Success is made, what's your recipe?
Let's make some money! Music Publishing is a major source of revenue for songwriter's. There are four methods of generating income through publishing: mechanical rights income, public performance income, sheet music income, synchronization income.
Kaviar is an amazing artist!
By licensing my work I am granting permission for someone to incorporate my creative idea into their own new project, normally in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of their profits.
J A M Digital Productions a video, film, music and visual effects Production Company, has grown from a small music studio to a full-service production facility, beginning to service clients nationwide.
J A M Digital Productions has established a reputation of artistic integrity, production quality and outstanding client service.
Lets get funded ! Let's get started!
Kaviar rsvp™ writes custom songs usually for a publisher,agent,record company, producer in motion pictures, bands/artists, Broadway, television, commercials, the private sector, and the Gospel World Venue.
A very Professional lady, Kaviar likes to have fun too. Moments come and go and in the picture below, she performs for an album cover.
Computer not speaking to you?
Content copyright 2011. J A M Digital Productions. All rights reserved.


text:
Can't make calls on your AT&T phone in NYC this A.M.? You're not the only one (update: on the mend)
by ben patterson | Aug 4, 2011 | news, phones
At first, I thought there was just something wrong with my iPhone's cell reception. Then my wife couldn't make calls on her AT&T iPhone, either. And then I checked the news.
Yes indeed, it appears that AT&T cellular customers in the Big Apple haven't been able to make or receive phone calls from anyone since early Thursday morning, reports NBC New York. An AT&T rep blamed the outage on a "software upgrade," the story adds.
Text messages and 3G data service still seemed to work as of about 8:30 a.m. ET, but for now … no voice calling, at all. Great.
Anyone else in New York having trouble making calls on AT&T?
Update (9:45 a.m. ET): Here's an official statement I just received from an AT&T spokesperson:
Due to a software issue that occurred during routine maintenance activities, some customers on Long Island may be experiencing 3G wireless voice service disruption. We are currently working to move some 3G voice traffic to our 2G network to restore service to our customers while we resolve the 3G voice issue. We will provide more information as it becomes available and apologize for any inconvenience to our customers.
The spokesperson added that the outage is "not affecting Manhattan," by the way. (True?)
Update #2 [11 a.m. ET]: AT&T service appears to be returning to normal. I've also received a new statement from AT&T, which is now saying that Manhattan (or "parts" of it, anyway) was affected by the outage:
Due to a software issue that occurred during routine maintenance activities, some customers on Long Island and in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan may have experienced 3G wireless voice service disruption earlier this morning. The issue has since been resolved, and all service is running normally at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers.
So, anyone still having trouble?
iPhone tip: A sneakier way to send incoming calls to voice mail
Will the Verizon iPhone 5 make and receive calls while you're using it as a hotspot?
Free phone calls through Gmail: 8 things you need to know
Gmail tip: Get the Google Voice dialer (and free phone calls) back

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Burnley's transfer mistake and why Sean Dyche didn't sanction last minute deadline deals
Burnley added just Dale Stephens and Will Norris in the summer transfer window and spent less than any other Premier League club
Alex JamesFootball Writer
Sean Dyche says Burnley left it too late in the transfer market and that he did not want to join the 'scramble' for new faces in the final days of the window.
The Clarets added just midfielder Dale Stephens from Brighton and squad goalkeeper Will Norris to their squad over the summer, leaving Dyche with a threadbare squad.
While Burnley rebuffed interest from Leicester City and West Ham United in James Tarkowski the Burnley boss admits his squad is two or three players light in numbers.
And while the Clarets attempted to strengthen, Dyche felt it was too little too late.
Pieters a doubt for Burnley vs Spurs as Dyche provides update on Bardsley, Lowton and Mee
Burnley's next transfer priority and the contract state of play at the club
"There was a lot of noise about the transfer window, and some with good reason, I get it," said Dyche
"But all along I did also say that we've got to be mindful of whenever we get everyone fit, you look at it and there's a pretty good balance.
"It's not like we've cut the squad from 25 to 20, we've always had quite a small squad.
"The targets we had came and went quite quickly as we're often not into the market in the strongest way possible.
"Then you get right before the window and there's no point signing players that aren't going to benefit you - I just didn't see the point in that.
"I suggested that to the club. When we should have acted, we didn't. Then when it came time to scramble there was no point.
"The main reason for that is that when everyone is fit you look at it and go 'actually, there is a good competitive group there.'
"Probably a couple short, a couple of main runners and riders, but, we've had that for most of the time I've been here."
Burnley started the season with three straight defeats but picked up a point at West Brom last time out and will look to build on that result when Spurs arrive at Turf Moor on Monday.
The Clarets have a testing run of fixtures between now and Christmas with Chelsea, Man City, Everton, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Wolves to come over the next eight games.
And, given Burnley's start to the season, talk of a takeover off the pitch and a poor window, Dyche feels that staying in the Premier League this season would represent a big .
"I think for different reasons, different things going on around the club on and off the pitch, it's certainly up there as a real big achievement if we do," said the Turf boss of beating the drop.
Harry Kane, Gareth Bale, Jose Mourinho and Burnley's plan to deal with Spurs
How Gareth Bale fared last time he faced Burnley ahead of Spurs' Premier League visit
"We're certainly capable of that, and projecting the belief with the group, we've done this before when we've had a tough start, come through and delivered real strong periods of a season to make sure we all get what we want.
"I'm not worried about that, I know the players, the staff and the work that goes on.
"That being said, there has been some challenges so it would certainly be another marker, amongst many we've had down the years here."
