text:
Politics / Community Articles
Quotes of the Week: Phil Mickelson on Third Round Surge at Masters, Roy...
Quotes of the Week: Phil Mickelson on Third Round Surge at Masters, Roy Halladay on Phillies Win, and Mitt Romney Prodds Rick Santorum to Quit Race
By Dennis Bakay at 10:34 am on Sunday April 8, 2012
The Omelette Sunday April 8, 2012 Quotes of the Week
Phil Mickelson on His Play at the 2012 Masters
Phil Mickelson is in top form during the 2012 Masters as he looks to capture his 5th major victory. Mickelson had this to say after his third round performance, where he shot a 66 and put himself one shot behind the leader Peter Hanson.
"I just want to be in position," he said. "Because there's nothing more exciting than being in the final group on Sunday at the Masters because you have a chance, and that's what we all want is that opportunity. Sometimes it works out and that's great, and sometimes it doesn't, but you still had that opportunity, and that's what we play and practice for."
When asked about his third round surge, Mickelson said "It was so much fun," he said. "It was important to birdie 11 or 12 (it was 12), get 1 or 2 under before 13, but that eagle on 13 reminded me of Saturday in 2010 when I eagled to that pin position, also. It was a tough one to get to, and I took, again, a little bit of risk to get it along the left side of that green."
Mickelson has three Masters victories under his belt. From the sounds of it, he's poised to capture a 4th one today. Many on the tour would agree that the Masters is Phil Mickelson's favorite tournament. Mickelson currently stands at 8-under, while Hanson is at 9-under on the leaderboard.
Roy Halladay Speaks About the Phillies' Season-Opening 1-0 Shutout of the Pirates
Phillies ace Roy Halladay was sensational in the Phillies' season-opener at Pittsburgh on Thursday. Hopefully this puts to rest fears of Halladay's declining velocity in spring training.
Roy Halladay shut down the Pirates for eight innings and allowed zero runs, while surrendering just 2 hits. Halladay had this to say about the Phillies' 1-0 victory.
"It was a good game for us. It went the way we wanted and Papelbon came in and got his feet wet and got that out of the way. All in all I think it was a good way to do it."
Mitt Romney Asks For Rick Santorum to Quit the GOP Race
Mitt Romney is on fire after winning all three primaries earlier this week - with wins in Wisconsin, Maryland, and Washington D.C. The superdelegates are all but certain he's a sure bet to win the GOP nomination. Now Romney is prodding rival Rick Santorum to quit the race so they can focus on the November election.
Romney said, "The right thing for us, I think, is to get a nominee as soon as we can and be able to focus on Barack Obama," Romney said in an interview with Fox News. "You have to remember that it was Ross Perot that allowed Bill Clinton to win" - referencing Perot's decision to run as an independent in 1992.
Rick Santorum insists he will stay in the race until the Pennsylvania primary, which takes place on April 24th. Santorum was a Senator in PA for 16 years before losing the election in 2006. Romney has been gaining momentum by focusing on economic issues while Santorum has focused on his social agenda.
2012 phillies
phil mickelson masters
roy halladay
the omelette


text:
Qiao Ye (xinès simplificat: 乔叶) (Xiuwu 1972 - ) Assagista i escriptora xinesa.

Biografia
Qiao Ye va néixer l'any 1972 a Xiuwu, província de Henan a la Xina. Va estudiar a l'acadèmia de literatura Lu Xun.

Trajectòria literària
La carrera literària de Qiao s'ha mogut entre l'assaig i la ficció, que ha anat alternat durant els anys.Va començar a escriure a principis de la dècada de 1990 quan era mestra, i va començar amb assaigs (sanwen 散文). Va publicar el seu primer text el febrer de 1993 al suplement del Journal of Youth of China (中国青年报 副刊): "No tingueu cap simpatia per mi" (别同情我). Després va ampliar les seves publicacions a diversos altres diaris, inclòs el Diari del Poble (人民日报).

De 1994 a 1995, va escriure una columna d'assaig al Youth Monthly: "A l'ombra verda de Qiao Ye" ("乔叶绿荫下"), un títol que juga amb el seu nom, que significa "fulla d'un bosc alt". Després, el 1996, va publicar la seva primera col·lecció amb les Edicions Populars de Xangai: "Lonely Paper Lantern" (孤独的纸灯笼).

L'any 2001, després de treballar a l'Acadèmia Provincial de Literatura de Henan, va centrar la seva activitat en les obres de ficció i va passar un any creant la seva primera novel·la llarga 守口如瓶 "Keep Mouth", que va ser publicada per la revista "Chinese Writers" el 2003.

El setembre de 2009, va publicar una col·lecció de sis contes: "El més lent és viure" (最慢的是活着). Segons alguns crítics són històries que irradien un encant discret, que expliquen temes banals, però on prevalen l'emoció i la poesia, com a "Aquí està la carta d'amor que vaig escriure" (那是我写的情书) o "Quan floreix el bàlsam" (指甲花开). A finals de 2015 va  publicar una nova col·lecció de sanwen: "A Saucer of Tea for the Heart" (一盏心茶).

Qiao Ye  és membre de l'Associació d'Escriptors Xinesos,  de l'Acadèmia Literària de Henan i vicepresidenta de l'Associació d'Escriptors de Henan.

Obres destacades

Premis
Ha guanyat el Premi Literari Zhuang Zhongwen, el Premi de Mitjans de Literatura Xinesa, el Premi Centes Flors, el Premi Literari Octubre, el Premi Literari de Beijing, el Premi Literari del Poble, el Premi Anual de Novel·la Xina, el primer Premi Literari Jinxiu i el Premi Dafu de Novel·la. També el Premi Lu Xun de Literatura per  "The Slowest Is Living", sobre la vida d'una dona tradicional xinesa, basada en la seva pròpia àvia.

Referències

Escriptors xinesos

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


ExpatCapeTown Newsletter, April 2017, South African PR rules and so much more.
the South African communities stand up together as they unite against corruption, nepotism and social injustice as we all could witness during the last two week's major protest actions and recent transport strikes.
As the country is struggling with political infighting, a reshuffled cabinet, corruption and financial instability which has now resulted in a downgraded credit rating, South Africans all over the country are voicing their discontent with the president. Jacob Zuma is facing much opposition, now also within his own party, the ANC, and a motion of no-confidence against him is pending in parliament. The constantly growing anger of the South African public with his politics and the recent downgrade of South Africa to sub-investment status by rating agencies Standard & Poor as well as Fitch, has given a dire outlook and business confidence is falling again. South Africa's downgrade to 'junk status' has hurt all South Africans and the poorest of the poor will again suffer the most. However, the sentiment is not only felt in South Africa but also in the neighbouring countries and the wider Southern African region. South Africa, which is seen as the gate to Africa for many investors, might suffer from the consequences as well.
South Africa has still so much to celebrate and be proud of, so we all should keep a positive mindset. The resilience and patience of the South African people teach us that we can overcome adversities peacefully. So the mesmerising landscape and vast array of activities offered in this country will continue to attract numerous tourists and expats due to the favourable exchange rate for foreign income earners and with this support the local economy. The tourism sector is growing along with plenty of work opportunities for skilled, qualified and experienced foreigners in a variety of business sectors. Aside from constantly ranking high in tourism surveys, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg are again listed among the top 100 cities in Mercer's Quality of Living survey 2017. The housing market has shown continuous growth and Cape Town is still the top performing market in South Africa, as the 'city is perceived to offer the best service delivery and lifestyle in the country' (NY Times, 12.4.2017). International events and conferences showcase the best of the country and we trust that South Africa again will rise again from their struggles and become a stronger and more united nation than ever before.
A quick reminder to all: Cape Town has been declared a disaster area in March in order to manage the extremely low water supply more efficiently. The usable water levels at the local dams are now less than 16% and thus strict water restrictions apply. For those who are not aware of these regulations which are in effect since the end of last year, please find more information here.
Permanent Residence in South Africa?
Many expats wonder if the adventures with the Home Affaires department have finally come to an end, once they have received their permanent residency certificate. Well, life gets easier when you do not have to worry about renewing your temporary visa in time, but you need to make sure to keep to the following deadlines. Read more here.
There are many events happening in Cape Town in April and May as you will also see on our ExpatCapeTown event calendar. Visit any of the festivals in the Cape, dance the night away at the Bree Street festival or see the drama 'My Children, My Africa!', one of South Africa's most famous plays by much acclaimed playwright Athol Fugard. On our April calendar you will find also a special page on kids holiday activities and remember that there is another long weekend (and school holiday) at the end of April, the Freedom Day weekend.
Looking for affordable and reliable car rentals in South Africa? If you need some flexibility in your transport options, whether you are looking for longer-term rentals or you need short-term options for emergencies or your visitors, contact Motorent for an offer. This innovative company is run by an expat who cares about happy customers. Motorent offers very reasonable rates for reliable cars to our community, so make sure to contact them to find out more about their best offers for your requirements.
Do you want to show your support for education and science? Then come along to the 'March for Science' in Cape Town on Earth Day (April 22). The March for Science is an international movement centred around the celebration of science. As the organisers emphasise, the march is meant as an expression of the beauty of the world around us and a demonstration of the commitment to continue learning about it.
Spread the love and help a good cause The massive fire that raged through Hout Bay in March, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and left more than 15,000 residents in Imizamo Yethu township homeless. Many families still live in a make shift 'tent city' and wait for better temporary housing solutions. Still your help is much needed. A great organisation to support is Thula Thula.
Looking for a comprehensive South African expat guide in form of an e-book? If you want to give your foreign friends some more insights on South Africa, showing them why we all love living here, simply order one of our e-books for them. 'Living in South Africa' is available in .pdf and .epub form.
Be surprised! ExpatCapeTown brings you the most up-to-date stories and insights on expat life in Cape Town. Just rest assured, that the next newsletter will provide more insights and more tips! In the meantime, please do not hesitate to come back to us on the website, on Facebook or on twitter and share your tips and insights, all kinds of comments very welcome!


