutions submitted to different panels. Moreover, their analysis merges 3*/4* scores, and the real discrepancy is in terms of differences in allocating 4* scores. This is also the category that shows the biggest proportionate increase across the 2008 and 2014 exercises, rising by 42% for outputs (impact case study scores, of course, are new for 2014). It is also the category with the greatest financial return, with the general increase in scores meaning there is likely to be a further tightening of the formula and, possibly, even greater concentration toward 4* (that formula was originally 1:3:7 for 2*/3*/4* scores, later changed to 1:3:9 and then to 0:3:9).
Despite this being a crucial issue for HEFCE oversight, the different Sub-Panels of Main Panel C have very different patterns with regard to scoring 4* output, with Social Work and Social Policy showing a significant increase, Politics and International Studies a moderate increase and Sociology very little increase (Anthropology and Development Studies seems to show grade deflation, but comparisons are harder to make because of the aggregation of Anthropology and Development Studies Sub-Panels compared with 2008).
The following charts show percentages of 4* outcomes for the top 20 UofAs in each of the Sub-Panels for Social Work and Social Policy, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology in RAE 2008 and REF 2014. We follow the RAE reporting convention of expressing results to the nearest 5%, and hence the 'stepped' nature of the 2008 lines.
Of course, we are not comparing like with like when we describe the top 20 UofAs at each Sub-Panel, or indeed of any Sub-Panel. In the case of Social Work and Social Policy, that comprises about one third of the overall number submitted, compared with two thirds of the Sociology submissions. Equally, any other number (or indeed taking all) would also be somewhat arbitrary. But what matters is the slope of the curves in each case and especially the gap between the curves for 2008 and 2014.
These differences are unlikely to be accounted for by differences in types of publication or authorship practices. Data from REF2014 has only just become available, and early analysis shows that the proportion of monographs ranged from the low end in Business and Management and Sports and Exercise Sciences, etc. Each had just 1% of outputs as monographs, while the corresponding figure for Sociology was 13% and Social Policy and Social Work 9%, with Anthropology at 11% and Politics and International Studies at 18% (each showing a slight fall on 2008 from 17%, 12%, 15% and 22% respectively). Book chapters, as distinct from journal articles, were 9% for Social Policy and Social Work and Sociology alike, with Politics and International Studies at 10%, but 16% for Anthropology and 1% for Business and Management and Sports and Exercise Sciences. 84% of Sports and Exercise Sciences and 80% of Business and management studies outputs were jointly authored compared with 58% for Social Work and Social Policy, 40% for Sociology, 40% for Anthropology and 30% for Politics and International Studies (there were marginal increases in joint authorship in Sociology and Social Policy and Social Work, up from 56% and 37% respectively in 2008, and more significant increases for Anthropology and Politics and International Studies, up from 29% and 22% respectively).
HEFCE data also shows that the average grade profile for Sociology and for Social Work and Social Policy is very similar. The data for Sociology show the following proportions at 4* for overall, outputs, impact, and environment (in that order): 27, 19.7, 43.2, 35.1. The proportions for Social Work and Social Policy are: 27, 19.4, 43.8, 36.9. But this is not comparing like for like, once we take account of the different institution profiles of the two submissions, with Sociology having a higher proportion of submissions from research-intensive institutions and, therefore, an expectation of higher scores (an expectation realized for other subjects at those institutions). Within sociology, 13/29 submissions were from the Russell Group, covering 52% of staff; a further 7% were at Essex, surely a candidate for any 'elite' social science grouping (e.g. the top recipient of ESRC funding in 2013-14 by some margin). In Social Work and Social Policy 15/62 submissions were Russell Group, covering 36% of staff. For Panel C the average was 48% of staff (and ranging from 67% in Economics to 15% in Sport & Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism).
The following graphs show another way of describing the differences across Subject Sub-Panels. Sociology (along with Anthropology) provides the most 'concentrated' distribution of grades when compared with other subjects.
Another way of looking at this is to calculate the gini-coefficients for a particular outcome, and we look at the overall proportion of 4* awarded. Economics and Econometrics is the most 'inegalitarian' at 0.41, followed by Social Work and Social Policy at 0.38, Law at 0.34, Politics and International Studies at 0.33, and Business and Management Studies at 0.32. Sociology is the 'outlier' at 0.22 (with Anthropology also very equal, at 0.20). Put simply, the problem is less that the scores are more concentrated than other Sub-Panels, since that might be expected given the concentration of research-intensive institutions, but that the scores should be shifted over to the right.
Insofar as there was 'grade inflation' in sociology, it was at the lower end. This is what happened to those with 20% or more at 4*, who were still submitting to this panel in 2014. Average change in this group was just +1%.
It's a smaller group of 10, but for Social Work and Social Policy, average change was +19%.
There was also more 'churning' of scores in Sociology. 5 of the 16 went down with none of the similar group in Social Work and Social Policy sharing this fate.
