text:
Water Restrictions – Frequently asked Questions
This is a must read document for everybody. Some of the links in the document are missing, but at the bottom, there is a link to the complete document.
These questions and answers have been prepared to help you comply with the Cape Town level 2 water restrictions effective from 1 January 2016.
1. Will I be penalized or punished with some additional penalty fee for not using less water (from 1st of January) than what I am currently using?
There are no penalties for consumers who don't make additional water savings. However, the price of water will be increasing – especially for large domestic consumers. This means that you will pay more for the same amount of water used. This is necessary in order to encourage water savings. Due to the city's increasing block tariff for domestic consumers, this will have very little effect on small consumers and water efficient households. On the other hand, large domestic consumers will pay a significantly higher marginal price for water as shown in the below table. When working with averages it is estimated that if the average customers reduce their consumption by 10%, their bill should remain at a similar rand value. In practice this will be impacted on by other factors like the number of days between water meter readings. For more information on your bill and the 20% saving tariffs for both water and sanitation as applicable to the level 2 restrictions effective from 1st of January 2016, click here.
2. I have applied to register my borehole/wellpoint, but haven't received my official, free display sign from the City. Will I be fined?
To register or re-register your borehole or wellpoint, residents simply should send an email to Borehole.water@capetown.gov.za. On application via this dedicated email address, proof of application will be provided, which can be printed and kept until you receive your official (free) display sign as required by the latest water restrictions.
3. Do I need a display sign if I am using bath water to water my lawn?
Yes, when using greywater you need to put up a sign stating that you are using non-potable water for irrigation clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. See here for more details (section on signage).
4. Can I use bath water to water my garden at any time or only on watering days?
You can use bath water to water your garden any time as bath water cannot be stored for a period of time without causing a health nuisance. A visible signage saying you are using non-potable water for watering your garden must be displayed. This must be clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. See here for more details (section on signage).
5. I have a large property. Can I use the allowed times to fill buckets or a tank(s) and then water until it is used up, or can I get an exemption to water for longer?
You cannot fill containers and use them later to water the garden. However, single residential properties larger than 1000 square meters can apply for exemption. You should understand the consumption cost implication – the more water you use, the more expensive it is. To apply for a special exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
6. Can I wash my car with a hose on my lawn while watering?
Yes, it may be washed provided it is washed in the prescribed times provided for irrigation and only if the hosepipe is fitted with an automatic self-closing device.
7. I want to clean my roof using a high-pressure hose, but I am not using a contractor. Do I need an exemption and will I get it?
You need to apply for an exemption. Conditional approval may be granted. Please note that the exemption will be for a defined period that will be determined by the Director: Water and Sanitation. To apply for exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
8. Can historical / museum gardens be exempt from the water restrictions?
Yes. Exemptions are possible to various types of customers. See here for more details. To apply for exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
9. When will the revised restrictions commence and what level of restrictions will be enforced?
From 01 January 2016. The 20% level (also called "level 2 restrictions") will be enforced. See here for more details.
10. What am I allowed to do and what not with watering?
For details of the revised restriction measures see here for more details.
11. What happens if it rains heavily after 1 January 2016 and the dams fill up?
In terms of the City's water by-law, the Director: Water and Sanitation may at his discretion revoke the restrictions.
12. How do you calculate a household's average water consumption for the purposes of working out what they should be saving?
Residents need to familiarize themselves with their municipal account as such information (actual reading) is reflected therein, month to month. Alternatively, they must keep track of their consumption by reading their own meters and recording such. Further to this they need to be able to identify areas of water wastage and use the water saving tips available on the City's Water and Sanitation website. On average, a basic household (without any luxuries, e.g. swimming pool) can use between 6 kl -20 kl a month, but this is dependent on a range of things and is merely an assumption.For more information on your bill and the 20% saving tariffs for both water and sanitation as applicable to the level 2 restrictions effective from 1st of January 2016, click here.
13. How effective were water restrictions in 2005? How did consumption patterns change in that period of restrictions?
The water restrictions imposed in 2005 were at a level of 10% and the actual saving amounted to 15.5% – most of which was sustained. This indicates that a large proportion of consumers changed their habits permanently and installed alternatives, such as boreholes, greywater irrigation systems, and in some cases laid paving to minimize irrigation requirements.
14. What penalties are proposed this time?
Spot fines of up to R1 500 may be issued by the City of Cape Town in terms of the Water Bylaw. Repeat offenders could be summonsed and be liable for prosecution resulting in a fine of up to R10 000, or imprisonment up to six months, or both.
15. Experience and common sense show us that rich people, who are also the heaviest water users, will be able to afford the punitive water tariffs and therefore will have no incentive to save water. Poor people, on the other hand, will not be able to afford them, so are likely to bear the brunt of the higher prices or having to cope with less water. What steps are being taken to address this?
The free water allocation remains free and is set at 6 kilolitres per domestic household. The lower steps of the tariff structure have low increases, while the higher steps are subjected to higher percentage increases, thus assisting the poor and those who save water. Informal settlement residents receive all water for free. See also question 1 above.
16. A water consumption reduction of 20% implies a reduction of 20% in the City's income from water and sewerage. How will this affect the council's operations?
The tariff is designed to be revenue-neutral when applied to the current consumption levels. The proposed increases are designed to recover the loss in income/revenue due to the reduction in billed consumption, so no operational consequences /effects are expected.
17. If there's a significant decrease in the flow of water through the city's sewerage system, will this affect its operation? Are there any health risks associated with this?
Most of the water saving comes from a reduction in irrigation or other "luxury" uses like swimming pools. It is therefore not expected that there will be any serious effect on the sewerage system. This will however be monitored.
18. How will you make allowances for large households?
It would be unreasonable to expect someone living alone to be able to save as much water as a family of six living in the house next door. While there is no simple or inexpensive way to monitor the number of people in a household for every connection, the free water does allow for a free basic allocation of 25 litres per day for a household of up to 8 people. This is the basis for the 6 kilolitres for each household. Each and every one of us can save water, the volume/extent will differ from person to person, but whatever the volume, it makes a difference and is well appreciated.
19. Will restrictions affect municipal swimming pools?
It is recommended that ALL swimming pools be covered by a pool cover to avoid evaporation when not in use. No automatic top-up systems are allowed.
20. What special arrangements (if any) are being made to ensure the maintenance of the City's golf courses? Have you quantified the amount of water used to water golf courses?
Almost all golf courses in the City are irrigated using recycled (treated effluent) water from wastewater treatment plants, boreholes or other resources.
21. Will you continue to use municipal trucks to spray road surfaces during the period of restrictions? If so, why? And how much water do they consume?
Municipal street-cleaning generally uses non-potable water.
22. What steps is the Council, as a water consumer itself, taking to ensure it reduces its usage?
The City continuously identifies its large water use points and engages with the relevant directorates to determine areas of water saving, for example the retro-fitting program which entails the removal of automatic flushing urinals in its buildings. All council directorates are also expected and bound to comply with the restrictions in their water-related activities.
23. What steps are you expecting provincial consumers – such as schools and hospitals – to take to reduce consumption?
The water restriction notice applies to all users. Council has embarked on a partnership with schools to help reduce consumption through its awareness and education programme on water saving and the training of school caretakers to fix leaks. Other water saving tips are available on the City's website for everyone to make use of.
24. Can a stepped penalty be introduced, so that those who consume less that 25kl per month, for example, are not required to reduce their usage at all?
This is the basic principle applied in the proposed tariff increase, those using less water pay less, and those using more water pay more. See also question 1.
25. How will you police restrictions?
Water Inspectors will monitor compliance with the restriction measures, over and above the Water Bylaw in its entirety and issue spot fines where applicable. The public are normally our most vigilant enforcers and they may report offenders on 0860 103 089.
26. How are homeowners, who use borehole water for their gardens, expected to respond to the water restrictions?
The restriction notice indicates that where other sources of water (i.e. not drinking water from municipal supply) are used, a notice to this effect must be erected in a position clearly visible from a public thoroughfare. In addition, when watering gardens, parks, open spaces, etc. with alternative water resources (e.g. rain water harvesting, grey water re-use, treated effluent water, wellpoints and boreholes) you are encouraged to do so only before 09:00 or after 16:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
27. Sectional title owners who save water will still be penalized if other owners in their block continue to be wasteful or profligate. How will you address this?
The planned media campaign is aimed at ensuring that everyone co-operates and contributes to the targeted savings in water consumptions. It is therefore hoped that fellow water saving residents will bring the appropriate pressure to bear on those who may not be so inclined.
28. Who are the 10 biggest water consumers in the City of Cape Town?
Consumption figures for individual consumers are considered confidential and cannot be released to the public. However, systems are in place to monitor bulk consumers.
29. Must landscapers (who are contracted to install sprinklers and plant and maintain new trees and plant in new developments) apply for exemption to maintain new plants via the sprinkler systems, which they have installed?
Landscapers can apply for exemption. Time exemptions may be granted. Landscapers are also encouraged to plant water-wise gardens. Drought resistant lawns may be irrigated with sprinklers during establishment. To apply for exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
30. What about school sports fields and minor sports stadiums which are too large to water within the allocated times?
These facilities can apply for exemption. To apply for a special exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
31. Can owners of boats rinse and flush their motors after fishing?
Flushing of motors is permitted within the ambit of the restriction measures.
32. Can someone who uses borehole water to water grass and plants (therefore saving water) use their hosepipe to wash their car in the allocated times?
It is recommended to rather use a bucket, but if a hosepipe is used, it must be fitted with an automatic self-closing device.
33. Can the owner of a very large residential property who cannot water the whole property using a hosepipe during the allocated time, get an exemption?
Yes, you can apply for an exemption. To apply, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za. See also question 5 above.
34. Are notices in three languages being provided at e.g. cash offices, libraries, clinics etc?
Notices will be displayed at all City buildings and other public spaces.
35. Are car valet services compelled to use trigger nozzles on hoses?
36. Can I fill and top up my swimming pool?
Yes, this is not restricted, but it is recommended that all swimming pools be covered.
37. With whom do you register your borehole? Do you pay for registration and the borehole sign?
Wellpoints and boreholes should be registered. To register or re-register, residents simply should send an email to Borehole.water@capetown.gov.za. After registration your will receive the necessary display sign. The registration and signage are free.
38. Who do you fine if Council is contravening the water restrictions?
This matter will be dealt with in accordance with City procedures.
39. Is it illegal to wash down the forecourt of a petrol station?
Hosing down is not allowed. If washing must be done, a bucket must be used.
40. If a person has a visible leak on their property and is not in a position to fix it, what can be done? Does Council have a system in place whereby a plumber will be sent to repair the leak and bill the tenant?
No, it is the owner's responsibility to employ the services of a registered plumbing contractor to attend to the problem, at the owner's cost.
41. How can I report an irrigation violation?
By calling 0860 103089, or sms 31373, or email WaterTOC@capetown.gov.za.
42. Are there watering restrictions for vegetable gardens?
Agricultural crops are considered as gardens and irrigation may therefore occur only before 9:00 or after 16:00 on the prescribed days.
43. I live on agricultural land, do watering restrictions apply to me?
The water restriction bylaw applies to all homes and businesses located within the City of Cape Town's jurisdiction. The details vary depending on type of consumer. To apply for a special exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za. See here for more details.
44. I have hired a company to power wash my driveway, is this allowed under the current watering restrictions?
No, power washing driveways with drinking water is not allowed.
45. I've noticed my neighbour is watering outside of what is allowed according to the City's restrictions. What should I do?
You could speak with your neighbour to see if they are aware of the watering restrictions. If they aren't aware, direct them to the City's website (http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Water/Pages/Water-restrictions.aspx). If you have concerns please, contact the customer line on 0860 103089 / sms 31373 or send an email to WaterTOC@capetown.gov.za.
46. Do you have any water saving tips?
Yes. See here for more information.
47. Can I use a drip system or soaker hose?
Micro-drip systems are allowed and a great way to conserve water while irrigating. Soaker hoses, like sprinklers, can be used only during the prescribed watering schedule.
48. My charity was planning a fund-raising carwash. Can we still proceed?
We encourage you to please practice water-saving washes by using waterless products or if not available, rather use buckets and not hosepipes. Otherwise you will defeat the whole purpose of raising funds by raising you water account. To apply for a special exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
49. Why is irrigation being limited?
It is the one of the largest categories of water use in the City of Cape Town.
50. How, where and what is the procedure that should be followed to apply for an exemption should I be entitled/request for one?
To apply for a special exemption, send a completed Special Exemption Application Form to the Director: Water & Sanitation via email to Water.Restrictions@capetown.gov.za.
51. I work in the poorer areas of the City and I regularly see large volumes of water running to waste in these areas where the occupants cannot afford to repair the leaks. What has the City done and what are they doing about this?
The City has a project in place in terms of its policies, to repair leaks at indigent properties and install a water management device in order to control the water usage to prevent further leaks and water wastage.
52. What is the City doing about the homeless people using the City's fire hydrants to wash vehicles?
Using fire hydrants, by anyone, for anything other than their intended purpose without permission is an illegal act (refer to section 55 of the Water Bylaw). Offenders could be charged for obstructing the duties of an authorized official, as stated in section 64 of the Water Bylaw.
53. Can my kids use the sprinkler in the backyard?
Instead of using sprinklers, we would encourage you to check out one of our water parks.
54. Can I pull my vehicle along the side of a river and wash it with bucket water on the river bank? If not, then why not?
No, the cumulative impact would threaten the ecological life of the system. Rivers are considered part of a stormwater system, so abstraction without permission and disturbance of the river banks are acts in direct violation of section 4 (g) and (h) of the Stormwater Management By-law.
55. May paved areas be hosed down with municipal tap water?
No. Paved areas can only be hosed down with non-potable water.
56. I want to hire a water slide. Do I need an exemption or does the person hiring it out to me need one?
The business owner must obtain an exemption.
57. What appeal process will be installed to allow consumers who believe they have been unfairly penalized to seek redress?
You may appeal to the Director: Water and Sanitation, PO Box 16548, Vlaeberg, 8000.
Here is a link to the complete document: http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/Water/Documents/Water_Restrictions_FAQs2015_2016.pdf