Preston North End FCAlex Neil says Ben Pearson has told Preston North End he won't be signing a new contractPreston North End lost at Bristol City on Saturday and Pearson was left out of the squad
Short-term sacrifices have weighted a heavy burden on Blackburn Rovers long-term expectations
Blackburn Rovers FCBradley Dack and Lewis Travis were included in the starting XI for the draw against Stoke City, a game where both struggled to make an impact
The position Alex Neil feels Preston North End must strengthen in transfer window
Preston North End FCNorth End have been busy in the transfer window so far but the work can't stop there
Charlie Taylor injury update ahead of Burnley's Premier League trip to Liverpool
Burnley FCLeft back has not featured since going off early in the win over Sheffield United last month
'Not once did I think they'd score' - pundit's damning assessment of Burnley's attacking woes
Burnley FC'Burnley had 16 crosses and not once did I think they'd score'
Preston North End FCCeltic's green light for Ben Pearson transfer after Preston North End contract decisionBen Pearson has told Preston North End he does not intend to sign a new deal with the club
Two positives and four negatives from Blackburn Rovers' draw with Stoke City
Blackburn Rovers FCBlackburn Rovers avoided succumbing to the double against Stoke City thanks to John Buckley's equaliser
Two ups and six downs from Preston North End's defeat against Bristol City
Preston North End FCPNE were beaten by the Robins and there was an update given on Ben Pearson's contract stance after the game
Burnley's attacking reliance on Dwight McNeil laid bare in West Ham defeat
Burnley FCWinger came off the bench and looked a threat against West Ham in Burnley's Premier League defeat
Burnley FC'In trouble', 'looking downwards' - how the national media saw West Ham vs BurnleyMichail Antonio's strike proved to be the difference as Burnley fell to defeat against West Ham
Celtic's green light for Ben Pearson transfer after Preston North End contract decision
Preston North End FCBen Pearson has told Preston North End he does not intend to sign a new deal with the club
£30 free school meal parcel: How much you can get at the supermarket for less
EducationPhotos of 'meagre' food parcels have provoked uproar online


Why should you wear sunscreen every day ?
I particularly wanted to write this blog because out of everything that I do, this is probably the most important part of a good skin care routine.
I find that sunscreen is the most overlooked step in every patient's routine… I think because it's a bit boring and it's hard to find a good one. When we think of sunscreen, we immediately think of our mothers slapping it on our face at the beach when we were little. Our little eyes stinging while we cried "noooo!'.
I chose the image above because that is what we think of when we think about how and when we apply sunscreen. We think beach, BBQ… summer time!
So, now it's winter. Why would we put sunscreen on? Our daily life generally consists of being indoors through the colder months. I'll show you why….
A study conducted by the Skin Research Centre, New Jersey in December 2016 has some mind-blowing conclusions.
They discovered, that not only does sunscreen protect your skin, but daily application over a 52-week period, produced a 40% to 50% improvement in skin clarity, texture and colour on 100% of subjects. Sunscreen actually made 100% of the subjects gain better skin.
Let's talk a little bit more about this.
The study consisted of 32 test subjects who were instructed to apply a broad spectrum, photostable sunscreen (SPF 30) daily for 52 weeks. They were then assessed through dermatologist evaluations at baseline, 12, 24, 36 and 52 weeks.
There are not many products out there that can boast this level of improvement. This study demonstrates the body's power to heal itself. If daily, constant ultra violet attack is prevented, the skin can regenerate itself naturally, thus giving a dramatic improvement over most colour and textural complaints. It also clearly illustrates how damaging all year round (winter included) radiation exposure actually is.
So, how does ultra violet effect our skin?
Most patients I speak to believe that the sun and sunshine is the enemy. But this is not quite right. It's the ultra violet radiation that is the culprit.
We measure the length of wavelength using a unit of measurement called a nanometre.
You can clearly see where UV is sitting in the spectrum, down the bad end of the bus, sitting with Gamma Rays, X rays and cosmic rays. These short wavelengths are harmful to human tissue if there is prolonged exposure. Think when you have an X-ray, a Lead vest is put over your chest and the doctor leaves the room. This is because over exposure to x-ray wavelengths can be very harmful. UV falls into the same category.
Ultra violet wavelengths fall into the danger category. UV's effect on tissue is degenerative. UV is not just a summertime phenomenon. If there is light in your house, car, office or café, then you are exposed to UV radiation. With this in mind, it is important to understand that SUNSHINE is not the enemy here.
Another study to support this was recently conducted by Greg Goodman in Australia (please see link to full study below, it's a really good read).
The above graph shows the comparison between US and AUS woman. We can see that Australian women in their 30's experience ageing that a woman in the US will experience in her 50's.
We have a number of high concentration options available at Facelove.


text:
Thank you for visiting the Camden Civil Rights Project page on Morality & Ethics. Thomas Jefferson once said, "A nation as a society forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society." Our archives section contains a variety of informative print, audio and video materials on the ideological development of the American Ethos. The section attempts to introduce the different ideological systems which have influenced our contemporary notions of fairness and to present pragmatic solutions for creating a more egalitarian society. Archived articles can be accessed by clicking on the links below. Please feel free to use the comment section to recommend materials and resources you believe will provoke thought and contribute to the public discourse on creating a more equitable social arrangement.
Altruism v. Objectivism: What is the Proper Balance?
by L. Christopher Skufca (Camden Civil Rights Project)
The Gadfly Syndrome: The Tension Between the Good Individual and the Good Citizen
Positive and Negative Liberty
Game Theory and Social Emotions
by Richard Landes (The Augean Stables)
Social Conflict Theory
by Kent McClelland (Grinell College)
The Virtue of Selfishness
by Max Weber
Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
by Catherine Bowler, PhD (Duke University)
Unmasking the Motives of the Good Samaritan
By Claire Andre and Manuel Velasquez (Santa Clara University – Markkula Center for Applied Ethics)
The Evolution of Reciprocal Altruism
by Robert L. Trivers (University of Chicago Press)
The Major Tenets of Liberation Theology
by Gustavo Gutierrez (Edited by L. Christopher Skufca)
John Paul Sartre: The Existential Choice
Synopsis: The existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre thought that human beings live in anguish. Not because life is terrible. But rather because, we're 'condemned to be free'. We're 'thrown' into existence, become aware of ourselves, and have to make choices. Even deciding not to choose is a choice. According to Sartre, every choice reveals what we think a human being should be.