In REF2014 a number of submissions achieved 'perfect' scores for either impact or environment – specifically 100% at 4*. This was less common for Impact than for Environment, as, after all, the former was a new topic for REF panels. It seems that some panels were quite reticent about awarding these perfect scores, with others less so. Some 9.3% of Social Work and Social Policy staff worked within units that achieved 100% at 4* for impact, which was more than twice as high a proportion as any other submission to panel C. Indeed it was the highest of any REF unit of assessment (Area Studies was next at 7%; then down to 5.5%). For Sociology it was 2.8%. Our suggestion is that the 'scoring tendencies' evident with regard to outputs, were carried over into other elements of the REF, such that the differential 'inflation' identified with regard to 'outputs' that occurred between 2008 and 2014 is implicit in impact and other scores.
Within Panel C, 12.8% of staff worked in units with a perfect score for research environment. This ranged from close to one-third of staff in Education (a subject with a notoriously low ESRC success rate, at 4% compared with 23% for Sociology and for Social Policy, according to the ESRC Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14), down to none within the Architecture sub-panel. Social Work and Social Policy again did rather well (23%) and Sociology again fared poorly (7%). All of LSE's Social Work and Social Policy research environment is world-leading, but only half of its Sociology. All of Oxford's Social Work and Social Policy research environment is world-leading, but only 62.5% of its sociology. Yet ESRC's peer evaluation of research at end of grant in 2013-14 assigned rather better scores to Sociology than to Social Policy (11% outstanding, 46% very good, 39% good and 4% satisfactory for Sociology, with Social Policy scoring, respectively, 8%, 46%, 23% and 23%).
As we have already commented, submissions to the Sociology Sub-Panel declined from 39 to 29, with some UofAs deciding to submit to another Panel most usually Social Work and Social Policy (though some sociologists were submitted to other Sub-Panels, or previous submissions distributed across Sub-Panels). The consequence is that they are likely to be better rewarded, for giving up a primary definition of themselves as Sociology, but only where they did better than the average (since lower-ranked UofAs tend to be scored less well by the more 'inegalitarian' Social Work and Social Policy Sub-Panel). Moreover, those UofAs that remained with the Sociology Panel and emerged as highly ranked by them are now likely to receive less funding than if they had submitted to Social Work and Social Policy (assuming that the funding formula remains unchanged or continues to favour 4* outcomes). The deeper paradox is that interdisciplinary, applied areas, such as Social Work and Social Policy (or Education for that matter) that use the theories and methods developed in their associated core disciplines, achieve better outcomes than those disciplines.
But it is not simply that high-ranking (for us, highly-rated) Sociology UofAs will receive less funding. They will also share in the reputational consequences for Sociology in general, as a relatively low-scoring subject area. So the top two Social Work and Social Policy Submissions (using the criterion of proportion of 4* scores) are in the top 5 of all submissions (along with two Economics Departments), while Manchester Sociology (1st in Sociology), for example, is 245th overall, further indicating a problem at Main Panel C.
HEFCE's argument that there are no Sub-Panel variations and that grade inflation reflects changes in international standing is wrong once we disaggregate 4* from 3* and look more deeply at distributions and types of institutions submitting to each panel. If it goes unchallenged it will reinforce the impression of Sociology as a discipline of low international standing relative to other subject areas. This is significant, especially where the data derived from the REF are used increasingly by universities to manage 'performance', both in the aggregate and individually.
We do not believe that it is possible to achieve 'calibrated' measures of scoring items across sub-Panels without supporting data and a process to check judgments at the end of the process as well as at the beginning. We do not believe that the issue is simply that the Sociology sub-Panel marked 'too harshly', since that depends upon knowing how other Sub-Panels marked in practice and that is only available at the end of the process. It is evident that the Sociology Sub-Panel (and that of Anthropology and Development Studies) produced outcomes that may be characterized as a form of strong 'egalitarian solidarity'. However, the form that 'solidarity' took was problematic and it was up to the Main Panel to secure comparability of results. It is worrying that it did not notice the very evident disparities. We emphasise that this is the role the system of main panels was supposed to provide. Our colleagues (and friends) on REF sub-panels clearly worked hard to try to deliver judgements against the relevant criteria, but they did so without direct access to the scoring 'styles' of other sub-panels.
In our opinion, the REF results reflect scoring differences that it was the role of the Main Panel to resolve. This, after all was David Eastwood's promise when Chief Executive of HEFCE, "I believe we can build a system in which action replays will generally show the REF got it right." Our action replay suggests that the HEFCE 'ref' should have raised the flag! We might cite W.I Thomas that what people believe to be real is real in its consequences. The REF 2014 outcomes are not 'facts' about the relative standing of the social sciences, but artifacts of a flawed exercise. The problem for sociology as a discipline arises if they are unchallenged in an increasingly instrumentalised academy that denies alternatives, one where, "… The simple facts of life are such/ they cannot be removed."
CHORUS: "… As REF2014 goes by"
John Holmwood is Professor of Sociology at the University of Nottingham. He is a managing editor of Discover Society and co-founder of the Campaign for the Public University.
Stephen McKay is Distinguished Professor in Social Research in the College of Social Science at the University of Lincoln.
Originally posted 26th January 2015
Fiction futures and the global grip of neoliberalism: conference reflections
Societies in Transition: Progression or Regression? Conference Reflections