What are RINEX (local observation logs) and why do I need them?
RINEX logs, also known as local observations, are generated by survey equipment, such as the Trimble R10 or Topcon HiperV. These files, when combined with the RTK files from Explore1, will create a highly accurate geoposition for each photo taken by the drone.
If the Explore1 is being flown outside of an RTK network or you do not have an NTRIP account, you will need to use a RINEX or Local Observation file in order for the Explore1 to create precision accuracy data.
We recommend placing your local base as close to your flight area as possible as the closer the base is, the more accurate your data will be. The maximum recommended area however is 10km from the flight area.
Where can I get my RINEX (local observation) files?
Please note: We recommend "warming up" your local base for a minimum of 30 minutes before flying to establish a good RTK fix. Flying before this time may result in less accurate data due to a lack of fix in your local observations.
What do I need to upload to perform PPK using local base observations?
1. RINEX observations downloaded from the base.
Please Note: this a different point than the base of the antenna, you will be able to get this distance from your GNSS base manufacturer.


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Q: Notmethod error when padrino start unfortunately got lost in the begginning. Created first test_app using the official guide  http://www.padrinorb.com/
When trying "padrino start" app starts, server is running well in console, but as soon as I try to see it in the borwser this error message occurs:
NoMethodError at /admin/
undefined method `matched?' for nil:NilClass
file: routing.rb location: route line: 66
Also I can't see the favicon, and console says it could not find that.
(Tried with Thin and also with Webrick.
I'm using Ubuntu with RVM Ruby1.9 Gem 1.3.7 Rails3.
Updated Sinatra and Padrino gems, made cleanup.)
Many thanks,
gezope

A: A better solution is probably to pin the sinatra version that you're using to a version that's compatible with sinatra 0.9.19. Sinatra 1.1.0 works fine for me. To do that, add this line to your Gemfile:
gem 'sinatra', '1.1.0'

and call
bundle update

You'll have use bundle exec padrino from there on though.

A: This is a quick hack that can solve it. It should probably be solved in the framework, but at least you can solve it right now so that you can keep working:
On my system, I modified the following file (assuming your are using bundler) (note: the full path to the file was listed when you clicked on "expand" at the top of the error page that Padrino produces):
file:  .bundle/ruby/1.8/gems/padrino-core-0.9.19/lib/padrino-core/application/routing.rb
Original (this will fail) code:
   def route
      match.matched? ? match.path.route : nil  # NOTE: this is line 66 in routing.rb
    end

New code (hacky, but it works and will take you about one minute)
   def route
      (!match.nil? && match.matched?) ? match.path.route : nil
    end

Good luck!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Across the country, county and state Farm Bureaus are making safety a priority through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program. As part of ASAP, March 3-9 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week.
These tips will make sure you're investing in one of the most irreplaceable assets on your farm or ranch; yourself.
Fire is no joking matter for Montana farm and ranch families. These tips will help you prevent fire and be prepared to react in the event one does occur.
It's Agriculture Safety Awareness Week! Using caution when operating farm equipment and avoiding impaired driving will help keep you and yours safe.
It's Agriculture Safety Awareness Week! Hearing hazards and respiratory safety are two critically important topics that are often skipped or forgotten in daily farm and ranch activities.
Rural America is among the hardest hit by our nation's opioid epidemic. The Farm Town Strong campaign seeks to educate and help those affected to find the resources they need..
As the primary care taker in many aspects of farm and ranch life it's easy for women to put their own needs aside. However, caring for others means taking care of yourself, too.
Montana Agriculture: Listen. Learn. Lead.
Health and Safety matters too! MFBF Convention workshops discuss mental health resources and keeping women and youth in agriculture safe.
Convention registration closes one week from today--don't miss out!


Westbury National is one of Canada's largest professional audio-visual integration and full-service event production companies. A recognized leader in Audio + Visual Solutions and Event + Show Services, we are celebrating 45 years of delivering award-winning corporate installations as well as lighting, audio, staging and production services for clients large and small across North America. Our mission is to deliver the best possible solutions and services for our clients, exceeding their expectations for quality, responsiveness and timeliness through our creativity, resourcefulness and expertise.


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The Role of early-life psychological factors in the development of chronic disease: a longitudinal analysis applied to the onset of cancer, diabetes, and asthma in mid-life.
Ogollah, R. O., 2010. The Role of early-life psychological factors in the development of chronic disease: a longitudinal analysis applied to the onset of cancer, diabetes, and asthma in mid-life. Doctoral Thesis (Doctoral). Bournemouth University.
Reuben_Ogollah-_Final_Thesis_Nov_2010.pdf
Background: There is increasing evidence that psychological factors such as stress and depression might have an influence in the onset of many physical illnesses, but less is known about their effect from early life. This study is an epidemiological life-course analysis to test: (1) the hypotheses that early-life psychological factors are linked to later development of chronic disease (cancer, diabetes, and asthma) in mid-life, (2) whether such associations can be explained by pre-existing confounding factors, and (3) whether such links are mediated by other biological, behavioural, social, and cognitive factors. Methods: The data were from two ongoing prospective longitudinal studies following the lives of about 17,000 people born in Great Britain in one particular week in 1958 and 1970. Outcomes included diagnosis of cancer, asthma, and diabetes up to the year 2000. Psychological measures taken from ages 5 to 16 years were the main predictors. Associations were examined using discrete-time survival analysis and structural equation models, adjusting for potential confounders and mediators. Results: In the 1958 cohort, a standard deviation increase in the scores of conduct problems at ages 11 and 16 years, indicating severe behavioural problems, was associated with 2 to 34% increase in the odds of being diagnosed with cervical or all cancers after adjusting for childhood confounders. These effects were completely mediated by adulthood psychological distress and health behaviours. Only the teacher-reported behavioural problems significantly predicted the risk of diabetes after adjusting for family history of diabetes and sex (odds ratios of 1.05 to 1.08, p<O.Ol). These associations were partly mediated by mid-life psychological distress and adiposity. Significant associations were observed between most of the childhood psychological factors and adult-onset asthma even after adjusting for possible confounders and mediators. Conclusions: Childhood problem behaviours may predict chronic disease risk over the life-course either directly or mediated through adulthood factors. A consistent pathway among the disease groups was through adulthood psychological distress. Such continuities from childhood to adulthood psychological distress to the disease may be explained by the substantial biological plausibility of the association between psychological factors and physical health, primarily via alteration of the endocrine and the immune systems. The importance of promoting positive emotional and behavioural development in early life is stressed.
If you feel that this work infringes your copyright please contact the BURO Manager.
INVALID USER

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Are you a Barcelona resident or planning to be there on Saturday 13th April? Why not join Circ a la Ruta for a fun and friendly juggling one-day event. It's only 90 mins from Barcelona and an hour from Girona.
Featuring English speakers, hoopers, basic trapeze workshops, stilt-walkers, Hula hoops and loads more!


