text:
Q: Reference variable outside function I was trying to call a value that is outside a function but an error appeared.
This is a part of the code:
for element in initial_valid_pos:
    i = 0
    g = 1
    z = -1

    def loop():

        for element2 in valid_pos[1 + i]:

            if int(element) == (int(element2) + z):
                print(element)
            if int(element) == (int(element2) + g):
                print(element)
            else:
                pass
        i = i + 1
        z = z - 1
        g = g + 1
        loop()

As you can see, first a give value 0 to I and so on, then I start looping inside, and while inside the loop I would like to increment the values of i, z, g.
UnboundLocalError: local variable 'i' referenced before assignment

A: First of all please note that Python relies heavily on indentation. I guess you know that, but then you seem to have defined the loop() function inside the first for loop, which sounds daunting to me, to say the least (I actually don't even know if that is allowed).
Anyway you don't seem to need that in your example, so just deindent the function definition and pass those variables as parameters, such as:
def loop():
    for element2 in valid_pos[1 + i]:
        if int(element) == (int(element2) + z):
            print(element)
        if int(element) == (int(element2) + g):
            print(element)
        else:
            pass
        loop(i + 1, g + 1, z - 1)

for element in initial_valid_pos:
    loop (0, 1, -1)

I don't guarantee that the code works as expected though, still it doesn't make much sense to me.

A: Replace:
def loop():

    for element2 in valid_pos[1 + i]:

with:
def loop():
    global i, g, z
    for element2 in valid_pos[1 + i]:


It is a breathtaking, one of the kind property well suited for intimate events and memorable festivities with friends and family. This new holiday rental flat offers casual sophistication with a lifestyle.
Fully-furnished patio with sea-view and personal drop pool. Studio with queensize mattress and private porch with sea-view. 2 bath room.
The flat holiday rental prices begin at 130 euro per evening.
This flat provides a banquet for your spirit plus a delicacy for your feelings.
- In case of cancellation more than twenty one (21) days prior to arrival, 100% of the total reservation fee is reimbursed.
- In case of cancellation during the last twenty one (21) days prior to arrival, 50% of the rate of the total reservation fee is reimbursed.
- In case of a no-show, guests pay for the reservation cost in full.
The prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri reached its peak in c. 1650 B.C., just before the great volcanic eruption that buried the village and brought the Minoan civilization to an abrupt end. Now, you may visit part of the archaeological site that extends to a diameter of 10000m. There you may admire the ancient city, the houses, squares and streets. From the famous frescoes found on the site one may comprehend the affinity with Minoan Crete. The contemporary village of Akrotiri revolves around a Venetian castle of the 14th century and offers views of the caldera and the towns of Fira and Oia.
There are several beaches in the island for all kinds of beach life. Near us, one may swim at Kabia beach, Mesa Pigadia beach and the famous Red Beach. While just an 8min drive away, are the beaches of Perissa , Perivolos and Vlychada with its breathtaking rocks and the yacht marina.
The area around the villa is semi-rural and quiet. It offers views and tranquility.
Directions to Aura Marina apartments from the Airport Exit the airport area and arrive at the stop sign. Turn left and continue for about 1,7 km until you arrive at the Messaria cross section and eventual stop sign. There, you turn left to the direction of Perissa � Akrotiti (indicated by a sign). Continue for another 2,5 km where Segnor Zorba restaurant is, turn left and immediately right and uphill towards the direction of Perissa beach � Akrotiri. Continue for about 3 km until you arrive at the Akrotiri cross-section (on your left hand side you will see a big bakery) and turn right towards Akrotiri (indicated by a sign). Continue for another 2,5 km. At the crossroad turn right again in the direction of Kambia beach � Mesa Pigadia (indicated by a sign). After about 1 km and having passed Villa Maria pension house, make a left turn and continue for almost 100m. On your right hand side, you will see Aura Marina apartments. Directions to Aura Marina apartments from the Port Exit the port and continue uphill for about 3,3 km until you arrive at the stop sign. There, you turn right to the direction of Perissa � Akrotiti (indicated by a sign). Continue for about 2,4 km until you arrive at the Akrotiri cross-section (on your left hand side you will see a big bakery) and turn right towards Akrotiri (indicated by a sign). Continue for another 2,5 km. At the crossroad turn right again in the direction of Kambia beach � Mesa Pigadia (indicated by a sign). After about 1 km and having passed Villa Maria pension house, make a left turn and continue for almost 100m. On your right hand side, you will see Aura Marina apartments.
There\'s a bus station nearby (600m). The best way, though, to see Santorini without limitations would be a vehicle rental, like a car, a quad or a scooter. We may arrange this for you through our coworkers.
For a better service and as reception has limited opening hours (09.00 to 13.00), please advise us of your arrival details (flight number and air carrier or boat name and arrival time). Check-in time: not earlier than 14.00. Check-out time: 10.00. Please contact us for more information on the possibility of an early check-in.
A vacation in Santorini offers many advantages as the island is multifaceted. Cool beach life and serious nightlife in Fira town, Perissa and Kamari beaches or quiet natural beaches and breathtaking spots for you to relax, dine. Wine tasting along the many wineries of the island famous for the white dry wine (assyrtiko and nychteri) as well as the sweet wine Vinsanto.
Rates are daily and regard the maximum capacity of standard beds. For an extra bed, or for a baby cot, please add 50 euro for the stay.
Laundry and maid service available on request.


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text:
Ukraine decries Nord Stream 2 approval, says it weakens Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg attend a joint news conference following their talks in Kiev, Ukraine October 31, 2019. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
KIEV (Reuters) - Denmark's decision to approve the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, designed by Moscow to bypass Ukraine, strengthens Russia and weakens Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.
Ukraine's fragile economy is at risk of losing billions of dollars in transit fees if Moscow deprives it of Russian gas transit to Europe. Russia and Ukraine, which have been at loggerheads since Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.
Moscow is building new pipelines to Europe, such as Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream, to bypass Ukraine, which is now a major route for Europe's Russian gas supplies. Following the completion of the new pipelines, Russian gas transit via Ukraine will shrink to a trickle.
On Wednesday, Denmark gave its approval for the construction of Nord Stream 2 in a crucial boost for the pipeline, welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"This is a geopolitical issue, this strengthen Russia and weakens Europe," Zelenskiy told a joint briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Kiev.
The United States and several east European, Nordic and Baltic countries have also expressed concern that the Gazprom-led (GAZP.MM) 1,230km (765 mile) pipeline from Russia to Germany will increase Europe's reliance on Russian gas.
The European Commission said its position on Nord Stream 2 had not changed after Denmark's approval and that the pipeline should be dealt with in line with European regulations.
"If it is built it will have to operate in a transparent and non-discriminatory way with appropriate degree of regulatory oversight implying that key principle of international and European legislation," the EU said.
The pipeline would double the existing annual capacity of Nord Stream to 110 billion cubic metres, more than 50% of Russia's total gas exports to Europe.
Reporting by Pavel Polityuk in Kiev and Marine Strauss; in Brussels; Writing by Matthias Williams and Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by David Goodman and David Evans

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


• Price per Unit (брой): 299.11 €• Тегло: 2.98 кг.
The Prima Klima PK125-ECblue is small highly efficient inline duct fan equipped with an premium ZIEHL-ABEGG motor with very low power consumption. Device is extremely silent and energy efficient thanks to EC-Technology. The entire housing is made of high impact resistant, flame proof polyamide (nylon).The control system, the connections and the capacitor are fully integrated into the housing. With the use of the supplied mounting bracket the fan can be easily and safely attached to the wall or ceiling in any position.
Recommended accessory - ECTC-1M-Digital remote controller.
The minimum speed controller is a temperature depended speed controller for ventilated rooms with one ore more fans.


text:
package server

import (
	"reflect"
	"testing"