Champions Birkirkara are expected to return to winning ways when they face bottom side Fgura United while second-placed Mġarr United cross swords with Raiders (Luxol) with both matches scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Last week, leaders Birkirkara saw their winning run halted by Mġarr United after their match ended in a goalless stalemate.
The result meant that Birkirkara remain on course for a third consecutive title as they maintained their six-point lead at the top.
This week's programme is the penultimate one before the teams are split into two groups – Championship and Relegation Pool with the second phase being played on one round.
Birkirkara's task against Fgura United looks straightforward as the latter are struggling in the bottom part of the standings with just two points from 12 games.
Mġarr United face a trickier test as they take on Raiders (Luxol) who have collected 13 points.
The Paolites, who have slipped five points behind second-placed Mġarr United after last week's draw against Kirkop United, play against Mosta.
In the other fixture, Kirkop United meet Swieqi United.
Birkirkara 34 points; Mġarr United 28; Hibernians 23; Kirkop United 17; Swieqi United, Raiders 13; Mosta 5; Fgura United 2.


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Clayton Dehn is a research physiologist with expertise in metabolic disorders. He is the co-inventor of a process and substance for disturbing the inheritance pattern of ion-channelopathic disorders, and the sole author of the first publication cautioning against the risk of SGLT-inhibition inducing ketoacidosis in insulinopenic populations. He serves on the editorial board of three peer-reviewed journals, and has served by gubernatorial appointment on the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission.


