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Arbitration During And ...
Arbitration During And Post Covid-19: A Perspective
Manoj K Singh & Adhip Kumar Ray
29 May 2020 3:17 PM GMT
In a short period of a few months, the coronavirus pandemic has spread through the globe, completely disrupting life as we know it. It is a disaster very few people had foreseen, and even fewer had prepared for. The freedom of movement and gathering has been greatly curtailed, and the same has had a very real effect on the functioning of the legal system and the arbitration mechanism in...
In a short period of a few months, the coronavirus pandemic has spread through the globe, completely disrupting life as we know it. It is a disaster very few people had foreseen, and even fewer had prepared for. The freedom of movement and gathering has been greatly curtailed, and the same has had a very real effect on the functioning of the legal system and the arbitration mechanism in our country. Faced with complete lockdowns and social distancing, the legal system has rapidly adapted to the new reality, with the Supreme Court and High Courts leading the way, by having urgent hearings over video conferencing.
The situation has hit the system of in-person arbitration hearings hard, and the initial reaction has been to adjourn the matters, at times without even giving any next date. However, as the development of a vaccine is still at least 12-18 months away, the questions that this article seeks to address are – How long must arbitral hearings remain adjourned? And, is there a way out?
The short answer is, we must recognise that way forward for arbitration is through the use of video-conferencing and virtual hearings. It is true that this will be a complete change from our long-standing and established practice of in-person hearings. Certain lawyers and arbitrators might even have a psychological barrier, and hesitate in adopting this approach; however, it must be recognised, that given the circumstances, this would be our best, most practical solution. The times have changed, and if we don't change with it, the entire arbitration framework will come to a standstill.
Under the legal framework of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 which has been adopted from the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, parties have complete freedom and flexibility in choosing the procedure of the hearings. As there is no bar on virtual hearings, parties can agree on having virtual hearings and a procedural order may be passed by the tribunal, recording the agreement of the parties. If the parties fail to agree, the Arbitral Tribunal can exercise its power under Section 19(3) of the Act, mandating that the hearings would happen over video conferencing.
There might be a situation that despite the tribunal's order, the objecting party still refuses to cooperate. In such a situation, the matter can proceed ex-parte. It is pertinent to note that Section 25(c) of the Arbitration Act, 1996 clearly states that if a party fails to appear in a hearing or does not produce documentary evidence, the tribunal may proceed to make the award based on the evidence before it. The law pertaining to deliberately not attending arbitral proceedings is no longer Res Integra. Recently in the judgment of Quippo Construction Equipment Limited vs. Janardan Nirman Pvt. Limited (29.04.2020 - SC): MANU/SC/0421/2020, the Hon'ble Supreme Court had held – "…. Considering the facts that the Respondent failed to participate in the proceedings before the Arbitrator and did not raise any submission that the Arbitrator did not have jurisdiction or that he was exceeding the scope of his authority, the Respondent must be deemed to have waived all such objections."
It is also pertinent to note that in 2018, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the judgment of Radha Chemicals vs. Union of India (UOI) (10.10.2018 - SC): MANU/SC/1630/2018 had ruled that a Court while deciding an application under Section 34 the matter cannot be remanded back to the Arbitrator. Accordingly, it becomes evident that if an ex-parte award is given, against a party deliberately to appear for a hearing, then the non-cooperating party may lose its remedy for good. Therefore, such a stand must be taken by a party at its own peril. To avoid situations like this; however, an approach may be adopted, wherein the arbitration clauses in the commercial contracts would mention that the parties agree to have virtual arbitration proceedings.
It must be appreciated that while the risk of Covid-19 is still present, the application of technology in a dispute resolution scenario, would be that of minimising the necessity for close contact. While online conferences through video conferring software, were common, this pandemic has forced the introduction of these technologies in the legal sphere, accelerating a techno-legal reform. Historically, virtual hearings were avoided because there was a lack of technologies in the market and a lack of access and necessary expertise to use such technologies. Even at present, not every lawyer will be adept, or even be comfortable with, the idea of carrying out advocacy online. However, as Covid-19 has now added the aspect of human vulnerability to the practice of law, steps must be taken to ensure all practitioners are technology compliant and are able to participate in virtual hearings. To facilitate this practice, induction and training sessions must be organised by Bar Councils regularly. Major institutional arbitration centres like ICA, DIAC, MCIA should offer educational courses to participants. Perhaps, a change may be brought about in law school curriculum, and herein online advocacy and trial may be included as subjects. Only through education, can we bring about the implementation of virtual court and arbitration hearings, which will further strengthen our legal system.
All across the world, various international arbitration centres of repute have recognised that Covid-19 is here to stay. The International Chamber of Commerce's International Court of Arbitration has come up with the Guidance Note on possible measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the same offer an early set suggested of clauses, protocols and procedural orders and a checklist to assist parties in dealing with online arbitration. SIAC is collaborating with Maxwell Chambers' Virtual ADR to hold virtual hearings and HKIAC (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre) has reported a significant increase in demand for its e-hearing services. In India too, the Indian Council of Arbitration has issued a notice with respect to the COVID-19 situation, wherein it has stated the intention to make use of information technology and video conferencing tools to conducting arbitration proceedings. With respect to Ad-Hoc arbitrations, the Arbitral Tribunals must play a proactive role in either setting our procedures for virtual hearing or adopting the procedures notified by the reputed arbitral institutions. The entire process of virtual arbitration can be refined through trial and error until virtual hearings become the norm instead of the exception. Concerns regarding security and privacy can be addressed through strict protocols, as well as the implementation of new technologies like blockchain. It must be accepted that in the short and medium-term, this is the most practical approach forward.
Even in the long term, in a world without COVID-19, the advantages of virtual arbitration over in-person arbitration would make it an attractive option. The first significant advantage would be that virtual arbitrations would save time and make coordination easier. At present, hearings often have to be scheduled months apart, based on available dates of the arbitrators, lawyers and clients. The process is subject to the availability of a venue. In the case of international/outstation hearings, a lot of time is also wasted in travelling and setting up for the hearing. These would become non-issues in the case of virtual hearings.
Similarly, the cost of hearings would also go down as the only necessary infrastructure would be a virtual device. Parties would be spared the cost of expensive accommodation and venue bookings. A third major advantage would be in terms of benefits to the environment. The elimination of paper filing would preserve lakhs of pages and as there would be no need to travel nationally or internationally, it would significantly reduce carbon footprint.
To conclude – we must realise that we are in a state of new normal. Under the circumstances, online arbitration hearings offer us the most practical solution, and there has to be a complete shift from offline to online arbitration. The technology for having arbitral hearings online already exists; however, we must remove our mental barriers and openly embrace the same. The shift from in-person to online arbitration has already been achieved by many institutions, such as the SIAC and the HKIAC, and there is no reason why in India, we cannot follow the same pattern. Once the initial experimentation and implementation phase is over, with time, the entire system will become more mature, efficient and widely accepted. Once that happens, whole arbitration matters can take place. As the system picks up popularity, there is no reason why online arbitration cannot become the preferred method of dispute resolution.
The article is authored by Manoj K Singh, Founding Partner, Singh & Associates, and assisted by Adhip Kumar Ray, Senior Associate, Singh & Associates.


When our children were small one of their favorite books was Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things that Go" On every page of the story were all different kinds of vehicles traveling down busy city streets, highways and country lanes. But no matter what page we were on – we and our boys were always on the look out for a tiny gold colored character named Goldfarb (I was never sure if he was a worm or caterpillar). You never knew where Goldfarb might be. On one page he was hiding in the back of a dump truck and on the next he was sitting with the firemen in a big red fire truck. But no matter where he was we all laughed each time we found him.
Maybe God is showing up as a rather plain looking gardener to you today. Maybe there is soil on his knees from laboring with weeds and planting flowers. Maybe his hands are so cracked and worn from work that we fail to recognize the prints of the nails in His palms. As He walks up quietly behind us we don't see the wounds on His feet that happened on His journey to find us. But the night is almost past and dawn is just beginning to peak over our horizon. Where is Jesus? He is right at our side ready to call our name. Whenever we are seeking Him with all our hearts His word assures us that He will come up our garden paths ready to be found!