Three years ago we started this little venture called the Opinion Guy. Our ambitions were modest, our expectations meager. We wanted to provide readers with something good to read, a place they could keep coming back because they knew they would find something interesting and something evocative on a regular basis. We wanted to provide opportunities for writers to get their work in print and get paid for it too. We also had grander hopes: growing the field of speculative fiction, changing lives by sharing our thoughtful opinions, and perhaps getting rich in the process (yes, we were naive).
And now, three years after our first article went in print, we are celebrating. Isn't that what anniversaries are about? Anniversaries are about celebrating the past. They are about trumpeting all the good times, those lofty mountain tops, and realizing how many bad times were persevered through. Anniversaries are also about setting goals and recommitting.
We are celebrating the growth we have seen in visitors. I think the first day our website was up we received one visitor. Now we have several hundred a day. We had to postpone our first issue three months because we were having trouble receiving submissions. Now we receive several submissions a day.
We have a fantastic archive of intriguing stories, beautiful art, moving poetry. Our articles continue to draw great interest and repeat visitors. We have connected with famous writers and encouraged some future ones.
We have had hard times too. Some issues are not as abundant as others. Some articles added nothing to the site. We have been slow responding to submissions at times and harsh in our criticism when we do. We could do more and we realize that.
So now it's time to recommit. We are going to continue bringing you the best fiction we can find. We are going to continue to present articles that provoke thought or share experiences. We are going to continue to be a place you want to visit.
But more than this, we are hoping to improve the Opinion Guy experience. We are again looking to improve our pay and very soon hope to be considered a semi-pro publication (1 cent per word – we are already are semi-pro in regards to poetry). We are going to enrich our visual appearance and offer you the opportunity to participate in the building of the website. Just like any good relationship, you are going to be able to tell us what you like and don't like. You are going to be able to give us your opinions and comments. You are going to have greater control in what we offer and how often we offer it. All of this is going to come very soon. We hope you like the changes.
So on our anniversary, we want to thank you for being a part of what we have accomplished and hope you want to be a part of what we are going to accomplish.


text:
BIHE Int'l Trading (Shanghai) Co. Becomes a Lvl. 3 Partner in China
Brett Daly 6/9/16 2:53 PM
Ambrell Corporation, a leading source of innovative induction heating solutions worldwide, announces that BIHE Int'l Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (BIHE) has signed-on as a Level 3 Sales, Services and Applications Consulting Partner to sell and support Ambrell induction solutions in the People's Republic of China.
This partnership program includes extensive training of BIHE service engineers who will become Ambrell-Certified Induction Service Engineers and Applications Consultants. In addition, BIHE will stock spare and replacement parts and systems to help speed service response time and time-to-repair. It builds on an existing Level 1 Distributor Agreement where BIHE had been successfully marketing and selling Ambrell induction solutions.
Ambrell and Ambrell Systems Integrators and OEM partners have installed hundreds of Ambrell systems in China over the past decade. These customers will now benefit from a more rapid service response from BIHE Ambrell-Certified Service Engineers and locally stocked spare and replacement parts and systems.
"We are very happy to have BIHE as a Level 3 Partner to help us deliver exceptional support of our installed products in China", said Tony Mazzullo, President & CEO at Ambrell Corporation. "We are very selective when choosing Level 3 Partners. BIHE has worked with Ambrell for several years and now meets or exceeds the requirements for this program."
An Ambrell Level 3 Partner is the highest designation attainable from Ambrell requiring that the Partner train and certify multiple sales, service and applications personnel. The certification ensures that the partner's resources can provide customers with a very high level of expertise and knowledge. Partners also have a direct line to Ambrell service engineers, applications consultants, engineering staff and members of the executive team.
Ambrell has services and applications consulting centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The company has also established Level 3 Partners with Ambrell-Certified staff in China, Japan, Slovenia and Italy, helping to extend the reach of our operations and services capabilities.
BIHE has headquarters in Shanghai and offices in Guangzhou, Beijing and Hong Kong. For additional information about Ambrell Corporation, call +1 585 889 9000 or visit the Ambrell website at www.ambrell.com.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


No matter how big or small the job is, the Tractor Tough Rain Boots will get it done! Made with all natural rubber and covered with repeating tractor pattern.
Kyra Riane in Her Minnie Mouse Boots, Hello Kitty Raincoat and the Water Puddles!
Little baby one year old playing with her mickey toy and make it sleep .....both are looking so cute..
Beat the rain with FROZEN umbrellas!
Del in his raincoat and rain boots stomping in puddles.
Liam's 1st Raincoat & Boots "Frog"


text:
An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose
Duncan Q. M. Craig, Merete Barsnes, Paul G. Royall, Vicky L. Kett
Purpose. To evaluate the use of Modulated Temperature DSC (MTDSC) as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose via measurement of the heat capacity, glass transition (Tg) and relaxation endotherm. Methods. Samples of amorphous lactose were prepared by freeze drying. MTDSC was conducted using a TA Instruments 2920 MDSC using a heating rate of 2 degrees C/minute, a modulation amplitude of +/-0.3 degrees C and a period of 60 seconds. Samples were cycled by heating to 140 degrees C and cooling to a range of annealing temperatures between 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C, followed by reheating through the Tg region. Systems were then recooled to allow for correction of the Tg shift effect. Results. MTDSC enabled separation of the glass transition from the relaxation endotherm, thereby facilitating calculation of the relaxation time as a function of temperature. The relative merits of using MTDSC for the assessment of relaxation processes are discussed. In addition, the use of the fictive temperature rather than the experimentally derived Tg is outlined. Conclusions. MTDSC allows assessment of the glass transition temperature, the magnitude of the relaxation endotherm and the value of the heat capacity, thus facilitating calculation of relaxation times. Limitations identified with the approach include the slow scanning speed, the need for careful choice of experimental parameters and the Tg shift effect.
Pharmaceutical Research
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:100757813
ENTHALPY RELAXATION
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY
modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry
glass transition
GLASS-TRANSITION
10.1023/A:100757813
Craig, D. Q. M., Barsnes, M., Royall, P. G., & Kett, V. L. (2000). An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose. Pharmaceutical Research, 17(6), 696-700. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:100757813
Craig, Duncan Q. M. ; Barsnes, Merete ; Royall, Paul G. ; Kett, Vicky L. / An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose. In: Pharmaceutical Research. 2000 ; Vol. 17, No. 6. pp. 696-700.
@article{96b4e335ae8649b3bb92aa5982d572a2,
title = "An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose",
abstract = "Purpose. To evaluate the use of Modulated Temperature DSC (MTDSC) as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose via measurement of the heat capacity, glass transition (Tg) and relaxation endotherm. Methods. Samples of amorphous lactose were prepared by freeze drying. MTDSC was conducted using a TA Instruments 2920 MDSC using a heating rate of 2 degrees C/minute, a modulation amplitude of +/-0.3 degrees C and a period of 60 seconds. Samples were cycled by heating to 140 degrees C and cooling to a range of annealing temperatures between 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C, followed by reheating through the Tg region. Systems were then recooled to allow for correction of the Tg shift effect. Results. MTDSC enabled separation of the glass transition from the relaxation endotherm, thereby facilitating calculation of the relaxation time as a function of temperature. The relative merits of using MTDSC for the assessment of relaxation processes are discussed. In addition, the use of the fictive temperature rather than the experimentally derived Tg is outlined. Conclusions. MTDSC allows assessment of the glass transition temperature, the magnitude of the relaxation endotherm and the value of the heat capacity, thus facilitating calculation of relaxation times. Limitations identified with the approach include the slow scanning speed, the need for careful choice of experimental parameters and the Tg shift effect.",
keywords = "ENTHALPY RELAXATION, DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY, modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry, glass transition, relaxation time, amorphous, GLASS-TRANSITION, lactose, freeze drying",
author = "Craig, {Duncan Q. M.} and Merete Barsnes and Royall, {Paul G.} and Kett, {Vicky L.}",
doi = "10.1023/A:100757813",
journal = "Pharmaceutical Research",
Craig, DQM, Barsnes, M, Royall, PG & Kett, VL 2000, 'An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose', Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 696-700. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:100757813
An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose. / Craig, Duncan Q. M.; Barsnes, Merete; Royall, Paul G.; Kett, Vicky L.
In: Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 17, No. 6, 2000, p. 696-700.
T1 - An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose
AU - Craig, Duncan Q. M.
AU - Barsnes, Merete
AU - Royall, Paul G.
AU - Kett, Vicky L.
N2 - Purpose. To evaluate the use of Modulated Temperature DSC (MTDSC) as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose via measurement of the heat capacity, glass transition (Tg) and relaxation endotherm. Methods. Samples of amorphous lactose were prepared by freeze drying. MTDSC was conducted using a TA Instruments 2920 MDSC using a heating rate of 2 degrees C/minute, a modulation amplitude of +/-0.3 degrees C and a period of 60 seconds. Samples were cycled by heating to 140 degrees C and cooling to a range of annealing temperatures between 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C, followed by reheating through the Tg region. Systems were then recooled to allow for correction of the Tg shift effect. Results. MTDSC enabled separation of the glass transition from the relaxation endotherm, thereby facilitating calculation of the relaxation time as a function of temperature. The relative merits of using MTDSC for the assessment of relaxation processes are discussed. In addition, the use of the fictive temperature rather than the experimentally derived Tg is outlined. Conclusions. MTDSC allows assessment of the glass transition temperature, the magnitude of the relaxation endotherm and the value of the heat capacity, thus facilitating calculation of relaxation times. Limitations identified with the approach include the slow scanning speed, the need for careful choice of experimental parameters and the Tg shift effect.
AB - Purpose. To evaluate the use of Modulated Temperature DSC (MTDSC) as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose via measurement of the heat capacity, glass transition (Tg) and relaxation endotherm. Methods. Samples of amorphous lactose were prepared by freeze drying. MTDSC was conducted using a TA Instruments 2920 MDSC using a heating rate of 2 degrees C/minute, a modulation amplitude of +/-0.3 degrees C and a period of 60 seconds. Samples were cycled by heating to 140 degrees C and cooling to a range of annealing temperatures between 80 degrees C and 100 degrees C, followed by reheating through the Tg region. Systems were then recooled to allow for correction of the Tg shift effect. Results. MTDSC enabled separation of the glass transition from the relaxation endotherm, thereby facilitating calculation of the relaxation time as a function of temperature. The relative merits of using MTDSC for the assessment of relaxation processes are discussed. In addition, the use of the fictive temperature rather than the experimentally derived Tg is outlined. Conclusions. MTDSC allows assessment of the glass transition temperature, the magnitude of the relaxation endotherm and the value of the heat capacity, thus facilitating calculation of relaxation times. Limitations identified with the approach include the slow scanning speed, the need for careful choice of experimental parameters and the Tg shift effect.
KW - ENTHALPY RELAXATION
KW - DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY
KW - modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry
KW - glass transition
KW - relaxation time
KW - amorphous
KW - GLASS-TRANSITION
KW - lactose
KW - freeze drying
U2 - 10.1023/A:100757813
DO - 10.1023/A:100757813
JO - Pharmaceutical Research
JF - Pharmaceutical Research
Craig DQM, Barsnes M, Royall PG, Kett VL. An evaluation of the use of modulated temperature DSC as a means of assessing the relaxation behaviour of amorphous lactose. Pharmaceutical Research. 2000;17(6):696-700. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:100757813