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A 9.ª Edição dos Prémios Sophia ocorreu a 17 de setembro de 2020, no Centro Cultural de Belém, em Lisboa. Os nomeados foram revelados no dia 18 de fevereiro de 2020. A cerimónia foi apresentada por Ana Bola e Joana Pais de Brito e transmitida em direto na RTP2.

Vencedores e Nomeados
Os vencedores estão assinalados a negrito.

Prémio Sophia de Carreira – Alfredo Tropa, António-Pedro Vasconcelos, Fernando Matos Silva.

Referências

Edições dos Prémios Sophia
2020 no cinema em Portugal

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The purpose of Pure Desire groups is to support men, women, and young adults in their recovery by providing a safe, confidential place to process their life story.
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I am advised by the council that if there is no change in the status/condition of the Bird House in Sydenham Road, then they will consider a compulsory purchase of this sadly neglected building.
This sad building has been a regular feature on this site ever since I started it back in 2004 (click the tag below). It is shameful that this once lovely building has been allowed to rot, especially as there is a housing shortage.


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RUS SWM Grant FY 2017
Funds may be used to:
Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training
to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements.
Grant funds may not be used to:
Recruit preapplications/applications for any loan and/or grant program including RUS Water and Waste Disposal Loan and/or Grant Program; duplication of current services, replacement or substitution of support previously provided such as those performed by an association's consultant in developing a project; fund political activities; pay for capital assets, the purchase of real estate or vehicles, improve and renovate office space, or repair and maintain privately-owned property; pay for construction or operation and maintenance costs of water and waste facilities; and pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of grants made under 7 CFR 177 5.
Solid Waste Management Grants
Agency: Utilities Programs
Estimated Funding: $4,000,000
Pollution Abatement & Control
Case Study on Las Vegas Investors and Housing Markets
Annual Count Reveals Increase in New Hampshire�s Homeless Population
Impact Entrepreneurship for Social Consciousness
Kogi Governor Sanctions LG Officials to Take Community Development Seriously
The Greeks: A Long History in Philanthropy
HUD Awards $12.4 Million to Cincinnati and Hamilton County to Stifle Homelessness
Social Enterprise Bicycle Shop Celebrates Five Years of Doing Social Good
UN Women Will Launch Civil Society Advisory Group
Program Website address
An organization is eligible to receive a SWM grant if it:a.
Is a private, non-profit organization that has tax-exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS);b.
Is a Public body;c.
Is a federally acknowledged or State-recognized Native American tribe or group;d.
Is an Academic institution;e.
Is legally established and located within one of the following: a state within the United States; the District of Columbia; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; a United States territory.
Has the legal capacity and authority to carry out the grant purpose;g.
Has a proven record of successfully providing technical assistance and/or training to rural areas;h.
Has capitalization acceptable to the Agency, and is composed of at least 51 percent of the outstanding interest or membership being citizens of the United States or individuals who reside in the United States after being legally admitted for permanent residence;i.
Has no delinquent debt to the Federal Government or no outstanding judgments to repay a Federal debt;j.
Demonstrates that it possesses the financial, technical, and managerial capability to comply with Federal and State laws and requirements.k.
Contracts with a nonaffiliated organization for not more than 49 percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance.
lavonda.pernell@wdc.usda.gov
National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program | Presidential Declared Disaster Assistance Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households | Volcano Hazards Program Research and Monitoring. | Grants to States for Operation of Offices of Rural Health | State Planning and Research | Site Style by YAML | Grants.gov | Grants | Grants News | Sitemap | Privacy Policy
Government Grant from Utilities Programs

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[May 4th, 2018, St. George, Ontario] Today, Dunlop Sports launches their Canadian booking program through Canadawide Sports. The storied company has become the leader in squash products throughout the world, boasting the very best athletes in the sport today.
"We are excited to bring new racquets, including pro player signatures, to our Canadian retailers once again", said Canadawide Sports President Shawn Fuller.
This year's program offers independent dealers unique opportunities that have never been offered before. This includes discounts on the entire lineup all year with the purchase of 24 racquets, as well as high percentage discounts on eyewear. Dunlop's world leading Pro Double Yellow Dot Squash Balls will also be offered free as incentives when dealers book racquets by June 1st.
Dunlop Squash will be available throughout big box retailers like Sportchek and National Sports, as well as independent retailers coast-to-coast.
For More Information Please Contact: Jake Eagle. Via email at info@canadawidesports.com, or at 1-877-438-6264.