	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime"
	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/schema"
	"k8s.io/apiserver/pkg/server/options"
	"k8s.io/apiserver/pkg/storage/storagebackend"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/api"
	"k8s.io/kubernetes/pkg/apis/extensions"
)

type fakeNegotiater struct {
	serializer, streamSerializer runtime.Serializer
	framer                       runtime.Framer
	types, streamTypes           []string
}

func (n *fakeNegotiater) SupportedMediaTypes() []runtime.SerializerInfo {
	var out []runtime.SerializerInfo
	for _, s := range n.types {
		info := runtime.SerializerInfo{Serializer: n.serializer, MediaType: s, EncodesAsText: true}
		for _, t := range n.streamTypes {
			if t == s {
				info.StreamSerializer = &runtime.StreamSerializerInfo{
					EncodesAsText: true,
					Framer:        n.framer,
					Serializer:    n.streamSerializer,
				}
			}
		}
		out = append(out, info)
	}
	return out
}

func (n *fakeNegotiater) UniversalDeserializer() runtime.Decoder {
	return n.serializer
}

func (n *fakeNegotiater) EncoderForVersion(serializer runtime.Encoder, gv runtime.GroupVersioner) runtime.Encoder {
	return n.serializer
}

func (n *fakeNegotiater) DecoderToVersion(serializer runtime.Decoder, gv runtime.GroupVersioner) runtime.Decoder {
	return n.serializer
}

func TestDefaultStorageFactory(t *testing.T) {
	ns := &fakeNegotiater{types: []string{"test/test"}}
	f := NewDefaultStorageFactory(storagebackend.Config{}, "test/test", ns, NewDefaultResourceEncodingConfig(), NewResourceConfig())
	f.AddCohabitatingResources(schema.GroupResource{Resource: "test"}, schema.GroupResource{Resource: "test2", Group: "2"})
	called := false
	testEncoderChain := func(e runtime.Encoder) runtime.Encoder {
		called = true
		return e
	}
	f.AddSerializationChains(testEncoderChain, nil, schema.GroupResource{Resource: "test"})
	f.SetEtcdLocation(schema.GroupResource{Resource: "*"}, []string{"/server2"})
	f.SetEtcdPrefix(schema.GroupResource{Resource: "test"}, "/prefix_for_test")

	config, err := f.NewConfig(schema.GroupResource{Resource: "test"})
	if err != nil {
		t.Fatal(err)
	}
	if config.Prefix != "/prefix_for_test" || !reflect.DeepEqual(config.ServerList, []string{"/server2"}) {
		t.Errorf("unexpected config %#v", config)
	}
	if !called {
		t.Errorf("expected encoder chain to be called")
	}
}

func TestUpdateEtcdOverrides(t *testing.T) {
	testCases := []struct {
		resource schema.GroupResource
		servers  []string
	}{
		{
			resource: schema.GroupResource{Group: api.GroupName, Resource: "resource"},
			servers:  []string{"http://127.0.0.1:10000"},
		},
		{
			resource: schema.GroupResource{Group: api.GroupName, Resource: "resource"},
			servers:  []string{"http://127.0.0.1:10000", "http://127.0.0.1:20000"},
		},
		{
			resource: schema.GroupResource{Group: extensions.GroupName, Resource: "resource"},
			servers:  []string{"http://127.0.0.1:10000"},
		},
	}

	defaultEtcdLocation := []string{"http://127.0.0.1"}
	for i, test := range testCases {
		defaultConfig := storagebackend.Config{
			Prefix:     options.DefaultEtcdPathPrefix,
			ServerList: defaultEtcdLocation,
			Copier:     scheme,
		}
		storageFactory := NewDefaultStorageFactory(defaultConfig, "", api.Codecs, NewDefaultResourceEncodingConfig(), NewResourceConfig())
		storageFactory.SetEtcdLocation(test.resource, test.servers)

		var err error
		config, err := storageFactory.NewConfig(test.resource)
		if err != nil {
			t.Errorf("%d: unexpected error %v", i, err)
			continue
		}
		if !reflect.DeepEqual(config.ServerList, test.servers) {
			t.Errorf("%d: expected %v, got %v", i, test.servers, config.ServerList)
			continue
		}

		config, err = storageFactory.NewConfig(schema.GroupResource{Group: api.GroupName, Resource: "unlikely"})
		if err != nil {
			t.Errorf("%d: unexpected error %v", i, err)
			continue
		}
		if !reflect.DeepEqual(config.ServerList, defaultEtcdLocation) {
			t.Errorf("%d: expected %v, got %v", i, defaultEtcdLocation, config.ServerList)
			continue
		}

	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Two weeks ago, I promised special interviews with specialists in their fields. (If you missed it you can read about it here.) My first victim was my fantastic nutritionist author friend and blogger Margaret Floyd Barry. Remember, it was her fault I figured out why I was snoring, sweating, and generally interrupting my sleep.
The answer, in a nutshell: food. Her program, which she now fondly refers to as the Sugar Control Detox program, or SCD for short, is the method I used to get my body back to firing on all cylinders. The program has been refined and updated with great influence from her chef husband James who developed many of the recipes published in the official Eat Naked cookbook. Why the cheeky "Eat Naked" title? She wants food in it's original unpolluted and unprocessed form.
LC: What is the question you get asked the most about the Sugar Control Detox?
But in the bigger picture, people ask: Will I lose weight? And how much?
The answer: You'll lose weight if you have weight to lose (and those who are underweight will gain the weight they need). It's an excellent tool for bringing your body right into the balance it needs to be at to achieve your ideal weight.
How much weight depends on a lot of factors, but we see that typically men lose more than women (so sorry ladies) in ranges between 10-16lbs, and women lose between 6-12lbs. Of course there are outliers, but these are the typical numbers.
LC: Can you be on SCD indefinitely?
MFB: Absolutely! For some people, this way of eating is perfect for their metabolic type and they feel fabulous. For others, they'll find that they want to tweak the program to fit their body's metabolic needs.
Either way, this cleanse is a way to "wipe the slate clean" so to speak, so that you can really trust what your body is telling you. We give lots of guidance at the end of the cleanse on how to determine the ideal way of eating for your body specifically.
LC: What makes SCD different from other detoxes?
MFB: Well, for one, we're 100% food based. No "potions and lotions" as we like to say. There aren't any shakes or other non-food based items. It's all about the food.
This is really a major crash course in a real food diet, while recalibrating your body's metabolism to use fat as a fuel preferentially rather than depending on starchy carbs.
It's also a very gentle detox compared to many detoxes on the market. I've worked extensively in this field for many years now, and so often clients want to jump right in and do a deep detox. That can actually be very, very damaging to the body – there are many things you need to have in place in order for your body to handle a detox properly. This detox is very gentle and is an excellent starting point.
LC: What do you see as pros and cons with SCD vs a program like the Detox Box?
MFB: I haven't actually worked with the Detox Box specifically, so I really can't comment on how this one is different, other than we focus entirely on real foods and don't rely on protein powders or other supplements. I always like to start with food first, so I see that as a real advantage of our program.
LC: What do you see as the greatest benefit?
MFB: Gosh there are so many! First and foremost, it's a great way to introduce you and your family to real food in a profound way. It's not easy to eat out on the Sugar Control Detox, so most people who do it are cooking for themselves. This is a big deal and a great benefit of the cleanse.
Of course there are the usual suspects: people lose weight, they get their energy back, they sleep better, mysterious health complaints clear up, and of course they change their relationship to sugar in a profound way.
I also think the educational aspect of this is really important. We all know sugar isn't good for us, but few realize how it sneaks into EVERYTHING. When you're on the SCD and having to read labels, you'll realize pretty quickly how many foods you're eating every day that have added sugar. It's quite eye opening!
LC: How have you personally benefitted from your program?
MFB: Way back in the day I used to have MAD sugar cravings. I simply couldn't fathom a day without some form of sugar … actually a LOT of it. I'd have a skinny lattes with 2-3 sugar packets, everything I ate was starchy (I was what I now call a "carbivore"), I had to have my chocolate fix every afternoon, and I couldn't imagine an evening without 2-3 glasses of wine. There wasn't a dessert I would turn down. That was all before I went to school for nutrition and learned a version of this protocol.
After doing this protocol I couldn't believe how my relationship to sugar changed. I went from not going a day without a sweet treat of some sort to really not even thinking about sugar. It was amazing.
We've adjusted the protocol a bit, but the core principles are the same. I never promote something that I don't do myself, and this program is my go-to when I need a reset. I won't pretend that I'm perfect and never indulge in treats. Especially over the holidays I let myself have some fun. But by the end of the season I'm totally over it, and ready to feel good again. Sometimes that sneaky sugar monster has crept in and I've got some cravings going on, and this 2-week protocol is the best way I know to recalibrate quickly and easily. We do it at least 2-3 times a year whenever we need a reset.
Margaret would like all of you Just Muscles fans to join in the Cyber Monday fun, and for that one day only (Monday, December 1st) she is putting the Sugar Control Detox on sale for a mere $40!! That's over 50% off!!
To sweeten the pot, I am throwing in a free workout that complements the detox as a sneak peak of the new fitness arm we are launching in 2014. It's a total steal! So mark your calendars and be sure to come on over and check out the sale for that ONE DAY only!
Caveat: This offer is for the self-guided program ONLY. In January, we have a very comprehensive GROUP sugar control/exercise detox planned that has many bonuses attached to it. Stay tuned and we will give you the details soon!