Borrowing from the voice masters of the last 400 years, I teach standard techniques and methods that are used in most universities and music schools today.
For the beginning singer I use established voice repertoire and a structured curriculum designed to free the voice, calm and expand breathing and increase resonance. More advanced singers and professional singers are encouraged and are welcome to bring in pieces to work on and perform. I also work with musical theater and pop styles, teaching healthy vocal technique.
I am accepting students and you can contact me via email at divalounger@gmail.com or by phone at (510) 523-2414.
I love teaching and I love helping students explore and find the potential in their voices and in their sense of artistry. Healthy vocal technique is essential to the development and expression of all vocal artistry. I have excellent technical skills both as a diagnostician and as a technician. I can help you develop vocal skill, overcome obstacles and develop your sense of artistry.


text:
Murder near the Bulgarian-Turkish Border: Turkey has Detained a Suspect and his Accomplice
Society » INCIDENTS | November 8, 2022, Tuesday // 19:44
@BNT
The Turkish authorities have detained a suspect for the murder of the border police officer Petar Bachvarov. This was confirmed to BNR by Deputy Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov.
Bulgaria is expecting an invitation from the Turkish authorities for Bulgarian prosecutors to join the investigation, today at noon the request for legal assistance was sent, as a result of which two people were arrested in the case - a suspected perpetrator and an assistant, Borislav Sarafov explained, specifying that the two are not Turkish citizens.
The investigators in Bulgaria are waiting for information about their interrogations. It remains to be clarified whether it is about migrant trafficking or something else, the Deputy Prosecutor General also commented.
"They detained two people - one perpetrator and one helper. They are not Turkish citizens. After the interrogation, we will send a team of investigators to the place to get acquainted with the materials and we will request the extradition of these two persons and they will be tried in our country. It is being established what they are. We are in constant communication with the Turkish prosecutor's office," said Sarafov.
The news was confirmed earlier by the ambassador of Turkey in Bulgaria. The Ministry of the Interior also announced that the Turkish ambassador had informed the interior minister about the arrest of a suspect in the shooting at the border.
From the Turkish side, after the incident, additional teams were immediately sent to guard the border. This was announced by the Ankara embassy in our country after a conversation between the interior ministers Demerdzhiev and Suleiman Soylu.
/BNR
Incidents » Be a reporter: Write and send your article
Tags: Turkish, Murder, border, Bulgaria
» According to Deputy PM, it is Still Realistic for Bulgaria to Adopt the Euro in 2024
» The Foreign Ministry will Demand the Access of Bulgarian Citizens to North Macedonia to be Ensured
» Ursula von der Leyen: Strengthening the Bulgarian-Turkish Border is a Priority
More from Incidents
» Bulgaria: A Disco on the Northern Beach in Burgas Burned Down
» Bulgaria: Partial State of Emergency has been Declared in the Karlovo villages of Karavelovo and Bogdan
» Bulgaria: Kilometer-Long Queues and Broken-Down Trucks during Heavy Snowfall at the "Predel" Pass
» In Northwestern Bulgaria: A Woman Died while waiting 35 Minutes for an Ambulance
» The State Sent a Plane to transport the Bulgarian Beaten in North Macedonia for treatment in Bulgaria
» Another Provocation: The Secretary of the Bulgarian Cultural Club in North Macedonia has been Beaten


text:
«Nightrider» es una canción del grupo británico Electric Light Orchestra, publicada en el álbum de estudio Face the Music (1975). La canción, compuesta por Jeff Lynne, fue también publicada como el tercer sencillo del álbum, después de «Evil Woman» y «Strange Magic».

El sencillo incluyó como cara B una versión en directo de «Daybreaker», extraída del álbum The Night the Light Went On (In Long Beach). A pesar de la creciente popularidad del grupo tras la publicación de Face the Music, el sencillo no entró en ninguna lista de éxitos.

Entre el minuto 3:16 y 3:19, la canción incluye un crescendo de instrumentos de cuerda que fue reutilizado, aunque del reverso, en otra canción del álbum, «Evil Woman». Según Lynne: «Tomé la parte alta de cuerdas de "Nightrider" que llega al clímax, y la usé al revés en "Evil Woman" como gran efecto. Me quedé sorprendido cuando encajó a la perfección». La canción fue también utilizada como cara B del sencillo «Do Ya» en los Estados Unidos.

Durante la interpretación en directo de «Nightrider», Lynne compartía la voz principal con Kelly Groucutt.

Referencias

Canciones de Electric Light Orchestra
Canciones compuestas por Jeff Lynne
Sencillos de 1976
Canciones de 1975


text:
Safest cars under Rs 10 lakh as rated by Global NCAP
21st Jun 2019 12:37 pm
Global NCAP has tested over 30 India-made models as part of its Safer Cars For India campaign. We tell you of the 5 that scored the highest.
While it has been 40 years since the launch of the first NCAP programme, Global NCAP's campaign to draw attention to car safety in India has been ongoing since 2014. Over the years, the organisation has tested close to 30 mass-market models and variants made and sold in India. Global NCAP's crash tests last round of tests revealed that the Tata Nexon is the first made-in-India and sold-in-India model to get a 5-star rating; Mahindra's MPV, the Marazzo, scored four stars while the Maruti Suzuki Swift was awarded a 2-star rating. A previous round of tests had seen the Renault Lodgy fare poorly with a 0-star rating, while the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza came away with four stars, making it one of the best performers yet. Which are the safest cars under Rs 10 lakh tested by Global NCAP so far? Read on to find out.
5. Tata Zest (4/5)
While the first round of tests for the Zest compact sedan earned it a 0-star rating, Tata was allowed another opportunity and introduced an upgraded compact sedan, which was crash-tested in 2016. This model scored an impressive 4-star rating (11.15/17) in adult occupancy and two stars in child occupancy (15.52/49). The Tata Zest came with two airbags and a seat-belt reminder for the driver, but was later updated with ABS, EBD and corner stability control.
4. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (4/5)
A feather in Maruti Suzuki's cap, the Vitara Brezza compact SUV received a 4-star rating for adult occupancy in the latest round of Global NCAP's crash tests (12.51 out of 17). However, the SUV only managed two stars for child occupancy (17.93 out of 49) with the 18-month old dummy in the test suffering injuries to its head and shoulders. The markings for the Isofix anchorages did not meet Global NCAP testing protocols, either. All variants of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza are equipped with two airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belt with pretensioners, a driver's seat belt reminder and Isofix child-seat mounts.
3. Toyota Etios Liva (4/5)
Tested by Global NCAP back in 2016, the Etios Liva hatchback was one of the few models that registered a commendable 4-star rating for adult occupancy in its very first crash test (13/16); and two stars for child occupancy (20.02/49). While the Toyota Etios Liva was updated later with more safety kit such as ABS with EBD and Isofix child seat mounts, the model tested only had dual-front airbags and front seat belts with pretensioners.
2. Volkswagen Polo (4/5)
One of the first made-in-India cars to be tested by the safety ratings organisation, the Volkswagen Polo without dual front airbags scored zero stars for adult occupancy; but the version with two airbags managed a solid 4-star crash test rating (12.54/17). Both models scored three stars for child occupancy although the Polo with airbags managed a marginally higher 29.91/49, as compared to the 26.97 of the model without the safety feature. Remember, this was back in 2014 and the Polo at the time didn't even get ABS, Isofix child seat mounts and seat-belt reminders as standard. The top-spec Volkswagen Polo GT TSI on sale in India now gets features like traction control, ESC, hill-start assist and rear parking sensors.
1. Tata Nexon (5/5)
Tata's compact SUV recently achieved a 4-star rating from NCAP for adult occupancy (13.56/17) and three stars for child occupancy (25/49). After this, Tata updated all variants of the model with a seat-belt reminder for the driver and front passenger and had the compact SUV pass the UN95 side-impact protection requirements – resulting in the Nexon becoming the first made-in-India model to achieve a 5-star rating, achieving a score of 16.06/18 in adult occupancy. Global NCAP rated the Nexon's body shell integrity as 'stable' while providing good protection for the head and neck of the driver and the passenger. All variants of the Tata Nexon come with two airbags, ABS and Isofix child seat mounts as standard.
Honda Amaze (4/5)
The made-in-India Honda Amaze – sold here and in select African markets in the same specification – was tested as part of Global NCAP's Safer Cars For Africa campaign. Safety equipment such as dual-front airbags, ABS and seat-belt reminders helped the compact sedan achieve a commendable 4-star rating (14.08/17) for adult occupancy. However, despite coming with Isofix child seat mounts as standard, the Amaze performed poorly in terms of child occupancy. Global NCAP gave the car just one star (8.16/49), as the child seat mounts were not up to its standards.
Mahindra Marazzo (4/5)
The first made-in-India MPV to gain a 4-star rating, the Mahindra Marazzo did far better than fellow people carriers such as the Renault Lodgy and Chevrolet Enjoy. The Marazzo MPV scored 12.85 out of 17 in adult safety and 22.22 out of 49 in child occupancy (two stars) thanks to safety kit such as dual front airbags, ABS, a driver's side seat-belt reminder, front seat-belt pretensioners and Isofix anchorages for the rear seats – standard across all variants. When it had launched in India, the base Marazzo variant just ducked under the Rs 10 lakh-mark, however, a recent revision has increased the base Marazzo M2's price to Rs 10.18 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
Breaking down the Global NCAP crash test