Today, I am pleased to announce the release of TIBCO Jaspersoft 7, the latest version of our embeddable reporting and analytics software. Jaspersoft is not your typical BI & Analytics tool. It is uniquely designed to address the needs of software builders—those who are developing software applications and understand the power and potential of exposing data to users in the right context. Jaspersoft 7 extends our pallet of building block components, enabling developers to build intuitive data experiences into their application.
Another part of the release that I am pleased to share is that Jaspersoft has introduced support for several other TIBCO analytics products: TIBCO Spotfire and TIBCO Data Virtualization. Users can now access content from Spotfire—our powerful visual analytics product—and create reports and visualizations in TIBCO Jaspersoft Studio using Spotfire Information Links. You'll also find that TIBCO Data Virtualization is a now a certified data source for Jaspersoft Domains metadata and Jaspersoft Studio, expanding the ability to access virtualized data across multiple data sources.
See everything that's new in the release and learn more about Visualize.js (including live code samples) by visiting the Jaspersoft 7 launch site.


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Home » haiti first lady interview
Tag: haiti first lady interview
Posted inHaiti
In latest interview, Martine Moïse recounts assassination, husband's legacy for Haiti
by Sam Bojarski Sep. 16, 2021 Sep. 16, 2021
When gunfire awoke Jovenel and Martine Moïse at 1 a.m. on July 7, Haiti's former first lady said she never thought their lives could be in danger. After all, the presidential residence was well-secured — or so she thought.
Assassination suspect Rodolphe "Whiskey" Jaar extradited to U.S. Jan. 20, 2022
Haitian school children in DR arrested and expelled to Haiti Jan. 20, 2022
Canada to host foreign ministers' meeting on Haiti, Trudeau and Henry will speak Jan. 20, 2022
Scores of Cuban doctors flee Haiti after colleague's kidnapping Jan. 20, 2022


Ocean City is well-known for its holiday celebrations that begin in mid-November with Winterfest of Lights and end with a New Year's Eve fireworks celebration, but a little to the west in Berlin, Maryland, small town living is elevated and ultra-festive. Local art and shopping, horse-driven carriage rides, lit-up trees and decorations, and a New Year's ball drop of its own make Berlin the place to be this time of year. Consider taking some time out of your holiday in Ocean City to visit the charming town, or make the trip just for Berlin itself. In addition to the holiday festivities, America's Coolest Small Town has plenty of lodging and dining options to make it well worth your visit any time of year.
After homemade, handcrafted gifts make the best gifts.
Berlin is a small town with a big artistic presence, housing art galleries, artists' studios and museums, not to mention the inspiration its quaint, historic landscape provides. On the 2nd Friday of every month, from 6 – 8 p.m., Berlin's art makes its way outside and local artists show off their paintings, sculptings, and the handmade items they have for sale. There's a good chance you'll even find the perfect holiday gifts for your art-loving loved ones (and if not, you can try again at Ocean City's Holiday Shoppers Fair the weekend after Thanksgiving). Even if you don't fall in love with any particular item at the Art Stroll, it's at least a good excuse to wander Berlin's picturesque downtown, which looks like it's straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie this time of year.
Putting up the tree outside the historic Atlantic Hotel.
…Small Business Saturday, celebrated at independent shops and boutiques around the country the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Because who needs Black Friday when you can shop small and support your friends, neighbors, and the local economy? Small Business Saturday is a relatively recent tradition, originating in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support mom-and-pop shops across the country, and has grown steadily every year since. See if any of these locally-owned and wide-ranging shops appeal to you, and spend your Saturday shopping in Berlin.
If you hear the trotting of hooves and the jingling of bells in Berlin anytime near Christmas, you can be sure there's a horse-driven carriage making its way around the corner. There's no more festive way to take in all the scenery and the decorated homes and storefronts downtown than on a Christmas carriage ride, and what's more, the rides are completely free. Check the corner of Pitts and Main Street for your Christmas carriage.
The streets will be looking like this by then for all we know!
Even at this point, I think we can all admit that 2018 has been an exceptionally long year. Whether it's one that requires celebrating or lamenting is up to you, but regardless, we could all probably use an end-of-the-year blowout party and several glasses of champagne. Berlin's annual New Year's Eve Celebration starts at 6 p.m. with a mini ball drop for the kids, and at 10 p.m. for adults with an outdoor bar and entertainment followed by the big ball drop and fireworks at midnight.