Erving Goffman: Symbolic Interaction Theory and the Performed Self (2015)
Do you have a fixed character? Or do you play many roles depending on the situation? Sociologist Erving Goffman argued that we display a series of masks to others, enacting roles, controlling and staging how we appear and constantly trying to set ourselves in the best light. If this is true do we have a true self or are we endlessly performing?
Aggression v. Altruism
This ten minute short discusses the psychological, biological and environmental factors which contribute to aggression and altruism. The video examines conflict and cooperation through an analysis of the Robber's Cave Experiment; Realistic Conflict Theory; Physical & Environmental Triggers; Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis; Altruism; Bystander Effect; and Social Exchange Theory.
The Golden Rule (Ethic of Reciprocity)
The Golden Rule, referred to in Philosophy as the Ethic of Reciprocity, is a basic moral principle which states that individuals should treat others in the same manner they wish to be treated. It's inverse, known as the Silver Rule, is that an individual should not treat others in a manner which they would not wish to be treated in. It is the essential premise underlying the Democratic concepts of human dignity and equality under the law. The six minute short introduces the different religious and cultural traditions which embrace this principle.
Brendan Schulz: The Trouble With the Golden Rule (2015)
Many individuals are familiar with the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Most religious and cultural traditions have an equivalent moral teaching. York University administrator and professor, Brendan Schulz, explores the limitations of this ethic with regard to equity, diversity, cross-cultural communications and inclusion. Schultz draws on his twenty years experience in Organizational Development, Change Management, Human Resources and Workplace Diversity to propose an updated ethic, termed "The Platinum Rule," along with the conditions necessary to fulfill it.
Max Weber: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (2015)
How does religion fit with the world of business? Perhaps more closely than you think. The sociologist and economist Max Weber argued that after the Christian Reformation one form of Protestantism, Calvinism, encouraged a different attitude towards work, with far-reaching effects.
Noam Chomsky: Corporate Assault on Public Education (2012)
Synopsis: Noam Chomsky delivered his lecture on the goals of Public Education on March 16, 2012, at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church in Harlem, NY. Chomsky discusses the longstanding tradition of utilizing public education as a means of breeding civic passivity and conformity, while discouraging free and independent thought. Chomsky sets forth the premise that the ruling class utilizes public education to naturalize individuals into the established corporate ethos and to dissuade them from challenging the dominant ideology and economic structure. Chomsky cuts through the political rhetoric with a detailed historical analysis of the Western practice of using social institutions to indoctrinate the young.
Ayn Rand: The Principle of Self Interest
According to Russian-American novelist and philosopher, Ayn Rand, our highest duty is to ourselves, therefore it is irrational to look out for the best interest of others. Rand's philosophical approach, which she labelled 'Objectivism', begins from the premise that there is an objective reality which human beings understand through reason, rather than emotion. Rand asserts that since our survival is based on pursuing our own rational self-interest, requiring individual's to sacrifice for the greater good is immoral. This two-minute video comes from the BBC Radio 4 series, About Life's Big Questions, in association with the Open University.
Paul Piff: Does Money Make You Mean? (2013)
Synopsis: It's amazing what a rigged game of Monopoly can reveal. In this entertaining but sobering talk, social psychologist Paul Piff shares his research into how people behave when they feel wealthy. (Hint: badly.) But while the problem of inequality is a complex and daunting challenge, there's good news too — psychological encouragement seems to "nudge" individuals towards greater empathy in adopting egalitarian ideals. (Filmed at TEDxMarin.)
Philip Zimbardo: The Psychology of Heroic Imagination (2008)
Philip Zimbardo explains what conditions lead good people to behave badly by sharing insights and photos from the Abu Ghraib trials. He also discusses the flip side: how easy it is to behave heroically, and how we can rise to the challenge.
The Century of the Self (2002)
Synopsis: Adam Curtis' acclaimed four part BBC series examines how the introduction of Sigmund Freud's theory of Psychoanalysis has come to shape American culture. The series advances the thesis that Freud's views of the unconscious set the stage for corporations, and later politicians, to manipulate public behavior through appeals to our subconscious fears and desires. The series raises important ethical questions about whether the emotional manipulation of group behaviors is consistent with Democratic ideals.
View the videos HERE
The Power of Nightmares: The Rise of the Politics of Fear
Synopsis: The Power of Nightmares first aired on BBC Two in the Autumn of 2004 as a series of three one hour documentaries questioning whether Western concerns over terrorism and the threat of al-Qaeda were exaggerated by politicians seeking to maintain their power and authority. The series assesses whether an organized terrorist network actually exists and poses the possibility that it is simply a phantom menace being used to prevent the erosion of our faith in government.
The Trap: What Happened to Our Dream of Freedom? (2007)
Synopsis: This three part documentary series by award-winning producer Adam Curtis explores whether the assumption that human behavior is motivated by rational self interest has created a culture of suspicion which actually threatens individual liberties and reduces the quality of our lives. The series explores how the introduction of Game Theory and the rise of neo-conservatism have influenced Western policy decisions since the Cold War era and led to an extreme view of negative liberties which has embraced the dystopian concept of suppressing popular dissent through the use of violent force. Curtis suggests the hope of improving society has been abandoned in favor of a safer, less satisfying form of democracy which robs our lives of their intrinsic value.