Ultralight: Requires less than 5MB and does not need additional software (e.g. Java) to operate.
Platform-independent: Based on Go, SDC Edge runs on a broad range of operating systems, including Linux, OS X, Windows and Android.
Drag-and-drop dataflow design: Identical to StreamSets Data Collector, pipelines are built using origin, destination and transformation objects, with the option to plug in scripts and trigger custom code execution.
Edge analytics: SDC Edge performs computations such as data normalization, redaction and aggregation, and is architected to support full-featured edge analytics, including machine and deep-learning models.
IoT and cybersecurity are both red-hot spaces for big data innovation. Applying machine learning and other analytic techniques to data aggregated from IoT sensors and devices can help in areas as diverse as factory equipment, construction, oil and gas, and medical devices. Cybersecurity applications benefit from applying advanced analytics to the vast quantities of data collected across a corporate network in order to detect imminent threats or attacks in progress.


Surfing the Merger Waves: Is California Losing?
The U.S. is currently going through the fifth and largest merger and acquisition wave in its history. The first great merger wave followed the depression of the late 19th century. In an effort to secure economies of scale and maintain market share in their growing markets, firms began to merge.
The second wave followed World War I and shifted the merger mix from horizontal to vertical integration. Firms were no longer able to engulf competitors; instead they purchased companies that operated at different stages of the production process. The third wave (late 1960s) was motivated by the desire for diversification through conglomeration. The fourth wave, in the 1980s, restructured and dismantled those conglomerates and led to increased corporate focus and productivity that spurred growth in the nineties. In the 1990s, the fifth wave of corporate consolidations is characterized by consolidation of market share and acquisition of new technologies.
From a regional perspective, California seems to be losing ownership of its telecommunications companies and banks in this latest wave of consolidations. First, Pacific Telesis was purchased by SBC Corp in 1997. Last year, Bell Atlantic announced its intended purchase of GTE. Now, AirTouch has been acquired by Vodafone.
A little more than a decade ago, California held a global competitive advantage as an emerging financial center for the Pacific Basin economies. Los Angeles, and later San Francisco, evolved quickly as the center of financial service providers. From 1976 to 1986, depository institutions in Los Angeles went through rapid transformation with explosive growth. Output expanded 325% and employment increased 54%, outpacing the nation as a whole.
Financial institutions and services based on emerging financial innovations and technologies were largely resident within the state. California's changing landscape (high rate of in-migration and rapid small business formations) benefited tremendously from the locally owned expanding financial sector. For example, while total employment in Los Angeles increased 30% from 1976 to 1986, depository institution employment grew by 55%.
Rapid expansion in capitalization and employment in the finance sector during the 1980s make a compelling argument for its importance to small and mid-sized businesses. Employment in savings and loans and credit union industries increased 321% and 578% from 1976 to 1986, respectively. They catered to small and mid-sized enterprises and nurtured their growth. More flexible and agile local lending institutions developed relationship lending that penetrated small technology growth and/or ethnic-owned businesses far better than larger banking institutions. Business formation and job creation were among the highest in the country.
Over the past decade, the combination of financial regulation, industry consolidation, and demise of locally owned thrifts and banks conspired to reduce California's and Los Angeles' potential global leadership in finance that had evolved since the days of A. P. Giannini. The state and metropolitan area suffered far greater job losses than the U.S. average. Depository institutions lost 31% of their job base from 1986 to 1996, far above the nation's 12% decline, from efficiency gains in industrial organization and operations.
The obvious question is whether the state can continue to thrive without a solid, competitive, localized financial base. The remarkable recovery in the Los Angeles area depends extensively on the small-business growth of the past few years. High tech start-ups and service-oriented entrepreneurial firms require diverse local sources of financing. Whereas supply factors in the labor market (education, skills, migration) affect job creation and retention, demand factors (business formation and growth) are determined more by aggregate economic activity, which is highly influenced by this change in industrial structure and organization of the financial services industry. In short, there is considerable unrealized potential economic growth that could be negatively affected by this loss of financial comparative advantage.
Glenn Yago is Director of Capital Studies at the Milken Institute.


Feeling stressed? Absolutely you would have felt or might feel it in the future. No one can say that "I am leading a stress-free life". So, let us understand about its flavours and how to manage it.
Everyone faces stress from time to time. People respond differently to emotions and events that may be causes of stress. For example, will say Introverts and extroverts. Both may experience the same causes of stress, but the response will be in different ways.
ARE YOU A EXTROVERT OR INTROVERT?
FIND WHICH FLAVOUR YOU BELONG TO?
Eustress is your body's response to positive, happy emotions and events.
Distress is your body's response to negative, upsetting emotions and events.
Keep a positive attitude always.
We need to assert our feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive (i.e) be assertive instead of aggressive.
Learn to "Say No" to requests that would create excessive stress in our life. Set your limits.
There are some events or situations that we cannot control and we should accept it.
Eat something or chew gum. Science has shown that chewing something or eating lowers the stress.
We should learn and practice some relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Walk away from your computer. Make sure to shut it off 1 hour before you fall asleep.
Have a stress ball at your work desk. We should use it whenever stress tries to test us.
Spend some time for hobbies, interests, else play with kids which would definitely reduce your stress.
Cuddle something. Oxytocin also called cuddle hormone get released when we spend time with others.
We should learn to manage our time more effectively.
Watch some funny videos or go for a walk.
Posted on 27 March, 2019 27 March, 2019 Author Abaya RajashreeCategories Non-technicalTags Stress ManagementLeave a comment on Feeling stressed ?


Kuyper College is a Christian institution with an emphasis on training for a life in ministry. In addition to Kuyper's religious degrees in programs like Biblical Greek and Youth Ministry, most of the school's other fields of study include a built-in Bible and Theology dual major. Every student is also required to complete an internship relating to their chosen academic field. The college further integrates the Bible into campus life through chapel, retreats, and a service trip held during spring break.
I absolutely love Kuyper College! It is a small school focused on ministry and bringing God's word to the ends of the earth. It's one big family.
Kuyper is a great college! Its focus on Christian values and the small size makes it stand out among schools. I have truly loved attending this school!