Ginowan Police arrested a 17-year-old unemployed boy without a permanent address, Jan. 12th, on suspicion of snatching a purse from a 71-year-old woman.
According to police, the boy snatched the woman's purse containing about ¥2,500 in cash on a street in Maehara, Ginowan, and ran away.
Based on the woman's description, a police patrol searched for the boy in the neighborhood, and found him two hours later. The woman reportedly was not injured.


text:
Over the Reality, a Leading Metaverse Platform, Announces Token Listing
By Evan Arroyo By Evan Arroyo | May 19, 2022 | Culture Feature Sponsored Content
Photo Courtesy of Over the Reality
The metaverse has continued to make headlines over the last few months as it disrupts the traditional way people interact with each other. With metaverse platforms like Over the Reality (OVER), there are more innovative ways to connect and communicate with each other online, making it easier and faster. This one-of-a-kind metaverse platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain makes it possible for its users to have live interactive augmented reality experiences customized in the real world as they close the gap between the physical and virtual worlds.
OVER's unique approach to the metaverse has made it one of the very first content browsers where users don't choose the content, but the world submits possible experiences based on the user's geographical position. According to the team of experts behind Over the Reality, their aim is to build a platform that will help unlock the future of the metaverse as they create a solid online community of like-minded individuals.
Over the Reality is giving its users the opportunity to explore their creativity, imagine, create and sell experiences for B2B and B2C. They have recently announced their token listing on Kucoin, allowing the public to purchase their OVR token as they invite more people on their journey.
Over the Reality has built its system so that all you need to do is create your own unique avatar and then join the AR metaverse. Here, you get access to limitless opportunities and meet other like-minded individuals. Over the Reality is also working on introducing various innovations that will aid the open metaverse community and enable cross-metaverse control.
These innovations will include the development of a decentralized and unstoppable open-source platform. This platform will be managed by the community and the users, and they can use the coin to buy and sell digital assets such as land. Over the Reality's unique roadmap is making them stand out in this fiercely competitive marketplace, with their project attracting massive attention from the public.
Their token being listed in some of the top exchanges in the world also helps them create room for more opportunities. As stated by the team, the move to officially list their token on Kucoin, among other exchanges, will assist them in reaching a wider audience as they share their dream with the rest of the world.
Over the Reality is unlocking the future of the open metaverse and building Web3- enabled cross-platform interoperability. This means that their users will not only be able to visualize and publish any NFT containing 3D or 2D content, but they can equally control and flex those assets on the OVER metaverse.
As they take over the metaverse and bridge the gap between the virtual world and reality, OVER is creating more opportunities for its users. Its recent token listing on major exchanges is further opening its platform to the public and building a platform that supports investors and creators. In the future, the team says that their goal is to be the augmented reality metaverse of reference for people all over the world.
Tags: investors sponsored post virtual reality metaverse
Photography by:


text:
International Commerce Custom exports Exports & imports World Trade Organization customs formalities Tariffs World Customs Organization Central America Integration customs offices Transportation imports regional integration tariff policy trade
SEARCHING FOR (main key)
Results ordered by relevance. (Re-order them by date)
Panama Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Nicaragua Honduras
World Trade Organization World Customs Organization Inter-American Development Bank Organización Mundial del Comercio Zona Libre de Colón
Apr 19 | Costa Rica Requests Review of Freight Transportation Charges
Sep 18 | Guatemala: New Economic Operators Enabled
Jan 17 | New Nomenclature Tariff In Effect
Nov 19 | Tariff Conflict: Colombia's New Offensive Rules
Sep 19 | New Container Inspection System
Aug 19 | Tariff Dispute: Colombia's New Offensive
customs formalities
Feb 20 | E-Commerce: The New Customs Challenge
Jan 15 | AEO in Guatemala
Oct 14 | Customs: Authorized Economic Operator Nicaragua
Nov 18 | Tariff Conflict: Panama Appeals WTO Judgment
Jun 17 | Tariff Conflict between Panama and Colombia Continues
Jan 17 | Tension Growing Over Panama-Colombia Trade Dispute
International Commerce Exports & imports Central America Integration customs offices tariff policy trade Transportation regional integration imports International trade
Customs Costs in International Trade
The World Trade Organization aims to reduce by half the costs added to products as they pass through customs offices.
An article in Elfinancierocr.com reports that "... all WTO members recognize that progress can be made in cutting costs associated with inefficiencies in order to make trade more efficient."
El Salvador Targets Certification in Customs Logistics
Within one year, the country could be certified as an Authorized Economic Operator by the World Customs Organization.
This certification oversees the entire logistics chain involved in international commerce.
Customs Congress Begins in Panama
Experts from the World Customs Organization (WCO) will gather today, December 9, in Panama to discuss counterfeiting and piracy.
In the meeting, in which twelve countries of the region are participating, new routes identified for the transit of counterfeit goods and new methods used to counterfeit products will be publicised.
E-Commerce: The New Customs Challenge
As a result of the exponential growth of e-commerce at the global level, the region's customs authorities will face multiple challenges in the coming years in order to carry out their functions properly.
The current context, with consumers changing their preferences and increasingly valuing ease, convenience and time savings in their purchases, has forced companies to strengthen their online marketing channels, which in turn makes it necessary for Customs to optimize their processes.
Central American Harmonized Tariff Code Moves Forward
The World Customs Organization and SIECA will sign an agreement to support Central America in harmonizing and standardizing custom procedures.
Currently, Central America has 96% of its tariff code harmonized, and the remaining 4% will be discussed over the next two years. A unique, harmonized tariff code should be ready by 2012, when the Association Agreement with the European Union is expected to come into effect.
The Cost of Customs Processes
Advances made in the past two years in the Central American customs offices are still not sufficient, and related costs amount to 38% of logistics costs.
The best advances have been made in customs processes relating to merchandise transported between Central American countries.
Status of the Central American Economic Integration
SIECA report on status of the process of the Central American Economic Integration
This document contains the status of the Central American economic integration process, basically refers to the legal institutional framework, Central American trade, and incorporation of into international trade.
INSTITUTIONAL LEGAL SCOPE
-General Treaty on Central American Economic Integration
AEO in Guatemala
Companies which are certified as Authorized Economic Operators will be able to reduce paperwork times and have priority at customs.
In order to access this certification interested companies must be up to date with tax and customs payments, tax requirements, and review legal and administrative processes, industrial safety and human resources. The cost of certification varies according to the processes which need to be improved.
Customs: Authorized Economic Operator Nicaragua
An announcement has been made that the program which certifies businesses and streamlines customs procedures could be implemented in 2015.
AEO certification, which is not mandatory, which helps exporters and importers carry out processes for their products at customs posts, and is an initiative promoted by the World Customs Organization.
The Bali Agreement and Central American Customs Offices
Central American countries need to implement a series of improvements in customs procedures in order to meet the requirements of the agreement for the facilitation of international trade.
Within two years, as part of the commitments made in the 2001 Doha Round of the Bali Agreement, signed in 2013 by 160 nations belonging to the World Trade Organization (WTO), including Central America, governments will have to harmonize their customs systems ensuring trade facilitation. However, to date institutional progress on issues established by the Agreement such as simplification, harmonization and automation of procedures for international trade have not happened, particularly in relation to the requirements and formalities for import, export and transit of border freight.
Agreement Over Smuggling in Costa Rica
The Chamber of Commerce and the General Department of Customs have signed an agreement for exchange of information and monitoring of imports in order to control the illegal transit of goods.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica:
Monday October 27, 2014. The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica (CCCR) and the General Department of Customs (DGA) on Monday signed an Agreement for Cooperation Trade Transparency in order to combat all unfair practices in trade, such as smuggling, counterfeiting and other illegal practices.
Protests Over Panamanian Scanners Tender
The tender for the operation and maintenance of scanners at the National Customs Authority has been interrupted by two companies complaining about the process.
Prensa.com reports: "Consorcio Cotecna and Consorcio SGS Scanning Panamá opposed the decision of the evaluation committee which disqualifed them and declared the winner to be Consorcio Mc Millan, Ebco, Nuctech".
Customs in the Region: Keys to Development
Differences in customs processes between Central American countries to date are preventing them from trading as a block, in this case, with the EU.
According to the manager of the Integration and Trade Sector at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Antoni Estevadeordal, trade agreements themselves are not a guarantee of success."It is not enough to have a policy of openness. To take advantage of the treaties you must have production policies that are short and long term, in education, innovation, and especially in internal infrastructure, which are the ones that at the end of the day let you take advantage of the deals," he said.
Nicaragua: Concession of Customs Scanning Service
In Nicaragua the Concession Act for Non Intrusive Inspection has been approved, allowing the award for a period of 15 years of a contract to a Panamanian company.
According to the deputy Jenny Martinez, with the award (prior to approval of the Act) the company Alvimer Internacional are ensuring the use of modern technology scanners to move goods, which will save time for the commercial sector and therefore also save money.
Looking for Importers and distributors of furniture Gluten-free food business for sale Take Back Your Life. Costa Rica $100,000 Income & Residency Beverage magazine for Sale Tailor made software for construction companies Costa Rica ECO-Residential Development & Business Heavy Equipment: Reps Wanted
Agencia de Aduanas Fralca SA Bullen y Bullen, S. A. - Agentes de Aduana ATS El Salvador Costa Rica Trade Export Managua Advanced Shipping & Customs Carrillo & Consultores S.A. Cámara de Exportadores de Costa Rica Centro de Exportación e Inversión de la República Dominicana Traders Network Corporation