Enhance your child's critical literacy skills.
Your child will be able to engage in role play of characters from texts.
Your child will be able to discuss and present in front of an audience a range of topics confidently and in a logical manner.
Enhance your child's problem solving skills and speed thinking to link story lines.
Your child will be able to capture words and meanings quickly.
Promote your child's simultaneous listening and writing skills.
Your child will be introduced to books of various genres and learn to appreciate literature works by famous local and international writers.
Enhance your child's analytical and inference skills through fun and enjoyable methods.
Your child must be assessed to determine competency level. Classes are two hours per session, once a week.
Feel free to contact us (03 7725 9255) or visit us for fee details and further information about our programmes.


Cherry Creek Automotive will purchase your vehicle today! We have many satisfied clients that have chosen to sell us their vehicles over the years. Stop by anytime during business hours for a quick and easy appraisal of you car, truck, van or SUV.
We inspect and test drive your vehicle.
We use tools that give us a good idea of the market on your vehicle, these include books and guides, history reports, wholesale and retail comparable vehicles, auction results, our own experience with similar vehicles.
The entire process takes only about 15 minutes before we present you a fair actual cash value for your vehicle.
If you have the title, we can pay you immediately. If the bank has the title, we can facilitate the payoff and pay you any equity or collect any negative equity balance from you and clear your loan.
Please bring your title, registration, any payoff information, your Identification, and all books/keys/records you may have retained.
Want to get the process started online? Just complete the form below and we will contact you shortly.


text:
Lake Country Health seeking space for new clinic
Partial funding has been secured through the Ministry of Health
Brittany Webster
Lake Country Health is trying to improve the lives of residents with a push for a new community health centre.
"We are adapting our services to meet the needs of our evolving community," said Melissa Scaman, Executive Director of Lake Country Health. "We are well known for providing seniors services, and we also offer mental health services, a caregiver program, and social services navigation. We are excited to be working with Interior Health and the Ministry of Health to develop a Community Health Center in Lake Country.
"Nurse practitioners, physicians, and allied health professionals, such as dietitians and counsellors are some examples of the health service providers the CHC will bring to our community."
Partial funding has been secured from the Ministry of Health, but the organization still needs to find a location.
Lake Country Health says they have spent over a year searching with no luck.
The organization is in need of commercial land or a building for lease. The ideal space is aobut 5,000 square feet for a clinical site with most of the space on the ground floor.
LCH is also collecting donations toward the building of a new centre which can be done through their website.
Anyone who knows of a fitting space or wants to join the fundraising task force is asked to contact the executive director at executivedirector@lakecountryhealth.ca.
READ MORE: Interior Health warns of monkeypox automated call scam
HealthLake Country
Gourd big or gourd home: Winners announced in Lake Country pumkin growing contest
Fun furry facts with friends during Kelowna's Animal Amigo Trivia


Manufacturer/distributor of Material Handling Equipment, incl. pallet trucks, stackers, etc.
Founded over 53 years ago in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Mobile Industries has grown into a leading North American manufacturer and global supplier of material handling equipment. We provide a wide variety of standard and custom ergonomically designed products to meet even the most difficult applications. Stringent quality control, dependability and competitive pricing have made Mobile the material handling supplier of choice worldwide. Innovative and custom designs coupled with attention to detail have enabled Mobile to develop numerous products which have set industry standards.
Our strategic warehousing locations allow Mobile to provide fast, efficient and cost-effective product movement around the world. Mobile offers its customers container logistics, less than container quantities, truck loads, and individual packages, and has established relationships and costs with carriers in all market regions.


Ken Michaels focuses on the Fab's solo output from the 1990s in tonight's third, thematic segment of Every Little Thing.
Tonight's second set serves up a two-fer by the Pretenders, with a Beatles cover–"Not a Second Time"–in the spotlight. And speaking of two-fers, one featuring the Fabs follows the Pretenders, with "I Want to Tell You" and "Hey Bulldog" served up with joy.
Every Little Thing airs every Monday night at 9 pm ET on Pure Pop Radio, your original 24-hour Internet radio station playing the greatest melodic pop music in the universe. Enjoy!
This entry was posted in Ken Michaels' Every Little Thing: It's a Beatles Extravaganza! and tagged alan haber, every litle thing, george harrison, john lennon, ken michaels, paul mccartney, pure pop radio, ringo starr, streamlicensing. Bookmark the permalink.


Dawn Johnson-Hatcher is the new Vice President of Finance for Lake Charles Memorial Health System. She comes to Memorial with more than 25 years of healthcare financial experience.
Prior to joining Memorial, Johnson-Hatcher served as the Chief Financial Officer for CHRISTUS Lake Area Hospital. She has also served as the Assistant Chief Financial Officer and Financial Security Officer for Northwest Medical Center Oro Valley and Assistant Chief Financial Officer of El Dorado Hospital both located in Tucson, Arizona. Johnson-Hatcher holds a degree in business administration and a master's in business administration, both from the University of Phoenix in Tucson.


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On November 8, 1994, the District of Columbia held a U.S. House of Representatives election for its shadow representative. Unlike its non-voting delegate, the shadow representative is only recognized by the district and is not officially sworn or seated. Two-term incumbent and inaugural office-holder Charles Moreland declined to run for reelection and was succeeded by fellow Democrat John Capozzi.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 13.

Democratic primary

Candidates
 John Capozzi, IT professional and candidate for Shadow Representative in 1992.

Disqualified
 Keith Mitchell, director of the Community for Creative Non-Violence

Declined to run
 Charles Moreland, incumbent Shadow Representative

Results
Two Democratic candidates filed to appear on the ballot. Keith Mitchell, director of a charity that worked with the homeless, was disqualified from the ballot because on his ballot petition, a number of homeless voters signed and gave their mailing addresses rather than the addresses where they were registered. After he was disqualified from the primary ballot, Mitchell announced he would run as an independent candidate in the general election

Other primaries
Primaries were held for the Republican and Statehood parties but no candidates were on the ballot and only write-in votes were cast. Turpin and McAllister of the Republican and Statehood parties, respectively, both were nominated through write-in votes. McAllister was also nominated for delegate through write-ins but only accepted the nomination for Shadow Representative.

Other candidates
 Paul McAllister (DC Statehood), political researcher and candidate for Shadow Representative in 1992
 Keith Mitchell (Independent), director of the Community for Creative Non-Violence
 Edward D. Turpin (Republican), teacher

General election
The general election took place on November 15. Keith Mitchell, who ran as an independent after being disqualified from the Democratic primary ballot, withdrew from the race prior to election day. Turpin stated that he opposed statehood for DC and said that increased employment was more important than statehood. He also promised to create 1,000 jobs if elected.

Results

References

Washington, D.C., Shadow Representative elections
1994 elections in Washington, D.C.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Boleite is a complex halide mineral with formula:  KPb26Ag9Cu24(OH)48Cl62. It was first described in 1891 as an oxychloride mineral. It is an isometric mineral which forms in deep-blue cubes. There are numerous minerals related to boleite, such as pseudoboleite, cumengite, and diaboleite, and these all have the same complex crystal structure. They all contain bright-blue cubic forms and are formed in altered zones of lead and copper deposits, produced during the reaction of chloride bearing solutions with primary sulfide minerals.

Physical properties
The external property of a boleite crystal structure indicates its cubic structure. It is classified under the isometric crystal class. Boleite has a perfect cleavage in the [001] direction, and has a very dark glossy blue color with a light greenish-blue color streak. Twinning is best shown in this mineral by notches along the interpenetrated angles, which results in a crystal habit of pseudocubic penetration twinning along three different angles perpendicular to one another. Boleite has cubes over half an inch on each side, which consist of pseudo-octahedral tetragonal dipyramids.

Geologic occurrence

Boleite was first collected as a very minor ore of silver, copper and lead at Boleo, Mexico. Boleite was named after its place of discovery, El Boleo mine, on the Baja Peninsula, near Santa Rosalia, Mexico.

Minerals associated with boleite include pseudoboleite, cumengeite, atacamite, anglesite, cerussite, phosgenite and gypsum at the type locality in Boleo, Mexico. In the Mammoth-St. Anthony mine of Arizona associated minerals include pseudoboleite, anglesite, cerussite, atacamite, paratacamite, leadhillite, paralaurionite, caledonite, phosgenite, matlockite and  bideauxite.