Why We Fight (2006)
Synopsis: Documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki's in-depth look at how the United States has built the largest peace time military/corporate/industrial complex in the history of the World. The film received the Grand Jury Prize at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and raises important moral and ethical questions about the revolving door between our government and the defense contractor industry and the underlying economic decisions which influence U.S. policymakers to lead the nation into war.
What Is Liberation Theology?
Synopsis: According to Christian doctrine of Liberation Theology one should show solidarity with, and compassion for, the poor through one's words, prayers and deeds. Accordingly, this doctrine implies that the moral test of any society is; 'how it treats its most vulnerable members.' Liberation Theology asserts the poor have the most urgent moral claim on the conscience of the nation. Therefore, when instituting public policy one should always keep the 'preferential option for the poor' at the forefront of one's mind.
Pope Francis: Address to U.S. Congress (2015)
Synopsis: Pope Francis made history on September 24, 2015, with his address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress — the first ever by a sitting pope. His remarks touched on America's democratic tradition, religious tolerance, immigration and economic disparity.
Pope Francis asserts that the focus of legislators should always be on the concerns of the people they serve, appealing to Congress to use their authority to shape a more equitable society: "Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk."
Visit Our MultiCultural Art Gallery
Elizabeth Catlett (United States)
Salvador Dalí (Spain)
Vincente Manansala (Phillipines)
Aaron Douglas (United States)
Chen Wen Hsi (Singapore)
Archibald John Motley, Jr (United States)
Pablo Picasso (Spain)
Miguel Covarrubias (Mexico)
Jean Metzinger (France)
Salvador Dali (Spain)
Emiliano Di Cavalcanti (Brazil)
Archibald John Motley, Jr. (United States)
Lois Mailou Jones (United States)
Lee Jung-seob (Korea)
Diego Rivera (Mexico)
Jacob Lawrence (United States)
Romare Bearden (United States)
Bui Xuan Phai (Viet Nam)
Nguyen Thanh Binh (Vietnam)
Wassily Kandinsky (Russia)
Teikichi Hikoyama (Japan)
Norman Lewis (United States)
Artist: Faith Ringgold (United States)
Alejandro Xul Solar (Argentina)
Seong Moy (China)
Juan Gris (Spain)
Miguel Covarubbias (Mexico)
Marc Chagall (Russia)
Edvard Munch (Norway)
Lasar Segall (Brazil)
Artist: Norman Lewis (United States)
Alejandro Xul Solor (Argentina)
Nguyen Thanh Binh (Viet Nam)


In 2016 Doorbraak activist Jennifer van Leijen initiated a campaign to stop the Dutch government from subsidizing blackface (Zwarte Piet or Black Pete) on children's television. More than 12.000 people already signed. Van Leijen regularly writes updates. Here is number 20 (also read numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6/7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19).
Normally the NTR doesn't say what will occur in their television series but this year the NTR have revealed that their own actors will wear various gradations of soot smears. The NTR explained that volunteers from local "Sinterklaas Welcome Parade" organisations will appear alongside their own actors, both during the public parade (called the "nationale Sinterklaasintocht") and in the "Sinterklaasjournaal" television series. These volunteers will wear brown face-paint instead of black, cease to wear golden-hooped earrings as in previous years, or wear fat lips!
These minor changes, however, don't stop these characters being racist caricatures. One of the organisations, the Stichting Sinterklaascomité Zaanstad, wrote on their website that they were making these changes to "keep up with the times, at their own pace." It's a vague meaningless statement, which fails to acknowledge racism, and references to the slavery within Dutch colonial history. The decision to use brown facepaint doesn't make sense either if it's supposed to represent soot.
Why is the NTR keeping the racist caricature? According to their own admission, the NTR wants to keep the Dutch majority satisfied. One can only conclude that NTR decision-making is of dire quality. The human rights of a minority should never be violated merely because a majority want it. A majority can be wrong, after all; nazi Germany is evidence of that. Moreover, in matters concerning children, such as this one, the interests of children should always be of primary consideration. As racism is never in the interests of children, the NTR should have abandoned their racist formula. The NTR, a public body established by the Media Act, has a duty to advance social cohesion. And to educate schoolchildren on racist stereotypes and educate children to be critical of the material that they are presented with. The NTR does the opposite.
It's tragic when a media company patently does not have the talent and imagination to create a tv Sinterklaas story capable of promoting unity amongst people with differing skin colours. For this Dutch tradition involves a fiction. The head of Diversity at the NTR, Frans Jennekens, described Sinterklaas as a "commercial concoction that generates millions". In an interview in 2013 Jennekens described the NTR as the "propoganda institute of Sinterklaas".
The NTR makes a conscious decision to maintain the racist status quo and in doing so treats the dark-skinned minority within Dutch society with contempt. The NTR's complete lack of responsibility towards the entire Dutch public, a public which the NTR is meant to serve, renders the NTR unworthy of it's tasks. And this Dutch government, which let this continue, is not worthy of being social leaders.


Pour the stock into a pan and add the ginger and garlic.Allow to infuse for about 20 minutes. Add the chicken. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 mins, until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken to a board and shred into bite-size pieces using a couple of forks.


Fortismere has quite an illustrious history and some rather famous and successful alumni! As well as these well known names, Fortismere alumni can be found in all walks of life. Many have chosen Fortismere for their own children. As an old Fortismere (or Creighton, Tollington or William Grimshaw) student, we always welcome your involvement. You can email us at alumni@fortismere.org.uk and we'll send you news of developments at the school and invites to events. Your stories are invaluable to our current students, providing information and inspiration for varied paths in life, so please do get in touch if you can help - whatever route you've chosen and wherever you are now!
On 3rd December, forty-four ex-Creighton students returned to Fortismere for a special reunion tour to mark 50 years since the founding of Creighton School (which became Fortismere in the 1980s). Alumni enjoyed a search through the school's archives as well as visits to old classrooms and the staff room! It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect and reconnect.