text:
Reincarnated as an Elf Magic Swordsman Volume 15 Chapter 4
Chapter 4 – True Value
Photon Blade(Flash Spell Cut)..
It is a High Ancient Magic Sword Technique, and a part of the Original Spell(Spells of Beginnings)s.
Its power far surpasses that of modern magic, and its brilliance can cut and destroy anything in its path.
"This is the end."
He quietly looks at the dark elf, which has fizzled out into countless particles of light in the aftermath.
The shining long sword that Felix swung down cut Redone in half.
"You did it, Felix!"
"You won!"
All the adventurers shouted in unison.
Felix, however, still has a stiff expression.
He could feel it. His chest was beating uncomfortably.
"──Not yet."
Once again, sweat began to trickle down his body.
"That was a close call……."
And as he had expected, a voice came from behind him.
Felix turned around, and from there he saw Redone with his body still intact but with blood pouring out of his forehead.
"Was it an illusion that I slashed through?"
Felix readied his sword once again.
"Looks like I underestimated you way too much. I thought I could read all your techniques now. Thankfully, I had a hunch ── and jumped at the last second to avoid it. If I hadn't been so lucky, I would have died."
However, despite the danger he had been through, there is still a broad smile on Redone's lips.
"You're the best one I have fought so far……and I always wanted to feel these kinds of close-calls."
"You see, I've always wanted a fight where the line between winning and losing is so close. Yes, a fight just like this. I don't care about the world or its fate. This is what I've always wanted. And I will continue to do so until I get my satisfaction from it."
"Sorry, but there will be no 'continuation' to you after this."
Felix posed with his long sword.
A dazzling glow of magic once again lit the tip of his sword.
"I'm going to end you here. In order to protect my friends."
"Then I'll show you how impossible that is. For I'll show you the power of the strongest magic swordsman in the world this time……"
Redone gave another smile. This time, it was a tyrannical smile.
"……and how I perfected this power to be able to destroy everything that stands in my way."
After he spoke those lines, Redone glowed, starting from his sword.
Particles of light spread and spread until they wrapped his entire body.
"Mirage Mode(Magic Enclosure Skill) – Overmegiddo(Transcendent Flame Bloom)"
Then, the glow created shapes, and they transformed into jet-black armor protecting his body.
"Mirage Mode(Magic Enclosure Skill), huh."
Felix mumbled as he witnessed the sight.
(If I remember correctly, he showed this mode in his fight with Lian, based on the report.)
However, the appearance is way different.
There are now twelve wings of light spreading from his back.
Hand and foot armor resembling the claws of a beast.
A tail-like part that extends from the back.
And a helmet resembling a dragon's head.
(It's like those dragon warriors back in my time.)
"This is the enhanced form of the Mirage Mode I acquired through my communion with Gilfe. I am now immune to all magic and physical attacks. And with zero magic recharge time, I can instantly launch any kind of technique whenever I want."
Redone boasted.
Then, the twelve pairs of wings that extend from his back shone with a dazzling radiance.
"An operating time and magical efficiency that far surpasses the first Mirage Mode?"
The moment Felix muttered that, the dragon warrior disappeared.
Redone's speed was so fast that even in his state, Felix was unable to react quickly.
"Kuh……!"
As to suffice for it, Felix swung his sword wildly and unleashed a slashing shockwave in all directions.
(Even if I can't react to it, the only thing I need is to keep him away from me with a series of mowing attacks.)
However, despite unleashing dozens to even hundreds of his slashes, Felix was unable to find a reaction, not even a blip.
Then suddenly, he found himself with Redone right in front of him.
"You're slow. Belial Blade(Supreme Demon Sword)."
"Gah!?"
Redone unleashed a magic sword technique that blasted Felix wide open. If yo u ar e a ble to rea d thi s m ess age, y ou ar e rea di ng fro m an una ut hor ized agg re gate si te. Re ad at my Wo rdP ress to sup por t me and my tra ns lat ions.
Normally, when you use magic, you have to 'build up' magic power first.
The more powerful the magic, the greater the magic power required and the longer the recharge time for it to be unleashed.
(But despite that, Redone……)
"Hahaha! I can do all this with no time lag at all!"
(What he said earlier is not a lie nor a bluff. It seems that he really can shoot magic sword techniques without any charging time.)
"Moreover, its power is truly a deadly one. At this point, even I don't think I'll be able to outrun him."
"However, I have to keep going. I want to see how far I can keep up with him."
"Good, good. You haven't given up yet. Now let's see how you'll take this!"
Redone, who's now turned into some kind of dragon warrior, races head-on towards Felix.
"Damn it! Rune Overdrive(Magician Mobile Flame)!"
To this, Felix uses his magical energy to accelerate and jumps away from the spot.
"Ooh, that is indeed a great technique. However-"
Redone's figure disappears.
Once again, at godspeed, and without any traces nor any visibility.
"Right now, I'm much faster than the speed you can even move best…."
With these words, this time, the dark elf reappears right beside Felix.
The number one adventurer kept accelerating, not stopping his movements.
Still, no matter how much he moved around, Redone was able to follow him so easily.
"I can't shake him off……!"
All of a sudden, Felix stopped running.
Preparing to be attacked, he made his way towards Redone.
"Oh, taking a last stand now? Are you prepared to sacrifice yourself?"
"Neither. I'm going to stop you…no, I'm going to beat you!"
Felix finally unleashes his magic power in full from his entire body.
This time, his magic power is no longer the invisible one, but the one with a visible glow that anyone, even the ones from afar, would be able to see it.
(If the principle of my technique is already known to the opponent, then there is no point in hiding it anymore.)
This time, Felix converted his full magic power into propulsion and slashes at Redone at top speed.
"Like I told you. You're too slow."
But even that blow was quickly blocked by the dark elf boy.
"Here, let me return the favor."
"Uugh……"
From here, Redone decided on his counterattack. He unleashed a slash so powerful that it blew away the sword wave together with the man who casted it.
Felix's entire body was torn apart, and he was slammed to the ground covered in blood.
"……Not yet. I'm still……!"
But he stood up and ran towards Redone again, his magic power at full throttle.
"You're still trying hard. Good, good! Now that's what I'm talking about!"
Redone flapped his wings of light and sprinted as well. Th is ch ap ter t rans lat ion is ma de poss ib le by st ab bing wit h a sy rin ge tr ansla tio ns. chec k u p-t o-da te tran slati ons on my Word pre ss si te.
At this point, Felix already knew that he's being toyed around.
Whenever he increases his speed, Redone also increases his but just to the extent that he can match him.
The same in terms of power as well.
"Whether its power or speed……there seem to be no possibilities that I can win over him."
Felix realized.
That in every way, Redone already surpassed him.
"Even still……I won't give up."
Magic Gem Limiter – Release. Critical Breakthrough.
Having no other choice, Felix activated his magic gem, the source of his magic power, and made it run far beyond the limits he could muster.
At the same time, fresh blood spurted out from his forehead, his arms, his legs, his chest, his stomach – from every part of his body.
"Ooooooo……ooooooohh!"
But even with this, Felix didn't care; he continued increasing his magic power despite being covered in his blood.
(I will defeat him……even at the cost of my own body……)
Yes, it's not about whether you can survive or not.
It's all about winning.
Objective predictions and logical thinking are no longer necessary.
All he had to do was unleash the final blow with all his heart and strength.
Whether Felix could get past this or not, he would have no other options.
"Limit Break(Slash Release) – Phoenix Photon Blade(Firebird's Ultimate Flash Cut)!"
A phoenix-shaped glow emanated from his downed sword.
It was a full-powered magic sword technique.
"Heeh."
From here, Redone's smile changed.
As if he was taunted by it, he tried to block the shining phoenix with his black sword as well.
"The hell!? It's heavy─"
But as if it exceeded his expectations, the phoenix didn't falter and kept pushing forward.
Then, his black magic armor started to break down because it could not withstand the tremendous pressure as if it was shattering the space itself.
"Push through!"
Felix screamed as he spat out a lump of blood.
He poured his remaining magic power and even his life force into the phoenix of light and just pushed it in.
Redone's expression started to lose its composure.
He knows that if he gets pushed here, even he would not be able to escape annihilation.
That's how powerful this magic sword technique of Felix is.
"But that's only if it succeeds. If I survive this, I win. He has no energy left."
Giggling as if the tension doesn't exist in him, Redone tried pushing back.
A dusky glow flooded from his black sword and entangled itself with the phoenix.
But the phoenix, despite writhing in agony, continued pushing.
It was a fierce battle of magic power vs magic power.
"Guoo……oooooooooooohhhh!!"
A roar that sounded like it was coming from the bottom of their stomachs both came from Felix and Redone.
Then, there was light.


text:
Ophion macilentus är en stekelart som beskrevs av Olivier 1811. Ophion macilentus ingår i släktet Ophion och familjen brokparasitsteklar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Brokparasitsteklar
macilentus


text:
Haslam: 'We'll see the real Hue Jackson' in 2018
By MARY KAY CABOT • Jul 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM
CLEVELAND — Jimmy and Dee Haslam pledged their support to coach Hue Jackson by firing Sashi Brown after 1-15 and 0-16 seasons, but have continued to watch their coach take heat for the mess of the past two seasons.
This year, they think fans will see there was a method to their madness.
"I think we'll see the real Hue Jackson,'' Jimmy said Saturday as the owners gave their annual training camp address. "He's got good quarterbacks, he's got some skill players, he's got a veteran offensive line - now we gotta figure out left tackle, three really good backs and good defense.
"You've heard me say this a few times, gotta give Hue credit for bringing in Todd Haley, which will allow Hue to be the head coach, so I think this will be the first opportunity Hue's had to do what we know he can do as a head coach, as a leader. Even though Todd's calling all the shots on offense, I think Hue obviously will have some impact there like he will on defense, so we're excited to see it."
Jackson appreciated the vote of confidence.
"First of all, I want to thank Dee and Jimmy for saying that,'' he said after practice. "Again, as I said all last year, I felt like I had their full support. They were always in communication with me, and I thank them for that. I'm glad they feel that way. My job is to go out and coach this football team and get them better and we've got to do it better than we've ever done it since I've been here.''
He acknowledged that he feels better about the upgrade talent, including Tyrod Taylor, Jarvis Landry, Damrious Randall, Mychal Kendricks and more.
"We have some players that I think are going to help make the difference, but at the same time, it's just all talk right now,'' he said. "We have to go do it. So we've just got to keep working, but I do thank them for that."
Dee refused to quantify success, but believes fans will be happy this season with the product on the field.
"I think you can realistically expect progress,'' she said. "That's what we feel like. We've already made a lot of progress and we realistically feel like we're going to have progress this year."
As for being specific, she said "that's hard to define. Right now progress is...I think we're going to see a lot of progress among our players, I really do."
Haslam alludes to Josh Gordon's addiction struggles, won't comment on report that Roger Goodell must approve his written application to the Browns for reinstatement
Jimmy acknowledged that he's excited to see what the real Jackson can accomplish now that he's working in lockstep with GM John Dorsey.
"Our commitment to him has been unwavering and still is,'' he said.
Jimmy was asked if it's more like Jackson's first year this year than his third, given the fresh start.
"In some ways that's a fair question,'' he said. "In some ways you could say because of the talent he's had, particularly at quarterback, particularly last year, it could view it as his first year but we don't look at that. I know everybody's saying Hue has to win this many games or he has to win that many games. We don't look at it [like that.] We're really excited about the relationship that Hue and John [Dorsey] have, and not just that they have but their staffs have, how the building is working together.
"I mean we're in here at 7 this morning talking about who else we might need to add to the roster, so we feel good about the chemistry, we feel good about the work ethic but at the same time we all understand we've got to win games."
Jimmy acknowledged that they have a tremendous responsibility to loyal Browns fans.
"We're not going to do anything that's going to be a one-year flash in the pan,'' he said. "But at the same time, we feel pressure to win. We feel the responsibility that we haven't won before. We feel the fans' pain, too. We feel your pain. Our fans deserve better and hopefully starting this year they're going to get it."