text:
\section*{Acknowledgments}
The successful installation and commissioning of the Pierre Auger Observatory
would not have been possible without the strong commitment and effort
from the technical and administrative staff in Malarg\"ue.

We are very grateful to the following agencies and organizations for financial support:
Comisi\'on Nacional de Energ\'ia At\'omica, Fundaci\'on Antorchas,
Gobierno De La Provincia de Mendoza, Municipalidad de Malarg\"ue,
NDM Holdings and Valle Las Le\~nas, in gratitude for their continuing
cooperation over land access, Argentina; the Australian Research Council;
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient\'ifico e Tecnol\'ogico (CNPq),
Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP),
Funda\c{c}\~ao de Amparo \`a Pesquisa do Estado de Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ),
Funda\c{c}\~ao de Amparo \`a Pesquisa do Estado de S\~ao Paulo (FAPESP),
Minist\'erio de Ci\^{e}ncia e Tecnologia (MCT), Brazil;
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic;
Centre de Calcul IN2P3/CNRS, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS),
Conseil R\'egional Ile-de-France,
D\'epartement  Physique Nucl\'eaire et Corpusculaire (PNC-IN2P3/CNRS),
D\'epartement Sciences de l'Univers (SDU-INSU/CNRS), France;
Bundesministerium f\"ur Bildung und Forschung (BMBF),
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG),
Finanzministerium Baden-W\"urttemberg,
Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren (HGF),
Ministerium f\"ur Wissenschaft und Forschung, Nordrhein-Westfalen,
Ministerium f\"ur Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst, Baden-W\"urttemberg,
Germany; Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN),
Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Universit\`a e della Ricerca (MIUR), Italy;
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog\'ia (CONACYT), Mexico;
Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap,
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO),
Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie (FOM), Netherlands;
Ministry of Science and Higher Education,
Grant Nos. 1 P03 D 014 30, N202 090 31/0623, and PAP/218/2006, Poland;
Funda\c{c}\~ao para a Ci\^{e}ncia e a Tecnologia, Portugal;
Ministry for Higher Education, Science, and Technology,
Slovenian Research Agency, Slovenia;
Comunidad de Madrid, Consejer\'ia de Educaci\'on de la Comunidad de Castilla
La Mancha, FEDER funds, Ministerio de Educaci\'on y Ciencia,
Xunta de Galicia, Spain;
Science and Technology Facilities Council, United Kingdom;
Department of Energy, Contract No. DE-AC02-07CH11359,
National Science Foundation, Grant No. 0450696,
The Grainger Foundation USA; ALFA-EC / HELEN,
European Union 6th Framework Program,
Grant No. MEIF-CT-2005-025057, and UNESCO.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
A MetLife Building (régebben Pan Am Building) egy felhőkarcoló New Yorkban.

Története

A Pan Am Building a világ legnagyobb irodaépületének számított 1963. március 7-én, amikor megnyitotta kapuit. Manhattan látképének fontos része, és az Amerikai Egyesült Államok legmagasabb felhőkarcolói közé tartozik.

Sok évig a Pan American World Airways légitársaság tulajdonában volt. A cég logója az északi és déli homlokzaton volt látható, az épület emblémája pedig a keleti és nyugati homlokzaton kapott helyet. 1981-ben a Metropolitan Life Insurance Company vette meg az épületet. Amikor a Pan Am csődbe ment 1991-ben, a MetLife eltávolította a cég logóját az északi és déli homlokzatról, és helyére saját emblémájukat tették.

2005-ben a MetLife 1,72 milliárd dollárért eladta az épületet, így a MetLife Building lett az USA addigi legdrágábban eladott irodaépülete. Az új tulajdonos a Tishman Spever Properties vegyesvállalata lett.

Az épület tetején lévő helikopter-leszállópályáról helikopter indult a John Fitzgerald Kennedy nemzetközi repülőtérre. Az út innen nyolc percig tartott a JFK repülőtérig. A szolgáltatást 1965 és 1968 között lehetett igénybe venni a New York Airways jóvoltából. 1977-ben a szolgáltatás újból beindult, de pár hónap múlva megszűnt a járat, mivel ebben az évben, május 16-án egy baleset következtében 5 ember meghalt.

Az épület két leghíresebb lakója a két vándorsólyom, Lois és Clark.

Építészet

A brutalista, vagy nemzetközi stílusú felhőkarcolót Emery Roth és Fiai tervezték Walter Gropius és Pietro Belluschi közreműködésével. A hatalmas emeletekkel rendelkező, ormótlan épületből hiányzik a külső, illetve belső díszítés. Annak ellenére, hogy sok kritikus és New York-i nem szereti, nagy népszerűségnek örvend a bérlői között, és nem csak azért, mert a Grand Central Terminal közelében található.

A MetLife Building vitathatóan az egyik legutáltabb felhőkarcoló a városban. 1987-ben a New York magazin egyik cikkében egy rajz jelent meg az épületről, amint épp lerombolják. A kép fölötti szalagcím a következő volt: "The Buildings New Yorkers Love to Hate" (Az épületek, amiket a New York-iak imádnak utálni).
Az utálat talán onnan ered, hogy a felhőkarcoló rendkívül szembeötlő. A Grand Central Terminal mögött fekszik, teljesen kimagaslik és elüt az őt körülvevő épületektől, elsősorban a New York Central Buildingtől (ma Helmsley Building). Jelenleg a város egyik legjobban felismerhető felhőkarcolója.

Ennek ellenére a 20. század legbefolyásosabb építészei dicsérik az épületet. Alakja hasonlít a milánói Pirelli Toronyéhoz. Elkülönítve sok kortársától, a MetLife Buildingnek egy nehéz, előre gyártott homlokzata van, ami valószínűleg a historizmus stílusirányzat felé hajlik. Ennek fontossága világossá válik, miután valaki jobban szemügyre veszi Gropius többi felhőkarcolóit, mint például a Tribune Towert Chicagóban.