References

External links

Parker, Robert L. (1981). Rocks and Mineral Deposits. W.H. Freeman and Company. San Francisco. 343–422.
Pirsson, Louis V. (1964). Rocks and Rock Minerals. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, London. 34-56
Williams, Peter A., Thomas, John H., Humphries, Alun, Samad, Abdul F. (1981). "Chemical Studies on the Stabilities of Boleite and Pseudoboleite". Mineralogical Magazine v.44: 101-104 3
link to cryptohalite

Lead minerals
Potassium minerals
Silver minerals
Copper minerals
Halide minerals
Cubic minerals
Minerals in space group 221


Water bottles might be convenient, but they're also taking a toll on the environment. Here are some of our tips on how to be eco-friendly by ditching your water bottle habit.
Did you know the United States is the world's largest bottled water consumer? In 2008, the U.S. used enough plastic water bottles to stretch around the Earth more than 190 times.
A lot of energy is used to produce water bottles, too. Apart from the waste of the water bottles themselves, a great amount of energy is expended in the manufacturing. According to The Water Project, it takes over 1.5 million barrels of oil to meet the demand of U.S. water bottle manufacturing.
This expenditure of oil isn't the only problem. Producers of water bottles also have to consider the fossil fuel and emission costs of greenhouse gases needed to transport the final product to the market.
Another reason to ditch the bottles: only about 28% of bottles manufactured in the U.S. end up being recycled, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers said. Where do the rest of those bottles go? Your guess is as good as ours: trash cans, trash bins, dumpsters, landfills, and the ocean.
Even if you're not as concerned with going green, you should still be aware that plastic bottles can contain BPA, a harmful chemical for the earth and for humans. Bottled water is also usually acidic, and our diets are already too high in the acidic realm.
Drink alkaline water! A water ionizer will filter your tap water for a more refreshing, healthy hydration. Learn more about what makes alkaline water so, well, super.
For those who drink bottled water for the convenience factor: try instead to use a refillable water bottle. We recommend a Tyent GoodLife bottle. For convenience (and to be sure you always have ice cold water on hand!), try purchasing a few GoodLife bottles and keeping the spares refilled and ready in your refrigerator. A GoodLife bottle has the added benefit of keeping your water alkaline while it stays cold.
As the world continues to embrace the green movement, you can start by going green in your own home. Try to use less by embracing a reusable bottle, and remember to recycle your waste.
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Home » News » Reforestation
Category Archives: Reforestation
Tree monitoring programme
After the tree planting period, the phase known as post-implementation consists of the maintenance of the future forest. It is important to protect planted saplings especially from the negative effects of opportunistic weeds, insects such as the leaf-cutting ants and diseases. When necessary, new seedlings are to be planted replacing seedlings which have not flourished. These measures are taken to offer ideal conditions for the development of the seedlings, as well as to promote their establishment. A successful reforestation programme depends on efficient management and its periodicity. In general, maintenance should take place every 90 or 120 days, counted from the planting day or period. On a long-term period, maintenance contributes for the reestablishment of ecological services.
Field team during monitoring programme (©Aline Damasceno).
Ecosystem services provided by a restored area can improve local and regional microclimate, water regulation, stability of slopes, increased quality and quantity of water resources and the reestablishment of biodiversity through the connection of forest fragments.
To verify whether the new forest is developing well and fulfilling its ecological role, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate its growth. We have two monitoring steps: the first one, which follows INEA (Environmental State Agency in Rio de Janeiro) Resolution No. 143 from 2017, that checks the quality of restored areas; and the second one, which evaluates the accumulated biomass and carbon stock in restored areas by 'Guapiaçu Project' Petrobras funded project.
Rapid Ecological Diagnosis – DER being applied on restored areas (© Aline Damasceno).
The first stage of monitoring happens annually after the tree planting has taken place. The main purpose is to fulfil commitments and legal obligations following INEA`s resolution. At this stage, the methodology chosen is the Rapid Ecological Diagnosis – DER. The procedure to monitor the restored area's development is based on the direct measurement of seven ecological parameters, which are: density of the planted area, percentage of zoochoric species, height of plants, equitability of individuals, species richness, canopy and grass cover. While measuring these parameters, the spontaneous arrival of new individuals of plants on the restored area can be verified, some older trees are expected to be flowering or fruiting (especially the pioneer species) and also animals on site should be able to be noticed, such as insects, birds, rodents and small mammals.
Diameter at breast height (DBH) used as a parameter in the application of allometric equations (© Aline Damasceno).
The second monitoring stage is carried out when four years have passed by. The first 100 ha tree planting that took place in the first stage of the Guapiaçu Project between the years of 2013 and 2015 received carbon certification by the Biodiversity Community Climate Alliance (ACCB). This certification provided a quality seal to these reforested areas. Tree planting carried out in the subsequent phases of this project (more 160 hectares) were incorporated into the biomass accumulation monitoring plan, according to the methodology and assumptions certified with the ACCB, and will be able to receive certification after completing four years since implementation.
Biomass monitoring takes place from the fourth year on because it requires the saplings to have their DBH (Diameter at breast height) more developed so that one can use it as a parameter in the application of allometric equations. These equations are used for the analysis of biomass and carbon stock in the plantations, as well as to obtain the values of CO2 sequestered by the new forest. With that, REGUA took the commitment to monitor the biomass accumulation in these plots over the next 30 years. Over this 30 year span, more than 13,500 tons of carbon are expected to be stored and 49,680 tonnes of CO2 equivalent to be removed from the atmosphere.
5 October 2020 ReforestationMicaela Locke
An update on forest restoration at REGUA (August 2020).
Reforestation undertaken at one of REGUA's partners area (© João Stutz).
In spite of the the Covid-19 pandemic, forest restoration is proceeding at REGUA observing all the necessary measures to safeguard the staff´s health. Already 18 hectares have been planted within the "Armenio" land in the vicinity of Matumbo village.
Thirty thousand seedlings of 113 Atlantic Forest different tree species were planted since February this year. Aside this, the maintenance of the 60 hectares planted in 2017-2019 has also been completed and we are now in the process of planting five hectares belonging to REGUA´s partners as part of the Petrobras socio-environmental Guapiaçu III project. Brazilian Forest Code obliges land owners to restore hillsides with slopes over 45º, hill tops, water springs and riparian vegetation alongside rivers and streams. REGUA is making this available for partners who share the same conservation vision within the Guapiaçu watershed.
3 August 2020 ReforestationMicaela Locke
Guapiaçu III Petrobras socio-environmental funded project (2020-2022)
The Guapiaçu III team (© Breno Viana)
REGUA is very pleased to announce that Petrobras Socio-Environmental renewed the funding of the GGV or now the Guapiaçu III programme. The project continues with its objectives in restoration and education. Aside strengthening the Atlantic Forest ecosystem at REGUA through further tree planting, and continuing in supporting education, a new element will be the support for the current tapir reintroduction programme.
Forest restoration: A mixture of tree planting and natural regeneration on 100 hectares will occur in the Guapiaçu watershed, as well as monitoring of Petrobras funded 260 hectares with the aim to measure carbon sequestration. Native trees are planted in a mixture of pioneer, early secondary and climax species. In addition this project will identify and select a further 190 hectares within the watershed as part of a restoration data bank.
Environmental education: Primary and Secondary Schools will continue to visit REGUA on the "Grande Vida trail" which runs from the start of the Yellow Trail to the wooden bridge. The first 400 metres of the trail have been adapted to host physically handicapped visitors. Self-explanatory posters along the trail describe some forest processes and some of the conservation work carried out at REGUA. The project team will visit kindergartens in both Cachoeiras de Macacu and Itaborai municipalities.
GGV will continue with the water quality monitoring programme involving 80 Secondary students trained by the team to monitor Guapiaçu, Macacu and Caceribu rivers water quality at determined sampling sites along each river (both upstream and downstream urban areas) to produce data on the rivers's physical-chemical characteristics. The team will also be studying biological indicators of water quality.
Tapir reintroduction support programme: Guapiaçú III Petrobras Socio-Environmental project will sponsor the transport, the telemetry equipment, promotion and community outreach programme in the area. A futher six tapirs will be released at REGUA as from June 2020.
22 May 2020 Brazilian Tapir, Education, Guapiaçú Grande Vida, Guapiaçú Project, Reforestation, Reintroduction, RestorationLee Dingain
REGUA interview with talk: Wildlife
Last week, Allan Archer of talk: Wildlife interviewed Lee Dingain of the REGUA UK Team about the work that REGUA is doing to conserve and restore the Atlantic Forest of the upper Guapiaçu valley. The conversation covers topics such as the habitats and biodiversity at REGUA, the threats to the forest and biodiversity, reforestation, wetland restoration, the tapir reintroduction, and how to visit REGUA. To watch the interview visit the talk: Wildlife YouTube channel or click below.
27 April 2020 Biodiversity, Brazilian Tapir, Lodge, Reforestation, Reintroduction, Restoration, Threats, Tree plantingLee Dingain
REGUA recently hosted Pieter van Midwoud, project director at Ecosia and their partner Joaquim Freitas of the "Atlantic Rainforest Pact". They visited as they have funded REGUA's restoration programme and wanted to see the developments.
Ecosia is a global search engine platform now centred in Switzerland and part of its profits are directed to tropical tree planting around the Globe.
Ecosia offers a small top-up grant to existing projects and in this way reached to part-funding 60 million trees by June 2019, today one of the greatest contributors to restoration efforts in the world.
Aline (forestry engineer), Joaquim, Pieter & Ana (from Ecosia) and Raquel overlooking the Pacielo tree planting (© REGUA)
Last November, Joaquim brought Pieter to see REGUA's contribution over the last three years and was totally bowled over by the results. We hope that Ecosia can continue to help us for their grant is very important to fuel our efforts.
27 March 2020 Ecosia, Reforestation, Restoration, Tree plantingNicholas Locke
Earthwatch Institute Research programme
After a many years of receiving researchers and volunteers from around the world, REGUA's reputation continues to grow.
Many have visited over the years to help and support REGUA by contributing with their skills, this long-standing key activity has attracted the American Earthwatch Institute.
With a proposal to examine in detail ecosystem services and the restoration of the Atlantic rainforest, Dr Manuel Muanis from Rio Federal University has developed a programme to attract conservation and pro-active Earthwatch volunteers.
Earthwatch Team (© REGUA)
Dr Manuel's plan included locating camera traps to photograph mammal movement in different stages of REGUA's planted forest and compare this with the natural regenerating forest. The aim is to compare the populations of these animals in both forest types, to understand whether the net benefits in ecosystem services and functions are comparable.
This is explained more fully on the Earthward site https://earthwatch.org/Expeditions/Wildlife-and-Reforestation-in-Brazil
"Mammals act as a regulator for a variety of interactions between a large diversity of species, so the health of mammal populations can be used as an indicator of overall ecosystem health. Understanding to what extent vegetation recovery also restores mammal diversity will provide data about the long-term health and sustainability of these reforested areas."
"This study will directly contribute to the management plan of REGUA. As we work towards stewarding and restoring the world's forests, information about how to best manage that process and restore ecosystem functions is critical."
The team is really committed and enthusiastic, and although January is the hottest time of the year for us, everyone worked extremely hard.
The results are meaningful and Earthwatch will send volunteers throughout the year to provide data that can provide us with a better understanding of forest restoration.
Thank you Earthwatch team for coming and staying at REGUA and helping us.
This is brilliant work and we look forward to learning more as your research develops!
28 February 2020 Biodiversity, Reforestation, Research, RestorationNicholas Locke
The Guapiaçu Grande Vida Project becomes the Guapiaçu Project
The Guapiaçu Project team with Nicholas, Raquel and Thomas Locke (© Breno Vianna)
Reforestation undertaken during the GGV I project showing tree growth in less than a year (© Nathalie Horta)