Today, DALI offers an exciting range of speakers to suit every taste from the cost-conscious SPEKTOR series to the high-performance speaker EPICON 8. With more than one million satisfied DALI owners in more than 70 countries, we bring music and film to life at home, giving proud DALI owners a more honest, nuanced and richly detailed listening experience.
A key contributing factor to DALI's superiority is exclusive DALI driver units designed and developed from scratch by our Danish engineers and produced in our own controlled facilities. With our unique driver technologies we are able to design and build speaker systems that makes it possible for listeners to hear their favorite music exactly as the artists intended. It gives us great satisfaction to breathe life into recorded music and create a credible illusion of being there in tribute to the performers and out of respect for the audience.
We are always looking for skilled and enthusiastic people in all areas of our business. See below for any current job opening. If you feel that you could be a valuable addition to our organization, you are welcome to send us your CV and a short description of your skills.


52 Non-Cliché Second-Date Ideas That Beat Dinner and a Movie . if you let your adventurous side come out, it's guaranteed to be a fun time. The VMW has 5 cheap weeknight date ideas that so perfect for anyone I started thinking about the fun things that Mathew and I have done. But after a while passes and you get more comfortable, it can be fun to add a little "spark" back into date night. Instead of the same-old same-old, creative date.
10 AMAZING Date Ideas Women LOVE... That You've NEVER Thought Of! Learn to Dance Find a dance studio that offer sessions for first timers and couples. Any activity that also involves eating makes for a great date. We were so thankful for a quick and painless dinner, and happy to be home at a decent time so we could just rest from our busy day full of appointments. They really all are so much fun, and perfect for a weeknight. Go to a Fancy Bar and Dress Up Fun weeknight date ideas dressed up, go to a fancy bar hotel bars are an easy choiceand try something off the exotic cocktails list. Check if your favorite local park offers birdwatching tours, or just hang out in your backyard with binoculars. We ordered a pizza, salad, pizookie, fun weeknight date ideas, and our drinks and checked out the rest of the app.