We will be organising more events in the future and would love to include as many ex-students as possible.
He was the rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the internationally successful band, The Kinks, which he led with his younger brother, Dave (who also attended the school). He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television.
He is a British rock singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
He is a British soul musician who has been compared to Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers and Otis Redding amongst others. He supported Adele on her 2011 world tour and in 2012, won the BBC's Sound of 2012 poll. You can hear Michael being interviewed by Jamie Cullum for Radio 2 here - he even mentions his time at Fortismere!
She is an English singer and songwriter, only the second British female solo artist to have had five number-one singles in the UK.
He is an English actor and director. He has appeared in the Guy Ritchie film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as television roles in such shows at Hotel Babylon, Band of Brothers and earlier in his career, the children's show Press Gang and the film Bugsy Malone. He directed the 2013 film based on the music of The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith and the 2016 film, Eddie the Eagle.
She is an English artist who primarily produces sculptures. She was the first woman to win the annual Turner Prize in 1993. She was one of the Young British Artists who exhibited at the Royal Academy's Sensation exhibition in 1997. Among her most renowned works are House, a large concrete cast of the inside of an entire Victorian house, the holocaust memorial sculpture in Judenplatz Vienna and her sculpture for the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square.


Ms Word Flyer Template ms word flyer template seasonal event flyer spring download. ms word flyer template free flyer template download word publisher templates printable. ms word flyer template microsoft word free templates for brochures free flyer templates for download. Ms Word Flyer Template ms word flyer template 11 12 microsoft word flyer schablone vigamassi printable. ms word flyer template word flyer template diagnenuevodiarioco template. ms word flyer template microsoft word flyer template free download printable templates printable. Ms Word Flyer Template ms word flyer template flyer microsoft word template 61 best microsoft word flyer templates.
Ms Word Flyer Template ms word flyer template free flyer template download word publisher templates printable. ms word flyer template microsoft word free templates for brochures free flyer templates for download. ms word flyer template 11 12 microsoft word flyer schablone vigamassi printable. ms word flyer template word flyer template diagnenuevodiarioco template. ms word flyer template microsoft word flyer template free download printable templates printable.


text:
+64 27 462 4872 editor@mahurangi.org.nz
About the Mahurangi Magazine
Early editorialising
History of the Mahurangi Magazine
Putting your oar in
Submit an article for consideration
Mahurangi Action
Meetings and celebrations
Membership and bequests
Support Mahurangi actions
The Mahurangi Magazine
Alert to latest
Brinksmanship
Global climate party
Mahu Action Plan
Energy bridging
Zero-carbon energy
Birth Strike
Global-warming driver
Climate-action commission
Coastal trail
Rivermouth ferry
Coalition control
Concurrent elections
Youth voting
Four waters
Indigenous forestry
Farm-Forestry Trail
Open-ground
Local democracy
Berger for the board
Mayor of Mahurangi
Mahu. Action Plan
Brainstorming breakfasts
Plan planning
Mahu. heritage
Jade River: A History of the Mahurangi
Jade River: Contents
Other Mahu. heritage
Mahurangi Regatta
Regatta supporters
Regatta organisers
Regatta history
Volunteer as regatta crew member
Mussel action
Town Hall film society
Town Hall Talks
Warkworth planning
Warkworth Town Hall
Weirs
Mahurangi Regatta anniversary weekend 2060
by Cimino | 2 Jun 2009 | Open-ground, Regatta 2060 | 0 comments
Tantalising Vision: The view from the proposed lookout at 443 Mahurangi West Road—to the degree possible until the old pine trees there are milled or otherwise cut for firewood. tree climber Cimino Cole
It presumably was not the sentiment Rod Oram had intended to invoke in his audience:
This is all quite depressing!
Oram had begun his Urban Design and Auckland Governance talk by quoting an undisclosed inside source claiming cabinet to have been in disarray over the implementation of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance recommendations.
It was mostly downhill from there. Perhaps if even a few of the attendees had read the recommendations, or had read Oram's report commissioned into the future of Makaurau—particularly his sublime scenario, Auckland Anniversary Day, Monday 26 January 2060 —the ensuing discussion might have been useful.
Instead it was mostly a venting of indignation at the supposed stupidity/duplicity of the government, in supposedly largely rejecting the commission's recommendations. The fact that the recommendation to retain the existing jurisdictions was a clearly-confessed expedient—to allow implementation in time for the 2010 elections—wasn't allowed to get in the way of a good story: Six local councils, it seems, has now become the Holy Grail.
Regardless of whether there are six or thirty local councils—or much less whether certain short-sighted, self-serving Rodney councillors succeed in their bid for secession—the Mahurangi needs to plan its future.
And to visualise:
Mahurangi Regatta, Saturday 24 January 2060
Usually, on a Saturday morning, the place is a hive of activity.
Rows of nursery technicians and volunteers would be intent on the job of placing recently propagated seedlings into planters. It is only labour-intensive phase of a system of raising indigenous plants, long-since known as the 'Mahurangi method'.
A mechanised method was also developed to do this part of the operation, but the visual evaluation of the seedling plugs was found to be crucial in ensuring that no plant was compromised. A few days too long in the plug trays can see the root circling that can subsequently doom a tree before it reaches maturity—not a fatal flaw in some restoration scenarios, but if the plants are part of a sustainable forestry project, a potential dead loss.
One hundred and thirty years earlier, the nursery had briefly been pasture. The land had been created from an area of mudflats, which were largely the result of deforestation the century before. But the stop banks had been allowed to fail and mangroves had re-colonised the area. That is how it might have remained, but for the vision of Peter Thompson.
Peter had grown up with accounts of the river during the scow and steamboat era. First, he rebuilt a steamboat, then the widely adored scow, the Jane Gifford .