The Guapiaçu Grande Vida (GGV II) Petrobras funded forest restoration and environmental education project has now come to the end, after two more productive years at REGUA. Here is a summary of the main achievements:
Forest restoration: In the GGV II area, 60 hectares of degraded areas were replanted between 2017-2019, with 120,000 native trees of 181 different Atlantic Forest species. Together with the 100 hectares planted with 180,000 trees by the GGV I project between 2013-2015, a total of 160 hectares have now been reforested with 300,000 saplings grown in our nursery from seeds collected on the reserve. Replanting these areas has created forest corridors between the remaining forest fragments, that are vital if biodiversity is to thrive and recover.
As part of the restoration scheme, growth and biomass counts in the previously planted GGV I area and the GGV II area were established. The GGV I area was monitored, concentrating efforts on weeding, leafcutter ant control, tree replanting and fertilizer soil enrichment. Monitoring across the whole 160 hectares planted provided the base on which to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration and allowed for carbon sequestration analysis of the GGV I area after four years since it was planted. REGUA's rangers, as well as both agriculturalists and land owners (totalling 32 participants), were trained to implement forest restoration methodology.
Environmental education: As part of the environmental education strategy, a water quality monitoring protocol was implemented in the Guapi-Macacu watershed. 52 Cachoeiras de Macacu secondary school students were selected and trained to collect 300 water samples at four different sites along the Guapiaçu, Macacu and Boa Vista rivers (upstream and downstream of villages and towns). In addition, a very instructive publication, Methodology and Water Quality Monitoring Results, was produced.
School visitation programme: This programme aimed at strengthening visitation to the new Grande Vida educational trail. The first 400 metres of the trail have been adapted to host the physically handicapped visitors.
The GGV school visitation programme funded children's transport to REGUA and the Sharing Nature environmental education approach was implemented for students (primary and secondary school levels) to experience proximity to nature. Over 4000 students visited REGUA between 2017-2019. The GGV team held two teacher training courses, which allowed teachers to make the best educational use of the Grande Vida trail. A trail guiding course was also organized for 22 participants which enabled them to acquire knowledge on Cachoeiras de Macacu's sustainable use of its natural beauties.
At the end of December 2019 the Petrobras Socio-Environmental Program grant was finally signed, and in January 2020, the GGV project, now renamed the Guapiaçu Project, started its activities. We have another two very busy years ahead of us (2020-2022), continuing the forest restoration within the upper Guapiaçu watershed, and developing the environmental education activities within Cachoeiras de Macacu and the neighbouring Itaborai municipalities.
For further information please see the Guapiaçu Project website and Facebook page.
23 February 2020 Education, Events, Guapiaçú Grande Vida, Guapiaçu Project, Reforestation, Restoration, Tree plantingRaquel Locke
Dear Friends and Supporters of REGUA
Yet another year has passed and Raquel and I, on behalf of everyone at the REGUA project, would like to share this update that is just full to the brim of encouraging news.
The Guapiaçu Valley (© REGUA)
The mission statement of the project is the conservation of the Guapiaçu watershed achieved through the implementation of four principle programmes; protection; restoration; education and research.
Land Purchase is a visceral part of REGUA's protection programme and in 2019 REGUA purchased or (at the time of writing) is in the process of finalising the purchase of various parcels of land to integrate into the Reserve of 338.5 hectares/846.25 acres. This would not be possible without the continued generosity of our supporters.
REGUA employs 10 rangers from the local community and their work consists of principally patrolling the forests along 45km of the reserve's trail network. The aim of the patrolling is to show REGUA presence and discourage hunting. Coming from the local community the rangers are able to share news and discuss any concerns which enables them to be part of the decisions made and work done here. Sponsorship supports some of our rangers enabling us to increase our team as land purchase increases the size of the reserve.
Our Reforestation Team (© REGUA)
REGUA continues to reforest as part of its programme in habitat restoration. The project has now planted over 520,000 trees since 2005. Tree planting is not an easy task, but with support from many individuals, and grants from companies and supportive conservation organisations, REGUA has planted tough areas and results are heart-warming. Increasing the overall forest cover, reducing edge effect, and creating and strengthening forest corridors, which offer greater areas for biodiversity, are vital.
Our education programme thrives with the out-reach programme to local schools meeting over 2,270 children. We have 19 enthusiastic young people in our young ranger programme and have met just under 200 school teachers and received 80 tutors on our teacher courses. All of which continues to spread our message of conservation and the value of the wonderful landscape and biodiversity in to the local communities.
Taking our education programme to local communities (© REGUA)
Over 2,000 individuals have participated in training courses and research work at REGUA and our reputation with major universities continues to grow.
The results have led to protocols in tree monitoring established by the RJ Government; on-going experimental plots; long term monitoring plots to measure tree growth; carbon sequestration studies; seed exchange and hosting technical workshops at REGUA as well invitation to participate in seminars and congresses.
Our protection and increased continuous forest, made REGUA a suitable project to launch the tapir reintroduction programme, a fact which we feel is an clear endorsement of the work we are doing. The reintroduction project is run by the Rio de Janeiro University. REGUA currently has nine tapirs roaming in the nearby local forests. This attracts public attention and reflects the value of a safe nature reserve. Sadly things are not always straightforward and two casualties showed that bats, anaemia and infections are to be reckoned with.
Lowland Tapir reintroduction (© REGUA)
Tourism at REGUA has continued to increase as a result of its reputation spread by word of mouth, internet and social media promotion, report writing and reviews. The Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, and guiding helps to make for a pleasurable and productive time. The bird life continues to attract visitors and groups from around the globe, but similarly dragonfly, butterfly and amphibian groups are visiting. Rio is an international hub and makes the REGUA an easy place to visit being just under two hours from the airport with a remarkably preserved habitat.
Our plans for the future are clear, we have to keep developing and promoting our work independently. REGUA wishes to expand and consolidate through land purchase and complementary programmes. Tourism continues to be an essential component of REGUA's fund-raising.
The conservation principles and ethos has attracted political interest and with the aim of securing water resources, the Government has declared the Guapiaçu watershed as strategically important for conservation.
Restoration in action (© REGUA)
Brazil continues to be a key area for global conservation, but it's not an easy country to work in. Located in a global "hotspot", the Atlantic rainforest biome, located in an "Important Bird Area" (IBA) as defined by Birdlife International, REGUA is an "Outpost of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve".
Perhaps REGUA is not pristine habitat nor is it the home to some of the more charismatic species instantly recognised by the general public, but our main contribution is that we are repairing and organising damaged ecosystems. REGUA is showing that this different approach, will one day be vital for repairing tropical forests around the globe.
Three RPPNs areas have been constituted and two more are waiting to be approved, taking us up to second position in the State list of protected private areas. Our conservation efforts are being recognised and they are a source of inspiration to people visiting anxious to see what the fuss is all about!
This year REGUA was able to put more land into protection, plant more trees, publish more science and receive more visitors. As a result we are
influencing public politics as to the regional importance of this Guapiaçu
watershed and encouraging others to follow us.
We could not be prouder of our efforts. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Xmas and a wonderful New year.
King Vulture photographed by Marco Wood-Bonelli
Here's to a great year ahead – and hoping for more great sightings like the King Vulture photographed by Marco Wood-Bonelli in September 2019!
Nicholas, Raquel, Thomas and the REGUA Team
28 December 2019 Biodiversity, Brazilian Tapir, Education, Land purchase, Lodge, Mammals, Rangers, Reforestation, Reintroduction, Research, Restoration, RPPN, Tree planting, Visitors, Young Rangersking vultureNicholas Locke
REGUA's 4th and 5th RPPN areas go ahead
We are very pleased to announce that the formal documents including Geo-referenced maps have been handed to the INEA (RJ State Institute of the Environment) for validation.
The papers were presented as part of the process to guarantee the long term protection for REGUA's forests and biodiversity.
RRPN 5 comprises 97 hectares of the lower slopes of the Serra do Mar mountains (© N Locke)
REGUA already has three RPPN's areas totalling 367 hectares and these two extra reserve parcels will more than double the area under this permanent protection. Short of giving the land to make a National Park, Private Reserve (RPPN) status is the best tool for long term conservation, and offers donors the possibility of acquiring land and guaranteeing its permanent protection.
Under full protection status, only activities in research, tourism and education are permitted. The effect in planning and transparency raises REGUA's profile and the ambition to become the largest RPPN owner in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
One of the conditions to create RPPN is that the property is fully forested, and REGUA's reforestation programme is currently completing two projects that will enable REGUA to become the second largest RPPN owner in the state by next year.
INEA geographer Evelyn de Castro is conferring GPS location
22 November 2019 Reforestation, Restoration, RPPN, UncategorizedNicholas Locke
Restoration is the way forward!
One of our UK supporters recently sent me a link that brought attention to this article produced on the Nature Research organisation website. The paper was written by four British experts who, in their view, state that carbon storage can only be long term effectively reached through planting native forests of mixed species.
They studied the results of the BONN challenge (IUCN and German Government), planting 20 million trees to combat climate change, and noted that efforts have been concentrated in three core activities; single species timber forestry, area abandonment and agroforestry. Their conclusion is that the net effect of these actions is not the same as planting forests of mixed species. The authors conclude existing forest protection, ecoservice payments and investments in natural forest restoration for biodiversity are the only long term solutions to store carbon effectively and combat climate change.
Our friend Robin Chazdon (who has visited REGUA a couple of times) and other eminent experts recently published a paper on the same website, titled "Forests, when natural regeneration is unrealistic" in response to this article and their view that single species forestry and agroforestry cannot be dismissed as a means to reach to meet the global temperature reduction targets. They call for innovative practices and policies to reach to long term solutions and draw attention to the socio-economic demands and benefits, that old interface of community and our natural world.
https//www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01026-8
The REGUA team restoring hillsides
This is yet more evidence, to encourage us to continue in our goal to protect, regenerate and restore the forests in our part of the Atlantic forest and to work with local communities, encouraging others to join in this vital project.
10 July 2019 Community, Land purchase, Reforestation, RestorationNicholas Locke
Canopy hide gets new ladder!
Those who remember our first canopy hide with its wooden ladder, erected in 2005, will be delighted to know that the ladder has been replaced with a metal spiral staircase enabling a much easier ascent.
Looking at the earlier image below, one sees how the view around the hide has changed. In 2005 the hide was placed in cattle pasture. We then planted trees to link this area with our surrounding forest and now the tower situated with and below some of the nearby tree canopies. Our linked forests now tower over the wetlands.
2019 (© REGUA)
Giving and excellent overview of the wetlands, this low altitude tower permits birders the chance to peer into the world of crakes and herons.
There are two slightly higher altitude towers for forest species and a great bird hide at the water level edge of the wetlands for you to enjoy at REGUA.
7 June 2019 Maintenance, Reforestation, Restoration, Visitors, WetlandsNicholas Locke
World Land Trust Ambassador Visits REGUA
We are always so pleased to share our work with interested parties and Patrick Sherriff's lightening visit was no different.
Patrick lives in Hong Kong, and is World Land Trust (WLT) ambassador to the Far East. Due to start a tour of the Andean countries, he took time to visit REGUA to see the hard work we are engaged in.
Patrick Sherriff at the Matumbo Gap (© Nicholas Locke)