text:
Category Archives: Legislation
Trump Policies Bad for Workers' Compensation
Posted on September 3, 2018 by Rod Rehm
Dr. Richard Victor
Today's post comes from guest author Thomas Domer, from The Domer Law Firm.
Dr. Richard Victor, an economist who founded the Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) 35 years ago, just presented a paper at the WCRI National Conference in Boston. He indicated that federal policies on immigration and health insurance promise to make worse the challenges the United States faces by an aging workforce and a widespread labor shortage. He noted that workers' compensation claims could double and overall costs could expand by over 300% in the next dozen years, without any increase in benefits to workers. External forces could bring far more cases into the system because of a number of forces, including an aging workforce, labor shortage, slowdown in immigration, and more shifting to workers' compensation claims that should be paid by group health insurance. Dr. Victor projected current claims out a dozen years to 2030 indicating that claims should actually be down to about ¾ of today's numbers, but external factors will more than overtake that favorable percentage. Labor shortages caused by baby boomers retiring will increase injury rates. Research indicates that the older workforce will mean an increase in lost work days and more injuries and a real impact on labor shortage as more baby boomers retire. Dr. Victor indicated "These labor shortages, which will be longer and deeper than anything we have experienced, will lead to significant increase in workers' compensation claims and longer durations of disability." During a period of labor shortages, employers relax hiring standards and hire workers they would not have hired in a normal labor market, including workers who are less capable. The overall labor shortfall leads to more workers' compensation claims.
The Immigration Factor:
Economists have seen immigration as a factor that mitigates against the impact of the labor shortage. The Trump Administration, changing federal immigration policy, will further tighten labor markets and prolong the duration of a labor shortage. Moreover, Trump's "anti-immigration rhetoric" also discourages people to come to America. In health care, Victor noted that one in six health care workers is foreign-born including 27% of physicians and surgeons, 15% of nurses, and 22% of home health aide, each of which effects the workers' compensation system.
A shortage of people with adequate health insurance is also a problem for workers' compensation. Health insurance deductibles have risen from the hundreds to many thousands of dollars, and this new reality causes more workers to go without or delay getting medical care for an injury or illness. When they can no longer ignore their condition, many claim it as a work-related condition and seek workers' compensation (he cited a Rand Research study indicating workers with high deductible or co-insurance plan postponed care in over one-third of cases of the most common kind of workers' compensation claims – soft tissue injuries." As the number of workers who lose their insurance grows (since the Trump Administration and Congress ended subsidies and other aspects of the Affordable Care Act) case shifting form health insurance to workers' compensation could have a major effect, ballooning workers' compensation claims by as much as 35% in the next dozen years.
Victor's conclusion: "You end up with a 300% increase in workers' compensation costs without increasing benefits to injured workers."
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation and tagged Donald Trump, health insurance, immigration.
Experience Of New Virginia Legislator Points To Difficulty Of Multi-State Claims For Injured Workers
Posted on February 5, 2018 by Jon Rehm
Democrat Lee Carter, a democratic socialist, won an election to represent Virginia's 50th District in the state's House of Delegates.
Lee Carter took a bad experience with a work injury and turned it into motivation to win election to the Virginia legislature last November. But the nature of Carter's bad experience with his work injury shows why electing true worker advocates to state legislatures may not be enough to protect injured workers.
Carter was a Virginia resident who was injured in Illinois working for a Georgia company. Carter attempted to bring his claim in Virginia but he was unable to do so because of lack of jurisdiction. Tennessee lawyer Denty Cheatham pointed out on the WILG listserv that Carter's difficulty in bringing a claim was why national standards are needed for workers compensation.
So-called federalization is controversial in the world of workers' compensation. Workers' compensation is a creature of state law by what amounts to a fluke of legal history. When workers compensation laws were passed in the 1910s, the Supreme Court held that regulation of workplace safety was outside of the federal government's ability to regulate interstate commerce but was within the so-called police power of the states.
Two decades later during the New Deal era, the Supreme Court expanded the definition of interstate commerce in the 1930s which allowed Congress to enact laws impacting the workplace such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
OSHA was implemented in the 1970s as concerns about the adequacy of state-based workers compensation systems arose from organized labor and the civil rights movement. Part of the OSHA Act was a National Commission that called for minimum standards for workers compensation claims. Part of having standardized state laws would mean that state laws would be more uniform and multi-state claims would be easier to navigate for injured workers.
Our firm is part of WILG which is a national organization of workers' compensation lawyers. Multi-state or multi-jurisdictional claims are probably one of the most discussed topic on the WILG listserv. Mainly lawyers discuss which state's have the best laws for a particular case. In some circumstances workers can also bring claims in and collect benefits in multiple states. The current system works for knowledgeable lawyers, but it can fail injured workers who may not even be able to bring claim because of questions over jurisdiction.
Multi-state claims can also subvert democratic rule. A worker has some input over workers compensation laws in the state where he or she lives and votes through their respective state legislatures. A worker who is forced to bring a claim in another state does not have that influence unless they happen to be among the 6 percent of private sector employees represented by a union. But even then, it may be burdensome to bring a claim in another state.
But workers have a say over national laws through their Congressional representatives. Minimum standards and some uniformity in state workers' compensation laws would give injured workers more say in the types of benefits they would receive if they were hurt out of their home state or hurt for an out of state employer. Minimum standards legislation would also draw more national attention to the short coming of various state workers' compensation laws. Renewed pushes for federal standards for workers' compensation happened in the early Obama administration and towards the end of the Obama administration. National standards for workers' compensation legislation will probably have to wait for a change in the partisan makeup of the two elected branches of the federal government.
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation, Workplace Injury and tagged Democratic socialist, elections, Lee Carter, OSHA, Virginia legislature, WILG.
Is The NEW GIG A New Bargain For Workers?
Posted on November 30, 2017 by Jon Rehm
Lost among the din of Twitter feuds and even more serious reporting on tax reform, is attention to a tax bill about gig economy workers that could impact more than just tax policy.
The New Economy Works to Guarantee Independence and Growth Act (NEW GIG Act) essentially allows firms such as Uber to withhold income taxes for workers without that withholding being construed as evidence of an employee-employer relationship. Boston College of Law Professors Shu Yi Oei and Diane Ring perceptively point out that the NEW GIG Act will help define how gig economy workers are classified for purposes of laws that cover employees like anti-discrimination laws, unemployment insurance, wage and hour laws and possibly workers compensation laws. Their argument is that NEW GIG allows companies like Uber to define their workers as contractors within the tax code and that helps creates a presumption of independent contractor status.
Though NEW GIG creates a safe harbor for gig economy companies that collect income taxes, NEW GIG does not abolish the common law test that distinguishes an employee from an independent contractor. The common law test rests on an employer having control over the method and means of work. But the tax code is a critical piece to classification of workers. True contractors are able to deduct their expenses from their taxes because legally they are running a business. Courts hold that when a driver or any other worker is essentially running their own business, they are an independent contractor. NEW GIG uses the tax code to encourage workers to take deductions for expenses and hence self-classify as contractors rather than employees.
Federal employment laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act depend on the so-called common law test distinguishing between contractors and employees. State wage and hour laws, fair employment laws and workers compensation laws may not always rely on those definitions. In cases where a state doesn't use a common law test to distinguish between employees and contractors, the question would be whether NEW GIG would pre-empt those state laws. NEW GIG does not appear to have an express preemption clause, so courts could tend to uphold state employment laws that would conflict with NEW GIG. Lack of express pre-emption language in NEW GIG may also mean that courts wouldn't pre-empt state employment laws that rely on the common law test distinguishing contractors from employees. If courts read NEW GIG as just a way for gig economy companies to collect income tax from their workers without creating an employee-employer relationship, then its impact could be muted on state laws and possibly on federal laws.
NEW GIG is sponsored in the Senate by John Thune (R.-South Dakota). Thune has recently criticized Uber for customer data breaches and sexual harassment allegations within the company. Those concerns have been echoed by Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) who is a leading proponent of the gig economy. (11) The fact that supporters of the gig economy appear to be questioning the practices of Uber could show the gig economy companies may not have an easy time in fundamentally altering the relationship between companies and their workers.
But Uber is not the only gig economy company and public statements by our elected officials don't always match up with their actions. Even if NEW GIG is just a tax bill there is power in the perceptions and presumptions that would be created if NEW GIG were passed. Advocates for employee rights would be well advised to keep a close watch over the NEW GIG bills in the House and Senate.
This entry was posted in employment law, Government, Legislation, Misclassification and tagged Fair Labor Standards Act, John Thune, Mark Warner, New Economy Works to Guarantee Independence and Growth Act, NEW GIG, truck driver, Uber.
Proposed 401(k) Changes Act As Stealth Tax Hike; Could Foreshadow More Anti-Worker Laws
Posted on October 24, 2017 by Jon Rehm
Congressional Republicans have proposed to tax contributions to 401k retirement plans in a move that amounts to a stealth tax hike on the middle class. The proposed tax on 401ks is also part of the trend of business attempting to shed benefits offered to their workers.
Employees are not taxed on money they contribute to 401k plans, but those contributions are taxed upon withdrawal from the account during retirement. The tax benefits to tax deferral are two. One taxes paid during retirement are generally paid at a lower marginal rate because income is lower during retirement. Secondly, because of the time value of money a dollar in taxes paid today is worth more than a dollar of taxes in the future. Descriptions of the proposed change in 401k taxation as a mere accounting gimmick are misleading and inexcusable from a publication like the New York Times.
The other benefit to a 401k plan to employees is that employers can match employee contributions and employers can get a tax deduction for that contribution. The proposed changes in 401k taxation are expected to lead to an increase in popularity of Roth IRAs. Roth IRAs tax contributions but do not tax withdrawal. Employers can offer and contribute to Roth IRAs, but employer contributions in Roth IRA are taxable for the employer as well, so few employers match Roth IRA contributions like they do with 401ks.
401k or defined contribution plans largely replaced defined benefit or pension plans. The shift from pensions to 401ks has reduced income for many current retirees and will continue to do so for future retirees. The effective end of the pension in the private sector, which coincides with decline in union membership, coupled with reductions in the purchasing power of Social Security retirement benefits resulted in a substantial increase in senior citizens who are forced to work in retirement. This increase in senior citizen employment driven by reduced retirement income forced some senior citizens, who are deemed "work campers," to become migrant laborers who travel the country in recreational vehicles from temporary job to temporary job.
Curtailing 401k accounts would continue and worsen these trends as the 401k account has essentially replaced traditional pensions. The prospective end of 401ks may be the first tangible result of more draconian employee benefit reforms in the 2010s and 2020s. The emergence of the gig economy will probably be the catalyst for any new round of anti-worker reforms.
The emergence of the gig economy has led to an increase in fights over employee classification. Gig economy workers, like Uber and Lyft drivers, tend to be classified as independent contractors who aren't eligible for even rudimentary employment benefits like unemployment and workers compensation insurance.
Courts and legislators have yet to conclusively answer whether gig economy workers are employees or independent contractors. No less a luminary than former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin lead a panel of prominent Democratic economists and elected officials in a forum about modernizing labor laws to promote the gig economy. Anyone who remembers the results of the financial reforms promoted by Rubin in the 1990, should shudder when Rubin discusses reforming laws governing the employer-employer relationship.
The rise of the gig economy is leading to calls for portable benefits not tied to the employee-employer relationship as a way to address concerns about how to classify gig economy workers. Portable benefits are an old idea in the political arena. The Affordable Care Act increased portability of health insurance through health care exchanges. Even business groups critical of the ACA praised how the ACA increased portability of health care benefits. Many employers like the idea of "portable benefits" as it reduces employee costs.
But it would be unfair to dismiss the potential good from portable benefits. Proponents of portable benefits argue that portable benefits help low wage employees who do not but do not have employee benefits like retirement and health insurance even if they are classified as employees. If portable benefit schemes gain traction, they should be implemented in a way that helps workers rather than as a way to reduce income and benefits going to workers.
There are valid criticisms of 401k accounts. Matt Bruenig of People's Policy Project states that tax deferral benefits of 401k accounts accrue to wealthier Americans. Progressive lawmakers like former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin have proposed Universal Savings Accounts (USAs) that would give employees a low-cost way to save for retirement independent of an employer-provided retirement account like a 401k. USA accounts could be a good replacement for 401k accounts if there was a realistic chance they could be implemented. As it stands now it is likely 401k accounts will be curtailed without the prospect for the adaptation of USA accounts in the near future.
While Congressional Republicans are working to curtail the 401k plan as an employee benefit, some Democrats are also anxious to help employers shed benefits traditionally offered to employees. These benefits can be voluntary benefits like health insurance or mandatory benefits like workers compensation and unemployment insurance. Either way workers need to filter out the noise of politics as entertainment and support political candidates who unambiguously put workers ahead of political donors from big business.
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation and tagged 401k, accounting, Reform, tax hike, taxes.
Uber: A Tale of Two Cities
While London's ban of ride-hailing service, Uber, seems poised to continue for the forseeable future, Lincoln, Nebraska may soon lessen formal regulation for Uber drivers.
The Lincoln City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance on October 16th that would formally eliminate a requirement that Uber and Lyft drivers pass a physical, background check and test about Lincoln that taxi cab drivers currently have to pass in order to drive a taxi in Lincoln.
According to city officials, this requirement is not currently being enforced. The ordinance has the public support of Mayor Chris Beutler and at-large City Councilwoman Leiron Gaylor-Baird. Supporters of the ordinance cite a decrease in drunken driving from ride hailing as well as a decrease in traffic and increase in downtown parking.
Taxi cab companies state the ordinance lets unqualified drivers on the street and presents unfair competition to traditional taxi cab companies. What hasn't been eluded to in the debate over ride hailing litigation in Lincoln, but has played more prominently in the London debate, is the fact that ride-hailing companies treat their drivers as contractors which excuses them from paying basic employee benefits like unemployment and workers compensation insurance. This allows services like Uber to undercut traditional taxis on price.
The City of Lincoln doesn't have a workers' compensation ordinance. But allowing Uber competitive advantages over taxi cab companies indirectly impacts workers compensation because if Uber takes market share away from traditional taxi cabs fewer drivers will be covered under workers compensation.
Lincoln does a have a human rights ordinance that covers more employees than either state or federal anti-discrimination laws. By allowing Uber a competitive advantage over traditional taxi cab companies, Lincoln is potentially excluding workers from coverage of that ordinance since Uber denies it is an employer. Traditional taxi cab companies are subject to Lincoln's human rights ordinance.
Many business observers have argued that Uber's biggest innovation is "regulatory arbitrage." Regulatory arbitrage is a fancy word for lobbying. Uber hired former Obama advisor David Plouffe. In the United Kingdom, Uber's chief lobbyist is the godfather to one of the children for former Prime Minister David Cameron. It's safe to state that a lot of Uber's supposed innovation stems from old-fashioned lobbying.
Other cities, most prominently Austin, Texas, have attempted to regulate Uber by imposing the same requirements on ride hailing drivers that they do on taxi drivers. Uber was able to successfully lobby the Texas Legislature to pass a state law that preempted municipal regulation of ride-hailing services.
Though the tech sector is regarded by some as an advocate for LGBT rights, Uber was willing to accept an amendment to the Texas preemption legislation that promoted discrimination against transgender individuals.
This entry was posted in employment law, Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation and tagged arbitrage, Lincoln, London, taxis, Uber.
Medicaid Cuts Will Cause More Nursing Injuries
Posted on August 17, 2017 by Jon Rehm
While efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut Medicaid appear to have stalled for now, any successful effort to cut Medicaid will adversely impact workplace safety for nurses and nurse's aides.
Studies by the National Institutes of Health show that reductions in Medicaid funding leads to less staffing at long term care facilities and that lower staffing leads to more injuries for nursing employees. Since most nurses and nurse's aides are covered under state-based workers compensation laws the additional costs of work injuries from Medicaid cuts may not be fully accounted for on a federal level.
At least in Nebraska nursing employees have some ways to protect themselves when advocating for safer working conditions even if they do not belong to a union.
Nebraska has a whistleblower law that applies specifically to health care workers, including nurses. The benefit of this act is that it allows employees to recover for damages similar to what they could collect under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act, including front pay and possibly attorney fees, without having to exhaust administrative remedies. Additionally, health care workers would have four years to bring a suit under the health care whistleblowers law, rather than the much shorter and complicated statute of limitations under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practices Act.
Nebraska has a broad general whistleblower law that allows employees to oppose unlawful conduct by their employers. Nebraska law requires that nursing homes to be adequately staffed. Federal law also requires that employers provide a workplace to be free of recognizable hazard. Inadequate staffing would certainly be deemed be a recognizable hazard in a nursing home. The only drawback to Nebraska's whistleblower law is the short and potentially uncertain statute of limitations.
Nebraska law would also allow nurses reporting inadequate staffing to be protected from retaliation under a public policy claim that also has a four year statute of limitations.
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation and tagged budget, injuries, Medicaid, Republicans, Trump, whistleblower.
Law Promoting Openness Regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers Meets Industry Resistance
Posted on July 28, 2017 by Jon Rehm
A North Dakota law attempting to promote openness about fees and prevent conflicts of interests with so-called pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) would seem non-controversial.
Non-controversial to everyone besides lobbyists for the PBMs who have sued the State of North Dakota in federal court claiming this commonsense legislation harms patient safety and is unconstitutional.
The North Dakota suit matters in the world of workers' compensation because PBMs are an essential component of drug formularies which are popular with workers compensation insurers and have been touted as a way to prevent opioid abuse and control drug costs. Formularies are a list of approved drugs and dosages. Formularies are administered by the PBMs who buy the drugs, allegedly at a discount, from drug companies and pass along those savings onto users.
Drug formularies have come under criticism for issues addressed by the North Dakota legislation. First, a PBM may have a relationship with a particular drug maker which means that drugs are picked on for business reasons rather than medical reasons. Formularies also may not control drug costs as advertised. In response to a drug formulary bill in Nebraska last session, the City of Omaha was concerned that formularies might increase drug costs because of the inability to use generic drugs.
Related to that concern, PBMs have been criticized for their role in helping drug companies pass along higher drug costs to consumers. PBMs are paid on what the discount they can negotiate, so drug companies have an incentive to inflate drug costs which benefits PBMs.
Lawmakers on a state or federal level are correct in having concerns about PBMs if they want to address drug costs and opioid use. The PBM industry has argue that state laws are "pre-empted" by federal laws regulating prescription drugs, so state laws are unconstitutional. Pre-emption is premised on the fact that federal laws are superior to state laws if there are federal and state laws on both subject matters. Recently the U.S. Supreme Court has used pre-emption to strike down state-based consumer protection laws in favor of corporate defendants. The threat of successful litigation may scare states, especially smaller states, from passing laws to regulate PBMs.
But state laws regulating the use of PBMs in the context of workers' compensation may be easier to defend from a legal standpoint. Workers compensation laws are enacted under a state's police powers under the 10th Amendment. The constitutional basis of workers' compensation laws is arguably a fluke of legal history but workers' compensation is traditionally seen as a state law concern so federal courts may be less to strike down laws regulating PBMs in the context of workers' compensation.
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation and tagged drug formularies, lobbyists, North Dakota.
Theodore Roosevelt Pushed For Protection Of Workers
Posted on June 22, 2017 by Brody Ockander
Workers' Compensation benefits are often confusing and seemingly unfair at first glance to many of my clients. As a result, I often find myself explaining to these clients how we, as a country, got to where we are with workers' compensation laws and why the benefits are more limited than other civil lawsuits.
In explaining work comp laws, I usually give a brief description of the work comp system that was first developed in the early 20th century and a description of the "Grand Bargain", the premise that employers pay for some benefits of their injured employees in exchange that the employee cannot sue that employer for negligence in civil court.
I, and many scholars, could go on and on about the history of the Grand Bargain and how it was strengthened/reworked in the 1970's. Also, scholars can (and have), go on about the recent "reform" to workers' compensation laws that have eroded workers' rights in domino-fashion in many states by anti-worker legislation.
Nevertheless, I think the most poignant description of why we need to protect workers, and continue to protect workers, is this quote from our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, in calling for further reform of laws that Congress passed for employers' liability laws:
In spite of all precautions exercised by employers there are unavoidable accidents and even deaths involved in nearly every line of business connected with the mechanic arts. This inevitable sacrifice of life may be reduced to a minimum, but it can not be completely eliminated. It is a great social injustice to compel the employee, or rather the family of the killed or disabled victim, to bear the entire burden of such an inevitable sacrifice. In other words, society shirks its duty by laying the whole cost on the victim, whereas the injury comes from what may be called the legitimate risks of the trade. Compensation for accidents or deaths due in any line of industry to the actual conditions under which that industry is carried on, should be paid by that portion of the community for the benefit of which the industry is carried on–that is, by those who profit by the industry. If the entire trade risk is placed upon the employer he will promptly and properly add it to the legitimate cost of production and assess it proportionately upon the consumers of his commodity. It is therefore clear to my mind that the law should place this entire "risk of a trade" upon the employer. Neither the Federal law, nor, as far as I am informed, the State laws dealing with the question of employers' liability are sufficiently thorogoing.
— Theodore Roosevelt: Sixth Annual Message, December 3, 1906.
This entry was posted in Government, Legislation, Workers' Compensation and tagged employment law, grand bargain, Theodore Roosevelt.
Proudly powered by WordPress Theme: Rehm Child Theme.