Statisztikák

Magasság: 246,3 méter
Emeletek száma: 59
Az emeletek területe: 307 000 m²

Az épület a modern kultúrában

Mint New York egyik szimbóluma, a MetLife Building számos filmben kapott szerepet. A Coogan blöffje című filmben a Clint Eastwood által formált főhős helikopterrel érkezik New Yorkba. A Godzilla amerikai változatában, az Angyalok Amerikában című filmben, az 1973-as James Bond-filmben, a Bohém élet, valamint a Z, a hangya című animációs moziban is látható.  A Kapj el, ha tudsz-ban fontos szerep játszik, mivel a főszereplő a Pan Am egyik pilótájának adja ki magát.

Az Adatrablók filmben visszatérő bakiként a helikopterről felvett jelenetekben a Pan Am logója, míg a földről forgatott képeken a MetLife emblémája látható az épületen.

A Bohém élet című filmben is köthető az épülethez egy baki. A történet 1989 és 1990 között játszódik, de az épületen az akkori Pan Am logó helyett a jelenlegi MetLife logó látható.

A Fantasztikus Négyes és az Ezüst Utazó filmben akkor látszik a MetLife Building, amikor Human Torch, vagyis Fáklya megpillantja az Ezüst Utazót, amint az épp a Chrysler Building ablakait töri szét.

A Grand Theft Auto IV-ben új nevet kapott: GetaLife Building.

A MetLife Buildingre utalás van Joni Mitchell egyik számában is.

Források

További információk

 A MetLife Building hivatalos honlapja
 Képek és információk a MetLife Building építéséről
 Az épület az Emporis.com oldalon ,  és

New York felhőkarcolói
Manhattan
Az Amerikai Egyesült Államok 20. századi építményei
1963-ban átadott építmények

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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text:
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Wild Birthday Blast Slots
Microgaming's Wild Birthday Blast is an unusually themed slot, where you get all sorts of circus animals that are attending a birthday party. They're holding noise makers, they have party hats on, and they seem to be having a great time together. You have elephants, bears, giraffes, parrots and other types of wild animals, the background image placing the action in a regular room, with balloons on the floor and decorations on the walls.
This is a 5 reel slot machine, it comes with 30 paylines and as features it gives you bonus games, free spins, mystery symbols and wilds. As for the big prize you can go after, it's worth $2,500.
Features of Wild Birthday Blast
The slot's features give you access to a wild, to scatter symbols, to free spins, multipliers and bonus games. It looks quite good actually, at least for a game that has the kind of design that this slot has.
We'll cover the wild first, the symbol which appears with the game logo on it. This symbol is often useful, and it's because of the power it has to be on a payline together with a few symbols of another type, and to take the same role as them in order to assist with a new combo formation.
Free Games Feature
You also have a Free Spin Bonus icon in the game, which acts as a scatter, so simply having enough symbols will be sufficient to trigger free spins, without needing them on certain positions.
You can win 20, 15 or 10 spins for free, in exchange for having 5, 4 or 3 symbols scattered, respectively. In addition to the spins, you also get doubled prizes since x2 multipliers are involved, plus a chance to retrigger the feature.
This is a random feature which will sometimes trigger. You are taken to another screen, where a picking feature takes place. You have four door picks to make, and from each one you find a prize and a guest that offers it. In some cases, you can even get multiple guests and prizes.
Mystery Symbol
A Gift symbol is sometimes going to appear on the reels, and it's going to be a mystery feature which turns into another symbol that is picked at random.
Betting options and jackpots
The slot's three betting options are called Chip Size, Lines and Chips Per Line. The Chip Size is basically the value of the coin which will be used, and it will go up to $0.20. The Lines part is obvious in its meaning, allowing you to select up to 30 of them. Finally, with Chips Per Line you get to decide how many coins are used, up to 10 being allowed. The line bets can be taken up to a $2 value, with the total for the 30 lines reaching $60.
Your biggest prize is actually at only 1,250, meaning 12,500 coins, but only $2,500 cash.
Design and symbols
Though not a huge fan of the slot's design, I can at least appreciate the effort that went into making it. These aren't just simple symbols with few details, they actually tried their best to make them look good. It simply appears to be a design from about a decade ago, when it would've been a great look, but now it's just not good enough. Still, I'd call it an average looking design, but not one that should be ignored.
Symbols: Wild Party Logo (wild), Free Spin Bonus (scatter, 10x the bet), Gift (bonus), Elephant (1,250x), Bear (400x), Bear Cub (250x), Giraffe (200x), Parrot (150x), Ace (100x), King (100x), Queen (60x), Jack (60x) and 10 (60x).
Is It Worth Playing?
It's a common theme choice, it's got average graphics and low value prizes, so all things considered it's not the best choice you could make.
Wild Birthday Blast can be found at any Microgaming casino, where you get a chance to play it for real money or in free mode.
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RESULTLoss Varsity baseball @ Dos Pueblos.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Thursday's away conference game against Dos Pueblos (Goleta, CA) by a score of 7-2.
RESULTLoss JV baseball vs. Dos Pueblos.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team lost Thursday's home conference game against Dos Pueblos (Goleta, CA) by a score of 12-0.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Tuesday's home conference game against Dos Pueblos (Goleta, CA) by a score of 19-1.
RESULTLoss JV baseball @ Dos Pueblos.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team lost Tuesday's away conference game against Dos Pueblos (Goleta, CA) by a score of 14-0.
RESULTLoss Varsity baseball vs. Cabrillo.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Friday's home conference game against rival school Cabrillo (Lompoc, CA) in extra innings by a score of 6-3.
RESULTLoss JV baseball @ Cabrillo.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team lost Friday's away conference game against rival school Cabrillo (Lompoc, CA) by a score of 6-5.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Tuesday's away conference game against rival school Cabrillo (Lompoc, CA) in extra innings by a score of 4-3.
RESULTWin JV baseball vs. Cabrillo.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team won Tuesday's home conference game against rival school Cabrillo (Lompoc, CA) by a score of 7-6.
JT's baseball stats have been updated for the win vs. Yerington.
RESULTWin Varsity baseball vs. Yerington.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team won Thursday's neutral tournament game against Yerington (NV) in extra innings by a score of 4-3.
JT's baseball stats have been updated for the win vs. Viewpoint.
RESULTWin Varsity baseball vs. Viewpoint.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team won Wednesday's home tournament game against Viewpoint (Calabasas, CA) by a score of 15-4.
RESULTLoss Varsity baseball vs. Canyon.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Tuesday's home tournament game against Canyon (Canyon Country, CA) by a score of 4-1.
RESULTWin Varsity baseball vs. Carpinteria.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team won Wednesday's home non-conference game against Carpinteria (CA) by a score of 2-1.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team won Tuesday's home non-conference game against St. Joseph (Santa Maria, CA) by a score of 2-0.
RESULTLoss Varsity baseball vs. Santa Barbara.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Friday's home conference game against Santa Barbara (CA) by a score of 8-2.
RESULTLoss JV baseball @ Santa Barbara.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team lost Friday's away conference game against Santa Barbara (CA) by a score of 10-0.
RESULTLoss Varsity baseball @ Santa Barbara.
The Santa Ynez varsity baseball team lost Tuesday's away conference game against Santa Barbara (CA) by a score of 15-7.
RESULTLoss JV baseball vs. Santa Barbara.
The Santa Ynez JV baseball team lost Tuesday's home conference game against Santa Barbara (CA) by a score of 23-5.