Patrick arrived on a boiling hot day and we started his visit at the Matumbo Gap, a series of properties acquired over several years with WLT support. The area Patrick is standing on is being funded by Petrobras (the well known Brazilian petroleum company). The first hillside behind him is the area funded by WLT and the reforested area behind Patricks hat was funded by Brazilian SOS Mata Atlantica.
A real funding fruit salad and an excellent example of people and organisations coming together in partnership to achieve great success. This co-operation has enabled us to protect and begin the restoration of this vital landscape. The forest corridor being created across the "Matumbo Gap" of land which is starting to connect REGUA land to a previously fragmented area of forest.
As Patrick said "I'm glad I made the effort to visit you. Inspirational meeting real people making a real change through commitment and dedication. It was terrific to see first-hand the reforestation. Backbreaking work especially on some of those slopes. Your whole team needs to be congratulated! To see the growth of the reforestation over the years since replanting was also an eye-opener."
Thanks Patrick, your appreciation is our encouragement!
26 March 2019 Reforestation, Restoration, World Land TrustNicholas Locke
Tree planting continues at REGUA!
Using traditional methods – Fransisco and his mule (© Nicholas Locke)
Our efforts in tree planting often seem staggering, but such is our ambition at REGUA. We see degraded land as a burden to the planet and certain of our argument – that there is no way to justify the destruction of tropical forests or even search for their sustainable use. Why? We do not know how they work as an ecosystem and it erases just too many life forms that depended on it. That cannot be responsibility!! Forests and the species that depend on it around the globe are suffering and at REGUA, we are trying to grow them back. Not so easy!!
We are so fortunate to have friends, trustees, professors, students, volunteers, staff, community members and children that also share this view. They all want to help us help us understand how it works and help us to restore the areas devoid of forest.
This hard work provides opportunities in labour for the local community but more importantly, they gain pride in creating a more beautiful place. Responsibility is shared and though there may be a minimum that see disrespect for the hard work their ancestors put into harnessing land, today their grandchildren understand that forests teem with life, biodiversity and of course, produce water.
Miguel proving that working on steep slopes is possible! (© Nicholas Locke)
We have just capped half a million trees planted and we are very proud of our story.
We are especially proud of our ground team who made it possible!
15 March 2019 Community, Education, Land purchase, Reforestation, Restoration, Tree plantingNicholas Locke
Our latest land purchase!
REGUA is very pleased to announce that SavingSpecies, a United States based organisation, helped REGUA to acquire an essential parcel of land to allow us to create a biodiversity corridor. This six hectare plot, located close to REGUA, was essential to connect the 2,500 hectare forested Vecchi ridgeline to the 200 hectare Onofre Cunha land already owned and protected by REGUA.
Mapping by Lorena Asevedo
Onofre Cunha will now be connected to the main reserve of 6,700 hectare of REGUA. One can see the strategic importance of this small sliver of land on the map. In a short time we will begin to create a forested corridor allowing birds and animals to move through and beyond.
SavingSpecies is an environmental organization that looks primarily at building biodiversity corridors as seen with the successful Golden Lion Tamarin project. There, increasing access for these emblematic primates has allowed them to colonise ever greater areas in Silva Jardim, less than 60km away from REGUA.
This new purchase, in a mixed landscape with farmland and fragmented forests, the linking of these remnants is really the only hope for gene pools of stranded biodiversity to move around.
We are incredibly grateful to Brian and Liz who instantly shared our belief that where there is a will there is a way!
Thank you to SavingSpecies, Stuart, Clinton, Erin and all. You show that there is hope and that it is possible to change the world we live in.
Never lose the faith!!
A view of Grassland which will be forest very soon! (© Nicholas Locke)
10 March 2019 Land purchase, Reforestation, Restoration, Saving SpeciesNicholas Locke
It's amazing how things can change in a year. It's just over a year since I was last at REGUA, and so much has happened.
Most noticeable to the lodge visitor is the tapir release project where five Lowland or Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus Terrestris) have been released at the nearby wetlands, they often make the short trip up to the lodge garden. It is surreal to see guests at night photographing moths at the moth wall, with a rather large mammal wandering past on its evening patrol, both seemingly unaware of the other.
Tapir in our restored wetland area (© Sue Healey)
The Tapir have managed to get food off the garden feeding stations so a suspended higher-level table has now been made. The Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were a little perplexed initially but soon mastered the art of a trapeze-style dash across the wires. Some continue the more traditional approach – head first down a nearby tree.
The lodge orchid garden continues to develop, and with ferns and bromeliads amongst the rocks it makes a breeding area for house wren and feeding area for hummingbirds, the lantana and milkweed are doing well, again both favourites with the hummingbirds.
Other changes may not directly affect our lodge guests but they are making a huge difference to local visitors, including school visits, with a new car park by the conservation centre – hopefully no more buses getting stuck in the mud! A new accessible trail has been created to Amanda's hide, bringing opportunities where previously it would have been impossible for some people to enjoy the delights of the wetlands.
On the project itself, we reached the milestone figure of 500,000 trees planted and continue to plant – over 69,000 trees were planted in the 2017/18 planting season alone, thanks to the generous donations from many of our supporters.
Wouldn't one million trees planted be a great figure to reach in the future!
With more key land areas coming under REGUA's care, increased wildlife corridors are being protected and created in the Guapiaçu catchment area. This will extend the range for many species of wildlife and enable them to strengthen in population, increase genetic diversity and increase the overall biodiversity of the valley.
Restored and reforested wetland area (© Sue Healey)
Our Rangers continue to patrol the forest, adding security and monitoring the wildlife, whilst there has been a huge reduction in hunting in the area since the project began, we cannot stop our vigilance even though there is very little evidence of hunting seen or heard now.
If you would like to support REGUA's work, full details on how to make a donation are available from our "donate" page here.
If you would like to volunteer, please see our link here for full details.
14 February 2019 Biodiversity, Brazilian Tapir, Community, Land purchase, Rangers, Reforestation, Reintroduction, Restoration, Tree plantingSue Healey
Tribute to GGV Gabriela Viana
Gabriela Viana is a dedicated conservationist who has helped project REGUA with her knowledge, experience and dedication. Gabriela lives in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu just 15 miles away from REGUA, and her professional life led her to work at the Golden Lion Tamarin project, ITPA and IBIO, all successful conservation organizations in Rio de Janeiro State.
Gabriela with her team (front centre) (© Nicholas Locke)
Gabriela helped REGUA develop its Agenda 21 action plan in 2005, and she always wanted to work and further conservation efforts in this municipality. When Petrobras signalled its interest to fund a project, Gabriella came to our rescue and helped write a proposal, but after two unsuccessful attempts we were less keen to submit a third.
With much insistence Gabriela then suggested we focus our expertise on compounding our education and reforestation programmes, and she prepared a project based on those two lines. We were ecstatic that out of 600 projects submitted, REGUA was approved and the overall results were considered excellent by Petrobras, leading to an invitation to submit a sequel last year.
REGUA then introduced an important component along with education and restoration; that of monitoring water quality engaging local school children. Not only was this perceived as important by Petrobras, but it sparked off a huge awareness by the local population of the importance of water quality for its towns. This led to a photographic competition that resulted in further promotion of the project.
GGV Team relaxing with Nicholas and Raquel Locke (© Jorge Bizarro)
Gabriela is the personification of dedication, quality and perseverance and she was recently head-hunted by WWF to direct their "threatened" species programme. Gabriela helped put REGUA on the map and believed in the capability of her team. She taught us quality and style in the quest for project results that have shaped REGUA into a major player in the local Conservation world of Rio de Janeiro.
A big thank-you Gabriela for the time you have dedicated to REGUA.
24 August 2018 Community, Education, Reforestation, RestorationNicholas Locke
Tree Planting 2017/18
The REGUA nursery team composed of Barata, Mauricio, Diamoneli and forester Aline Damasceno successfully produced the 50,000 trees as part of the Petrobras Socioambiental funded project, also referred to as Guapiaçu Grande Vida or GGV.
Planting over 100 species of native tree species is a good average and seeds are sourced in the nearby forests.
The annual planting season is between November and March taking advantage of the summer rains. The year 2018 has been "La Ninha" providing us with the necessary rains and plant mortality has been very low.
Diamoneli, Aline, Mauricio and Barata (L-R) (© REGUA)
The area on which the trees were planted is the enormous "Pai velho" REGUA reserve hillside. Its steepness has required enormous effort by the team but we are happy to announce that we are close to ending the planting there.
However, it hasn't ended yet, for REGUA wishes to plant a further 20,000 trees this season and by the end of the next planting season we will top our half a million tree mark!!
Well done team!
31 March 2018 Reforestation, Restoration, Tree plantingNicholas Locke
Danish Travel Fund land is forested
Ready to plant 2017 (© Nicholas Locke)
The amazing thing about planting trees is that they will grow with a little effort, dedication and perseverance.
The area of the Matumbo Gap acquired by the Danish Travel Fund is an example of such an area. Planted in early 2017, the area a year later has already closed and the grass has virtually gone, crowded out by the strong saplings as they drink up the generous Brazilian rainfall throughout the summer, and grow towards our sunlight .
REGUA planted over 25,000 trees in this area some of which were also funded by the World Land Trust's "Forests of the Future" initiative.
The mix of over 150 native species are growing very well and REGUA has engaged the Rio Rural University in monitoring plant plots to measure growth.
January 2018 (© Nicholas Locke)
23 February 2018 Land purchase, Reforestation, Research, Restoration, Tree planting, World Land TrustNicholas Locke
Introducing the GGV II Team
GGV II Team (© Raquel Locke)
Introducing the Guapiaçu Grande Vida Team for their second project at REGUA. Following the successful reforestation of 100 hectares of cattle pasture along the edge of the River Guapiaçu in 2013-15, the second project is now underway.
This time a 60 hectare plot is being planted, on steep and highly eroded land along the road on the way to our Waldenoor Trail.
From left to right, they are:
Patrick, Environmental Education Officer
Carol, Financial Administration Officer
Nathalie, Social Media Officer
Aline, Forest Restoration Officer
Tatiana, Environmental Education co-ordinator
Gabriela, GGV project co-ordinator
Lorena, Geographic Information Systems Officer
Carlos, Environmental Education Officer
30 November 2017 Reforestation, Tree planting, UncategorizedSue Healey
Guapiaçu Grande Vida Project – Update
The latest news on our second GGV Project from REGUA's Vice-President, Raquel Locke:
The much expected rain has finally arrived and the entire landscape has been relieved from a near two-month drought.
REGUA's Nursery with trees ready to be planted (© Aline Damasceno de Azevedo)
The GGV Petrobras funded project aims at restoring a further 60 hectares of degraded land with native trees over a two-year period. (The first project restored 100 hectares).
On average, 1667 trees will be planted per hectare by a team of six Rangers who are very keen to start with their work. An array of 100 native Atlantic Forest tree species will be planted in this area. Tree matrices in REGUA´s forests provide the template for our planting of species.
The young trees are grown in REGUA's nursery. The seeds are carefully brought down from the forest by our nursery staff. Once in the nursery, seeds are either stored or sown in seed beds according to their characteristics and demands.
It is interesting to note that some tree species need shade all through their time in the nursery, whilst other species need half or full exposure to sunlight. Their pioneer, early secondary, late secondary and climax species characteristics dictate these requirements.
The rainy season heralds the start of our planting season, beginning in October and ending late March.
Degraded Hillside where the young trees will be planted (©Aline Damasceno de Azevedo)
Staff and tree saplings will be transported to the planting sites which are on average some six kilometres from REGUA´s Conservation Centre.
The much-improved road access to Pai Velho area in Areal vicinity has just been completed which should make the task more efficient.
Raquel Locke
28 October 2017 Rangers, Reforestation, Restoration, Tree plantingRaquel Locke