But his sights were always firmly on the dredging his beloved Mahurangi River to allow it to again become vibrant with water traffic. Besides, for the Jane Gifford with her six-metre beam to again operate from her old homeport of Warkworth, dredging was essential.
Key to the dredging programme was finding a handy site to accommodate an initial 90 000m³ of mud, and another 10 000m³ annually.
This had been a tall order. Some believed all mangrove areas were sacrosanct. Some believed the river should be left natural, not realising that its clogged state was a direct consequence of the deforestation that had swiftly followed the introduction of steel tools.
Accommodating the ongoing dredged material was a challenge. One site, a vast lime quarry just east of Warkworth, had sufficient capacity—perhaps until sediment generation in catchment, and the need for maintenance dredging, was reduced to 2060 levels. But this would have involved trucking by road and double or triple handling.
The elegantly simple solution has been to reclaim the sediment, as high-quality soil—washing it free of salt with treated wastewater. The soil is then returned to the erosion-prone parts of the catchment, firmly bound together by the roots of flourishing indigenous plants—the Mahurangi, or enzopen™, method. The plants' open-based biodegradable containers are then simply being pinned to the ground, eliminating the need to laboriously hand plant.
As a filler species, between these plants, open-ground harakeke is planted at ratios of up to 15:1. Harakeke proved to be a silver bullet, in the 2010s, being produced by methods borrowed from the exotic forestry industry, a government initiative from a century earlier. While open-ground techniques were developed to produce most indigenous species, the hybrid Mahurangi method ultimately proved to be more cost-effective a reliable method to establish specimen and production trees. Harakeke, on the other hand, is singularly adapted to being bare-rooted. Once the automated planter jet had been perfected, hectares of harakeke could be planted in a day, with just two operators.
By combining these two revolutionary methods, the 5% of the catchment that had been producing 90% of the sediment has now protected. Easier land has also being planted, much of it in tötara and pūriri. The latter, the fastest growing indigenous forestry species, is now starting to be milled, and is in great demand.
But on this morning of 24 January 2060, the vast Dawson Creek Nursery is deserted.
An hour ago, nearly one hundred people departed the nursery en masse, aboard the Vesper , bound for Sullivans Bay. A number of other electric-powered boats left from the Dawson Creek Basin at the same time, as has been the tradition since the basin was built, with the proviso that craft moored there not be fossil fuel–powered.
That the decision was initially deeply unpopular wouldn't be recalled, but for it being taught at the school in Dawson Road, as part of its history of the response to anthropogenic climate change—its focus on such subjects unsurprising given that Snells Beach Primary was the first in Aotearoa designed from the outset as a 'walking school'.
Purists were initially derisive regarding the design of the Vesper , as she influenced not by the dominant historic form but by the lesser-known soft chine scows built by Charles Bailey, which were known for their shapeliness. With the limited power available from battery storage, it was important that the nursery's purpose-built scow was easily driven. For the same reason, she is also much longer than the original, making her faster for the same power, and under sail.
Building her to be fast was a deliberate strategy to attract attention to the work of the nursery. The Vesper , like her 1902 namesake, had immediately became the boat to beat in the Makaurau Anniversary Regatta. ( Auckland Anniversary Regatta, until the region embraced the 'many lovers' part of its Māori name—a move that helped the region move beyond the acrimonious aftermath of the 'one Auckland' initiative, implemented in 2010.)
The other consequence of the Vesper 's length is displayed as she noses onto the beach at Sullivans—the 25-metre scow draws so little water that the passengers step ashore, through the bow door, onto dry sand. This attribute is very useful when unloading plants at the various shallow landings around the harbour.
The shoreside events are already underway. It seems that the starting time for rowing and waka races has got earlier and earlier, such are the numbers lining up to compete. At one point in the regatta's history, at the end of the 1900s, early 2000s, it seemed that rowing dinghies was a thing of the past. The fashion for inflatables had taken hold, most being propelled by noisy petrol engines.
But then, during the Second Depression, the education system returned to the values of post World War II period. Children were again taught, not only how to swim, but also to paddle, row and to sail. It took Aotearoa a full generation but it succeeded in regaining its reputation for breeding the world's best sailors. Mahurangi Marine School, established by the venerable Mahurangi Technical Institute at Dawson Creek, had led the way.
With most of the shoreside events contested, the first of sailing races are getting underway. The huge and hugely successful ex America's Cup multithull Fay , is the start boat.
Pre 1950s–designed classic wooden boats still compete for the Robertson Boats' Mahurangi Cup as they have done since 1988. But now the magnificent John Meiklejohn Trophy, awarded to for the first scow home, is the premier event. The Vesper won it two years running but that was before the big scow revival of the 2020s. The three-masted Zingara was the first of these, and she is here today. Built to sail Mahurangi's finest wine to Europe, she is a monster nearly half as long again as the 1906 39-metre George Niccol original. Also raising sail is the Pirate , which had been built primarily to beat the Zingara , probably will do so again this year. Some suggest it is time there was a working scow only race, but by the banter heard at last year's prize-giving and dance, Zingara 's crew wouldn't have it any other way.
The Jane Gifford has been the regatta flagship since she was reconstructed and re-launched by Peter Thompson in 2009. She will probably be so for the next fifty years, having been re-built to last, unlike the original scows, which were expected to have a working life only a decade or two.
The iconic Jane Gifford was eventually responsible for the revival of the anniversary day scow races. It took a few years, but eventually the city's competitive streak kicked in. During the 2010s scow after scow was built, as enterprises scrambled for their share of the exposure that the hallmark clouds of sailcloth provided. Their anniversary weekends commence with the night race to Mahurangi, on the Friday evening, a tradition that dating from 1966 and the Devonport Yacht Club.