"a knock of the elbow," but get the doctor, too.
Not knowing the time destined for your expected indisposition, I am anxious on your account. you are prepared to meet it with courage I hope. some female friend of your Mama's (I forget who) used to say it was no more than a knock of the elbow. the material thing is to have scientific aid in readiness, that if any thing uncommon takes place, it may be redressed on the spot, and not be made serious by delay. it is a case which least of all will wait for Doctors to be sent for. therefore, with this single precaution, nothing is ever to be feared.
Confident leaders can still be anxious fathers.
Mary Eppes, known as Maria, was the President's younger daughter. She was one of two Jefferson children who survived childhood, which had claimed four others.
The "expected indisposition" referenced was the upcoming delivery of her third child. Her first son, born in 1800, lived only a few days. Her second son, Francis, was now 27 months old. Like her mother who died of childbirth complications in 1782, Maria was not a strong, healthy woman. She had suffered considerably after the birth of her first two children.
Very rarely did Jefferson refer to his long deceased wife Martha, but he did so here. No doubt wanting to lesson Maria's anxiety, and probably his own, he relayed a comment of a friend of his wife's that childbirth "was no more than a knock of the elbow." Even so, he urged his daughter "to have scientific aid in readiness," i.e. a doctor. The onset of labor would provide time to summon the doctor so any help could be rendered immediately. A knock or not, with this precaution, Maria had nothing to fear.
Time would tell that both daughter and father had plenty to fear.