text:
NASA gets last Pluto data
By Iain Thomson in San Francisco 27 Oct 2016 at 23:29
NASA reports that the last data from the New Horizons flyby of Pluto has finally been received on Earth.
On July 14 last year, the spacecraft shot past Pluto and amassed over 50GB of data about the mini-planet. Getting it back to Earth was the tricky part – the massive distances involved mean that the data flow was limited to one kilobit per second – but the final download from the flyby was picked up by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, at 5:48am EDT on October 25.
"The Pluto system data that New Horizons collected has amazed us over and over again with the beauty and complexity of Pluto and its system of moons," said Alan Stern, New Horizons principal investigator from Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado.
"There's a great deal of work ahead for us to understand the 400-plus scientific observations that have all been sent to Earth. And that's exactly what we're going to do – after all, who knows when the next data from a spacecraft visiting Pluto will be sent?" ®


Louvelle recommends their Shower Turbans, RRP $45, to fight frizz and look chic between washes.
We recommend air-drying your hair with a good quality microfibre hair towel, like our Riva Hair Towel Wraps, RRP$36. Plus you'll look tres chic.


text:
Q: UITabBarItem Icons: Adding Animations in Objective-C I'm currently making an app with a UITabBar, and I would like the icons to be animate whenever an item is touched, is there any way to do this in Objective-C?
After going through some questions here in StackOverflow, I've noticed that I can't seem to find any code for Objective-C that can do this, is Swift the only way to do this?


text:
Q: MySql JOIN two tables SUM wrong result from left table I have a two table and I have left join and want sum of value from both table.
But the result from second table not retrieved successfully (SUM not group by properly)
Table test1
id  redeem_count        cost   camp_id
1   2                   500    1
2   3                   1000   1
3   2                   2000   2
4   2                   3000   2
5   2                   1200   3

Table test2
id  bill_amount     earning test1_id
1   4000            50      1
2   5000            55      3
3   6000            60      4

Output
camp_id redeem  cost    bill    earning
1       5       1500    15000   165
2       4       5000    NULL    NULL
3       2       1200    NULL    NULL

Desired Result
camp_id redeem  cost    bill    earning
1       5       1500    4000    50
2       4       5000    11000   115
3       2       1200    0       0

I have execute following SQL.
SELECT
t1.camp_id,
t1.redeem,
t1.cost,
t2.bill,
t2.earning
FROM (SELECT  COALESCE(SUM(redeem_count),0) AS redeem, COALESCE(SUM(cost),0) AS cost, id,camp_id FROM test1 GROUP BY camp_id) t1
LEFT JOIN(SELECT COALESCE(SUM(bill_amount),0) AS bill, COALESCE(SUM(earning),0) AS earning, test1_id FROM test2) t2
ON t1.id = t2.test1_id

How can I achieve desired result? Would you please provide the solution?

A: try this:
SELECT
t1.camp_id,
t1.redeem,
t1.cost,
t2.bill,
t2.earning
FROM (SELECT  COALESCE(SUM(redeem_count),0) AS redeem, COALESCE(SUM(cost),0) AS cost, id,camp_id FROM test1 GROUP BY camp_id) t1
LEFT JOIN(SELECT COALESCE(bill_amount) AS bill, COALESCE(earning) AS earning, test1_id FROM test2) t2
ON t1.id = t2.test1_id

update:1
SELECT
t1.camp_id,
t1.redeem,
t1.cost,
t2.bill,
t2.earning
FROM
(
SELECT
COALESCE(SUM(redeem_count),0) AS redeem,
COALESCE(SUM(cost),0) AS cost,
id,
camp_id
FROM test1
GROUP BY camp_id) t1
LEFT JOIN(
SELECT
SUM(bill_amount) AS bill,
SUM(earning) AS earning, test1_id FROM test2 GROUP BY test1_id) t2
ON t1.camp_id= t2.test1_id

My code produced output like:
camp_id redeem  cost    bill     earning
1       5       1500    4000     50
2       4       5000    11000    115
3       2       1200    (NULL)   (NULL)

A: SELECT
t1.camp_id,
t1.redeem,
t1.cost,
t2.bill,
t2.earning
FROM (SELECT  COALESCE(SUM(redeem_count),0) AS redeem, COALESCE(SUM(cost),0) AS cost, id,camp_id FROM test1 GROUP BY camp_id) t1
LEFT JOIN(SELECT COALESCE(bill_amount) AS bill, COALESCE(earning) AS earning, test1_id FROM test2) t2
ON t1.id = t2.test1_id