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text:
Alcatel #1 in optical networking according to industry analyst firm Ovum-RHK
WEBWIRE – Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Paris, September 12, 2006 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that it has been ranked #1 by leading industry analyst firm Ovum-RHK with a 13.4 % market share in 2Q 2006 and with a 15% market share on a rolling four-quarter basis. According to Ovum-RHK, Alcatel has been leading the optical networking market for 5 consecutive years.
The main drivers for optical sales in 2Q 2006 were mobile backhaul infrastructure projects, driven by network expansions across all regions; an increase in the roll-out of Ethernet as a key service for business customers; the increase in packet traffic driving carriers' initiatives for network modernization and convergence; the start of ROADM ramp up and an increasing activity in non-carrier segments, especially transportation, education & research and energy.
"The optical networking market is experiencing a significant re-shaping both in terms of technology and competition," said Dana Cooperson, Vice President Optical Infrastructure at Ovum-RHK. "Alcatel continues to lead the market, thanks to its broad product and solutions portfolio, its extensive global sales and support infrastructure, and its ability to drive product innovation, which have resulted over the years in one the largest installed bases worldwide."
Alcatel's newly announced contracts in 2Q 2006 include Algérie Télécom, Guangzhou Television Station in China; Fastweb and INFN in Italy; HanseNet and T-Com in Germany; NEK in Bulgaria; PAETEC in the US, Sparq in Taiwan; TATA Group in India; Telefonica de Espana in Spain and Triple T Broadband in Thailand.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com
Contact press@alcatel.com
Régine Coqueran


text:
What an American Home Looks Like
This colonial style home was built in North Carolina in 1772, before the American Revolution.
What an American House Looks Like
American homes are a lot like America. They are a mix of designs from many countries, all combined together.
For example, a visitor to a neighborhood in the United States might see several kinds of colonial houses. Workers began building these houses in the 1600s, when Britain ruled the area.
Colonial houses are often box-shaped, two-story houses. They have a front door in the middle, and five or seven windows. Both sides of the house are usually the same.
This colonial style home was originally built in 1759. Later owners added other design elements.
Their original design came from ancient Roman and Greek buildings. But over time, Americans added design elements from the architectural styles of other countries.
One modern-day colonial home can have a tall French-style roof, like the Louvre museum in Paris. Another can have narrow Greek columns near the front door, like the U.S. White House. Another can have long pieces of wood on the outside, like some houses in England during the Middle Ages. Or the same house can have all three!
Jackie Craven is a reporter who writes about architecture. She told VOA over email, "Our homes, like our people, draw from many sources."
A Victorian-style house in California
The style of American homes also show what was happening in the country at the time they were built. In the 1800s, the U.S. was growing economically. Workers learned how to make many copies of the same thing quickly, for not very much money. One result is that a number of Americans could pay for the building of large, complex houses. These are called Victorians after Queen Victoria who ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901.
Victorian houses follow Queen Victoria's romantic image. They are usually three stories tall and asymmetrical – in other words, the sides are not the same in size or shape. One side may have large windows. Another may have a porch. One side might also be tall and rounded. Victorians also have detailed wood cutouts for visual appeal.
The colorful Victorian houses in San Francisco are called "painted ladies."
At first, Victorians were painted in a mix of earthy colors, like browns, greens and dark orange. In later years bright pinks, blues and yellows became popular combinations.
Some observers compare Victorian houses to doll houses, gingerbread houses or even wedding cakes.
They look fancy, but they are modest in relation to some houses that came later.
Mansions and Sears
At the end of the 1800s, the Industrial Revolution made steel part of the American environment. Steel helped build railroads and skyscrapers.
The Breakers mansion in Rhode Island was finished in 1895. It has 70 rooms and was influenced by Italian palaces.
It also helped make a few American businessmen very wealthy. Some built extremely large mansions that looked more like European castles than family homes.
They mixed old Italian, French, and Roman Empire building traditions that aimed to show how powerful and rich the owners were. Inside, the mansions had huge stairways and dining rooms big enough for 100 people.
But by the beginning of the 1900s, some people were rejecting shows of wealth by powerful people. And many Americans needed housing that was far less costly, especially during the economic depression of the 1930s.
This Sears catalogue home was advertised in 1913.
So houses became simpler and smaller. One company, called Sears, made house building kits you could order from a catalogue. The business sent you the parts and the plans for the house. Then you and a few friends built it yourself. The houses lasted, too – about 70 percent of Sears kit houses are still standing.
During the same years that Sears was mailing housing kits, an architect named Frank Lloyd Wright was creating a new kind of American house.
Wright did not want to use European ideas. He believed American houses should fit into the nature around them. Some of his most famous houses are long and low, with clean lines and a simple style. The roof hangs far over and beyond the walls, so the area outside feels more connected to the structure. Inside, the rooms are all connected.
The Brady Bunch house was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright designs.
Wright designed more than 1,000 houses in his life. His influence can be seen in a huge number of American homes built in the 20th century. They are especially common in neighborhoods just outside of cities, called suburbs. For example, the ranch house on the 1960s and 70s television show "The Brady Bunch" was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.
McMansions
Susan Piedmont-Palladino is an architect and the director of Virginia Tech's Washington Alexandria Architecture Center. She calls the history of American homes an "all-you-can-eat buffet." In other words, Americans have many home styles to choose from.
"We can borrow anybody's style of architecture, and I'm not sure that's the attitude in other countries around the world," she says.
And Piedmont-Palladino says American homes are different in another way. She observes that most American homes are for just one family: one set of parents and their children. The single family house, she says, "dominates" American neighborhoods.
A house being built in Kentucky in the early 2000s.
She also notes that as American families are getting smaller, American houses are getting bigger. For example, in the late 1900s some Americans built large houses again to show their wealth and power.
But these houses are not as unique or beautiful as the mansions of the late 1800s. Many of them look similar to each other. They are known in a negative way as McMansions – mansions that are as common and quickly made as the food at a McDonalds fast food restaurant.
Piedmont-Palladino says in the future, she would like to see American houses move a different direction. She hopes owners and builders will seek designs that are friendly to the environment and use resources wisely.
I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.
Kelly Jean Kelly adapted this story for Learning English. It is based on a VOA report by Dora Mekouar. Caty Weaver was the editor.
colonial - adj. of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the United States
romantic - adj. stressing emotion and imagination
porch - n. a structure attached to the entrance of a building that has a roof and that may or may not have walls
gingerbread - n. a cake or cookie made with molasses and ginger and often decorated with candy
fancy - adj. very expensive and fashionable
modest - adj. not showing or feeling great or excessive pride
mansion - n. a large and impressive house : the large house of a wealthy person
catalogue - n. a book containing a list of things that you can buy or use, often with pictures
Wealthy Americans Renting Homes Instead of Buying
What It Takes - Frank Gehry
Indian Architect Wins Pritzker Prize