text:
Brian "Cosmos" Kalu - Smash Player
Brian Kalu
$14,877.89 From 29 Tournaments
< no biography available >
2019 $4,047.14 8 27.20% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $4,047.14 8 27.20%
2018 $9,192.35 15 61.79% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $9,192.35 15 61.79%
2016 $480.40 1 3.23% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $480.40 1 3.23%
Earnings By Age
20 Years Old $6,883.14 12 46.26% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $6,883.14 12 46.26%
18 Years Old $40.00 2 0.27% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $40.00 2 0.27%
17 Years Old $480.40 1 3.23% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $480.40 1 3.23%
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate $5,617.14 10 37.75% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $5,617.14 10 37.75%
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U $9,260.75 19 62.25% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $9,260.75 19 62.25%
2GGaming $1,248.00 1 8.39% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $1,248.00 1 8.39%
Counter Logic Gaming $356.00 1 2.39% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $356.00 1 2.39%
Echo Fox $1,340.00 1 9.01% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $1,340.00 1 9.01%
NRG Esports $25.00 1 0.17% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $25.00 1 0.17%
Panda Global $7,158.36 9 48.11% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $7,158.36 9 48.11%
Phoenix1 $40.00 1 0.27% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $40.00 1 0.27%
<independent> $4,710.53 15 31.66% | $0.00 0 0.00% | $4,710.53 15 31.66%
1. 2019-03-10 7th-8th » Smash Ultimate Summit $1,636.00 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
2. 2018-08-12 1st » Super Smash Con 2018 (Wii U Doubles) $1,340.00 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
3. 2018-12-15 3rd Sky Ultimate Invitational $1,250.00 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
4. 2018-02-11 1st » Frostbite 2018 (Wii U Doubles) $1,248.00 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
5. 2018-10-07 1st » The Big House 8 (SSB Wii U Singles) $1,124.00 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
6. 2018-08-12 4th » Super Smash Con 2018 (Wii U Singles) $1,104.00 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
7. 2018-07-01 3rd » CEO 2018 Wii U Singles $882.70 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
8. 2017-10-08 3rd » The Big House 7 (SSB Wii U Singles) $768.00 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
9. 2019-03-24 2nd FB5 $632.50 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
10. 2019-02-22 5th-6th Frostbite 2019 (Singles) $619.50 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Prize Money Earned Under 18 Years of Age
Before his 18th birthday, Cosmos was awarded $480.40 in cash prizes from a single tournament. 3.23% of his total prize money was earned before August 31, 2016.
The largest amount of prize money awarded to Cosmos from a single tournament was $1,636.00 from Smash Ultimate Summit on March 10, 2019. He placed 7th-8th, making up 11.00% of his total prize money won.
Cosmos has been awarded $555.49 in cash prizes from 3 tournaments within the last 90 days, none of which came in the last month.
1.https://twitter.com/PandaGlobal/status/1022572682989199366
Panda Global on Twitter: "Introducing Panda Global's newest enthusiast of japanese culture and Smash 4 player, @CosmosZR! This
Last Checked 2019-04-25 12:09:10 AM
Marss $31,622.88
Samsora $25,259.88
MVD $23,578.94
Abadango $21,529.83
Komorikiri $20,039.67
Elegant $17,741.81
Mistake $16,486.35
Tyrant $15,751.59
Fatality $15,633.70
Light $15,341.83
Cosmos $14,877.89
CaptainZack $14,315.37
Zinoto $13,720.55
Lima $10,324.33
KEN $10,133.00
Myran $9,699.20
MuteAce $9,254.15
Mr. E $9,115.00
Pink Fresh $8,799.63
Kameme $8,609.54
NAKAT $8,556.48
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text:
The First Age › Rest of the world › The Scroll
Ascendancy nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Reborn God: Hades
Daiyu
Grym
Kemala
Lawrence Monday
Patricus I
<big>Ascendancy nominated for Nobel Peace Prize</big>
Brandon's nomination was put forth because he "promotes resolution of all conflicts arising on the planet."
<small>The Mirror
2045</small>
The founder of the Central Custody of Dominion, Ascendancy Nikolai Brandon, has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
A spokesperson for the Moscovite advocacy group permitted to make Nobel Peace Prize nominations stated Brandon as worthy because he "actively promotes resolution of all conflicts arising on the planet."
Custody Press has released a statement quoting the Ascendancy as stating he was "humbled and honored by the nomination. My efforts have extended beyond Custody borders and sought to bring a stop to the bloodshed."
The Ascendancy will dedicate all his resources to an upcoming tour through Dominance V, which has recently seen an increase in religious infighting, with some demonstrations turning deadly to help the conflict situation with political dialogue. This is only further evidence that he is worthy of this high title.
According to the Moscow Press Society, the academy's submission to the nomination committee read: "Being the leader of one of the foremost nation in the world, Nikolai Brandon makes efforts to maintain peace and tranquility not only on the territory of his own country but also actively promotes resolution of all conflicts arising on the planet."
COMMENTS: Open
Ascendancy | Hades


David Nason is from Dublin and is living with the condition retinitis pigmentosa (RP). He works for Sky Ireland as a Quality and Compliance Analyst and Accessibility Consultant. He is a big sports fan, and plays visually impaired tennis at Shankill Tennis Club. He is also a big tech fan, and helps run AppleVis.com and hosts the AppleVis Extra podcast.