Two years earlier, the Mahurangi Regatta quietly celebrated its bicentennial—because the date chosen was somewhat arbitrary, not too much was made of the milestone.
The shoreside regatta director looked relaxed, pleased with his second year's efforts and enjoying the respite before the grand finale, the tug-o-war, which will be held when the burly scowmenof all genders return from their racing. He says to the chairman:
You realise, don't you, that in another 14 years, Mahurangi Action'll actually be a hundred.
She replies:
Yes, but that'll be your baby; I'll be well-retired by then.
Put your oar in... Cancel reply
The Mahurangi Magazine values thoughtful comments that make their point or points politely and constructively. Unsubstantiated contradiction and other devices of detraction that are the hallmark of all too many loosely or unmoderated comment sections will go unpublished. Comments may be edited for style and clarity; email address is required but will not be published.
The Mahurangi Magazine is part of a evidence-based network restoring and enjoying the Mahurangi and serves as the voice of Mahurangi Action, established 1974 as Friends of the Mahurangi.
Climate action of the people, by the people for the planet
Octavius's brother, Gordon Davis Browne
editor@mahurangi.org.nz
590 Mahurangi West Road, RD 3 Warkworth 0983
© 2007–2020  Mahurangi Magazine All rights reserved—I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours bob dylan Website design by Tira Cole
Receive Mahurangi Magazine updates
Join the mailing list to be notified of new pages.
Thank you for subscribing to Mahurangi Magazine!


text:
Americana - Around the USA
Alabama Theater—lnside
Ethereal Underworld
Garden of the Gods - Colorado
Smoky Mountains
Award Winners & Best Sellers
Shades of Gray—Seeing Without Distraction
Animals Without Color
Everyday People—We are all alike. We are all unique.
Manhattan:Shades of Gray
Memories of Times Past
Mixed Bag—Some of This, Some of That
Paris in Shades of Gray
Road from Prauge to Budapest
Spanish Doors
New York City - All Around Town
Gates of Central Park-2005
Manhattan Nights-Lighting The Darkness
Manhattan—City of Mirrors
Manhattan Look Up-See What's Above NYC
Manhattan Fire Escapes-A Disappearing Sight
Central Park Winter-Metropolitan Wonderland
Central Park Autumn-Colors of Fall
Central Park Summer— Manhattan Oasis
On Holy Ground
Windows Of The World
Price List & Print Guarantee
About Gary Ricketts
The Romans named it Londinium when they built it around 50AD. Londinium grew to a port city with a population of about 45,000 people and was a major trade center for Rome. The Romans left England in 407AD, and were replaced by the Anglo-Saxons, who came from the German regions of Angeln and Saxony. Anglo-Saxon rule ended in 1066 following the death of Edward the Confessor. William of Normandy claimed the crown and crossed the channel from France to defeat Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. The rest, as they say, is history.
Over the Top - London, England Third Place 2008
The London Eye, built for the millennium, sits at the center of London as a symbol of modern Britain. Since its opening in 2000, the London Eye attracts 3.5 million paid visitors per year. The wheel is 442 feet high with a circumference of 1,392 feet. Thirty-two capsules can carry 800 passengers during each thirty minute rotation. The slow rotation allows passengers to step on and off without stopping the wheel. On a clear London day, passengers can see as far as Windsor Castle, about twenty-five miles from the London Eye.
The Clock Tower—London, England
The Clock Tower is at the northeast end of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The largest of the five tower bells, Big Ben, first rang in July of 1859. Big Ben is heard on the hour, and the four smaller bells are heard playing Westminster Quarters each quarter hour. The clock's reliability is famous. The time is kept fine tuned by placing a stack of old penny coins on top of the pendulum. Adding or removing the pennies alters the pendulum's center of gravity. Adding or removing a penny changes the clock's timing by four tenths of a second per day.
Crooked Tree
Blue Casino
Tilt-A-Phone—London, England
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the bright red telephone booth seen on the streets throughout the United Kingdom, Malta, Bermuda, and Gibraltar. It is red so it is easy to spot. The red booth resulted from a competition held in 1924 to design a kiosk acceptable to the various London boroughs. The United Kingdom Post Office originally produced a concrete phone kiosk in 1920, which was considered atrocious. In 1952, Elizabeth II departed from the practice of using the "Tudor Crown" as the symbol of government began using a representation of the actual crown used at coronations—St. Edwards Crown.
Two Very London Things
Wide Eyed
Dolphin Boy
Big Ben-Up Close The Clock Tower is at the northeast end of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The largest of the five tower bells, Big Ben, first rang in July of 1859. Big Ben is heard on the hour, and the four smaller bells are heard playing Westminster Quarters each quarter hour. The clock's reliability is famous. The time is kept fine tuned by placing a stack of old penny coins on top of the pendulum. Adding or removing the pennies alters the pendulum's center of gravity. Adding or removing a penny changes the clock's timing by four tenths of a second per day.
A Little Worse For Wear
Ivy Covered Walls
All photos ©Gary Ricketts. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use is prohibited.
These photographs may not be used for commercial purposes without written permission.
The London Eye, built for the millennium, sits at the center of London as a symbol of modern Britain. Since its opening in 2000, the London Eye attracts 3.5 million paid visitors per year.
The wheel is 442 feet high with a circumference of 1,392 feet. Thirty-two capsules can carry 800 passengers during each thirty minute rotation. The slow rotation allows passengers to step on and off without stopping the wheel. On a clear London day, passengers can see as far as Windsor Castle, about twenty-five miles from the London Eye.
winnersoldLondonbuildinglondon eyeEuropeEnglandtopphotography by gary rickettsgary rickettsgickettstravelvacationsightseeingrickettsCapturing History Through Photography


text:
Cryptantha alyssoides är en strävbladig växtart som först beskrevs av A. Dc., och fick sitt nu gällande namn av Karl Friedrich Carlos Federico Reiche. Cryptantha alyssoides ingår i släktet Cryptantha, och familjen strävbladiga växter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Strävbladiga växter
alyssoides

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


For the most comprehensive head and face protection in the ring, full face head guards are the very best choice. They make excellent choices for use in training, sparring and competitive fighting, and ensure protection to the temples, forehead and cheeks.