According to the State Department of Education, there is no uniform requirement on when and how schools should notify parents of an absent student.
In the wake of the deaths of five Lexington County children, some weigh whether a statewide, uniform policy on school absences is needed.
COLUMBIA – When the children of Timothy Ray Jones failed to show up at their Lexington County elementary school after a second day of absence, the school followed the district's procedures in trying to contact the father and then sent someone to the home.
Jones stands accused of killing his five children, leaving the community and the state shaken and wondering if anything can be done to prevent future such tragedies, including a statewide school policy on contacting parents when children are absent.
Laura Hudson, vice chairwoman of the State Child Fatality Advisory Committee and executive director of the South Carolina Crime Victims Council, said while she believes the Lexington County school did what it could to contact Jones, all schools should follow a uniform procedure.
"Obviously, it's important for truancy," she said of absentee policies. "But it's most important for safety. I wish all our districts had a policy that when a child, especially under the age of 12, is not in school, to do a proactive contact with the person who has custodial rights of the child to find out where the child is."
Those contacts, she said, can find out if a child is sick, late for school or doesn't have a parent helping him. Or if something worse is happening.
"Wouldn't we be better off to have a proactive, set-in-stone procedure?" she asked. "We need some uniformity around the state to prevent future tragedies."
Sen. Larry Martin, a Pickens Republican who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and sits on the Senate Education Committee, said he believes a school should call parents when a child is absent but mandating certain procedures that every school should follow is unnecessary.
"I don't think we need to overreact to this situation," he said. "It is something we can discuss. But there is no fool-proof way to do this."
Martin said, for instance, schools could set up secondary calls to another relative or neighbor in addition to the parent in case the parent was responsible for the child's absence.
But he said most parents wouldn't want neighbors or relatives knowing when their children were not in school. And he said he believes most instances in which a child goes missing involve a non-custodial parent. In those cases, if a parent was called, the school would have done its part, he said.
"I don't know that we can overly burden schools," he said. "It could happen over the holidays. It could happen over the summer break."
Sen. Mike Fair, a Greenville Republican who sits on the Education Committee, said he thinks a uniform policy would be appropriate.
"I'm for pushing the envelope on that," he said. "The level and severity of certain circumstances would differ depending on rural and urban. But what won't differ is it is a safety issue."
In the district in which the Jones children attended, the policy is for parents to be contacted upon a child's absence using an automated message system telling them their child was absent and asking a parent to send in a note or to call attendance to clear the absence, said Mary Beth Hill, a district spokeswoman.
If the child misses a second day and the school hasn't heard from the parent, the teacher tries to reach the parent by email or phone call, she said. If the child is absent three or more days and/or if a teacher is unable to reach a parent, the teacher is to alert an administrator, school counselor or school social worker. They then try to reach a parent and follow up with a letter. The social worker also can make a home visit, she said.
"In general, in the school district, three to five days may be a concern," she said.
Hill said the elementary school attended by the Jones children followed the district's policy.
In Marlboro County, how schools respond to absences varies by school, said Rippon McLeod Jr., deputy superintendent.
Parents of high school students and students at two elementary schools, he said, receive automated calls, while other schools may have attendance clerks call.
When those clerks call also varies by clerk, he said, since some have other duties at the school.
"Usually it's the third day before we start to worry," he said. "Now some of our attendance clerks will actually give the house a call on that day, but not all of them do that. It's usually about the third day when someone will make a call to inquire about whether he is sick or whatever. Where we really get concerned is the fifth day, because at that point the child can become truant."
He said at that point school officials "go look for the child to be sure somebody knows what's going on with that child."
In Greenville County, an automated system is used to contact parents of any student every day the child is absent, said Oby Lyles, a district spokesman. A child's absence of three consecutive days or five days in accumulation meets the definition of truancy, he said, and would trigger a request to meet with the parents to discuss the absences.
"As far as schools following up, it's going to vary depending on the situation, like the size of the school, the family's situation," he said. "An attendance supervisor would make a call on the home."
He said if school officials believed something questionable was happening, "they would call law enforcement and/or send the attendance supervisor."
In Pickens County, officials have a similar policy, said John Eby, a spokesman for the district. After three consecutive absences or five cumulative, officials would meet with the parent, he said. After eight absences, another meeting is held.
He said any absence triggers a call to a parent from the district's automated message system. Three consecutive absences trigger a personal call from the school. Visits would depend on the circumstances, Eby said.
Scott Price, general counsel for the South Carolina School Boards Association, said there are times when it is clear when uniformity is needed.
"We're just not there yet on this particular issue," he said.
He said he thinks the issue is an important one and perhaps there should be more uniformity. But he said the association is not yet convinced that a mandatory uniform policy for every district is needed.


text:
Australia Shuts Door On A Life Of Crime
Kate McClymont and Alex Tibbitts
DESCRIBED as a "one-woman crime wave", a 29-year-old who has lived in Australia since the age of one is set to be deported to New Zealand because of her extensive criminal history.
But the move to deport Patricia Carol Toia has annoyed the New Zealand Government.
Toia has not only been sentenced to jail terms 30 times for crimes that include robbery, assault and trafficking heroin, but while in jail she committed another 56 offences, such as assault, intimidation and damaging and destroying property.
A deputy president of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Julian Block, said the description of Toia "as a 'one-woman crime wave' is by no means inapt".
Yesterday Toia expressed regret about what she had done.
"I feel ashamed about people knowing about my record," she told the Herald. "I'm disgusted by the way I brought myself up. I've made a lot of mistakes. I know I have to be punished but Australia is my home."
On Thursday Mr Block upheld a 2004 decision to have Toia returned to her country of birth.
While noting that she had spent nearly all her life in Australia, Mr Block said: "She is a threat to the Australian community, and Australia deserves protection against her, given that the risk of recidivism is, as must be obvious, very substantial indeed."
Since the original decision to deport her, Toia has been on another rampage, which has led to jail for a further 16 months for offences that include shoplifting, nine counts of possessing prohibited drugs, and having stolen goods in custody.
And, despite never having held a driver's licence, this year she was banned from holding one for another 53 years. Police told the court that, because of her "appalling traffic record, displaying a blatant disregard for traffic laws and any penalty imposed by a court", she had been disqualified until 2060.
News of the tribunal's decision has received a cool reception across the Tasman. New Zealand's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, was disappointed, a spokesman said.
"It is only a technicality that stops her from being an Australian in the full sense of the word," the spokesman said.
"She's grown up in Australia; she's lived in Australia a long time. And for want of having taken out citizenship she now finds herself being sent back to a country which is really not in any sense her home."
In 2004 Toia submitted to the Department of Immigration that her visa should not be cancelled because Australia was her home and she did not know anywhere except Sydney. She went on to say that she did not want to be deported because she had changed her life "a bit more than I ever have" and "stopped the drugs and crime".
Toia – who was released from jail in October, only to be taken to Villawood detention centre – recently told the tribunal that, while she did have relatives in New Zealand, she only knew their first names and had never met them, "nor have I ever been in contact with them".
In his decision Mr Block noted that Toia did not wish to return to New Zealand because she had nothing there, "but it must also be noted that there does not seem to be anything for her in Australia. She appears to be estranged from all of the surviving members of her family."
Toia, who is now taking methadone in an effort to overcome drug addiction, said yesterday she wanted to straighten out her life.
"I'm not going to lose my freedom over something stupid," she said. "It's about time I stop doing silly things. I want to do the right thing and abide by the law. I've got better things to do than crime. I have a life to lead.
"My partner and his family are the only people I have in my life now. I feel I've got a second chance in life. I want to get married and have two beautiful children. I never want my kids to do the things I was doing, to be without a mother or friend, like I did."
Hamish McClelland, her partner, said deportation would not help Toia achieve stability.
"It seems unfair," he said. "It doesn't seem to serve her purpose or anyone's. We've started on methadone and she hasn't been in trouble for a while. It would disrupt the good progress she's made."
Toia feared she would become destitute if deported to New Zealand.
"I don't think I could survive," she said. "I wouldn't know what to do. I don't even have a friend to say: 'Can I have a place for the night?' Immigration will just leave me at the airport. At least here I can go to the housing commission."
In February the then minister for immigration, Kevin Andrews, granted a two-year special-purpose visa to Robert Jovicic, a non-citizen who had lived in Australia since he was two and committed crimes related to heroin addiction.
The government had deported him to Serbia, the homeland of his parents, in June 2004. He had slept on the steps of the Australian embassy. He was brought back to Australia on compassionate grounds.
Toia has 28 days in which to lodge an appeal.
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Namale is a luxury honeymoon hideaway in Fiji, offering guests the ultimate in privacy and seclusion. The resort has only 16 guest bures located on 325 acres of white sandy beaches and tropical rainforest.
The resort spa is a place of healing and rejuvenation with a choice of treatments inspired by ancient traditions. Vacationers get unlimited use of the hydrotherapy/aromatherapy room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. The room has a spacious jacuzzi, a waterfall pool, four soaking tubs and a steam room. Treat yourselves for relaxing couples massages on your island honeymoon.
The resort offers a long list of complimentary vacation activities, including snorkeling, water-skiing, kayaking, water trampoline and hand line fishing. Volleyball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, basketball, virtual golf and croquet facilities are also available free of charge. There is plenty to do on this tropical island honeymoon.
Daily scheduled activities provide a good way to explore the island. Choices include Fijian village tours, coconut shows, mountain biking, guided reef walks, snorkel boat excursions, horseback riding, waterfall tours and rainforest hikes.
The resort has 16 luxury guest bures and villas. Honeymoon Bures have a private deck with a panoramic view of the beach and a two-person spa tub and shower. Deluxe Honeymoon Bures have a private plunge pool on the outdoor deck.
Namale has two luxury villas - Bula House and Tatadra House. Guests staying in a villa have access to a personal chef for dinner.
Resort chefs use fresh local ingredients to prepare meals with international influences. Most of the vegetables are grown in the organic greenhouse. A healthy spa menu and a vegetarian selection of items are available to resort guests.
The hotel band performs six nights a week and the local villagers perform a Traditional Fijian Meke (Dance Ceremony) once a week.
Fly to Nadi International Airport and from there transfer to Savusavu, a one-hour flight. Resort staff will meet you at the airport in Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu.
Bure rates start at $1,170 per night for two. The rate includes all meals, beverages, daily laundry service, and island activities.


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I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder II. Throughout my diagnosis I've realized that stigma isn't always something of which you're a victim, but something that can also be internalized. I am a student in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa and even prior to my own diagnosis, I've been passionate about mental health. People who have mental health problems aren't always sick, but they make themselves "crazy", so to speak, when they think of what kinds of effects their illness could have on their lives. Self-stigmatisation can be very harmful.


text:
Amerikai Egyesült Államok
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 Ausztrália
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 Egyesült Királyság
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Egyéb
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text:
Non-human information
In vitro data
The key studies are considered to be a bacterial mutation assay (NOTOX, 2000), a mammalian cell cytogenetic assay (JETOC, 1998b), and a mammalian gene mutation assay (Harlan, 2014). These are three recognised core assay types for investigating mutation in vitro.
Dicyclopentadiene (resin grade containing 75% dicyclopentadiene) was tested in a pre-incubation modification of a standard Ames test (NOTOX 2000). S typhimurium (TA1535, TA1537, TA98 and TA100) and E. coli (WP2uvrA) were treated with dicyclopentadiene both with and without auxiliary metabolic activation (S9). A range of doses was used up to 666 µg/plate where toxicity allowed, and with S9 levels of 5% and/or 10%. Dicyclopentadiene was negative in this assay.
Dicyclopentadiene was tested for cytogenetic activity in CHL cells both in the presence and absence of S9 (JETOC, 1998b). A range of doses up to approximately 0.1 mg/ml (approximately 10 mM) was used, and both a continuous and short term exposure was employed in the absence of S9. Dicyclopentadiene was negative in this assay at concentrations causing up to 50% inhibition of cell growth, in both the absence and presence of S9. A small increase in aberrations was observed at a high concentration on continuous exposure in the absence of S9. This small increase is not considered to be significant, and dicyclopentadiene was reported as negative.
Dicyclopentadiene was tested for gene mutation potential in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells, both in the absence and presence of S9 (Harlan, 2014). An initial toxicity test indicated that concentrations would be limited by cyctoxicity to ca. 40-60µg/mL. Dicyclopentadiene did not induce a statistically significant, dose-related increase in mutant frequency, and was considered to be negative in this test.
There are additional reports of negative results for dicyclopentadiene in an in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus assay (JETOC, 1998b), in the Ames test (+/- S9) in Salmonella strains TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100 (Litton Bionetics 1980), in Salmonella strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98 and TA100 (Litton Bionetics 1980 ) and in S cerevisiae D4 (+/- S9) (Litton Bionetics, 1980) and S cerevisiae D3 (Litton Bionetics, 1980).The data from these assays all support the above conclusion that dicyclopentadiene is not mutagenic in vitro.
In vivo data
There are no available in vivo studies on dicyclopentadiene, however there is an important supporting bone marrow micronucleus study in the mouse available on dicyclopentadiene / codimer concentrate, containing 29.175% dicyclopentadiene (DuPont, 2004). This is a recognised core assay type for investigating mutation in vivo.
Male and female mice were given two doses of dicyclopentadiene / codimer concentrate by oral gavage, 24h apart, and bone marrow sampled 24h after the last dose. The dose levels used were 0, 437, 875, or 1750 mg/kg, and the highest dose induced clinical signs in both sexes and evidence of bone marrow toxicity (decreased PCE/NCE ratio) in females. A negative result was obtained in this assay.
Human information
There is no information indicating any adverse effects of dicyclopentadiene.
Short description of key information:
Dicyclopentadiene has been evaluated for mutagenicity both in vitro and in vivo using recognised core assay studies and has shown negative results. It is concluded from the available data that dicyclopentadiene has no significant genotoxicity.
Endpoint Conclusion: No adverse effect observed (negative)
It is concluded that the available data indicate that dicyclopentadiene has no significant genotoxicity and therefore does not warrant classification for mutagenicity under CLP.


text:
BT Launches mentoring programme at Hounslow school
Ten teenagers to work with BT mentors in bid to raise aspirations
Heston Community School in Hounslow is the latest school to take part in a new schools mentoring scheme launched by BT, which aims to support students as they prepare for the transition from education to employment.
The ten students from Heston Community School, who hail from diverse backgrounds, will start their mentoring programme today. They will have six mentoring sessions in total and complete their programme in June 2014.
BT's new schools mentoring programme has specially chosen mentors who will be working closely with students in London schools over the coming year.
The pilot Schools mentoring programme, which started in September 2012 and has been very successful in schools based in Croydon, Harringey and Leytonstone, is designed to help the teenagers reach their full potential. The mentoring programme shows the students how their interests and skills can steer them towards the right career path.
Recent government statistics reveal that nearly 17 per cent (16.9) of 16 to 24-year-olds in London are not in education, training or employment 1 and mentoring is one key way of trying to address this issue.
The BT mentors are all members of the BT Ethnic Minority Network. The network's aim is to support fellow staff to ensure that people from all walks of life are able to flourish and integrate fully at BT.
The skills and experiences developed by the members of this network are being shared externally, as the mentors work closely with 14 to 16-year-olds, in the London borough of Hounslow.
Tony Chanmugam, BT's finance director and also the company's diversity champion, explained why BT developed this programme. He said: "At BT we know how the right support and guidance can really help an individual navigate their way through obstacles and issues. Our mentors will work closely with students, with the support of their teachers and parents, to offer a fresh perspective and a real insight into how to forge a successful career path. It is critical that we invest in our young people and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in life. This not only benefits them, but benefits the communities they live in and helps London and the UK as a whole."
The schools involved have chosen students who they feel will particularly benefit from the support of a mentor; some need a boost in confidence and others want a different perspective or just the opportunity to talk to someone who may share similar life experiences.
Maria Mateos who is a student from Heston Community School, said: "I'm looking forward to working with my mentor as he has given me lots of advice about the importance of school and plans to put in place for the rest of my life. This will be the first Business Mentor I have ever had and I'm looking towards the future with a different outlook."
Phil Ward, Headteacher at Heston Community School, said: "We are about to embark on an exciting new venture with BT's Ethnic Minority Network. Students will be able to learn from their personal challenges and setbacks, and turn them into positive opportunities for success. The students are eager to be part of the mentoring programme and to create constructive chances in life for the future."
Seema Malhotra MP, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, said: "I am delighted to see BT launch its ethnic minority network mentoring scheme in Heston Community School. This mentoring scheme will help our local students aim high and grow their own aspirations. I have no doubt that those involved with the programme will be inspired by the programme and themselves become role models to other pupils in the years to come."
Each mentor will work with two students and they will complete two sessions in each of the three school terms. As the relationship builds, they will develop a plan which will support and encourage the students, building their aspirations and enabling them to discuss anything from finding work experience placements and apprenticeships to exploring further education possibilities and sharing experiences.
Malcolm Weston, chairman of the BT Ethnic Minority Network, said: "Mentoring the students who are in transition to either post school education; training or employment is a great way of supporting and contributing to the community."
1 Statistics taken from Department of Education website.
Mentoring can play an important role in helping young people to raise standards, tackle and learn from challenges and setbacks thereby creating a new culture of opportunity and success. The BT EMN has successfully operated a mentoring scheme for its members within BT for a number of years. As a result of this success the BTEMN expanded the mentoring programme into the community, by introducing a pilot scheme to with 3 schools in the London area for the academic year. The aim of the Mentoring Programme is to support young students in their transition to post-school education, training, and employment.
We recognise by investing in and supporting our communities, we can help to build a more economically sustainable, educated and socially-inclusive society. That's why we invest one per cent of our annual pre-tax profits into programmes which benefit communities and the environment.
About The BT Ethnic Minority Network (BTEMN)
The BT Ethnic Minority Network (BTEMN) is one of the employee networks within BT and was established in 1994, to play an active part in delivering the business value that diversity holds. The BT EMN's mission is to provide ethnic minority individuals and groups with access to opportunities and platforms, to thrive in a changing BT - enabling them to develop, contribute, work collaboratively, and drive forward the benefits of diversity to the company, to our members and to the local community.


Yes, 'add_member.php?invalid=true' is in the address bar after hitting submit.
so than one of the fields is failing validation.
since you don't have a show if for the file size validation, it must be the file size validation.
what is the sizer of the file you are trying to upload?