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Family Equality Council Condemns Federal Bill That Would Create Adoption Discrimination
Legislation Led by Anti-LGBT Groups Aims to Allow Adoption Providers to Refuse Service to Families on the Basis of Personal, Religious or Moral Objections
Washington, DC – Family Equality Council today denounced a federal bill introduced last week in Congress that would permit providers of adoption and foster care services to refuse to work with families with whom they have personal, religious, or moral objections. The legislation is spearheaded by anti-LGBT groups the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation, and threatens to undo the progress made on behalf of LGBTQ families over the last several years and harm some of our most vulnerable children.
"With the excitement of marriage victories sweeping the country, we must not forget that threats to our families still persist," said Family Equality Council Executive Director, Gabriel Blau. "It becomes more evident with each advance we make towards equality, that the opposition would rather continue enforcing discrimination than protecting children. The implications of this bill are broad and sweeping and could serve as a barrier to placements not just with LGBT people but also with anyone who is single, has been divorced or who practices a different religion."
Family Equality Council's policy team has been working tirelessly in Congress to advance the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (ECDF – H.R. 2028/S 1069) and in the last month alone the organization has increased support for this legislation by more than 20 co-sponsors. ECDF, led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate and Representatives John Lewis and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in the House, now has unprecedented support with 18 Senate co-sponsors and 138 bi-partisan co-sponsors in the House.
"Not once does this new proposed legislation talk about what is in the best interests of the children in our nation's foster care system. And while it is clear that this bill does nothing to ensure that the needs of our foster youth are being met, it is evident that even with continued attacks on our families, we are still changing the hearts and minds of the people we elected to represent the American people's best interest," said Family Equality Council Director of Public Policy, Emily Hecht-McGowan. "There are more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, approximately 107,000 of whom are available for adoption today. The only reason these children remain in foster care is because of a lack of qualified, loving parents stepping forward to provide them with forever homes. We need to open up more homes to foster children – not less. All major professional child welfare associations have stated as fact – that LGBT parents are good parents. We must focus on removing barriers, not constructing new ones, so that these children have a fighting chance to find permanent, forever homes to call their own."
Family Equality Council has worked for over 30 years to secure protections for LGBT families and will continue to combat efforts to prevent modern families from thriving.
About Family Equality Council®: Family Equality Council® connects, supports, and represents the three million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer in this country today and their six million children of all ages. We are changing attitudes and policies to ensure that all families are respected, loved, and celebrated—including families with parents who are LGBTQ. We are a community of parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren that reaches across this country. For over 30 years we have raised our children and raised our voices toward fairness for all families.
Contact: Cindi Creager, CreagerCole Communications
(646) 279-4559, cindi@creagercole.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Haldibari Tea Garden
Haldibari Tea Garden Population, Caste, Working Data Jalpaiguri, West Bengal - Census 2011
Haldibari Tea Garden is a village situated in Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. As per the Population Census 2011, there are total 1,777 families residing in the village Haldibari Tea Garden. The total population of Haldibari Tea Garden is 9,103 out of which 4,512 are males and 4,591 are females thus the Average Sex Ratio of Haldibari Tea Garden is 1,018.
The population of Children of age 0-6 years in Haldibari Tea Garden village is 1195 which is 13% of the total population. There are 601 male children and 594 female children between the age 0-6 years. Thus as per the Census 2011 the Child Sex Ratio of Haldibari Tea Garden is 988 which is less than Average Sex Ratio (1,018) of Haldibari Tea Garden village.
As per the Census 2011, the literacy rate of Haldibari Tea Garden is 57.9%. Thus Haldibari Tea Garden village has lower literacy rate compared to 64.5% of Jalpaiguri district. The male literacy rate is 67.96% and the female literacy rate is 48.14% in Haldibari Tea Garden village.
As per constitution of India and Panchyati Raaj Act (Amendment 1998), Haldibari Tea Garden village is administrated by Sarpanch (Head of Village) who is elected representative of the village.
Haldibari Tea Garden Data as per Census 2011
As per the Population Census 2011 data, following are some quick facts about Haldibari Tea Garden village.
Children 1,195 601 594
Scheduled Caste 791 387 404
Scheduled Tribe 6,950 3,442 3,508
Schedule Caste (SC) constitutes 8.7% while Schedule Tribe (ST) were 76.3% of total population in Haldibari Tea Garden village.
In Haldibari Tea Garden village out of total population, 3,668 were engaged in work activities. 76.9% of workers describe their work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 23.1% were involved in Marginal activity providing livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 3,668 workers engaged in Main Work, 36 were cultivators (owner or co-owner) while 15 were Agricultural labourer.
Main Workers 2,819 1,592 1,227
Cultivators 36 19 17
Agriculture Labourer 15 10 5
Other Workers 2,762 1,559 1,203
Map of Haldibari Tea Garden, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Nearby Villages to Haldibari Tea Garden, Dhupguri
Below are the list of villages near Haldibari Tea Garden village in Dhupguri.
Gayerkata Tea Garden 9,085
Sakojhora 5,586
Totopara Tea Garden 3,208
Binaguri Tea Garden 6,612
Jalapara 607
Karbala Tea Garden 7,958
Mogalkata Tea Garden 5,770
Maraghat Tea Garden 5,011
Uttar Shalbari 2,010
Gendrapara Tea Garden 9,358
Haldibari Tea Garden, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal - Wikipedia


Dr. Mikel Lo is one of Tucson, Arizona's leading cosmetic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. His specialties include the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. He is one of the few cosmetic surgeons who is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Ophthalmology. Known for his skill and artistry, Dr. Lo strives to produce aesthetic, natural looking results for every patient.
Of course, you have questions. Are you a good candidate for plastic surgery? What procedures does Dr. Lo specialize in? How do I prepare for my surgery? Many of your questions are answered on our FAQ page.
If you'd like a preview of what to expect from cosmetic surgery, read what Dr. Lo's patients have to say. Most people are nervous prior to any type of procedure. Our patient reviews will put your mind at ease.


Only a few short years ago, Smithville senior Lucas Clark was lining up on the line of scrimmage for the Smithies' football team.
Not exactly a big kid, he realized he may not be cut out for the game, so when fellow senior Justin McKeal invited him to join the cross country team in the eighth grade, Clark acquiesced.
Flash forward five years, and the two Smithies were lining up at National Trail Raceway as they led the Smithies team into the Div. II state meet. Less than 17 minutes after the starter's pistol signaled the start of the championship race, they were celebrating a Smithville first.
With Clark's seventh-place finish in 16:14.1 and McKeal 19th-place effort in 16:28.8, the duo became the first pair of Smithies to earn All-Ohio honors in the same season.
Last year Clark ran a 16:26.7 to sneak into the top 25 at 23rd place. That effort introduced him to the All-Ohio status. This year he made sure nobody was going to knock him out of that group.
McKeal was not supremely thrilled with his effort, especially coming on the heels of a tremendous regional runner-up run. However, he also realized the magnitude of what he had done. Considering that this is the same young man who came to the state meet with the Smithies in his first year and ended up third-to-last, he wasn't about to complain.
McKeal said that self-motivation and the encouragement of his teammates has played an instrumental role in the incredible turn-around he has experienced in the sport. He said having teammates and coaches around who want to see the best for him has been an inspiration.
While the Smithies placed 12th as a team with Noah Navratil coming in next for Smithville at 70th place, head coach Greg DeRodes said the performance he got from his two senior stars exemplifies their commitment and the effort of his team as a whole.


Anti-Virus is DOWN system-wide. Affecting all NITIX boxes, you may experience inability to receive emails, or emails with attachments. IBM is aware of the problem and working on it. Check back here for an update.
2010-02-08 2:30 PM Pacific Time.
Error condition should clear and definitions should begin downloading. The download may take as much as 2.5 hrs.


E and E Towing Services provides towing for Tampa and close by areas. While most trendy producers design their vehicles the ways that they're alleged to last for several a long time even when subject to junk car buyers houston tx lively and continuous use, some driving habits and omitted maintenance routines could impair the performance and the safety of your automobile, in addition to decrease its lifespan.We notice there are several corporations on the buy junk cars without title milwaukee internet which can purchase your aged garbage motorized vehicle; alternatively we needed to let you know that this company is only 5 years outdated and it has already been buying and selling automobiles or vehicles all through the United States Of America.Among other things, hybrids and different modern automobiles are crammed with costly parts that cease working within only a few months of the warranty being up. Under those circumstances, it should come as no surprise that people are nonetheless on the lookout for Worldwide Harvester truck components.When you've an previous rusty automobile sitting idle in your garage, you often take into consideration the good instances you will have spent within the automobile. Especially cars that should be outside loads need loads of cleaning. However more often than not the very low cost different would really value much more in true phrases as there could be many occasions when the car was off the street ready for spare components or what ever.No matter how common or seemingly worthless the remaining salvageable parts to your "junker" might seem, there is at all times is perhaps somebody out there who will take it off your palms at a bargain worth. Some models have patented options that may extend the lifetime of a battery as much as 3 instances that of its normal lifespan.The best factor about being sincere about what is fallacious with the car is that it will make you appear sincere, increasing the perceived trustworthiness for folks all in favour of your automotive. Other elements affecting battery lifespan are the climate, the type of automobile driven, and driving habits. These are all out there at completely different value ranges and plenty of offer lifetime warranties.Smaller alien, predator and star wars statues are sold infrequently online by vacationers who've brought again a case of scrap metal artwork souvenirs from their travels right here, however proudly owning any junk steel statue over one meter in height places you in the rare and exclusive listing of collectors. Ethan Malone , the creator of this text, runs his personal junk haul firm and is offering some perception into his business operation.The car battery supplies the ability essential to run the vehicle's electronics when the engine is shut off. junk car buyers houston tx You probably have a junk automotive, truck, SUV, or van, all you need to do is to search a close-by junk car towing service and can name them to pick up your scrap car. At Junkacar the most typical fate for salvage automobiles is to be truly recycled In case you loved this informative article and you would like to receive much more information relating to junk car buyers houston tx i implore you to visit the web-site. .


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Highland Lodge Riding Club Enjoy Victory
Highland Lodge Riding Club Enjoy Victory Writes Paula Falvey The Cork club, based in Hitchmough's Riding School, Monkstown, won the Association of Irish Riding Club's Horseware Team Show Jumping Championship in Simonscourt Arena at the RDS on Sunday the 24th of July 2016. Over 135 teams took part in the Association of Irish Riding Clubs nationwide qualifiers during the year, culminating in a nine team final at the RDS. It was a real team effort on the day from the Highland Lodge club. The team, which was kindly sponsored by Equestrian Surfaces comprised Louise Horgan on Ringwood Sahara, Niamh Mulcahy on Coronado Clover, Tara O'Brien on Larrainn and Captain Maria Blomen on All Dun Up. They were guided to success by the brilliant Chef d'Equipe Jill Twomey of Hitchmough's Riding School. Jill is the mother of International Irish showjumper Billy Twomey, who won the Best Irish International Rider at the RDS on Sunday also. Highland Lodge was in the lead on 0 faults after the first round. With the other eight teams hot on their heels they managed to produce more clears in round two. Team captain Maria Blomen was the very last rider to jump and when All Dun Up left all the fences intact, the team victory was sealed. This was the third time the much sought after cup ended up with Highland Lodge. The club also won in 1989 and 2013. In the last few years teams from Highland Lodge have managed to qualify for the RDS final four times. Considering that two of the riders on this year's winning team, Niamh Mulcahy and Louise Horgan, are only 18, the future of the club is looking very bright. The club is very active at a local, regional and national basis and caters for every equine discipline and level of rider from beginner to advanced. For more information contact highlandlodge@airc.ie or find us on Facebook.


Remember when people told us that the Internet was a magical instrument that would enlighten the masses? Those "visionaries" of the Information Age failed to perceive what would be the result of granting worldwide communication access to stupid people: Trolls.
Trolls are stupid. Otherwise, they would not be trolls. Ken White is not stupid. Otherwise, he would not be a successful blogger.
So guess what predictably simple mistake a stupid troll makes when sending an obscenity-crammed e-mail Ken White?
Problem ism their superior might not mind at all they sent out such an e-mail.
They might if the name of the agency was posted with that e-mail. Which Mr. White was careful not to do, and (I suspect) careful to imply in the subsequent e-mail that he could do.
Ken says in the introductory paragraph that the blogger involved is not him. Still really funny.
It's always important to relax now and then and enjoy the little things in life, such as an idiot causing their own downfall.
I have always enjoyed Ken's treatment of brain-dead emailers … such wit and slashing sarcasm. Keep it up Ken!


Located on a hill in the island of Mykonos, the villa is just three minutes from Psarou beach, where you also have the Nammos beach club. It is spread over three levels and has its own private terrace from where you can get a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.
There are four bedrooms which can house 10 people comfortably for the night, with two of them capable of accommodating up to three persons. They and all the other rooms as well-furnished and there is nothing you will ever find lacking – a sound system, a well-stocked refrigerator, a flat screen TV replete with cable, a coffee machine, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a washing machine, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, pool towels, bathrobes, slippers, a closet, a safe deposit box, and more. There is a fully-equipped kitchen on the first floor (pool level) and another kitchenette on the ground floor. This way, you can cook to your heart's content or warm up food and enjoy it by the pool.
For enjoying the magic of Mykonos both during the day as well as night, there is a large pergola which also features a dining table for families/friends, a couch (ideal for two people to engage in some romance) and armchairs if they just want to soak in Greece. You can also barbecue ribs here.
Should you need anything, there is a personal concierge available 24/7. Ornos village is just a three-minute drive away and the larger town of Mykonos can be reached in five.


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By: Robert Laine March 19, 2018
This week, I would like to discuss renewable energy. Specifically, solar panels. At some other time, I will cover aero and hydro.
The U.S.A. has a capacity (not actual output) of 18,317 megawatts (MW) of energy according to Business Insider. (A megawatt is one million watts; a kilowatt (kW) is 1000 watts and the average American home uses 7200 kW-hours annually, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists' website.) We are not number one. Not even number two. We are number five. Among the top four countries, all but one, are smaller than most of our states. According to the International Energy Agency's 2014 "Trends in Photovoltaic Applications" report, the top 10 solar-powered nations are: 10. South Korea 9. Belgium 8.Australia 7. Spain 6. France 5. U.S.A. 4. Italy 3. Japan 2. China 1. Germany.
It would seem that China is beating us in more ways than one. We're number one! We're number one! Go team. Make America great again.
China has been providing most of our solar panels and the cost has dropped by 70 percent in the last ten years. But in January the Trump administration imposed 30 percent tariffs on imported solar panels, which will decline to 15 percent in the fourth year.
Impoverished communities that have benefitted from low-cost solar energy would have been denied under this ruling. One such community is Triangle Court Apartments in Richmond, California, where after installing solar panels, they were able to save 98 percent on energy costs (to put in perspective, this would be the same as paying $100/month originally and now paying $2/month with solar for the same usage). In the future, this decision will make installing solar in depressed urban areas cost prohibitive.
Geographically, we are larger than every country on the list with the exception of China. Yet, all these countries that are no bigger than the state of Texas are close to our performance in solar energy or doing better than we are. Re-read the above paragraph.
Germany just reported a new record for solar and is now getting 85 percent of all energy from renewables – so much so that it no longer needs to subsidize solar companies or consumers, as cleantechnica.com reported last May. The U.S., however, is still subsidizing fossil fuel and coal companies, and punishes green energy companies.
Germany, for example, has 2.5 times the landmass of Illinois, yet it can provide 60 percent of its energy needs through solar power. Illinois, on the other hand, is the biggest nuclear energy producer in the U.S.
A common complaint/concern from naysayers of solar energy is that the U.S. doesn't get enough sunlight. Completely untrue. Here is a fun fact, kids: Berlin, Germany has a latitude of 52 degrees 31 minutes North, whereas Chicago is 41 degrees 54 minutes North. (The equator is 0 degrees North. The farther north you go, the larger the latitude number.) If Germany can get plenty of sunlight at the same latitude as Canada, why can't the U.S.? Guess what, we get more. So why don't we go for it on solar? The answer follows.
In the "sunshine" states (code for the Deep South), energy companies (fossil fuels and coal) have pushed states to pass laws against green energy to the extent that, in some cases, it is illegal to own and use a solar panel and the consumer can be sued. In South Carolina, several churches and schools lost their contracts for free solar panels because of legal threats by the local energy company (www.care2.com/causes/some-power-companies-are-keeping-the-sunniest-states-solar-panel-free.html).
Stayed tuned for how conservatives have and still are further lying to us about solar energy.
Robert M. Laine has been working in the IT industry for 30+ years. He has a B.S. in Computer Science. He has worked for the Chicago Tribune IT group and as the in-store technician for Staples. You can email him with questions or comments at BobLaine_sw@mail.com and visit LaineTech.blogspot.com


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Q: Finding all four-digit perfect squares of the form $XXYY$
Can you find a four digit number of the form $XXYY$ using only mathematical tools (without a computer) where the first two digits are same ($XX$) and the last two digits are same ($YY$), and the number $XXYY$ is a perfect square. How many such numbers can exist (again without using a computer) ?
$XXYY = (AB)^2$

A: $XXYY$ is divisible by $11$, so $AB$ must also be. So $\frac{XXYY}{11}=X0Y$ is also divisible by $11$. That means that X and $Y$ must add up to $11$. So $\frac{X0Y}{11}=\frac{Y+(11-Y)\cdot100}{11}=100-9Y$ must be a perfect square. Now you can easily go through the digits for $Y$ and check that only $Y=4$ works.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


An intelligent and articulate 14-year-old girl killed herself by taking an overdose of antidepressants after being bullied, an inquest heard.
Worcestershire Coroner's Court was told that Amy Rose Tipton took a fatal dose of dothiepin after leaving a note "saying goodbye" to her family and friends.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Worcestershire Coroner Victor Round declined to read out documents left by the teenager, who died last September, to protect her dignity.
Explaining his decision not to disclose details of the documents, which included diaries, Mr Round said: "It seems to me she [Amy] is entitled to her privacy."
The coroner described the fact that the inquest could not be held in private as unfortunate, adding: "It has to be done publicly and that's particularly hard for a 14-year-old."
But Mr Round stressed: "I am perfectly well aware that the family take the view that some part of this was bullying that she was suffering."
The hearing was told that Amy was confirmed dead at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital at 6.10pm on September 27 last year - about an hour after being found in a collapsed state in her bedroom.
Amy, from Spennells, Kidderminster, attended the town's King Charles I secondary school.
The inquest heard that she had told her mother shortly before she went to her bedroom that she did not want to attend school until she knew who was going to be in her class.


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Health World Records »
Team Fox World Records
Youngest Person To Cheer For Team Fox For Parkinson's Research
Team Fox
A two-year-old girl from Team Fox cheered "Team Fox" for Parkinson's Research.
Most People In A Bar Toasting To Team Fox And A Cure For Parkinson's Disease
A toast to Team Fox and to finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease was made by 93 people simultaneously.
Longest Time To Discover A Hidden Talent
Katie Peabody
Katie Peabody of Team Fox went 22 years before she realized her hidden talent of touching her nose with her tongue.
Most People Photographed Wearing The Same "Team Fox" T-Shirt In Three Minutes
Diana Levine
A total of 15 people photographed by Diana Levine were wearing the same "TeamFox" t-shirt in three minutes. They set the record at a RecordSetter LIVE! event held at Joe's Pub[] in New York City. The event was a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research[]. [#RSLIVE22][]


The Carolina Hurricanes had their game postponed Tuesday night at Philadelphia because of a winter storm.
Because of that, the date of a game later this week has been moved in Raleigh.
The Hurricanes will make up Tuesday night�s game by playing at 6 tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.
Then the Hurricanes play their originally scheduled game Thursday night at Buffalo.
Because NHL teams aren�t permitted to play games on three consecutive days, that means Friday night�s home game against the Ottawa Senators has been moved to noon Saturday at PNC Arena.
The team announced that it understands the postponement might cause inconveniences for some fans holding tickets to the game originally scheduled for Friday. So tickets can be exchanged for any of the teams remaining Friday night games, while season ticket holders retain the option of exchanging tickets via the season ticket holder exchange program.
Also, the team will offer $2 sodas and $1 popcorn for fans Saturday afternoon.


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Hawaii (Big Island) Democratic Dance and Rally Information
With voters soon to vote on candidates from the U.S. Presidency down to the smallest precinct official, Hawaii County Democrats are stepping up to help inform Puna's citizens of their choices. St. House Districts 3 and 4, which includes all of lower and upper Puna, invite the public to a Dist. 3 & 4 Fundraising Rally and Dance Party on Saturday, Feb. 27.
Russ Ruderman's Terrapin Station are the headline performers. The event, which is free to the public, will be held from 6-10 PM at the Eagles Club off Hwy. 130 in Kea'au, according to HCDP Dist. 3 Chair Mike Klungness and Dist. 4 Chair Philip Matlage.
Democratic Party candidates running for any office for which Dist. 3 and 4 residents can vote will have tables set up outside the building to talk to voters and get their names out to the public. Elections this year include races for mayor and county council, state senate and representative, U.S. House and U.S. President. OHA at-large candidates have also been invited.
Another goal of the rally is to help Puna Democrats get to know their fellow precinct neighbors. Matlage and Klungness are encouraging people to run for precinct offices and sign up as state delegates at the March 26 Presidential Preference Poll and Caucus meetings. Funds raised at the event are to help send Puna delegates to the State Democratic Party Convention in Waikiki over the Memorial Day weekend.
The public is invited to bring a potluck pupu or dessert dish to share, questions for the candidates and their dancing shoes. The Eagles Club will maintain the no-host bar (outside liquor not allowed). A fun time should be had by all!!!
For more information, contact Klungness at 968-6789, Matlage at 430-0835, or Frankie Stapleton at 965-8945.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Politics | Tagged: Hawaii Democratic Party Endorsement | Leave a comment »
Big Island School Visited by Paralympic Alpine Skier Josh Dueck
On Monday, February 8, Parker students in grades 4 and 5 were treated to a visit and presentation by famed Canadian Paralympic alpine skier Josh Dueck.
Parker students in grades 4 and 5 were treated to a visit and presentation by famed Canadian Paralympic alpine skier Josh Dueck on February 8.
Paralyzed from the waist down from a ski accident in 2004 at the age of 23, Josh shared his personal story of perseverance and overcoming adversity with students. Dueck fought hard to get back on the slopes and did so in a big way winning a gold medal in men's super-combined and a silver in sitting downhill at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. In addition, he won gold in mono skier X at the 2011 X Games, bronze at the 2012 X Games and multiple other top honors, including the title of the world's first sit-skier to complete a back flip.
Students were enthralled during his presentation which ended with a dynamic question and answer session. "Josh was such an inspiration to our 4th and 5th graders – they were amazed and truly engaged in learning about his life journey and the lessons learned through his experiences," says Heather Emmons, Parker School grade 4 teacher. "He spoke to our 9 and 10 year olds in a way that captured their attention and, like a teacher, taught students very important life lessons to be remembered." Dueck personally signed a photo for each student.
Retired from skiing in 2014, today Dueck travels the world as a public and motivational speaker and has been on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as featured in a documentary called Freedom Chair. Learn more about Josh Dueck at www.joshdueck.com.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Education, Hawaii, Kids, Sports | Tagged: Josh Dueck | Leave a comment »
New Waipi'o Kalo Festival Receives OHA Support
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded a $5,000 'Ahahui Grant to support the Waipi'o Kalo Festival being organized by the community-based Hā Ola O Waipi'o organization.
The inaugural event, planned for Saturday, June 4, 2016, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will honor Waipi'o, the multi-generational kalo farmers, musicians, cultural practitioners, families with genealogical ties, and those who perpetuate Hawaiian culture in the Valley. The event is free and open to all, offering numerous opportunities to learn about kalo, plus lei-making, lau hala and lau niu (coconut frond) weaving demonstrations, a Kalo Cookoff, wonderful entertainment, great food and a Taro Team Relay.
Through moʻolelo (stories), lessons and information, participants may come to understand how sacred and important Waipiʻo Valley and taro farming are within Hawaiian culture and history. The Festival is designed to encourage people of all ages to reconnect with the ʻāina, feel empowered to grow their own kalo and provide healthy food for their ʻohana.
In addition, Festival presenters will teach about different varieties of kalo and their nutritional value and health benefits, various farming styles, and how to kuʻi kalo (pound kalo). Other information booths will teach about healthy soil agro-forestry, the importance of water, and the history of Waipiʻo and the Hāmākua district.
Friends of the Future serves as the fiscal sponsor for projects of Hā Ola O Waipio Valley. Founded in 1991, Friends of the Future's mission is to facilitate a vision of lokahi among the diverse peoples of Hawaiʻi, encouraging each person to contribute their deepest values, to create shared visions, and to continuously improve our communities.
For more information about the Kalo Festival, email [email protected] or follow Hā Ola on Facebook.
Filed under: Agriculture, aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Something New? | Tagged: Taro Festival, Waipi'o Kalo Festival, Waipi'o Taro Festival, Waipio Valley | Leave a comment »
Confirmed Dengue Fever Cases on the Big Island of Hawaii Rises to 259
The Dengue Fever outbreak on the Big Island continues and the total confirmed amount of cases rose by 1 more since the last update bringing the total amount of confirmed cases to 259:
As of February 19, 2016*:
Since the last update, HDOH has identified 1 new case of dengue fever. Currently, as many as 2 of the confirmed cases to date are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious.
Potentially infectious individuals
2 Illness onset 2/9/16 – 2/13/2016
Cases no longer infectious
257 Illness onset 9/11/15 to 2/8/16
Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL)
Of the confirmed cases, 234 are Hawaii Island residents and 25 are visitors.
213 cases have been adults; 46 have been children (<18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 2/13/16.
As of today, a total of 1262 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Hawaii, Health, Security, State Affairs, Tourism, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Big Island Dengue Fever Outbreak, Dengue Fever in Hawaii | Leave a comment »
Updated Map Pinpoints Confirmed Cases of Dengue Fever on the Big Island of Hawaii
Below is a map that depicts case locations as of 2/18/16:
Surveying and spraying is being conducted at the residences of all suspect and confirmed cases, in addition to proactive spraying at nearby public facilities.
This map should not be used to exclude any areas of the island from proactive mosquito control measures. All residents islandwide are encouraged to Fight The Bite by reducing mosquito breeding grounds and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Hawaii, Health, National Affairs, Security, State Affairs, Tourism, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Big Island Dengue Fever Outbreak, Dengue Fever in Hawaii, Dengue Fever Map | Leave a comment »


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Graeme Souness makes Leeds United quip amid praise for Marcelo Bielsa's squad in Covid battle
Where Leeds United are tipped to finish in 21/22 EPL table compared to Newcastle United, Burnley, and Everton
Former Bradford City winger helping youngsters graduate on unique path to top of the game
At a time when youth development in football is constantly being scrutinised a unique programme in West Yorkshire is taking a different slant on producing tomorrow's professionals.
Former Bradford City footballer Mark Elli: Launched RIASA at Leeds Beckett University.
The Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA), founded in 2010, is based at Leeds Beckett University's Headingley campus.
It offers international students aged between 18 and 22 the chance to combine studies with playing football across an intense, four-year course.
At the end of it they come out with a degree that is recognised both here and in the US.
The set-up is impressive with all the performance-analysing gadgets and gym technology that you would expect to see on offer at a full-time club.
Add in the fact that a clutch of former professional footballers are on board, including ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers' captain Rob Jones, and RIASA feels like a professional academy set-up in everything but name.
"I've always said that no League One or League Two club can match us," said founder Mark Ellis, former Bradford City and Halifax Town winger.
"We've got fitness coaches, nutritional advisers and a strength and conditioning coach. There's everything you could ask for.
Former Bradford City footballer Mark Ellis, launched the RIASA - Richmond International Academic Soccer Academy, based locally working from Leeds Beckett University. This unique academic/football programme, offering international students the opportunity to play football across the country and abroad whilst studying for a dual American/UK accredited business degree. Pictured with students Paul Ramsey, left, and Zane Provenzano. (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
"But we're an academic and soccer programme, first and foremost, and not an academy.
"These lads can pick up their coaching badges and the UEFA B licence and they are going back home with a fantastic resume.
"Even if they can't play football they can end up becoming referees, agents or coaches and still being involved with sport."
This point cannot be stressed enough by Ellis, who is keen to ensure that RIASA is not seen as an alternative to progressing through the ranks of a proper football club.
Graduate - fromer Huddersfield Town player Nahki Wells. (Picture: Tony Johnson)
Despite this the programme has produced players who have gone on to make it in the paid ranks – its most high-profile graduate being Nahki Wells.
Upon completion of the course in its first year, Wells went on to represent Bradford City and Huddersfield Town and is on loan at QPR from Premier League Burnley.
"If he was sat here now I think Nahki would probably say it was the best thing he ever did coming here," said Ellis. "You could see straight away he was so hungry and so talented."
Ellis, 56, enjoyed 10 years at Valley Parade and made over 200 appearances, playing his part as the Bantams were promoted out of Division Four in 1982 and then won the Third Division in 1985.
He saw his career cruelly curtailed by injury and, after a considerable time spent coaching and networking, he came up with the concept of RIASA.
He said: "I had a series of meetings with Richmond University, an American University in London, through my contacts.
"After a series of meetings they said, 'if you get 16 students signed up then we'll run a programme up in Leeds'.
"We had 23 students to start with and nowadays we're up to 97 – it has just built year upon year.
"When parents come from America or wherever they look at the fantastic surroundings and straight away they are impressed by what they see.
"It's a unique and brilliant concept. My biggest regret is that I didn't have an education when I was in football.
"I was only young when I got injured, about 26. I carried on struggling until I was 30 and then when I came out I was a bit of a lost sheep.
"So when I see the chance these lads have got I'm actually quite envious of them."
As well as being drilled by former professionals, the students also get to pit their wits against established academy sides, including Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford, and regularly take part in tours.
Although the vast majority of the class are American there are over 20 nationalities represented.
It is not uncommon for the odd player to be scouted by league clubs as was the case recently.
In such instances Ellis says RIASA would never stand in a player's way, but would want them to consider all options before taking such a big decision.
"We'd work with that student to make sure it was right for them," he said. "It's happened before when they have put their degree on hold.
"We would advise the student, but we'd never stop them (from taking up the offer)."
Ellis knows all about perseverance as evidenced in his desire to make RIASA succeed.
He sets standards high and believes the set-up that he has helped mould is one that professional teams would do well to follow.
"I've been around the world twice to get this," he added. "The boys have to behave properly because they are representing a top uni in London and so we like to have them well-dressed and also have a no-swearing policy.
"I'm proud of the lads for how they behave, regardless of whether they win or lose.
"I think a lot of teams could learn from us."


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Debunking Cable Myths
Categories: FAQ
Tags: switch, splitter, speaker, hdmi, fiber optic, ethernet
Cables are a specialized market where it can be difficult for new or unfamiliar users to separate fact from fiction. Between urban legends on the Internet and all the different options out there, there is misinformation that many people think is true. To clear up these misconceptions and ensure users can make educated purchases, this article will address a few of the fictions that people commonly mistake for facts.
Only Expensive HDMI Cables are 4k – False
Once upon a time, this was true. HDMI has changed over the years as the technology has been upgraded. HDMI cables supporting 4k video became standard back in late 2013. Any HDMI cable on the market today should be more than capable of handling 4k video. If you need a cable with a stronger jacket, then there are better options than a basic cable. But as far as getting a 4k signal goes, a basic HDMI cable will run just as well as an elite one.
Different Color Ethernet Cables Work Differently – False
Ethernet cables can come in any color. Most manufacturers go with simple dark colors like black or blue but some devices like modems might come with a y
Ethernet Hubs vs. Switches: What is the Difference?
Categories: Ethernet, switch
Tags: switch, hub, ethernet
"Hub" and "switch" are two terms that get thrown around a lot, oftentimes interchangeably. But while these two devices are similar, they are not quite the same. In a nutshell, switches are an upgrade to hubs. Both are used to connect multiple computers or other devices together in a network. The difference lies with how a hub or switch handles communications between devices on that network.
Ethernet Hubs
Hubs are an older technology that some electronics manufacturer do not even make anymore. They are less costly than switches, but also less effective. A hub is an "unintelligent" or "dumb" electronic. It does not have any components guiding the electrical signals to specific ports. Once a signal is received in one port, it comes out of all the other ports. This sends the data to any and all computers or other electronics connected to the hub. It is up to those electronics to decide whether to do anything upon receiving that data.
Any signal passing through a hub is sent out to the entire network.
While sending data this way works, it can create some issues. The main problem is bandwidth usage. With the hub constantly sending data to every machine connected to it, hubs use a lot of bandwidth compared to switches. The more devices that are connected, the more the network is flooded with all this data. This sheer amount of data will inevitably push the hub to its limits and start to slow down the Internet and other data transmissi
Ethernet Splitters vs. Network Switches
Categories: Splitter, Ethernet, switch
Tags: switch, splitter, ethernet
The term splitter gets thrown around pretty often when it comes to cables. The average splitter works by taking an input signal and dividing it into multiple output signals. For example, on a two-way splitter each output will have half the normal strength since the signal is divided by two. However, this is not how ethernet signals work.
Simply put, ethernet signals cannot be divided the way audio/video signals can. There are devices called ethernet splitters, but they work differently from other kinds of signal splitters. However, a different device called a network switch can be used with ethernet cables for the same effect.
Ethernet Splitters
Ethernet splitters allow users to run one cable instead of two through walls, floors, and ceilings. But in the rooms your equipment is in, users will still need two cables. To facilitate this, ethernet splitters must be used in pairs.
For example, say you have an Internet router in Room A and need to connect hard lines to a computer plus a printer in Room B. But each room only has one ethernet jack in the wall. You would take two cables coming out of the router and connect both to your first ethernet splitter. The other side of the splitter will connect to the wall jack in Room A. Then you do the same thing in Room B, connecting the computer and printer to the other splitter and then hooking that to the other wall jack.
While these great at doing the
Cable Switches
Categories: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, VGA, RCA, Coax, switch
Tags: vga, usb, switch, rca, network, hdmi, ethernet, coax
Cable switches are used to connect multiple signal inputs (computers, DVD players, video game consoles, etc.) to a single output (televisions, computer monitors, etc.). Switches all work on the same general principle and most are purely mechanical. A switch only goes from multiple inputs to one output; if you need to go from one input to multiple outputs, you will need a splitter instead.
Switches are used when you have a screen, such as a TV or computer monitor, that does not have enough ports. For example, say you have a TV with one HDMI port but you want to connect a DVD player, a laptop, and a video game console. One option would be to constantly reach behind the TV and switch the cables, but that gets old fast. The simpler solution would be using a switch that connects all three devices to the TV and lets you change between them at the push of a button.
Most switches are mechanical and do not require a power cable to work. The inside of a switch works similar to switching the rails on train tracks. Say you have a 2-way switch, so the signal can come in from Input A or Input B. If the switch is set to Input A and you press the button to change it to Input B, parts inside the switch move from A to B to change the connection. This is why switches can only use one input at a time. If a switch was built to use multiple signals at once, the signals would interfere with each other and none of them would work.


PBQA acts as an advocate for the lighting system during project construction to ensure that the full potential of the lighting design is realized in the finished environment. We monitor the system's installation, respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and perform the critical aim and focus of the fixtures prior to final turnover of the project. A post occupancy analysis is conducted to insure that the project's program has been achieved and to confirm client and user satisfaction with the lit environment.


When Kirk and I departed from that big "international" auctioneer, I had no hard feelings but was glad Millard Dove didn't have to witness the process. A few months changes everything. We just had the week of all weeks. Three auctions exploded and doubled the estimated values. Our dad always cautioned us to under promise and over deliver. I know he was up their smiling, and I can hear him say, "Mazel tov, kids." Kirk and I thank you all for your participation, support, and bidding activity. It is very much appreciated.


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› Featured › Defund the Police—Movement or Folly?
Defund the Police—Movement or Folly?
Web Admin 07/04/2020 Featured
By Frank Quinn
On May 14th the City Council published its report on Mayor de Blasio's FY21 Executive Budget, announcing that "the NYPD budget has increased a minimal .07 percent." On June 12th Council Speaker Corey Johnson joined seven other council members calling for a $1 billon cut to the NYPD budget. The eight members released a joint statement calling it "an unprecedented reduction that would not only limit the scope of the NYPD, but also show our commitment towards moving away from the failed policing policies of the past." During those 30 days New Yorkers experienced civil unrest, looting, and sadness initiated by the unjustifiable death of George Floyd. So as residents ponder the future of the city, how should they comprehend such a sudden and drastic reaction by elected officials?
PROTEST ON THE AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, June 19, 2020. Photo by Shona Quinn.
By the time this article is published the city will have adopted a budget, and as of this writing NYPD spokesperson Detective Denise Moroney would only say, "We will continue to work closely with City Hall during budget discussions." What follows are contrasting points of view on this important subject; an ongoing debate is expected.
Speaking on 710 WOR Radio, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly acknowledged the need for better screening of officers and improved contract provisions allowing swift termination for misconduct. But he was unequivocal in his response to the $1 billion reduction, saying it "made no sense," lacked any analysis, and would "punish" New York because a substantial reduction of police officers would negatively impact poor communities.
In contrast, the night before the council members' announcement, the Village Independent Democrats met to review their resolution supporting the $1 billion cut. President David Siffert spoke for the group saying, "At a time when our city's budget is stretched beyond its breaking point, it makes no sense to slash funding for education, youth employment, and other necessary services while keeping the NYPD budget intact. In the near-term, cutting $1B (or 17 percent of the NYPD budget) is necessary to preserve programs and services that invest in communities. In the longer-term, we must reimagine how best to accomplish the necessary tasks we assign to NYPD."
Tamara Lashchyk is an entrepreneur and the Republican candidate for New York State Assembly District 66. After a 26- year career on Wall Street she thinks about the city in context of how big organizations operate. She's not supportive of cutting the police budget, especially at a time when the city is experiencing civil unrest. And cutting any budget requires a plan, which should be part of the process of shifting funds toward investment in social programs in order to create reform. "Cutting the police budget should be a thoughtful, lucid decision based on proper analysis. And however reform is achieved you must empower the police. I think the NYPD has been disempowered by the de Blasio administration, and that's not constructive." She recalls the problems her family encountered at their East Village apartment during her childhood, and the evolution since that time when it was really unsafe. Although she feels the approach seemed too extreme at times, over her lifetime she witnessed the city become a desirable place to live. "There are politicians who look at the police budget in a vacuum and just bemoan how big it is, but police are a thin blue line between civilized society and chaos. Reducing the police force can lead to increased crime, particularly in lower income neighborhoods, so I don't support cutting the budget to satisfy the climate of the moment."
Reform is good, and change is necessary for anything to improve. The stakes are high, and it requires effort to understand the nuances and complexity of shifting resources away from police in favor of alternative solutions.
In a lengthy interview with the Washington Post, Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, describes the current debate over police funding as an evolving set of ideas and demands spurred by activists and movement leaders rather than coming from academic research. "People should be thinking about defunding the police as both a process and an outcome. The process is empowering local communities to come to the table with city council members to redefine what police do, which leads to an outcome, which is—they do less of what they've been doing." He notes there are many reform-minded police chiefs who agree that police do too much. But citing the bureaucracy of unionized police organizations, he insists reform must come from legislative bodies that govern police agencies. Asking the police to reform themselves "is as unhelpful as asking fossil fuel industry leaders to solve the climate change crisis."
Eliza Orlins, a veteran New York City public defender and current candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, describes the challenge of working in a system that criminalizes substance use disorder and conditions of poverty. She believes the criminal legal system should focus on perpetrators of real harm and not petty crimes, thereby removing productive citizens from society. "As a public defender for over a decade I've seen too many instances where a client of mine was in the throes of a serious mental health crisis, and having an armed police officer show up escalates the situation. The police should not be performing functions that are never improved by someone who shows up carrying a gun. We over-rely on law enforcement and turn to police in situations where their involvement is not only unnecessary but actually makes things worse. Mental health and social work functions should be left to people who are professionals in those fields."
How should New York reform the process of determining if police are needed or different responders are preferable? Investing in communities is imperative, but what's the plan for shifting $1 billion dollars away from the NYPD and the analysis to support it? It's reasonable to feel that the collective response from government and community leaders is that they're not sure how to do this, because they're still working on the plan, and they'll get back to us with the analysis. The public is demanding it happen faster!
Frank Quinn is a media executive, parent, and musician. Linkedin.com/in/frankjquinn
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Danks goes distance as White Sox beat Royals, 12-1
KANSAS CITY – John Danks threw a seven-hitter and Adam Eaton matched his career high with four hits, including a three-run homer, as the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 12-1 Friday night.
Alexei Ramirez also had four hits — tying his career high — drove in two runs and scored three times. Tyler Flowers also hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning.
Eaton went back-to-back with Jose Abreu, his 25th, in a five-run eighth off Jeremy Guthrie.
Danks (7-12), who snapped a personal four-game losing streak, owns a 10-2 record in 21 career starts against the Royals. Three of his seven victories this season are over the AL Central-leading Royals.
After scoring 27 runs and notching 34 hits in crushing Detroit the previous two games, the Royals managed just seven hits off Danks.
The White Sox scored three runs in the first off Kris Medlen (3-1), with Ramirez contributing a two-run single. Avisail Garcia singled home Jose Abreu with the first run of the inning.
Medlen, who had allowed just six runs and nine hits over 111/3 innings in his first two starts, was roughed up for seven runs on 11 hits in 52/3 innings.
The Royals avoided a shutout when Kendrys Morales' sacrifice fly in the ninth scored Alcides Escobar.
Royals: 3B Mike Moustakas (hamstring strain) was out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game. . RHP Kelvin Herrera and OF Alex Rios worked out in the morning at Kauffman Stadium for the first time since contracting chickenpox. They left before the rest of the team arrived.
White Sox: LHP Jose Quintana has a 5.63 ERA in four no-decisions against the Royals this season.
Royals: LHP Danny Duffy is 5-2 with a 3.08 ERA in his past 11 starts after going 2-4 with a 5.44 ERA in his first 10 starts.
© 2023 www.news-leader.com. All rights reserved.


Over the years cricket has not handled throwing well. Thankfully that seems to be changing, if slowly.
Throwing has been the most emotional topic the game has known. Considering the fury of the argument, it might be imagined that batting was in peril and practitioners were constantly taking blows from some demonic chucker. In fact, batting has got progressively easier and therein lies the true scandal. Anyone following the saga about supposedly illegal actions could be forgiven for thinking that throwers have been running amok for years and are spreading faster than bad grammar. They could easily conclude that offenders perpetrate some terrible evil that needs urgent exorcism. In fact, most of them are gentle spinners seeking extra purchase on hard decks; they have never bruised a batsman, merely a few fragile egos.
In the history of the game it is impossible to think of anyone complaining about batting excesses. Yet the willow-wielders have dressed themselves in suits of armour, insisted that the pitches be rolled till all life has left them, changed the no-ball and lbw rules to suit themselves, turned bats into weapons of assault, demanded changes in field-placement rules, complained about intimidation, whined endlessly about imperfect light, and generally conned the game into making their lives easier. Meanwhile bowlers have been accused of ball-tampering, bodyline, appealing, slowing down over-rates, sending down bent-armers, and all manner of other infractions. The wonder is not that an occasional ball is thrown. The wonder is that bowlers did not toss in the towel decades ago.
Edwin (Ted) James Tyler from Somerset County Cricket by F.S. Ashley-Cooper.
Bowling actions have always provoked a disproportionate amount of attention and abuse. Batsmen used to enjoy facing under-armers, and grizzled horribly when confronted with round-armers. Not long afterwards, the round-armers raised their hands to the vertical and again the batsmen bleated. Great heaven above, they might get out. Or hurt.
Batting has belonged to the blue bloods and bowling was an activity pursued by the hoi polloi. Naturally, the bowling changed as pitches improved. No longer able to rely on bumpy surfaces, bowlers grasped the need to develop pace, bounce, curve and spin. It was an attempt to even up the odds. Throwing has been the leather-flingers' solitary excess.
Everything else was objective but the throwing law was open to interpretation. For once, too, prejudice was on their side. To call a man for chucking was to accuse him of cheating, a bigger step than most umpires were prepared to consider.
Truth to tell, cricket has never handled throwing well. Not that it has cropped up all that often. By and large bowlers have tried to remain within the laws. But it is human nature to stretch a law as far as it will go, especially when it appears to be the only chance of taking wickets. Despite all the palaver, though, hardly any bowlers have been condemned.
Cricket has experienced three periods of throwing, 50 years apart. At the start of the last century it was widely felt that matters were getting out of hand. Edwin Tyler, Somerset's left-arm spinner, had an action like a shot-putter but went unchecked for years, and he was not alone. Finally the county captains met at Lord's and agreed to eliminate the chuckers. Even then they could not find a local umpire prepared to act against his fellow professionals. Accordingly, they relied on Jim Phillips, an abrasive Australian (which might be a tautology), to do the dirty work. Phillips duly called the illegals and the matter settled down for another 50 years.
Not until the 1950s did throwing return to the headlines. Again the umpires ducked the issue and it was left to high officials to take action. After all, it had become an international problem. This time the Australians were the main culprits. Ian Johnson had been appointed captain of his country, yet his action was notably jerky. Jimmy Burke, another offspinner, was also regarded as dubious. No one had the stomach to condemn such good blokes. It had been easier when the suspects were aborigine fast bowlers.
Officials decided to intervene for the good of the game, and the message went out. Concerted action was needed. Otherwise a hue and cry was inevitable. Sir Don Bradman led the campaign. Several pace bowlers and spinners were called in Test matches. Thereafter it was up to umpires and coaches further down the scale to deal with the problem.
Another 50 or so years passed before the issue rose again. Although a few whispers were heard in the interim, the problem was never out of hand. In 18 years of county cricket playing against almost every great bowler of the era, I cannot recall facing more than a handful of doubtful deliveries. No one had an objectionable basic action. A few bowlers did chuck their faster ball, but cricket has never been able to deal with that. Not until the discovery of the doosra has a specific delivery been called into question. Yet batsmen are more worried about occasional throws because they cannot detect them.
Now throwing has again become a hot topic. Everyone blames the ICC – a fashionable but lazy position. Part of the reason cricket had handled the issue badly was that it was too big. After he was called in Brisbane, Ian Meckiff never bowled another over in Test cricket. His career was over. It was black and white. A bowler was either a chucker or not.
Of course it is never as simple as that. Apart from anything else, an action can change. Also, cricket cannot ignore science. Photographic evidence demonstrated that every elbow straightened somewhat at delivery; it was all a matter of degree. Obviously the law had to be rewritten, not least to placate the lawyers. Studies revealed that anything under 15 per cent of straightening was hard to detect and also unimportant, so the law was amended accordingly.
Also, a system of rehabilitation was put in place. Now attention may be drawn to a particular action without the bowler fearing for his career. Remedial action can be arranged. Of course, it is not perfect. Fast bowlers can still go wide of the crease to send down open-chested inswingers without worrying about the umpires. Shoaib Akhtar did so against Australia in a Test match played in Colombo. In his early days Brett Lee was the same, but he acknowledged and corrected the flaw.
Thankfully some of the sting has been taken out of the throwing. Slowly cricket is learning to deal calmly and constructively with supposed offenders. A few mild spinners have been withdrawn and sent for remedial work. A more famous tweaker has twice put his arm in a brace and sent down every delivery in his repertoire with television cameras rolling. In the old days Murali would have been hounded from the game. Now he is given the respect he deserves.
Contrary to predictions, cricket has not been overtaken by a plague of throwers. Borderline actions are merely one of the game's many challenges, and it is getting better at sorting it out. Spin had to find a way to survive heavy bats and flat pitches. Fast bowlers have developed reverse swing. But batsmen are still scoring lots of runs. And so the battle between bat and ball goes along – hard, sometimes unscrupulous, often fascinating.


Parochial and popular - recipe for success?
Sarah Hartley from the Manchester Evening News left a nice comment on my post about parking stories.
We've had exactly the same experience this week with a story about police parking.
More of a universal than parochial issue perhaps!
Now, local newsapaper editors in particular no all too well that this is the kind of content that is 'bread and butter' for local coverage. But its always worth reminding people (and i count myself in this) that in the shiny world of digital the best stuff is often the closest and the most familiar.
It's something I'm trying to find interesting ways of getting across to the students as the term local story fills them with dread. For them, in the words of the song – "nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all".
So I thought about other areas that fit that bill. These aren't necessarily magnets for multimedia – although it seems that they do lend themselves well to maps. But they are stories that generate a lot of interest.
Parking – The MEN story woks well here. But there is obviously a wealth of info out there. Croydon council will let you report a parking violation using a map via their website – great info if you could get it.
Traffic – parking may be tricky but spare a though for those trying to get moving. My local paper (at work anyway) the LEP loves traffic chaos, rant lines, roadworks and speed cameras. It's all good stuff.
Graffiti – have you seen graffiti? – in the US people sites like Bakersfield.com want to know. Their interactive graffiti map is great.
**Litter **– Sites like the Halifax Courier naming their Top Ten Grot spots , and the myriad of letters to the editor prove a big draw.
Potholes – It was the must have map of last year but it's still a popular story. When they aren't reporting graffiti, the residents of Bakersfield can report potholes. In the UK the Daventry Express uses Google maps to do the same (embed it in the site please.)Like the parking problem, others are on the case. Potholes.co.uk and fillthathole are two good example.
I can think of a few more but does anyone want suggest any more or better still suggest stories from their own publications that have got the comments rolling in?