A: EDITED
Create your subquery like when you want to query only the required result, then join those results.
(Query is not tested!)
SELECT
    X1.camp_id
    , X1.redeem
    , X1.redeem
    , X2.cost
    , X2.earning
FROM
    (
        SELECT
            SUM(redeem_count) AS redeem,
            SUM(cost) AS cost,
            id,
            camp_id
        FROM
            test1
        GROUP BY
            camp_id
    ) X1
    LEFT JOIN (
        SELECT
            T1.camp_id,
            SUM(T2.bill_amount) AS bill,
            SUM(T2.earning) AS earning
        FROM
            test1 T1
            INNER JOIN test2 T2
                ON T1.id = T2.id
        GROUP BY
            T1.camp_id
    ) X2
        ON X1.camp_id = X2.camp_id


text:
David Blaine's Latest Magic Trick Looks a Lot Like Pixar's 'Up'
Matt Singer Published: August 12, 2020
Most magic tricks have three parts: The pledge, the turn, and the prestige. And then some magic tricks have a fourth part: Copying a famous scene from a Pixar movie.
That is the only conclusion to draw from magician David Blaine's announcement of his latest stunt, which is called "Ascension" and will air on August 31 on YouTube. The image accompanying the announcement on Twitter shows a man flying among the clouds, dangling from a bunch of multicolored balloons — an idea obviously inspired by the Pixar movie Up, where a depressed widower makes good on a promise to visit a faraway land by flying his entire house off its foundations with the help of hundreds of balloons. (On Twitter, Blaine even noted that the stunt has been "10 years in the making"; Up came out in the summer of 2009.)
Variety claims that Blaine "will attempt to float across the Hudson River, launching with a cluster of balloons from New Jersey across his native New York City skyline." (Presumably. he will the end the adventure somewhere near Paradise Falls.) Blaine is famous for outlandish stunts like being buried alive or frozen in a block of ice. Perhaps this will be the start of a whole series of Pixar-inspired tricks, like creating a sentient self-driving automobile or teaching a rat to cook five-star cuisine. Just like with this latest stunt, the sky is the limit. David Blaine's "Ascension" takes place on YouTube on August 31.
Source: David Blaine's Latest Magic Trick Looks a Lot Like Pixar's 'Up'
Filed Under: Pixar
Pixar's 'Luca' Will Go Straight to Disney Plus
'Luca' Trailer: Pixar's Voyage to Italy
New Disney Plus Series Will Take You 'Inside Pixar'
Pixar's 'Soul' Will Premiere on Disney+ on Christmas, Skipping Theaters
Every Disney Movie Coming Out in 2020


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text:
In Defence of October
Socialism and War
Canada: "Butter before oil" - A look at the historic 2015 Alberta election
Rob Lyon
The 2015 provincial election in Alberta was truly historic. Not only have the people of Alberta elected the first NDP government in the history of the province, but also the 44-year reign of the provincial Progressive Conservatives has - finally - come to an end. This represents a historic and seismic shift in the history of the province, and marks a new stage in the class struggle both provincially and nationally.
In Memory of Camilo
News of the death of comrade Camilo Cahis came as a brutal shock to all who knew him.
Perspectives for class struggle in Canada
Camilo Cahis
These perspectives, authored by our late comrade Camilo Cahis, are featured in a special commemorative edition of Fightback magazine. This will be available at both the funeral for Camilo and the revolutionary celebration of his life and ideas. We believe that the best way to memorialize the life of our dear comrade is to learn from his ideas and to build the movement of revolutionary Marxism.
The Death of Comrade Camilo Cahis
Alex Grant
The movement has lost a great fighter. Camilo Cahis, succumbed to mental illness on the night of Saturday 25th April, 2015. We, his comrades, are forever in his debt.
Canada: Crisis brewing in the oil patch - Alberta workers under attack!
Camilo Cahis's last article before his tragic death proved to be his most popular, read by tens of thousands of people. It is even more remarkable in the light of the electoral earthquake which took place in Alberta yesterday reflecting the class contradictions which Camilo explained in his article.
Quebec students must bring the workers into the struggle!
Isa Al-Jaza'iri
The mandate for the two-week student strike is coming to a close this week, and ASSÉ's weekend congress will be dominated by debates over the way forward. Much controversy has arisen over the fact that the ASSÉ executive has put forward a proposition to end the strike and wait for possible strike action on the part of the unions in the fall.
Police repression at UQAM marks sharpening of Quebec movement
Joel Bergman
The past few days have seen some significant developments in the movement of students and workers in Quebec.
Quebec: thousands on the street as student strike kicks off
Jack Rising and Joel Bergman
On March 21st, thousands of students took to the streets of Montreal to protest austerity. The demonstration was part of the "Spring 2015" anti-austerity movement, organized by various student associations. On Monday March 23rd the student strike was officially kicked off with over 50,000 students commencing strike action which will continue for the next two weeks leading up to a big demonstration on April 2nd. Another 150,000 students will vote for strike actions in the coming days. Many people believe this is the beginning of another "Maple Spring" as was seen during 2012 with hundreds of thousands on the street for several months.
Historic turnout for the 2015 Marxist Winter School!
Fightback - Canada
Over 80 people registered to participate in the annual Marxist Winter School on the weekend of February 15-16 in icy Montreal. This year's school, held at Concordia University, broke the record for the highest attendance in the event's history, and saw revolutionary activists visiting from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and California.
Quebec: Fight the cuts - Fight Capitalism
IMT Quebec
International Marxist Tendency Quebec's manifesto against austerity.
Canada's epidemic of overcrowded prisons
Farshad Azadian
Prison populations are rapidly increasing, far outstripping the capacity of the provincial and federal prison systems in Canada. The Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections revealed that Ontario prisons had reached 98.5% capacity, representing a six-year high. This meant that on any typical day during 2012 about half of Ontario's 25 prisons were overcrowded (at over 100% capacity).
Canada: Harper's Family Tax Cut - Take from the poor, give to the rich
Jack Rising
The Conservative government has been touting their new income splitting plan, billed as the "Family Tax Cut", across Canadian airwaves. The advertisement, brought to you by the Government of Canada, informs us that Canadian families have been working hard and deserve a break. The Family Tax Cut allegedly gives families this break by allowing one parent to transfer up to $50,000 to the other parent's income in order to fit into a lower tax bracket and therefore pay less taxes. But, do all families really get a break with the Tories' plan?
Bank of Canada governor's advice to unemployed youth? "Work for free"
Marco LaGrotta
The bankruptcy of the capitalist system was recently laid bare by Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz's advice to unemployed youth who continue to struggle to find jobs in the stagnant economy. Rather than be discouraged, Poloz suggested that young workers "might as well go out and do something for free" until the economy improves. Youth and working people were rightfully insulted by his crass remark, which suggested they should not only bear the brunt of the bosses' economic crisis, but be prepared to give up their labour for nothing!
Canada: 100,000 workers in the streets of Montreal - A glimpse of what is to come
Ted Sprague
With each passing day, the stage is being set for a big showdown between workers and Quebec's Liberal government. Since the government announced that they would attack municipal workers' pensions (which effectively means a wage cut), tens of thousands of workers have been taking to the streets, participating in various actions and mobilizations across Quebec. The attack on pensions is also just a part of a much wider austerity package which is targeting childcare services, health care, and a myriad of other social services, all of which are part of the general social wage in Quebec won by the labour movement over decades of struggle.
Canada: Over 130 people discuss the mass movement in Mexico at Concordia University
Over 130 people packed packed into a small classroom at Montreal's Concordia University on Nov. 19, to discuss the kidnapping of 43 students in Ayotzinapa and developing mass movement in Mexico. The event was organized by Fightback/La Riposte in cooperation with SOSporMexico (Montreal); discussions took place in English and French, with consecutive translations. The discussion was very animated and passionate, with many people bringing forward many important points and contributions.
Canada: Parliament Hill shooting is a symptom of a rotten system
Ottawa was rocked on Wednesday by news that a lone gunman shot, and killed, a Canadian Forces reservist on Parliament Hill, before storming Parliament itself. This attack came just two days after a similar incident in Quebec. The fact that these two individuals recently converted to a fundamentalist form of Islam, and apparently expressed support for ISIS, has raised fears that Canada is now facing a wave of terrorist attacks.
100 years after the Komagata Maru — the war on refugees continues
The 100th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident has brought into focus the history of Canada's immigration policy. The anniversary of this mass deportation has been marked by coverage and specials in the mainstream press, by statements from politicians, as well as remembrance ceremonies, particularly in the Sikh-Canadian community.
Canada: Stop Hudak!... But Liberals are no better
As the provincial election crawls along, Ontario workers fear the prospect of a Tim Hudak-led Conservative government winning power at Queen's Park. Hudak has made it crystal clear that his government would slash jobs and program spending in order to balance the province's books. This has led many in the labour movement, and even in the so-called "left", to push Ontario workers to re-elect the Liberals in order to stop Hudak's advance. However, this "advice" will only disorient the labour movement and ill-prepare workers for the coming attacks and austerity, which will occur regardless of whether the Tories or Liberals are elected.
Canada: Rob Sewell speaks on the Ukrainian crisis and the way out
Fightback (Canada)
Over 60 people packed a room at Oakham House at Ryerson University in Toronto on Wednesday evening for a discussion with invited speaker, Rob Sewell, the editor of the British Marxist journal Socialist Appeal. The event, organized by Fightback, focused on the developing situation in the Ukraine in the context of the capitalist crisis today and the similarities with the political forces that gave rise to the First World War 100 years ago.
Liberals win majority in Quebec election: Charter rejected, austerity to come
Less than two years after it was kicked out from power, the Quebec Liberals have been returned to government with a crushing victory in the Quebec provincial election. With over 1.7-million votes (41% of the total), the Liberals took 70 of the province's 125 seats. The 33-day campaign started with premier Pauline Marois confident that her Parti Québécois would be forming a majority government. Instead, the election ended with Marois losing her own seat and the PQ capturing its lowest vote total since 1973, with just over 1-million votes (25% of the total) cast for the party. Now, there is an ominous feeling amongst Quebec's workers and youth as memories of Jean Charest's majority


text:
/* global angular */
(function () {
  'use strict';
  /**
  * @ngdoc object
  * @name appload.config
  * @requires <%=ngModulName %>
  * @description
  *
Appload Config

  *
Add description

  */
  angular
    .module('<%=ngModulName %>.appload')
    .config(function () {});
})();

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub