How Would Your Life Be If You Didn't Have Debt?
Today's Ask the Readers post will be multiple questions. Comment with your answers below. You can answer just one question or all eight of them. Enjoy!
What would you do if you didn't have debt?
In July of this year, I completed my goal to get rid of my $40,000 student loan debt. It felt amazing. However, we still have a mortgage.
If we didn't have a mortgage payment each month, we would be freeing up around $1,000 each month and we could put that towards something else.
If we didn't have the mortgage, I imagine that we would be putting a lot more towards retirement. Not too exciting, I know.
However, if our case was different and we still had student loans as well, I probably wouldn't have left my day job to work full-time on my business.
Something that I am asked often is if we are starting to attack our mortgage.
We are not attacking our mortgage because we know that we don't want to live in our current home forever. Also, up until earlier this year, we were actually actively looking for a new home.
I do think that the case would be different if we were in our forever home. I would want to attack the mortgage and get rid of it immediately.
If I could pick up all of my friends and family, I would bring everyone to Hawaii. I would want to live somewhere with great weather and a beach nearby. I also want to be near the ones that I love though!
What would you do in life if you know for a fact that you would succeed?
I feel like I'm already doing what I want to do. My business allows me to pursue my passions outside of work, and the work is something that I enjoy doing. I don't ever dread the next morning. Instead, I really look forward to it.
If you were to travel for 2 months, could you bring just a carry-on suitcase?
This is something that I really want to be able to do for when we go on our long trip. This way I won't have as much to lug around, and I also don't have to worry about luggage getting lost. Then, I could also buy a bag to check wherever I go to bring all the awesome stuff that I buy back home.
What is your largest personal finance mistake?
Hmmm… My largest personal finance mistake would be that I took out way too much in student loans. Yes, they are gone now, but I took out extra just because I could. I can only imagine how much less that I probably would have had if I didn't take thousands extra out.
What's the last GREAT deal that you received?
We recently had carpet installed in our living room for around $500. Super cheap if you ask me. It was supposed to be about double but they didn't charge us to lay the tack strip down. We also waited a long time after they gave us a quote. We didn't do that on purpose, we were just super busy. I guess they thought we weren't interested though. They kept calling us until they were at their lowest offer!
What's your best tip to work and travel at the same time?
I made a post on this the other day, and I would love tips from everyone else! Read My Plan To Work and Travel on Diversified Finances.
We are attacking our mortgage as fast as we can. We even looked at doing a refi but we are paying so quickly we would not recoup the savings. Our goal is to pay off our home so that when we move in around 5 years we can keep this house and use it as a rental. We love real estate and want to purse that debt free.
I play this game all the time – probably a little too frequently. I think of the chunk ( over $1000) that could be used in so many other ways rather than debt. But like you I would save for retirement mostly… Or perhaps pay down the mortgage.
As for a tip to travel and work at the same time: piggyback your vacation with work trips to conferences. I needed up with a week in Europe after a weeklong conference there. Ended up being able to extend my flight and work paid – just needed accommodations (hostels back then) and my money for attractions/food. The ticket was $1200, so it saved a bit chunk of cost for me.
I used to do that all the time when I had my day job. I would extend the trip and it was always much cheaper!
We are paying down our mortgage like crazy- like commenter Allison, we want to pay it off and then use it as a rental when we are done living in it.
We thought about doing something similar, but our current house wouldn't be a good rental home we don't think.
I'm a fan of eliminating the mortgage debt too, for exactly the reasons you list. We will be so flexible in another 18 months once that's paid off! Obviously it doesn't make financial sense in a bull market, but there are a lot of factors in our decision to go that route.
Yes, I want the flexibility eventually when we find our forever home.
Mortgage is non existant for us. We paid straight cash homey for our house.
We would move to either Ireland (this is most likely going to happen since I am a citizen there) or Austria (slightly less likely, but still possible). We want our child(ren) to experience different ways of life besides the American one, so we are going to move somewhere for a few years.
That is awesome Brian! I would love to buy a house in cash.
And thanks for the tips about working and traveling. Definitely needed advice!
We're not really attacking our mortgage as we don't believe we're going to be in this house forever, although having that extra $1,000 or so each month to throw at retirement would be awfully nice. 🙂 In terms of the carry on if I were traveling for two months, I could totally do it.
Haha I feel like a crazy person to try to fit everything into one suitcase!
If all the debt was gone then I would be self-employed full time. The debt including the mortgage is by far where most of the money goes. We don't live a super high cost lifestyle and enjoy long bike rides–not expensive. I would pay off the mortgage and working to getting it paid off once the student loans are gone. So hopefully everything knocked out in less than 5 years.
When I work/travel, I usually get up at 6:00 a.m. and work for a few hours before everyone gets up. I've done that in Mexico, the D.R., etc. People think I'm crazy but I would rather get my work over with and enjoy the day.
Yeah, I like to do the same!
Nice work on the living room carpet! You bring up a very interesting point about not wanting to be aggressive with the mortgage because you are considering moving. I had not considered that angle! Best of luck in your new home search.
My life would be a lot easier for sure. I would love to be debt free but its something that I hope to be sooner than later.
If I didn't have any debt I would take a 6 month trip to Europe.
If I didn't have debt, I don't know what I would do. Debt has changed my life for the better, so I don't really want to think like that.
We won't be killing our current mortgage, but will the next one.
My wife and I love the mountains. We would probably take everyone to the Rockies.
I am already doing what I love, so I am good there.
Yes, I can bring it all in on suitcase if I were traveling.
My largest personal finance mistake(s) were credit card debt, buying a Jetski and leasing a car.
I can't think of the last great deal that I got.
I would be a personal one on one tutor. There isn't really a large enough market for it where I am.
No way. When I studied in Mexico for 6 weeks I took two checked bags and a carry on. I even forgot important stuff like pencils for my classes.
Taking out the maximum student loans for two semesters.
What's the last GREAT deal that you received?
When I went shopping this past week I saved $30 on Christmas gifts by using promotional store coupons. I also saved $23 and only spent $16 on 4 packages of diapers. That was my most recent great deal.
Haha I really doubt that I will only be able to bring a carry on, but it is something that I would like to try. Luckily everywhere that we are going will be very hot, so I won't need a lot of bulky clothing.
Good luck with taking just a carry on.
Haha thanks. I doubt it will happen.
What would you do if you didn't have debt?
This isn't a glamorous answer. We'd keep doing what we're doing now. We've been trying to avoid the lifestyle inflation that comes with being a young family and stacking back as much cash as we can. My wife and I both love what we're doing and are surrounded by good family and friends.
Nope. I actually stopped attacking our mortgage after reading some of your previous posts. As a minister I get some special tax breaks associated with our mortgage, so it is actually to our benefit to keep a low interest mortgage and put our extra funds into retirement savings. We did refinance into the lowest interest rate we could find and knocked 10 years off our mortgage to boot.
Right now, no. Our youngest is just too little. But in a few years….yes! I think it would be an incredible experience for our family to see how little it really takes to live. We are working towards doing this in a few years when the kids are older.
Thanks for the great questions to consider!
It must be an amazing feeling to already be doing what you want to do and to pursue your passions, plus not dreading waking up in the morning to do work! And at such a young age! Good for you! I do have a significant amount of student loan and will probably eventually take on a sizable mortgage since we live in NYC. Not sure when I'll be debt free. My student loans are on a 25 year payment plan…I haven't worried about it too much since they are very low interest.
Believe it or not, I've got very little debt. Just paying off the car and I'm done. However, I can't say the little debt has changed the way I live. Even if I had debt, I think I would do things pretty much the same. As far as the best tip to work and travel at the same time, invest in portable internet. I know most hotels offer internet, and you can get it in most restaurants too. However, that's not always reliable! Thanks for the great read!
Sounds like you are doing awesome Josh!
– No debt, I'd worry less, and enjoy life more. I'd travel too.
– I would pay off our mortgage, just to get rid of that pesky monthly payment.
– Yes I could. I'm a light packer! Husband and kid are the problem lol.
– Biggest finance mistake, buying a house too young, giving away a paid for vehicle, then leasing a new one. Ugh, stupid.
Wow your house sounds awesome. I didn't know that you had so much land!
Since I currently have around $50K in student loans, I'm pretty much always thinking about what I'd do without any debt holding me back. The first thing that comes to mind is traveling the world; I've never traveled outside the U.S. and I've always dreamed of exploring other countries and learning new languages. I really don't want to let my debt control my life, but it's really important to me that I become debt-free so I can fully enjoy my travels with little to no financial worry.
My student loan debt is far and away the biggest financial mistake I've made. I really didn't know what I was doing when I applied for all of those loans before and during college. Although I sometimes wish I never had any debt in the first place, I'm actually really grateful for my debt because of what it's taught me at an early age: I know how to create and stick to a successful budget, I know how to save (and spend) wisely, I know the value of saving early for retirement and I understand the importance of having an emergency fund. I can't wait to be rid of my debt but I also can't deny the valuable lessons I've learned by having it.
As for traveling for two months with only a carry-on…as much as I think "I could never do this", I know that I totally could. And I know how exhilarating and liberating it would be to travel with as little baggage, both physically and financially, as possible.
That is awesome that you learned something from having student loans. I definitely can say the same. If I didn't have them, I probably would have never started my business.
We are not attacking our mortgage for the same reasons you don't. We are hoping to be able to move within the next five years because we slowly outgrow our place. Plus, I would to be in a better school district by the time kids will start high school.
If I had no debt, I probably wouldn't be half as responsible and most likely wouldn't have much of a goal as I do now. But if I did, I would have probably been able to move years earlier. I don't have a a mortgage, but I have every intention of paying it off in less than 16 years. I really couldnt put up with it for 30 years!
I definitely don't want our forever home to have a mortgage for 30 years. I want to pay as much in cash as I can!
if we didn't have debt, we would have had $50,000 saved up already for our house down payment. however, i don't think we would have ever become as savvy with our finances or learned to live off less than we earn if it hadn't been for debt. we will never live to max every penny we earn now bc we know the importance of saving.
Yes, our debt has taught us a lot as well.
Right now I only think about life when we're non mortgage debt free and it will be glorious. Though a big chunk of the money we're putting towards debt will then go towards retirement it will be nice. Not starting to save for retirement until almost 35 means we have to make up for lost time. We'll have a few hundred extra per month to play with taht we'll allocate to travel/second vehicle.
Even just non-mortgage debt free is amazing!
If I didn't have to worry about my student loans, I would also be putting more toward retirement and saving for travel. We aren't ready for home ownership, otherwise I would say saving for a down payment. I have no idea where I'd want to live, there's so many choices! Ideally, I would love to travel and live in different places for a few years at a time.
Traveling and living in different places sounds great!
1. We'd be able to have more fun! I would have less guilt and stress about staying on budget and things would just be easier. We'd put a good chunk in savings and retirement, but would also allocate a decent amount to living a great life!
2. Our mortgage is pretty low, I don't think we would pay it off, but maybe!
3. Right now we have a dream to live in Oregon. If I can manage to leave my whole family behind in California. Yikes. It's a 3 year plan at this point.
4. Tough question. I don't know! I guess I would grow my blogs + design business, but I'm already working on that so I'm not sure what else I'd do!
5. I think I could do it! I would try at least. We went to Mexico for 10 days and brought one large suitcase between the both of us so I think we could simplify and each do a carry on.
6. My biggest financial mistake hands down was getting into debt at 18. My first CC limit was $6,000 and I didn't stop there. It wasn't that I didn't think I'd have to pay it back. I just didn't anticipate paying it back while also trying to pay for everything WHILE paying it back. I'm still working on that debt and it will be gone in 2014! And our timeshare. That was a more recent, stupid mistake that I knew we might make but we went to the presentation anyway.
7. Our last great deal must have been our house. We first noticed it when it was priced at $160k. As it went down, and down, and down over about 6 months it finally went down to $90k and we couldn't pass it up so we bought it.
8. My best tip to work and travel at the same time is to do a lot of pre-work. Get as much done as you can before the trip and schedule an hour or so in the morning or evening each day during the trip to get it done. Working by the pool, beach or in some other scenic area is a bonus!
That is awesome that you guys just brought one suitcase for a 10 day trip. I'm hoping we can do something similar!


text:
#pragma once

#include <string>
#include <utility>
#include <vector>

#include <boost/noncopyable.hpp>
#include <boost/property_tree/ptree.hpp>

#include <osquery/config.h>
#include <osquery/core.h>
#include <osquery/database.h>
#include <osquery/filesystem.h>

namespace pt = boost::property_tree;

namespace osquery {
/// Init function for tests and benchmarks.
void initTesting();

/// Cleanup/stop function for tests and benchmarks.
void cleanupTesting();

/// Any SQL-dependent tests should use kTestQuery for a pre-populated example.
const std::string kTestQuery = "SELECT * FROM test_table";

/// Tests can be run from within the source or build directory.
/// The test initializer will attempt to discovery the current working path.
extern std::string kTestDataPath;

/// Tests should limit intermediate input/output to a working directory.
/// Config data, logging results, and intermediate database/caching usage.
extern std::string kTestWorkingDirectory;

/// A fake directory tree should be used for filesystem iterator testing.
const std::string kFakeDirectoryName = "fstree";
extern std::string kFakeDirectory;

// Get an example generate config with one static source name to JSON content.
std::map<std::string, std::string> getTestConfigMap();

pt::ptree getExamplePacksConfig();
pt::ptree getUnrestrictedPack();
pt::ptree getPackWithDiscovery();
pt::ptree getPackWithValidDiscovery();
pt::ptree getPackWithFakeVersion();

ScheduledQuery getOsqueryScheduledQuery();

// getTestDBExpectedResults returns the results of kTestQuery of the table that
// initially gets returned from createTestDB()
QueryData getTestDBExpectedResults();

// Starting with the dataset returned by createTestDB(), getTestDBResultStream
// returns a vector of std::pair's where pair.first is the query that would
// need to be performed on the dataset to make the results be pair.second
std::vector<std::pair<std::string, QueryData> > getTestDBResultStream();

// getSerializedRow() return an std::pair where pair->first is a string which
// should serialize to pair->second. pair->second should deserialize
// to pair->first
std::pair<pt::ptree, Row> getSerializedRow();

// getSerializedQueryData() return an std::pair where pair->first is a string
// which should serialize to pair->second. pair->second should
// deserialize to pair->first
std::pair<pt::ptree, QueryData> getSerializedQueryData();
std::pair<std::string, QueryData> getSerializedQueryDataJSON();

// getSerializedDiffResults() return an std::pair where pair->first is a string
// which should serialize to pair->second. pair->second should
// deserialize to pair->first
std::pair<pt::ptree, DiffResults> getSerializedDiffResults();
std::pair<std::string, DiffResults> getSerializedDiffResultsJSON();

// getSerializedQueryLogItem() return an std::pair where pair->first
// is a string which should serialize to pair->second. pair->second
// should deserialize to pair->first
std::pair<pt::ptree, QueryLogItem> getSerializedQueryLogItem();
std::pair<std::string, QueryLogItem> getSerializedQueryLogItemJSON();

// generate content for a PEM-encoded certificate
std::string getCACertificateContent();

// generate the content that would be found in an /etc/hosts file
std::string getEtcHostsContent();

// generate the content that would be found in an /etc/protocols file
std::string getEtcProtocolsContent();

// generate the expected data that getEtcHostsContent() should parse into
QueryData getEtcHostsExpectedResults();

// generate the expected data that getEtcProtocolsContent() should parse into
QueryData getEtcProtocolsExpectedResults();

// the three items that you need to test osquery::splitString
struct SplitStringTestData {
  std::string test_string;
  std::string delim;
  std::vector<std::string> test_vector;
};

// generate a set of test data to test osquery::splitString
std::vector<SplitStringTestData> generateSplitStringTestData();

// generate a small directory structure for testing
void createMockFileStructure();
// remove the small directory structure used for testing
void tearDownMockFileStructure();

class TLSServerRunner : private boost::noncopyable {
 public:
  /// Create a singleton TLS server runner.
  static TLSServerRunner& instance() {
    static TLSServerRunner instance;
    return instance;
  }

  /// TCP port accessor.
  static const std::string& port() { return instance().port_; }
  /// Start the server if it hasn't started already.
  static void start();
  /// Stop the service when the process exits.
  static void stop();

 private:
  TLSServerRunner()
      : server_(0), port_(std::to_string(rand() % 10000 + 20000)){};
  TLSServerRunner(TLSServerRunner const&);
  void operator=(TLSServerRunner const&);
  virtual ~TLSServerRunner() { stop(); }

 private:
  pid_t server_;
  std::string port_;
};
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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text:
Home > Publications > All Articles > The Trump Phenomenon
Digging Down to the Root Cause of the Trump Phenomenon
Why is Donald Trump a serious contender for winning the 2016 United States presidential election, when to the fact-based observer his policies and temperament would be ruinous to the United States and the world? Using root cause analysis, this in depth article presents a rigorous analysis of the phenomenon, and concludes that it is realistically possible to solve "the Trump phenomenon" and to restore the health of democracy. Three sample solutions for doing this are presented.
November 3, 2016 ~ Jack Harich
Rigorous analysis has only recently come to political forecasting. Before Nate Silver pioneered the technique of weighting polls for accuracy, poll based predictions were only slightly more reliable than horoscopes. In the 2000 US presidential election, the consensus, based on published forecasting models, was that Al Gore would win by as much as an 11 point landslide. Instead, Gore won the popular vote by 0.5% while George W. Bush narrowly won the electoral vote.
Fast forward to the 2008 election. Nate Silver became an overnight sensation by correctly calling 49 out of 50 states for the presidential election, and 35 out of 35 for senate elections.
And then in 2012 he did it again, calling it correctly in all 50 states and 31 out of 33 senate seats. Image source. "Triumph of the Nerds: Nate Silver Wins in 50 States" proclaimed a Mashable headline. Nate correctly predicted all 50 states, "when all around him political pundits pronounced the race too close to call or maddeningly inconclusive."
Today in 2016, the nerds have won. Weighted forecasting models, based on objective statistical analysis of poll data and demographics, are the new norm. Statistical models like Nate Silver's and The New York Time's Upshot, released in July 2016, have replaced the guesswork and glitter of punditry with the cool reliability of nerdism.
But while analysis has come to the "WHO will win" question of political forecasting, it has not yet come to a more important question. WHY are politicians like Trump doing so well? Compared to Hillary Clinton, an objectively better qualified opponent whose policies (according to experts) would lead to a better future, WHY is Trump within a whisker of winning? And "WHY do so many Americans vote against their [own] economic and social interests?" as Thomas Frank asked in What's the Matter with Kansas? back in 2004.
The pundits have no sound answers to WHY questions like these. On the contrary, explanations for Trump's appeal run all over the map:
Explanations for Trump's Appeal
1. "It's about a gut feeling that things are screwed up [like on immigration and trade], and this guy is the only person who gets it. ... The other key element to Matthews's analysis of Trump is the revulsion with elites. It's a classic 'us' vs. 'them' message. THEY think you're stupid. THEY think they're better than you. THEY think they can tell you what to think and how to act." Source
2. "Donald Trump is a charismatic figure, and he has effectively tapped into fear. ... Trump has touched a deep vein within his following: he does not espouse new belief systems, but brings out the old and familiar anger, hatred, racism, and sexism of his base. Trump legitimates these feelings, and encourages people to express them." Source
3. "Of all relevant variables, it's primarily [a person's] authoritarianism – not education or gender or income or race – that predicts support for Trump. MacWilliams defines the authoritarian attitude as one dominated by a desire for order and conformity and by a fear of change, particularly social change." Source
4. "[Trump] speaks to a level of frustration, even despair, that some people are experiencing in this country. He regales his followers with promises that lift their spirits and provide hope for the future." Source
So what's missing? I feel the answer is surprisingly simple. What's missing is the same thing that was missing before Nate Silver came along. Before Nate, there was no reliable method for analyzing the data available for election forecasts. That's precisely where we are today when it comes to analyzing the data available for explaining WHY questions like those above. The data is there. But the method of analysis is not.
Let's see if that can be changed, by using the same approach Nate Silver used.
More . . . .

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


EMOTIONALLY14: The Crazy Train Podcast! Episode 48 - "Dangerous Puppets!"
The Crazy Train Podcast! Episode 48 - "Dangerous Puppets!"
We also have all our episodes on YouTube, and what's more the episodes go Live on YouTube and iTunes (technology permitting) the same day!


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Precipitation hardening (or Age Hardening) is a heat treatment that results in an overall increase in strength of the material under treatment.
Solution treatment is the initial process whereby heating to a certain temperature causes one or more of the alloying constituents to form a solid solution within the metal. This is followed by a rapid cool to maintain this structure. Subsequent precipitation hardening can then artificially age the metal to achieve the desired physical properties.
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Experienced soccer referees capable of officiating college and university-level soccer matches are strongly encouraged to apply for membership in WCISOA. Acceptance to membership in WCISOA, the West Coast chapter of NISOA, includes acceptance to membership in NISOA and qualifies the official to officiate collegiate soccer matches throughout the U.S. WCISOA services all NCAA Division I, II, and III (NAIA) colleges and universities in northern California, extending from Turlock and Monterey, north to the Oregon border. WCISOA also provides officials for the California Community College Coast Conference.
The number and level of match assignments depend on each referee's availability, experience, and match evaluations, but WCISOA presently provides officials for more than 700 matches in the 3-month period between August 20 and November 20. Matches are scheduled on every day of the week with Tuesday and Friday being at least as busy as weekend days.
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text:
Section editors announced for 2014-15 school year
Posted by Lindsey Hogan on April 30, 2014 in News.
Ferris sophomore journalism major Harrison Watt was announced as Editor-in-Chief of the Torch for the 2014-15 school year.
Watt recently decided who will help him as section editors for the upcoming year.
Ferris junior journalism major Richard Mead has worked for the Torch for two years and will assume the role as Sports Editor.
"My biggest goals are to make the sports section as a whole better every week than the week before," Mead said. "I want to let all of my writers be able to help relay Bulldogs sports info to Ferris State in a timely fashion."
Mead has worked with Watt for his entire time at the Torch, and said Watt is an extremely hard worker.
Ferris senior music industry management major Tyler Hanan was the previous Lifestyles Editor and is making the switch to Opinions Editor.
"I want Opinions to be both interesting and informative, making people consider different topics and positions on those topics with viewpoints from people that are educated, invested and intelligent," Hanan said. "We're going to place a premium on each piece having a strong premise, and we hope to play with the format a bit."
Hanan said he made the switch because he will be graduating after the fall semester.
Ferris junior journalism major Ben Rettinhouse has worked for the Torch for a year and is the current Opinions Editor and will take over as News Editor next year.
"I want to make sure that news is constantly updated on the website, I want to tackle a broad spectrum of issues on campus, and I want to keep the Ferris community as in touch with the news as possible," Rettinhouse said.
Ferris sophomore music industry management major Sarah Force will be the new Lifestyles Editor and plans to pursue a career writing for music magazines after graduation. Force plans to make sure there is something for everyone in her section.
"I want to shed some light on the amazing, unique people we have here on campus," Force said.
Force wants to also increase reader volume.
The only current editor that will not return in the fall is the News Editor Taylor Hooper. Hooper will be gone studying abroad.
"We put in a lot of hard work at the Torch and I think people who don't read it are missing out," Force said.


Mom had a reservoir of wisdom nuggets that she could pull out of her 'Momma Toolbox' as the need arose. Through the years these principles and ethics remained consistent.
Mom's childhood years were spent in the rural South - Washington GA to be exact. Her parents were loving and old - fashioned. In Mom's words, they 'came from a different generation' - where women were expected to fit a certain mold.
Mom was the middle daughter - with a total of five Hinton sisters. Of all the family, Mom dared to be different. She left her hometown heading to new territory - Norristown PA to be exact - marrying my Dad and showing all of us that molds are for Jello… !!
There were geographical and cultural expectations as to where we would attend grade school. Mom bypassed the school where being of Italian - American descent was a requirement for school and church attendance. Mind you, the Couchara family fit this criteria. We are about as Italian - American as it gets.
Instead our chosen grade school and church embraced and welcomed families with a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Mom's words rang true so many times as I witnessed and interacted with friends of all colors and ethnicities.
Mom was proud as a peacock when her children went to college. Mom was especially proud of me and my sister - as this was not her reality - even after she graduated with the highest GPA in high school and the offer of a full college scholarship.
Before getting married in 1987, I had several talks with Mom - including my asking her feelings on couples who choose not to have children.
Mom reminded me of the clear distinction between those who choose not to have children and those who cannot bear children naturally for a variety of medical reasons.
Mom told me that I would always be maternal with the animals, the patients and the students who would cross my path. Mom reminded me that personal happiness and fulfillment was the ultimate marker of success.
Mom continues to be the wisest person I've known. I'm ever grateful for the number of heart to heart conversations we had over the years.
I regret that my great-nephews and great-nieces do not have the direct benefit of her candor and views in their formative years.
I am asking Santa Claus to be excessively generous in spreading tolerance and respect in his travels - along with the obligatory material gifts that are 'present' during this holiday season.
Just lovely. The voices of Bing and David Bowie blended so perfectly. I could not help but play it many times over.
Lesley, Thanks for reminding me of one of my favorite poems about Mom - so glad this post touched you. Great to see you here!
Barbara, Looks like we all love this song and the message behind it...have a peaceful weekend and see you Monday.
Sweet Maria! I had to read your post and comment. I should be getting ready for work. lol. But this is how much I love you!
This post strikes a chord with me. Due to my background, and due in part to medical reasons, along with a maternal instinct that developed for animals and not for human kids, we decided to not have kids. I had a miscarriage (after telling EVERYONE) back in 2011...and right before that my brother had been killed in a car accident and my beloved kitty died the same weekend I found out I was miscarrying...in combination with thinking about climate change and the traumas my own family has gone through, I thought it best to elect to have a little peace in my life and bring home shelter animals...and not human ones. LOL.
I work at a school and have worked with kids since 2005, but I always enjoy watching them go home to parents at the end of the day, too. lol. Kids are great. They're just not for me.
And as I get older, I'm finding that I actually like not teaching anymore and doing digital marketing. I get to be creative, I'm challenged, and I get to connect with people in my own way. I love this.
So I wanted to comment because I found the wisdom of your mother to be particularly poignant and fitting for me, too. Thank you so much for sharing this and thank you for your beautiful honesty.
Thanks for this sharing comment - the more I learn about you, the more I love you.
Although I'm a couple decades older than you, we seem to have been 'cut from the same cloth'.
Thank you for so eloquently expressing / showing us the nurturing side of motherhood.
Hello mar - Your Mother certainly left an impression on you. You have filled your life with career, and surrounded yourself with loving fur babies, as you refer to them. There is an old expression, 'if it works, don't fix it.' So, there you go, all the wisdom I can muster at this early hour.
I totally agree with your mother, and also with sageleaf. It would be such a boring world if we were all the same. The way the "global village" is functioning these days, I'd be very reluctant to introduce more innocent little babes into it!
Children are not the be all and end all of everything. There are so many other areas in life to focus on, and enjoy. I adore my child and grandchildren.
However I would completely understand if the latter chose not to have children, with the incredible complications of nutty politicians making the rules, technology making a universal craziness, rampant family break ups, and new fangled drugs decimating young folks.
You have chosen what many folks wish they had - being able to love your fur babies, plus other children that cross your path, and lots of other humans too. Who can argue with that?!
I appreciate your comments and wisdom so much, as you have a beautiful daughter and granddaughter.
I have told you on numerous occasions how much you remind me of my Momma. Your remarks here could have easily been spoken by Mom as well.
I cannot tell you how many times Geoff or I have been questioned about our decision - sometimes politely, sometimes quite the opposite. My first thought is WWMD?
It is a blessing to have a mother whose wisdom spans the ages. She truly did have a gift of saying the things that would comfort you and guide you even after she went on to the next life.
What you've shared about having children is something that many of us in the business world struggled with as we climbed the ladder one step at a time. Some choose the decision and others have it chosen for them for whatever reason they are not blessed with human offspring.
Our fur babies give so much comfort and love, thankfully, and we can use our mothering instincts to guide and share knowledge with others as you often do. Hugs and love to you and yours.
Your comment is a beautiful reminder that we are indeed SFAM.
When it comes to the nurturing / maternal scale, YOU are off the charts.
Mar, your mom was a woman who knew and believed in herself, despite what the mores of her time dictated. You couldn't ask for a better role model.
I love your closing video. This Bowie/Crosby duet is one of my favorites.
Peace to you, my friend!
Indeed, dear Sha - Mom was the best role model a gal could have asked for.
Thanks for your visit. Hoping you are doing well as this holiday season starts to rev up.
"Molds are for Jello…" - Now this made me laugh out loud. Here's to Miss Sammy - a dream of a mother.
Because you don't have two-legged children Mar, many benefited - and still do - from your love and affection. You must have noticed that children are extremely demanding; they tend to exhaust the love and patience of their parents, leaving their parents with nothing, or very little, to give to others.
You were born wise, and Miss Sammy encouraged you to use your wisdom wisely.
Thank you for catching my 'Jello mold' reference, dear Sista.
Actually I 'have' noticed the way some children behave today.
Hey, Sis, well done as always. One of the greatest losses I've endured in life was losing my mother the Fall of my thirteenth year. She'd been my "rock" in the support and love arenas, and the one parent I could always count on to be there for me. Even though she left me alone at such an early age, she'd prepared me well to tackle life. One of her comments was, "You never want to be like the others. Always do your best to be unique." I probably took her words too much to heart and did exactly that. This was to the chagrin of my family at times as my refusal to be one of the sheep at work probably did little to protect my longevity there. Still, I had to be me and made minimal compromises to things I felt would cause me to lose my identity. We are all products of what we were taught and decided to accept and cherish or cast away. My mother, though absent, was always there within me, and I'm glad she was. The things I've done in my life, be they called fool hearty and dangerous by some, continued to prove that I wasn't about to follow the norm and be the person that told their great grandchildren, "I wish I'd have done that", but to be the one that could sit with them and say, "This is what it's like to do that." Being a risk taker, be it by sky diving, performing stand-up, hunting and collecting venomous reptiles for venom extractions, taking a high performance driving course at age 51, or entering the writing world at a late age, has given me adrenaline rushes and a status among my high school peers that none of them match. My ego is satisfied, my confidence level high, and if nothing else, I've proven to my kids that if you want something you have to take the risks to succeed at it. I know my mother is looking down at me and shaking her head, wishing at times she'd have maybe rephrasing her statement to me, but at the same time, hiding the smile I've brought to her face. Good mothers are hard to find ... luckily, you and I were blessed with them.
You surely are my BFAM...as I read your sharing comment, I can see my Momma shaking her head while smiling at the 'free expression antics of my brothers (OK, a few times in my direction too)'.
I can say with 1000% certainty that your parents did a gorgeous job in raising you to be the adorably adventurous man you are today!
I'm grinning over the "dare to be different" line. I don't know that I ever had a choice. I always seemed to stand out, in either a good way or a bad way, lol.
Hopefully, time has lessened the latter.
Your mama's wisdom is timeless, girlfriend. I love seeing it continue to circulate and made available to old and new friends and additional generations.
This vid clip is one of my favorites and another example of why I'm a techno-hound. Were it not for tech, gems like this wouldn't be so easily shared and enjoyed.
Thank you for this sweet comment, dear Angelia.
Glad you love this favorite holiday song as much as I do.
Whatever choices we made, or did not make, it doesn't really matter at all. What matters are that we are the ones that we are meant to be from the beginning. I truly believe that it was meant for me to be a dog, cat, any kind of animal mommy. You know me, any fur baby, I'm in love, haha!
Please, remember that your great-nephews and great-nieces do have the direct benefit of your dear Mom and her candor views in the shape of you, their beloved auntie. After all, you're the offspring of Aunt Sammie and her wonderful wisdom, and you will bring that wisdom into the next generation.
Loved the choice of music with those legendary musicians. Miss them both! Thank you for a most wonderful post, my friend.
Merry Christmas, dear Sannel and Freddie.
Your thoughtful comment is most appreciated. I believe we were both meant to be animal Mommies and that still feels right to me, even after all these years.


text:
Waypoint: Humbly serving King and country
By Rob Seaman
Each year in Canada, we lose veterans who helped protect the way of life we so greatly cherish today.
Each year in Canada, we lose veterans who helped protect the way of life we so greatly cherish today. Some of these veterans we know via stories and other exploits. Books and movies have recorded their efforts immortalizing them for future generations. But there are many others who live in quiet reflection, their dedication, history and achievements filed away, never to be uncovered.
Stewart relays what he knows in bits and pieces . . . and only
if he thinks you might find it of interest. PHOTO: George Stewart
George Stewart is one of these men, typical of so many Canadian pilots. A private person, he is well spoken about his service to King and country . . . but only if you ask. Like most from his generation, he does not openly seek the spotlight. If you inquire, however, you will get an impressive stream of stories and history; but it will not come all at once. Like many of his peers, Stewart relays what he knows in bits and pieces, as something reminds him, and only if he thinks you might find it of interest.
In our case, these stories have been – and continue to be – rendered over many years. A lot were delivered through a headset while he acted as my sometime instructor. Others came over lunch at the airport as he played the role of mentor. Still others came out over the course of a meeting as my employer.
To meet Stewart, you'd never think of him as an accomplished flyer with a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Born in January 1924 in Hamilton, Ont., he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in March 1942, graduated as a pilot, and was "commissioned" a year later. He served with No. 23 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF), as a low-level, "Night Intruder" pilot, and flew an extended tour of 50 sorties in the MKVI Mosquito fighter-bomber with his navigator, Paul Beaudet. The pair did not have radar at that time, and from July 12 until Dec. 8, 1944, they did some amazing things together.
In 1945, Stewart was awarded his DFC. His citation reads: "This officer has completed a period of intensive operations . . . Flying Officer Stewart's eagerness to operate against the enemy, his unflagging zeal and determination combined with his devotion to duty have won the admiration of all."
After the war, in 1948, Stewart instructed Chinese Nationalist pilots during their 1946-49 "civil war" against the Chinese Communists. About a dozen pilots were sent for training in Canada, but our snowy winter rendered the effort a washout. As Stewart recalls, they wound up writing off about seven aircraft in the snowbanks at Downsview.
After returning home, Stewart became a reserve pilot for the RCAF. Back then in Hamilton, being a reservist meant flying P-51 Mustangs from Mount Hope. He once told me how for lunch he would break from work, leave the graphics shop he operated until he retired, head up the mountain to the airport and get in a short flight either on his own or with some other like-minded reservists. Quite the gentleman's existence, but then again, he pursued it quietly, humbly and it was well earned.
Stewart has flown more versions of what we today consider vintage, high-powered aircraft, than most museum and private collection operators own. At 89, he continues to be a guiding influence and be the go-to-guy for input and help on anything related to flight ops in the aircraft he grew up on.
Over the past two years, Stewart and Dave Phillips, charged with flying a Mosquito under rebuild, streamed e-mails back and forth about "handling" the aircraft. Phillips was able to get some good tips from Stewart; no Mosquitoes have flown since the 1990s, so input from others was sketchy at best. Avspec Aviation – the group rebuilding the Mossie for U.S. owner Jerry Yagen – completed a nine-year rebuild of what is today the only flying Mosquito in the world. Stewart and his son, Peter, flew to New Zealand last October, where Stewart continued his mentoring to the pilots Phillips and Keith Skilling during their test flying. It was a resounding success.
Yagen will be bringing his Mosquito to the Hamilton Airshow on June 16-17. The Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) museum plans on having a "Mossie" night with Stewart among the speakers. This will also be one of the few chances to see a venerable "wooden wonder" in formation with the CWH Lancaster, two Spitfires and two Hurricanes. It will not only be a rare site, but also a great sound of 10 Merlins in close formation. Mark your calendars!
Stewart is one of many Canadians who served with honour and distinction, and live their lives in humble silence. Years ago, I read a line that stuck with me. "Every once in a while, have lunch with someone who has forgotten more than you will ever know." If you get such a chance, don't wait, do it today. You will never regret it.
Rob Seaman is a Wings writer and columnist.
Waypoint: Sharing landmark experiences
Waypoint: Celebrating a national treasure
Waypoint: Spanning the generations
Waypoint: All in the family
Western Propeller
Voyageur Aerotech
Leading Edge: Celebrating excellence in design
Alternate Approach: Finding a break in the clouds


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What happened on this day in history: The Salem witch trials begin, Hattie McDaniel becomes the first Black person to win an Academy Award, and more.
46 B.C.E.: The First Leap Day Is Recognized
The first leap day is recognized after the adoption of the Julian Calendar. Created by Julius Caesar, it was somewhat similar to the Egyptian model but with a key difference. Instead of watching astronomical objects to determine when an intercalary month needed to be inserted, the Julian Calendar would include an extra day in February every fourth year.
1692: The Salem Witch Trials Begin
Bettmann/Getty ImagesA depiction of the Salem witch trials, which led to 25 deaths.
Three women are accused of being witches in Salem, Massachusetts, marking the beginning of the Salem witch trials. The women, Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborne, faced charges of witchcraft after girls in town, including nine-year-old Elizabeth Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams, started having mysterious "fits." Tituba escaped persecution by confessing to being a witch — and implicating other alleged witches — but Osborne died in jail and Good was hanged.
1940: Hattie McDaniel Wins An Oscar
Hattie McDaniel wins the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mammy in Gone With The Wind. The first Black person to win an Oscar, McDaniel told the crowd: "I sincerely hope that I shall always be a credit to my race and the motion picture industry." However, she continued to face racism despite her win and struggled to find roles that differed from Mammy.
1960: Richard Ramirez Is Born
Bettmann/Getty ImagesRichard Ramirez makes a gesture while in court in 1985.
Richard Ramirez is born in El Paso, Texas. A serial killer known as the Night Stalker, Ramirez operated in California between 1984 and 1985. After his arrest, he was convicted of 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults, and 14 burglaries. He died in 2013 while awaiting execution on death row.


Episode 135 of Talk Ultra brings you two interviews. Eoin Keith talks about running a FKT across Ireland and Tim Freriks talks about bursting onto the world stage with victory at Transvulcania Ultramarathon.
It's a short show this week folks due to extensive travel and workload. However, we have a couple of great interviews and stories for you.
Back to normal for episode 136!
This is Episode 113 of Talk Ultra and We have a show with a selection of audio from participants who took part in the 8-day, 400km Cape Wrath Ultra (Ita Marzotto, Jenny Davis, Louise Watson, Luke Robertson, Richard Beard and Ted Kristensson)and the 190-mile, single stage, Northern Traverse (Angela White, Clare Turton and Eoin Keith). We have the news and Niandi Carmont co-hosts.


Fluid Bodies exhibition, Borusan Contemporary, Istanbul - Preview from Universal Everything on Vimeo.
Borusan Contemporary interview - Conrad Bodman from Universal Everything on Vimeo.
Borusan Contemporary interview - Kathleen Forde from Universal Everything on Vimeo.


text:
Rhynchonella boloniensis is an extinct species of brachiopod.

References

Prehistoric brachiopods
Rhynchonellida

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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We analyze business processes, design and develop software und apps – of any kind and size. We also offer support and maintenance as well as consultation.
As the link between all processes and employees, software has to adapt to rapidly changing markets and products. At the same time, user expectations for the usability and performance of software systems are rising.
Flexible software solutions featuring future-oriented technology stacks are our highest premise. We adapt them to specific customer needs and develop them: quickly, easily and up-to-date. Agile design, agile development.
Our customers are increasingly choosing to outsource their projects to external development teams. We offer the right models and methods, a scalable, flexible crew as well as reliable nearshore squads.
Our system ensures the exact categorization of Linz AG employees.
FACT: Riding the tram in Linz means that you are using HC Solutions technology.


To manage a portfolio of audit clients including, if applicable, analysing and providing effective solutions to clients' problems. Providing a fast and valuable service to clients.
To "sign off" all audit files within portfolio.
Our City client have adapted to a flexible working environment which has seen them increase productivity from their staff and become a happier and successful workforce embracing a great work-life balance. This approach has not only been essential for some working parents in the business, but for others that have commitments away from family life. This chartered accountancy firm in London have exposure to a real range of client sectors; including corporate finance. This has kept the teams motivated and meant it is possible to mould your client base around your preferences and skill set. They are keen to ensure you feel developed personally so you are content in your work and get the job satisfaction you deserve. Maintaining a corporate feel and providing a high level of service whilst still having that approachable and friendly manner at all levels.


text:
Hurriyat's youngest face looks to US to marry
TARIQ BHAT
Srinagar: He is the most eligible bachelor for many in Kashmir. Hurriyat Conference leader and the scion of the Mirwaiz clan, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is getting engaged. The girl, Sheba Masoodi, is the youngest daughter of Sibtain Masoodi, a Kashmiri doctor who left the Valley in the 1970s and settled in Buffalo in the US. Masoodi has three daughters and a son. Sheba was born in the mid-70s in the US. The family has a house in Barzulla locality of Kashmir and occasionally visits the Valley. Though Sheba, a US citizen, will settle in the Valley, Umar will become a green card holder. Sources close to the girl's family described her as a hijabi veiled and strictly Islamic. ''She is a perfect match for Umar,'' said a close relative of the Masoodis. The would-be bride's elder sister is married to the son of a senior bureaucrat in Kashmir. Sources said the alliance was arranged and the engagement is likely to take place after Eid-ul Zuha or Bakrid which falls on March 6. Sheba was introduced to Umar by his elder sister. ''Sheba had come here (Kashmir) for some social work and chanced upon Umar's elder sister. They became friends. And then through his sister, she got introduced to Umar,'' the source said. Confirming the impending engagement, Umar said it was being finalised by the two families. ''Yes, the engagement will take place in a few weeks and the marriage has been scheduled for next year. She (Sheba) is keen to pursue her masters after graduation,'' a shy Umar said. Umar, in fact, had been visiting US quite often as a Hurriyat leader. The latest being in July last year when he was on a three-month educational trip to Iran and Central Asia for collecting research material for his doctorate titled ''Politico-Islamic role of Shah-e-Hamdan'', a 14th century Islamic scholar who introduced Islam in the Valley. Born on March 23, 1973, Umar did his schooling from the prestigious Burn Hall High School. A computer freak, which he remains till this day, Umar wanted to become a computer engineer. His father's death, however, forced him to take up an entirely different path that he had not perceived for himself, he recalls. He completed his graduation in Arts from the Kashmir University and simultaneously the 'Moulvi Fazil' a postgraduate degree in Islamic studies. Umar was catapulted into limelight soon after his father Moulvi Muhammad Farooq was assassinated in 1990 when militancy was gaining momentum. The entire responsibility fell on his shoulders. Groomed by a bunch of intellectuals, he soon learned the tricks of the trade and delivered the goods. Umar is already a globe-trotter. He has attended several meetings at the national and international fora including the NAM summit and OIC meet. He has travelled far and wide from Geneva to America to Europe and Central Asia. The event is likely to rival the excitement in the Valley when Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone's son married Pakistan-based JKLF leader Amanullah Khan's daughter recently. The couple, Sajad Lone and Asma Khan had became celebrities overnight.
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text:
Q: When I test my program that hashes password using SecretKeyFactory it always returns passwords are not the same In my code I try to hash a password using PBKDF2WithHmacSHA1 instance of SecretFactory.
(before that you will see that O generate random salt)
But when I try to test the program in a simple java project with two passwords that are the same it gives me a response that they are not the same. What may be the reason?
tatic byte[] salt = new byte[16];
public static String password = "peachy";
public static String newpassword = "peachy";

public static byte []storedpassword;

public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {

    generateSalt();
    System.out.println("salt1:"+salt.toString());
    storedpassword=hash(password,salt);
    System.out.println(storedpassword.toString());
    boolean answer = check(newpassword, storedpassword);
    System.out.println(answer);

}
public static void generateSalt()
{
     Random randomno = new Random();
     randomno.nextBytes(salt);

}

private static byte[] hash(String password, byte[] salt) throws Exception
{
    SecretKeyFactory f = SecretKeyFactory.getInstance("PBKDF2WithHmacSHA1");
    KeySpec spec = new PBEKeySpec(password.toCharArray(), salt, 65536, 128);

    return f.generateSecret(spec).getEncoded();

}
public static boolean check(String givenPassword, byte[] storedPassword)
   throws Exception{
        System.out.println("salt2:"+salt.toString());
        byte[] hashOfInput = hash(givenPassword,salt);
        System.out.println(hashOfInput.toString());
        return hashOfInput.equals(storedPassword);
   }

}

A:  return Arrays.equals(hashOfInput,storedPassword);

You can't compare the byte[] using the .equals() method, use the code above. The reason why you cannot compare them using the .equals() method is because the byte[]'s equals() method tests for reference equality, not logical (every byte is the same) equality. This is because byte[] inherits from Object, and that is how the Object class's equals() method is implemented.
For more information, see this question and the answer by Jon Skeet.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Johnny Be Good
John McCain's presidential campaign has been flying under the news media's radar since he sewed up the GOP nomination in early March, receiving consistently less news than either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton; still, by a margin of 36%-11%, far more Americans say the news they have been hearing about McCain has been mostly positive rather than mostly negative than say the same about coverage of Obama or Clinton (44% say the news about the Arizona senator has been mixed). Perceptions of Clinton's press coverage are strikingly different. Fully 36% say the news they have been hearing about the former first lady has been mostly negative, while just 13% say it has been mostly positive. A 47% plurality says there has been a mix of positive and negative news. Views of Obama's coverage are evenly divided between those who see it as mostly positive (21%) and mostly negative with a narrow majority (53%) saying it has been a mixture of both. Read More
Media & NewsSeptember 22, 2016
More say press is too easy on Trump than said so of Romney, McCain
U.S. PoliticsNovember 2, 2016
How Republicans see the GOP on the eve of the 2016 election
Fact TankOctober 21, 2011
The Media Primary: How News Media and Blogs Have Eyed the Presidential Contenders
Fact TankSeptember 24, 2013
Most Americans have not felt impact of new health care law
How the Lehman Bros. crisis impacted the 2008 presidential race


Meet Us at Music Biz 2018!
Members of the Symphonic team will be heading to Music Biz 2018 held in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 14-17!
If you'll be there or in the area and want to connect, we'd love to set up a meeting with you! Please submit a meeting request here.


DADAAB, Kenya/ GENEVA, 6 January 2017 (LWF) – For Kadar Ali Ahmed, not even the sky is the limit.
The 27-year-old was born in Somalia and became a refugee at the age of 14. For half of his life, home was the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. Now he is preparing himself and many fellow refugees for a return to Somalia – and a life "back home".
Dadaab, a cluster of five large refugee camps in North – Eastern Kenya, is a city in itself. At peak times, the camp housed close to half a million refugees, living in the camps of Hagadera, Kambioos, Dagahaley, Ifo I and Ifo II. Their current combined population stands at around 240,000 people. According to UN data, more than 80 percent are women and children.
Ahmed knows about the struggle to receive a good education. As the fourth of eleven siblings, he still managed to successfully complete primary school, pass the exam and secure one of the much coveted places in Hagadera secondary school. When his family was relocated from Hagadera to Kambioos camp in 2011, Ahmed had to cover a distance of 4 kilometers per day to access education. The young man beat the odds and sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination in which he scored a modest grade of C- in 2013.
Armed with his Secondary school certificate and burdened with the responsibility of taking care of his young family, siblings and ageing parents, he started looking for a job – together with thousands of young men and women desperately looking for volunteer and incentive work to support their families. After months, Ahmed bumped into an advertisement by The Lutheran World Federation seeking to sponsor youth for Computer Application skills.
After a rigorous admission process, the young man was registered as a student in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) course supported with funds from ACT members Church of Sweden and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). After one year, he passed his Certificate in Computer Applications certified by the Computer Society of Kenya with good marks. Today, he manages a web-based employment platform that links the youth skills in Dadaab to employment opportunities in Somalia.
His job has become even more important since Kenya, the UNHCR and Somalia signed an agreement in 2013 on voluntary repatriation of Dadaab refugees. Especially in the past two years the number of people leaving for Somalia has increased.
The camp environment provides poor starting conditions for the young people. As the Kenyan government hasn't encouraged local integration, very few refugees are able to obtain work permits and many have not been able to gather work experience or pursue higher education.
Ahmed is going his own way and has set up a training center that focuses on teaching computer skills and providing information technology related services. His dream is to open a similar training center together with a Cyber café in Somalia, when he returns. But big dreams need big skills and so Kadar has recently joined the LWF ICT Advanced class where he is being trained on a course that will lead to a Diploma in Networking. Here, he does not only learn the technical skills, but also entrepreneurship – the skill to start a new life in his old home.
LWF is providing primary education, vocational training, early childhood development, and support to people with disabilities and elderly people in the Dadaab refugee camps. In Kakuma refugee camp, northwest Kenya, LWF provides primary education, early childhood development, child protection, facilitates community managed peace and protection initiatives and supports sustainable livelihoods programs.
Currently, LWF is exploring possibilities to assist refugees who have returned to Somalia.


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text:
Rakhia Ismail: I was a Labour Councillor in Islington for nine years. Here's why I've joined the Conservatives.
This article, by Rakhia Ismail, originally appeared in Conservative Home.
Cllr Rakhia Ismail represents Holloway Ward on Islington Council.
I was a Labour Councillor for nine years and the Mayor of Islington for one year. Now I've joined the Conservatives. It's time more people knew why.
Let's start at the beginning. I was born in Somalia, a country plagued by violence and lawlessness, a country so dangerous that I needed to escape. I arrived in London as a refugee looking for a safer, better life.
I fell in love with this city straight away. I fell in love with the people, the surroundings, the belief in fair play, in doing the right thing, and working hard. Trust me when I say it's a completely different life to the one I escaped. I managed to go to university and become the first hijab-wearing Somali councillor and Mayor in the UK.
So I wanted to use my experience to give back to my adopted home. I wanted to use my experience to help Londoners with the problems they face. That's why I joined the Labour Party. That's why I stood for my local council. And that's why I was honoured to be elected Mayor of Islington, which was great news for both the Somali community and Muslim community.
After all, my experience means I understand London's problems. My attachment to this country means I care deeply about the issues Londoners face. But my race meant Labour only ever saw me as the black candidate, one there to tick a box.
This may upset some people in Labour. Sadly, I've learned that the truth often upsets people in Labour — from some MPs in Parliament, to some members who aren't as kind and gentle as they claim to be. The fact is I was made to feel like a token candidate, someone picked not for my principles and values and long-standing community activism, but for the colour of my skin. Someone who was supposed to be seen and not heard. And that's not Rakhia Ismail.
When I spoke out about knife crime, Labour weren't interested. When I spoke out about discrimination in the party, Labour turned a blind eye. When I tried to represent Londoners on the issues they care about, Labour essentially told me to know my place.
These weren't just one-off incidents. They happened all the time. In 2019, I was invited to Labour's first National Women's Conference. The invitation they sent listed my address as 'Somalia'. This can't have been an accident, given I'd never listed my address as Somalia. It was an attack on a woman of colour who had been picked to prove Labour's diversity but had turned out to have a mind of her own with vision and courage.
And while the Labour Party are very quick to accuse others of racism, they're much slower to see it in their own ranks. Islamophobia is rife in Labour. As the UK's first hijab-wearing Mayor, I wanted to organise a celebration for Eid in 2019; Labour bigwigs managed to cancel it, crushing the hopes of thousands of young British Muslims in Islington. I was fighting a party that virtue signals on issues such as race but in reality, take no action to address inequalities.
I'm not someone who believes in just doing what she's told. Would you stay quiet when Londoners are worried about their safety? Would you ignore the countless times that some elected Labour representatives discriminated against a woman of colour? I thought I had joined the party of fairness and equality. But I realised I'd joined a party that thought discrimination was okay as long as they were the ones doing it.
It was around this time, when I was Labour Mayor of Islington and increasingly unhappy, that I started to hear things about Shaun Bailey. It's no secret that Labour voters are fed up with Sadiq Khan, a Mayor with big responsibilities and absolutely no intention of living up to them. But not many Labour voters were talking about Shaun – at least not back then.
So I made it my business to find out. And I discovered that, like me, Shaun had a tough early life. Born in a council house, raised by a single mum, he went through periods of homelessness and unemployment. He didn't arrive in politics from a thinktank or PR firm. He spent twenty years as a youth worker, helping young people get out of crime and into work.
Shaun is different to any politician I've seen. He doesn't read from a script. He doesn't play political games. He's stared down discrimination. He's not afraid to speak out about the challenges we face. And, as I've learned, he would never silence anyone trying to do their job.
The more I heard about Shaun and the more I heard him speak, the more inspired I became. Shaun is everything that Sadiq Khan is not. Where Sadiq just cares about politics, Shaun cares about people and the issues that matter to Londoners. Where Sadiq Khan just cares about his next press release, Shaun cares about getting things done.
I realised that I had no choice but to back Shaun. I didn't support Sadiq during selections to be the London mayoral candidate and there's absolutely no chance I could support him this time. I was discriminated against by some elected Labour officials. I couldn't speak out about the issues that matter to my residents. And I was excited at the idea of Shaun becoming Mayor. He has the same vision, passion, compassion, and commitment to London that I have.
That's why I quit the Labour Party for good and joined the Conservatives. I am so thrilled to team up with Shaun. And over the next few months, we're going to work together and give Londoners the bold vision that this city deserves.
I am an optimistic and forward-looking person. And I can see Shaun is the one to restore hope and faith for all Londoners, the one to deliver a safer, fairer, more affordable city. Which is exactly what Londoners care about — and exactly what my voters care about. I am counting on you to campaign with us and help elect Shaun Bailey, the Mayor that London deserves.


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Phylicia Rashad says Bill Cosby accusations are an orchestrated conspiracy
Sean O'Neal
Bill Cosby hoagie denier Phylicia Rashad has come forward to wag yet another disapproving finger, this time in the faces of the 27-and-counting women who have accused her former TV husband of sexual assault. "Forget these women," Rashad told Showbiz 411's Roger Friedman yesterday—though she more accurately called on the public to forget them again, as it had after every report, lawsuit, and insinuation against Cosby prior to 2014.
Echoing sentiments that have been expressed by other members of Cosby's family, both real and fictional, Rashad said she had never witnessed the side of the comedian that so many women claim to have seen, and openly dismissed out of hand the stories of Beverly Johnson and Janice Dickinson. "Oh please," Rashad reportedly said when their names were brought up, presumably giving Friedman one of those signature raised eyebrows that are so effective for shutting down both teenage boys who want to buy a motorcycle, or women making graphically detailed rape allegations over the course of two decades.
In denying the veracity of those accusations, Rashad also aligned herself firmly on the side of Cosby truthers—those who believe that the allegations represent a vast conspiracy to bring the towering Cosby down, for reasons that are not entirely clear.
"What you're seeing is the destruction of a legacy. And I think it's orchestrated. I don't know why or who's doing it, but it's the legacy. And it's a legacy that is so important to the culture," Rashad said of the memory of a guy who had a popular TV show, which she believes is now being irreparably tarnished, 23 years after that it left the air, in a way The Cosby Mysteries did not already accomplish.
Rashad further believes this shadowy cadre will go to any length to unfairly deny this septuagenarian his 15th television show, saying, "Someone is determined to keep Bill Cosby off TV. And it's worked. All his contracts have been canceled." But more importantly, she laments that these harrowing stories of rape must have caused irreparable damage to the families—specifically, the fake Cosby Show family. "This show represented America to the outside world. This was the American family," Rashad said. "And now you're seeing it being destroyed. Why?"
Offering at least three more answers to Rashad's question, Gloria Allred has scheduled another press conference for today in Los Angeles, where USA Today reports she plans to introduce three new women who say that Cosby assaulted them. It's unclear whether they will also reveal why they don't want people to watch The Cosby Show.
Meanwhile, Cosby himself continues to remain publicly silent on the matter—something Rashad says she understands, asking rhetorically, "If he spoke now, what do you think the media would do with it?" (Speaking for The A.V. Club, I'd report it as part of a daily, grudging obligation to follow this terrible story until it reaches its inevitably unsatisfactory conclusion.) But he has issued one statement today, telling ticket-holders to tonight's show, the first of three scheduled for Ontario, "I plan to give fans the show of their life."
Of course, before those fans can have their lives utterly rocked by gentle observations about marriage, they'll have to cross through an estimated 130 or so protestors organized in part by the London Abused Women's Centre, who plan to stage a peaceful demonstration outside the venue. And according to the London Free Press, other unidentified groups have already made plans known to disrupt Cosby's performance from inside—something that arguably would make for the show of anyone's life, including Cosby's own.
Still, Cosby—as always—has a plan in place: "Remain calm and do not confront the person making the disruption," he added in his statement, a policy he's also adhered to offstage, preferring to let the people he's provided with financial support take care of that for him.


© 2017 Elsevier B.V. This paper focuses on concept drift in business intelligence and data-driven decision support systems (DSSs). The assumption of a fixed distribution in the data renders conventional static DSSs inaccurate and unable to make correct decisions when concept drift occurs. However, it is important to know when, how, and where concept drift occurs so a DSS can adjust its decision processing knowledge to adapt to an ever-changing environment at the appropriate time. This paper presents a data distribution-based concept drift detection method called fuzzy competence model drift detection (FCM-DD). By introducing fuzzy sets theory and replacing crisp boundaries with fuzzy ones, we have improved the competence model to provide a better, more refined empirical distribution of the data stream. FCM-DD requires no prior knowledge of the underlying distribution and provides statistical guarantee of the reliability of the detected drift, based on the theory of bootstrapping. A series of experiments show that our proposed FCM-DD method can detect drift more accurately, has good sensitivity, and is robust.


Beer, Jennifer E. with Eileen Stief. The Mediator's Handbook, 3rd Ed., New Society Publishers, 1998.
Provides a flexible model for effective mediation in diverse environments and situations. Includes a clear overview of mediation and conflict; a section that walks through each step in the mediation process; a "Toolbox" section that details the skills and approaches used by professional mediators; and a final section that looks at informal mediation.
Bush, Robert A. Baruch and Joseph P. Folger. The Promise of Mediation: The Transformative Approach to Conflict, Revised ed., Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Presents an account of the transformative model of mediation and its practical application, including: a presentation of the theory and practices of transformative mediation, and clarifications of common misconceptions about the models.
Cloke, Kenneth. Mediating Dangerously: The Frontiers of Conflict Resolution, Jossey-Bass, 2001.
Shows how to reach beyond technical and traditional intervention to explore dangerous issues such as dishonesty, denial, apathy, domestic violence, grief, war, and slavery in order to reach a deeper level of transformational change.
Cloke, Kenneth. The Crossroads of Conflict: A Journey into the Heart of Dispute Resolution, Janis Publications, 2010.
Argues that all conflicts are "cross-roads" and catalysts for learning, evolution, growth, and wisdom. It shows how to locate the root sources of conflict and remove the barriers to reconciliation, collaboration, and community.Friedman, Gary and Jack Himmelstein. Challenging Conflict: Mediation Through Understanding, American Bar Association, Section of Dispute Resolution, 2008.
Provides an analysis of understanding conflict and offers a way to work together to make decisions that resolve disputes. Explains how to meet conflict itself in an effort to understand how individuals can relate to it, and use it effectively in mediation.
Furlong, Gart T. The Conflict Resolution Toolbox: Models and Maps for Analyzing, Diagnosing, and Resolving Conflict, Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Gives tools you need: eight different models for dealing with the many conflict situations you encounter in your practice. It bridges the gap between theory and practice and goes beyond just one single model to present a complete toolbox - a range of models that can be used to analyze, diagnose, and resolve conflict in any situation.
Goodman, Allan. Basic Skills for the New Mediator, 2nd Ed., Soloman Publications, 2004.
Provides a detailed overview of mediation, from the premediation conference through all stages of the mediation session. It guides the new mediator through the mediation process by answering the one hundred questions most frequently asked by new mediators.
Greenwood, Mary. How to Mediate Like a Pro: 42 Rules for Mediating Disputes, iUniverse, Inc. 2008. Presents strategies and practical tips for the mediation process. Gives insight on how to deal with difficult parties, how to break an impasse and how to close the deal.
Herrman, Margaret S., ed. The Blackwell Handbook of Mediation, Blackwell, 2006. Invites readers who are interested in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution to share the perspectives of experts in the field. Emphasizes both internal and external factors as important sources of influence when negotiating conflicts. Considers what techniques might work when, how and why.Kaner, Sam and Lenny Lind. Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making. 2nd Ed., Jossey-Bass, 2007.
Designed to help groups increase participation and collaboration, promote mutual understanding, honor diversity, and make effective, inclusive, participatory decisions. Loaded with graphics, guidelines and hand outs, and presents more than 200 valuable tools and skills.
Kaner, Sam and Lenny Lind. Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making. 2nd Ed., Jossey-Bass, 2007.
Kolb, Deborah M. and Associates. When Talk Works: Profiles of Mediators, Jossey-Bass, 1997.
A collection of interview-based profiles of mediators that consists of twelve personal and compelling stories of successful mediators for all areas of our society. Reveals who they are and what techniques they use to achieve results.
Kritek, Phyllis Beck. Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts, Jossey-Bass, 2007.
Explores the process of resolving conflicts in situations where unacknowledged inequity influences disputes and their outcomes. It challenges traditional approaches to dealing with inequities at the negotiation table and offers alternatives for reframing the process.
KLang, Michael, D. and Alison Taylor. The Making of a Mediator: Developing Artistry in Practice, Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Outlines model of artistry in professional practice that results from the understanding of and connection between reflective practice and interactive process. Offers conflict resolution professionals the theories, principles, practices, and ideas for developing true artistry in mediation.
Mayer, Bernard. The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioner's Guide, Jossey-Bass, 2000.
This guide goes beyond observable techniques to offer a close look at the creative internal processes--both cognitive and psychological--that successful mediators and other conflict resolvers draw upon.
Menkel-Meadow, Carrie; Lela Porter Love; and Andrea Kupter Schneider. Mediation: Practice, Policy, and Ethics. Aspen Publishers, 2006.
Textbook takes a distinctive new approach to the skills, processes, and applications of mediation: comprehensive, current coverage of the world of mediation includes law and policy, case examples, practice guidelines for both mediators and attorney representatives in mediation, an exploration of mediation in the transactional and international arenas, and an examination of ethical guidelines and dilemmas.


In this role, the jobholder will be responsible for ensuring all GUI applications with the PSS (Passenger Service Systems) are consistent, usable, fit for purpose and is in compliance with ISO user interface and usability standards. The jobholder will work closely with various business streams to champion the latest thinking, industry best practices and an agile approach to defining the end-to-end user experience and usability of the applications. This includes establishing a UX strategy to improve end user productivity, and continuously measure, monitor and manage end user satisfaction, usability and process experience of the PSS solutions. This will also include mapping out user stories and end user journeys, and co-create low fidelity prototypes and establish an outside-in customer focused approach to system design. The jobholder will be the subject matter expert and trusted advisor for stakeholders to facilitate, engage and gain end user buy-in for technology solutions. The jobholder will also be responsible to establish governance, and set standards to ensure industry best practices for end user experience and an agile human centric design methodology is adopted during system implementation and all future enhancements.
2. Ensure business needs and end user needs are aligned, and recommend streamlined and highly usable workflows with focus on improving end user productivity. Conduct ongoing and post implementation end user experience reviews to ensure the intended benefits to the business have been realised.
3. Responsible for establishing usability KPIs and standards. Measure, monitor and constantly endeavour to improve usability and experience success metrics and support development team with user insights and metrics in order to ensure high levels of engagement and end-user adoption is achieved.
6. Ably support the process mapping and business change team with visualisation and design thinking expertise to ensure the teamÕs objective in delivering high impact, cross functional, easy to adopt change initiatives is met.
7. Keep abreast of industry standards / processes and initiate trials and site visits for benchmarking.
8. Develop, coach and motivate the peer team of professionals in the department with a selection tools and techniques, and a centre of excellence in design thinking and end user experience.