Amazon.com(WASHINGTON) -- Products that mimic the effects of marijuana and have potentially dangerous side effects are being sold via popular online shopping web sites like Amazon.com, and at suburban malls, convenience stores, and gas stations.
High school students and members of the military use "legal marijuana" or "herbal incense," marketed as K2, Spice, and Potpourri, to get high because the products are legal, easily available, and do not show up on drug tests.
They can also be inexpensive. "Purple Diesel Spice - Twisted Pourri," packaged with a bright purple label, sells for just $7.99 per gram via Amazon. An ABC News investigation found these products available online and at stores for anywhere from $15 to $85. Amazon.com did not respond to requests for comment.
The innocuous sounding names belie the ugly and sometimes devastating side effects, according to Missouri Poison Control Center Director Anthony Scalzo. Scalzo said the side effects include heart rate stimulation to exaggerated levels, extreme blood pressure elevation, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. "Beyond the acute effects [there] are psychiatric effects that have led individuals to harm themselves, sometimes fatally, and exhibit extreme paranoia and delusions not unlike schizophrenia or other psychoses," said Scalzo.
The products have spurred more than 4,000 calls to poison control centers around the country since 2010 and have been linked to deaths. The parents of 18-year-old David Rozga of Indianola, Iowa say their son committed suicide after he smoked K2 and became overwhelmed with anxiety.
"He just continued to become agitated -- indicating that he felt like he was in hell," said David's father Mike Rozga. Detective Sergeant Brian Sher, who investigated Rozga's death for the Indianola Police Department, is adamant that smoking K2 is the only thing that could have triggered the suicide. "I want people to know that," said Sher. "There are nay-sayers, but I can say definitively there's just nothing in the investigation to show that. Given what we know about K2 and Spice, David's anxiety, his feeling like he was in hell, has happened in many other cases."
The business is truly multinational, but the "spice" road begins in China. ABC News tracked the trail of the chemicals back to laboratories outside Shanghai. An ABC News producer in Shanghai went undercover to meet with two factory representatives from Sciencya Laboratories at a park outside a downtown hotel, and was offered large quantities of the legal chemicals at $5800 a kilo with a speedy delivery time for her convenience.
"She said I should order about 10 kilos and arrival could happen through air mail in 4-7 days. And then she asked me to put them in my bag and not let people see them," said producer Rebecca Kanthor. The woman representing SciencYa also gave Kanthor samples of the chemicals.
Once manufacturers in the United States have bought the chemicals in bulk, mostly from China, they apply the chemicals to plant matter to create "spice" and other variants of "legal marijuana" or "herbal incense," then distribute their products either to wholesalers, directly to convenience stores, or to individuals who buy them on the internet.
ABC News found a wholesale operation in Denver that supplies a variety of products of all kinds to mom and pop shops in the area. An ABC News producer wearing a hidden camera recorded video of boxes of spice products in the back of the warehouse sold at bulk prices. A representative of the warehouse said his company is in the process of phasing out spice products and that it only sells products with legal chemicals in them.
Christopher Van Winkle, who went to state prison in 2006 for manufacturing and delivering marijuana, makes and markets his own brand of herbal incense, "Magnum," and sells it on his website, TheChemicalBay.com. He runs his operation out of apartment complex in a residential part of Bloomington, Illinois. Van Winkle did not respond to an ABC News request for comment.
Van Winkle, like most other herbal incense manufacturers, labels his products as "not for human consumption," which exempts them from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.
The laboratories in China also use language to avoid such regulation. The web site for a Shanghai pharmaceutical company, Chemchallenger, states "All products on this web site are only for research!" SciencYa Laboratories also says it sells only chemicals that have not been banned by U.S. law.
In March, the Drug Enforcement Administration imposed an emergency ban on five of chemicals that have shown up in some products, but there are hundreds more, and chemists can easily and quickly change the formula to escape a ban.
The chemicals are also manufactured in laboratories in Russia, India, and even Cameroon, making it difficult for the Drug Enforcement Agency to cut them off at the source.
"The web site may be located in one particular country or somewhere within the United States, but the actual product is being manufactured someplace else through an intermediary," said DEA Special Agent Gary Boggs.
"You really don't know exactly what the source of these products are," Boggs said, adding that there is no way to tell if there is any quality control at the labs.
"You don't know what conditions they were manufactured under. You don't know what kind of training the individuals had that are manufacturing these particular products."
Boggs said that greed is the driving force behind the making of these dangerous chemicals.
"Despite the fact that these products cause harm, many of these businesses are distributing these products solely for the profit that they can generate," he said.
ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- Arguing that the government has no "right to regulate euphoria," a coalition of retail stores is fighting federal efforts to ban the sale of products that mimic the effects of marijuana, including K2, Spice, and Potpourri.
The products have become widely known to high school students and members of the military as "legal marijuana" that do not show up on drug tests and are sold at malls, convenience stores, and gas stations for between $15 and $85.
"I'd like to ask the government, what is wrong with euphoria and who gave them the right to regulate it," said Dan Francis, executive director of The Retail Compliance Association, a trade group that represents retail stores selling the chemical concoctions.
In an interview to be broadcast on ABC's 20/20 Friday, Francis says the K2 and Spice products "are much less dangerous than, let's say, peanuts" and other foods that can trigger allergic reactions.
Francis says the chemicals make users feel as good as "when you bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and you have that sensation of, 'Man, that's good.'" Francis did not concede that retailers were selling the products to be ingested, and said the euphoria may result from being in the room where the products are being burned.
But federal law enforcement officials and many doctors say the products -- using chemicals manufactured mostly in China and sprayed on incense and dried leaves that can be smoked -- are much more powerful than actual marijuana and can produce dangerous side effects.
"K2 and Spice are tremendously, tremendously psychoactive drugs," said Dr. M. David Lewis, the medical director of the Visions Adolescent Treatment Center in Malibu, California, one of many drug treatment centers that report being flooded by teens addicted to the so-called "legal marijuana."
"If you take a developing brain and you put a tremendously psychoactive substance in the middle of that, that developing brain, what you really have is a chemistry experiment," Dr. Lewis told 20/20.
In March, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, introduced legislation to ban the chemicals commonly used in producing the products.
"People are buying this drug so easily at the local mall or online that they think it's safe," said Grassley. "People, including a young Iowan, have died or been seriously injured because of this product."
Grassley's legislation is named for 18-year old David Rozga of Indianola, Iowa. Rozga's parents say he took his own life after smoking K2 purchased at a suburban shopping mall.
"They don't care who they hurt or what they do," said Rozga's father Mike in urging Congress to ban the chemicals.
The retail stores trade group says a ban would send the trade "underground" and is unnecessary since most stores will not sell to anyone under the age of 18.
"Teenagers don't belong touching this stuff," said the group's executive director Dan Francis.
Yet, as part of the 20/20 investigative report, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old wearing undercover cameras in New York and Los Angeles were easily able to buy K2 and Spice at retail stores.
The clerk of one store along Venice Beach in Los Angeles admitted he had not asked for any valid ID and conceded it was wrong for him to sell to a 16-year-old boy.
Asked about the possible consequences, the clerk told ABC News, "nothing good."


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text:
Q: Java Float value round off I have tried a simple java program to round off the Float value
float value = 0.525f;
System.out.println(Math.round(value * 100.0d) / 100.0f)

Getting Output is - 0.52
But expected is - 0.53
When I debug the value of float value variable it is showing me 0.5249999761581421 something like. I think because of only this reason it is not rounding correctly.
Please help me if anyone knows how to round the float value up to two decimal places.

A: When converting 0.525f into a double (which implicitely happens in your calculation), 0.5249999761581421 is the nearest double representation. This number will then get rounded down.
Another issue is that your expression always rounds down (as you just cut off all but the first two decimal places).
Java has built-in support for rounding numbers in the BigDecimal class.
For rounding such a number, use:
String s = String.valueOf(0.525f); // results in "0.525"
BigDecimal rounded = new BigDecimal(s).setScale(2, RoundingMode.HALF_UP);
System.out.println(rounded);

which results in 0.53.
Also note that are different ways of rounding numbers (see Javadoc for RoundingMode).


Though Belle Starr may of been an outlaw, and not the exact role model one may be looking towards for moral aspects, she believed in herself. She had the role of a woman who grasped strength, independence, responsibility, determination, etc. Belle Starr showed women to today that we can get what we want if we use our words, persuasion, and education as our weapons instead of rifles. One may not look up to her because she broke the law and failed to be a womanly idol, but that's why one should look up to her! Belle Starr was brave enough to try something different, to create a different area of occupation for a woman's world.