text:
The Night Witches Were a Group of Heroic Russian Female Combat Pilots During World War II
Readmikenow
Readmikenow enjoys writing about unique and interesting people. He likes to learn about individuals who live or have lived unusual lives.
Two Night Witches in front of plane
The German soldiers during World War II called them Nachthexen or night witches. The reason for this is the whooshing sound their wooden planes made when approaching. Germans felt it resembled the sound of a sweeping broom. The sound of the planes was the only warning the Germans had before they came under attack. Their wooden planes were too small to be seen with infrared locators or on radar. They didn't use radios, so they couldn't be detected by radio location. These planes seemed like ghosts. The Russians had initially kept women from participating in combat. The pressure from the German invasion of Russia made the Russian leaders reconsider this policy.
Marina Raskova
Creation of All Female Air Force Units
Units consisting of all-female pilots was the idea of a woman named Marina Raskova. She was considered the Russian version of Amelia Earhart. Raskova was Russia's first female Air Force navigator. She also set many records for long-distance flights. She regularly got letters from women who wanted to be part of the World War II war effort. These women didn't want to be in support roles, they wanted to be fighting at the front. This inspired Raskova to approach Soviet dictator Joseph Staling about letting her create a fighting squadron made up of all females. Stalin gave his approval during October 1941 to create and deploy air force units consisting of only females.
Training Female Squadron
When Raskova started the process of getting female pilots, she had thousands of applications. She eventually selected approximately 400 women to staff each of the anticipated three units. Most of the women selected were between 17 and 26 years old. Once accepted into the program, all the females had to go to a small town north of Stalingrad called Engels. At this place, their training would take place at the Engels School of Aviation. Each of these women had a shortened education period. They had to learn in a few months what normally took other pilots years to learn. All the women had to become proficient in performing as ground crew, navigators, maintenance as well as pilots.
The women pilots flew 1928 U-2 biplanes made of wood and canvas. They were called Polikarpov U-2 biplanes. They flew another version of the plane called the U-2LNB into combat. The planes they used could only hold two bombs at a time, so one pilot would fly up to eight or more missions nightly. Their planes were slow but very maneuverable. The weight of their bombs forced them to fly low. Parachutes were considered too heavy for them to carry. Their planes had no radios, guns, or radar. These women used other items for navigation, communication, and more. Tools like maps, compasses, rulers, flashlights, pencils, and stopwatches. Since they were forced to fly at night, they endured frostbite, freezing temperatures, and extremely cold wind. During the harsh Russian winters, their planes became so cold that touching the wrong spot could tear off a woman's bare skin.
Night Witches plane
Each of the planes was operated with a pilot in the front, a navigator in the back, and they went into combat in packs. During the initial phase of their attack, one of the planes would go into an area as bait. Their job was to attract German spotlights. This would result in the area having important illumination. The planes didn't have ammunition to defend themselves. They would fly to the target area and drop flares to light up the area. The last planes in the area would idle its engines and glide silently through the darkness to the bombing area. This is what created their signature sound. The Germans held two main beliefs about these women and their success. All of them were criminals who had been sent to the front as part of their punishment. The other belief was they had been given injections of a special medicine that enabled them to see at night.
Night Witches around planes
A sortie is a combat mission made of an individual aircraft. A sortie begins when an aircraft takes off. During World War II, the all-female Russian squadron flew over 23,600 sorties. They were key to winning many battles.
German Offensive – 2,000 sorties
Battle of the Caucasus - 2,900 sorties
Poland offensive – 5,400
Novorossiysk, Kuban, Taman – 4,600 sorties
Belarus Offensive – 400 sorties
Crimean Offensive – 6,000 sorties
Night Witches before going on mission
During World War II, the squadron obtained over 28,600 flight hours. They dropped more than 3,000 tons of bombs and 26,000 incendiary shells. They damaged or completely destroyed 176 armored cars, 17 river crossings, 86 firing points, two railway stations, nine railways, 12 fuel depots, 26 warehouses, and 11 searchlights. The female pilots were also able to perform over 150 supply drops for Russian forces of food and ammunition.
There were over 260 women who served in the squadron and 32 of them died. They passed away from a variety of causes involving everything from tuberculosis to plane crashes and other combat-related deaths. There were 23 of the women from the squadron who were given the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Two of them were given the Hero of the Russian Federation. One of the women was awarded the Hero of Kazakhstan award.
Disbanded
During World War II, the squadron was the most highly decorated unit in the Soviet Air Force. Their last flight occurred on May 4, 1945. They flew within 37 miles of Berlin. Germany officially surrendered three days later. The squadron known as the Night Witches was disbanded six months after the war was over. There was a huge victory-day parade planned to take place in Moscow. The Night Witches squadron was not included in the celebration. It was determined their planes would be too slow to participate.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Readmikenow (author) on September 25, 2020:
Miebakagh, thanks. I agree.
Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 24, 2020:
This is very unique. And the story seems to be forgotton as their service were brought to an end.
Danny, thanks!
Danny from India on September 24, 2020:
ReadMikeNow, this is a wonderful piece of information.
Femi, thanks.
femi from Nigeria on September 24, 2020:
The White Bus Rescue of Holocaust Victims
By Rupert Taylor
Selling the Brooklyn Bridge
Names of Animal Groups, Males, Females and Babies, With a Little Humor Thrown In
By Sheila Brown
Words for Means of Transport in Portuguese With English Meanings
By Sourav Rana
Different Flower Names in French for English Readers
Shakespeare Sonnet 149: "Canst thou, O cruel! say I love thee not"