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Turkey's threatened sea turtles
/ 10 Ocak 2015 / English, Medyadan / No Comments
In any decent travel guide for Turkey, one of the must-see sites on the western Mediterranean coast would be Iztuzu Beach, better known as the Turtle Beach, or Dalyan Turtle Beach of Mugla province. Nearly a million tourists visit Dalyan annually. With its Kaunos ancient city, mud baths, the Lycian rock tombs and picture-perfect beaches, Dalyan is a major tourist attraction for Europe.
Iztuzu Beach is a narrow strip; about 5 kilometers (less than 3 miles) long, where fresh water from a river meets the sea, forming a delta lagoon that creates a natural habitat for Caretta caretta turtles (also known as loggerhead sea turtles), an endangered species. If you happen to be in the vicinity between May and September, you will see the beach is sealed off from sunset to sunrise and no umbrellas or chairs are allowed so as not to disturb the incubating and hatching of these rare and endangered loggerhead sea turtles. They hatch out of their eggs under the sand and crawl to the sea. Looking over the white egg shells and little baby turtles crawling all over the place during the season, one may find it hard to believe they are endangered; however, they are on the red list of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). There are about 20 beaches worldwide where Caretta carettas nest, and Dalyan ranks as one of the most important.
Yasemin, a native of Dalyan town, who only shared her first name, told Al-Monitor with tears in her eyes: "You may think turtles are old and rough animals, and there are so many of them out here, why the worry? Well, that is wrong, because their numbers have been decreasing 6-8% every year, precisely because of us, our recklessness. This beach is where I learned to swim. At the time, we did not know the white shells were where the turtles came from. Once we were old enough to understand, my friends and I made it a task to be the guardians of the eggs and the babies. We would hover over the strangers who might be stepping over them, or reckless young boys. This is why it is forbidden even to lay a towel beyond a line on the beach because that is where the majority of the eggs are laid."
Yasemin was in tears because on the night of Dec. 29, developers cut the locks on beach gates and drove their bulldozers and large trucks on the beach. She said: "I am just a regular, 50-year-old housewife, and now I have become an activist. I know "Captain" June [a 90-year-old British woman who has lived in Dalyan since the 1970s and actively worked to protect the turtles] saved this beach from developers in the 1980s, and now I will join forces with her and others to protect the turtles. We owe it to the next generations."
Indeed, facing pressure from developers who wanted to build luxury hotels on the beach, the government declared "Koycegiz-Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area" in 1988 to prevent any construction. Therefore, the jurisdiction for this region falls under the Turkish Environmental Protection Agency for Special Areas.
Sadly, this was not enough to protect the idyllic beach and its precious sea turtles from greedy developers. Residents of the region, environmentalists from all over the country and nature-loving tourists who are in the area have been keeping vigil on the beach since Dec. 30. Mainstream media has deliberately ignored the groups' legal battle since June 2014, so they have been struggling to raise awareness through social media. Murat Demirci, spokesman for Save Iztuzu Beach Platform (an umbrella organization supported by several local and regional nongovernmental organizations) explained the events to Al-Monitor in detail:
Activists protect the beach habitat of the loggerhead sea turtles in June 2014 (Müfit Kanmaz).
"This is a public beach; for the last 15 years Dalyan municipality has run the beach successfully [respectful of the needs of the endangered sea turtle species]. In June, we learned that in a haphazard manner they were transferring the authority to run the beach to a private company. We could not understand what was happening because there was a no public tender, no contract that we could view. We started a petition to protect the beach. The courts agreed that the decision to transfer the beach to a private company was illegal. Yet, on Dec. 29 in the middle of the night, the DAL-CEV company entered the beach with construction trucks. We have no other means but to organize a sit-in here to protect the beach."
Ramazan Oruc, the chief executive of DAL-CEV, which had won the bid, told reporters: "I have been in Dalyan since 1988 and our firm has been operating for 25 years. We have successfully completed the bid, we now expect to have support of the Dalyan's residents." Oruc claimed that everything was transparent and much of the news about him is not accurate. He also promised employment for all residents of the town and facilities for disabled people as well as children and families. Without explaining how, he also said his firm would help the struggling farmers of the region as well. Watching Oruc's news conference, one cannot help but get the impression that he is campaigning for political office. Indeed, he ran for a seat on the city council in the March 30, 2014, election on the Justice and Development Party (AKP) ticket, but lost.
Contesting Oruc's defense, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) representative Omer Suha Alda in a speech at the Turkish parliament said the government had given the bid to DAL-CEV, which did not exist at the time of the finalization of the bid. Alda said: "This company that won the bid was established two days after the bid was finalized." The company's Web page provides no information about the bid or DAL-CEV's history for that matter. Save Iztuzu Beach Platform initiated another petition asking the British partners of DAL-CEV to withdraw their financial support from this firm.
Berna Ulutas, a local lawyer and a member of Save Iztuzu Beach Platform, told Al-Monitor: "There was no written bid. It is our understanding that the deal was brokered over personal conversations. We fear partisan favoritism. Not only Oruc, but the director of the firm ran for office on the AKP ticket."
Beach Platform spokesman Demirci posed crucial questions: "If this is a legitimate company that cares about the environment and the health of the turtles, why would they enter onto the beach breaking the locks and driving in with bulldozers at midnight? A private company is about profit, right? This company [says its focus is] 'tourism, construction, property and hotel management.' How can we trust their operations if we do not know what kind of profit they aim to accumulate from which resources? Who will be liable if nature is destroyed beyond repair? That is, who will guard the public interest to be protected under the profit-seeking establishment?"
Considering this beach has been declared a special protection area since 1988, and that the sea turtles are endangered species that faces serious challenges, such as harm from fishermen and propellers on boats, should "new sun beds" be the most compelling concern of the management?
Slowly, the Turkish public is hearing the voices of Dalyan residents. On Jan. 7, Redhack announced it had hacked Oruc's company Web page.
In addition, a group of Turkish actors, actresses and musicians released messages standing in solidarity with Dalyan protesters.
In the last decade, most of the AKP's grandiose construction projects have faced resistance from local residents. Yet, except for Gezi Park, almost all of these nascent local movements had to cave in to legal and political pressure. In many cases, even if the residents win in court, it is too late. Although thousands have joined the Iztuzu sit-in protest, they need all the support they can receive internationally and domestically to stop the construction threat on the beach before more turtles are harmed.
Pinar Tremblay
http://www.al-monitor.com/
EnglishMedyadan
İztuzu için kurtuluşa giden mihenk taşı / Salvation for İztuzu, a touchstone / Rettung für IZTUZU, ein Meilenstein
Muğla 2. İdare Mahkemesinin 2014/1242Esas sayılı dosyasında MUÇEV ile protokol yapılmasına ilişki...


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By Members' Research Service / January 20, 2021
Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons [Policy Podcast]
In her first State of the Union speech, and in the section of the speech most applauded by the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights.
© assetseller / Adobe Stock
Written by Tania Latici,
In her first State of the Union speech, and in the section of the speech most applauded by the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the use of qualified majority voting (QMV) in areas such as sanctions and human rights. The crises and security challenges accumulating in and around the European Union have added to the urgency of having a more effective and rapid decision-making process in areas pertaining to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The core encumbrance against unanimous EU agreement on foreign policy is argued to be the absence of a common strategic culture among EU Member States.
The Lisbon Treaty's architects have equipped the EU Treaties with 'passerelle clauses' – provisions usually aimed at modifying the decision-making of the Council of the EU. The passerelle clause for CFSP is Article 31(3) of the Treaty on European Union, which empowers the European Council to, by unanimous agreement, allow the Council of the EU to take decisions by QMV in some areas of the CFSP. Another option is an emergency brake – cancelling a vote for vital reasons of national policy – while constructive abstention is an option which allows a Member State to abstain from a unanimous vote without blocking it.
Since 2016, the EU has witnessed growing momentum to shape its identity as a security provider and peace promoter. From 2020 and until 2022, it is undertaking a strategic reflection process taking the form of a 'strategic compass', whereby the threats, challenges and objectives for the Union in security and defence will be better defined. It is in this context that the debate about QMV in foreign and security policy has resurfaced and continues to be the subject of policy discussions. Nevertheless, recent efforts to innovate in the EU's methods for adopting sanctions in the field of human rights abuses (the European Magnitsky Act) have been unsuccessful in their attempt to move from unanimity to qualified majority voting.
Read the complete briefing on 'Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons' in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.
Listen to policy podcast 'Qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy: Pros and Cons' on YouTube.
Figure 1 – The pros and cons of QMV in foreign and security policy
Categories: Institutional and Legal Affairs, International Relations, PUBLICATIONS Tags: Adoption of Legislation by EP and Council, briefings, Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), EPRS briefings, EU law, EU Law: Legal System and Acts, European Union, Foreign Affairs, human rights, international sanctions, multimedia, Podcasts, qualified majority, security and defence, Tania Latici


Situated in the heart of Zululand, The Fever Tree Guesthouse is a home from home for all who cross the threshold.
Although it is situated in a fairly remote area of South Africa, The Fever Tree Guesthouse is fully equipped with modern amenities, while keeping a watchful eye on the carbon footprint it leaves on the planet.
The Fever Tree Guesthouse has four well-appointed suites with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are equipped with fans and airconditioners.
Each room is individually decorated with a fusion of colour, style and texture and are fully equipped with modern amenities.
Tea & coffee facilities available in guest rooms and communal areas.
Television in rooms with M-Net & some DSTV channels.
Occupation is between 4 and 9 pm on the day of arrival and guests are requested to vacate their room by 10.00 am on day of departure.


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Real Madrid 0-0 draw with Liverpool enough to qualify to the UEFA Champions League semifinals
Manchester City rally to 2-1 comeback win to qualify to UEFA Champions League semifinals
Prime Minister and Minister of Health tour the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
Published by BBN Staff at April 14, 2021
Posted: Wednesday, April 14, 2021. 4:18 pm CST.
By Benjamin Flowers: Today, Prime Minister John Briceno along with Minister of Health and Wellness Michel Chebat visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with technical staff from the health ministry as part of a familiarization tour of the facility.
The Board of Management of the KHMH Authority led the ministers through the various units throughout the hospital and explained their various functions in the overall delivery of tertiary healthcare to the public.
"The tour was lead by Chairman of the Board Dr. Andre Sosa and CEO Michelle Hoare. The tour commenced with a donation from MOHW of 13 hospital beds and two defibrillators as part of support for service provision in critical care and general patient care areas. Areas visited included COVID Unit, ICU, Physiotherapy, Specialist Clinic etc," the KHMHA said.
The Prime Minister also met with management and KHMH Union in an effort to address concerns and strengthen the relationship that government has with the hospital authority.
Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing to commence 2 rehabilitation projects on the Philip Goldson Highway in Belize City
Eden Seventh-Day Adventist High School's Nayzia Wagner wins 'Our future is electric!' video high school competition