Our extensive range of full face head guards include options from the very best brands including Carbon Claw, Cleto Reyes, Lonsdale, Pro Box and Sandee. Available in a wide selection of colours and styles, each one of our full face head guards have been hand-selected by the team at Fight Outlet, to ensure that we bring you only the very best boxing and combat sports protection options.
As one of the UK's biggest and best retailers of fighting and boxing equipment, we not only provide the highest quality full face head guards, we offer excellent groin guards, mouth guards, shin guards, body protectors and much more. We understand the importance of stepping into the ring fully protected, and that's why we offer such a comprehensive collection of body protection equipment.
Browse and buy from our stunning selection of full face head guards online today at Fight Outlet, featuring the very best brands available at very affordable prices. What are you waiting for!?


text:
BGF US Government Mortgage Impact Fund
Class A1 (USD) (Distributing) Class A2 (USD) (Accumulating) Class A3 (USD) (Distributing) Class D2 (USD) (Accumulating) Class D3 (USD) (Distributing) Class I2 (USD) (Accumulating) Class I3 (USD) (Distributing) Class X3 (USD) (Distributing) Class ZI2 (USD) (Accumulating) Class ZI2 Hedged (EUR) (Accumulating)
NAV as of 01.02.2023 USD 7.90
The Fund seeks a high level of income.
The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or United States government sponsored enterprises which have a positive social and/or environmental impact, including Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), mortgagebacked certificates and other United States Government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools, as described in the prospectus.
The Fund will take into account environment, social and governance criteria when selecting investments as disclosed in the prospectus. For further details please refer to the prospectus and the BlackRock website at www.blackrock.com/baselinescreens.
Credit risk, changes to interest rates and/or issuer defaults will have a significant impact on the performance of fixed income securities. Potential or actual credit rating downgrades may increase the level of risk. Asset backed securities and mortgage backed securities are subject to the same risks described for fixed income securities. These instruments may be subject to 'Liquidity Risk', have high levels of borrowing and may not fully reflect the value of underlying assets. This Share Class may pay dividends or take charges from capital. While this may allow more income to be distributed, it may reduce the value of your holdings and impact the potential for long term capital growth. The Fund seeks to exclude companies engaging in certain activities inconsistent with ESG criteria. Investors should therefore make a personal ethical assessment of the Fund's ESG screening prior to investing in the Fund. Such ESG screening may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments compared to a fund without such screening.
BGF US Government Mortgage Impact Fund (USD)
Share Class and Benchmark performance displayed in USD. Source: BlackRock. Performance is shown on a Net Asset Value (NAV) basis, with gross income reinvested. Source: BlackRock. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product.
*Prior to 16.09.2021, the Fund used a different benchmark which is reflected in the benchmark data.
Total Return (%) 1.9 2.5 0.1 7.4 6.1 -1.0 -12.4
Constraint Benchmark 1 (%) 1.6 2.5 1.0 6.7 4.0 -1.2 -11.8
-12.38 -2.72 -0.19 - 0.55
-12.38 0.31 1.10 -3.27 -12.38 -7.93 -0.95 - 4.25
-11.81 -0.44 2.14 -3.32 -11.81 -9.39 -2.37 - 2.79
0.14 7.43 6.12 -0.98 -12.38
Share Class and Benchmark performance displayed in USD, hedged Share Class Benchmark performance is displayed in USD.
Net Assets of Fund as of 01.02.2023 USD 90,548,044
Share Class Currency USD
Constraint Benchmark 1 Bloomberg US MBS Index
Minimum Initial Investment USD 10000000
Minimum Subsequent Investment -
Distribution Frequency Monthly
Morningstar Category USD Government Bond
Bloomberg Ticker BGUSGX3
SEDOL BZ0D6G1
Number of Holdings as of 30.12.2022 280
12m Trailing Yield as of 31.12.2022 3.92
3y Beta as of 31.12.2022 0.914
The Fund manager includes ESG considerations in combination with other information in the research and due diligence stage of the investment process. ESG information may be sourced from both internal and external sources and included in the Aladdin risk system. The Fund manager conducts regular portfolio risk reviews with the Risk and Quantitative Analysis group. These reviews include discussion of the portfolio's exposure to material ESG risks, as well as exposure to sustainability-related business involvements, climate-related metrics, and other factors.
The Fund invests in Sustainable Investments. BlackRock defines Sustainable Investments as investments in issuers or securities that contribute to an environmental or social objective, do not significantly harm any of those objectives and where investee companies follow good governance practices. BlackRock refers to relevant sustainability frameworks to identify the alignment of the investment to environmental or social objectives. Sustainable Investments should also meet the do no significant harm (DNSH) requirements, as defined by applicable law and regulation. BlackRock has developed a set of criteria to assess whether an issuer or investment does significant harm. BlackRock invests in Sustainable Investments which contribute to a range of environmental and / or social objectives which may include but are not limited to, alternative and renewable energy, energy efficiency, pollution prevention or mitigation, reuse and recycling, health, nutrition, sanitation and education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund seeks to (i) apply the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens.
The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or United States government sponsored enterprises which have a positive social and/or environmental impact. These include Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) mortgage backed certificates and other United States Government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools, such as mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which have social and/or environmental impact characteristics that the Investment Adviser (IA) has at its discretion deemed to be impactful, including (without limitation) rural housing, manufactured housing, housing pools issued by State Housing Finance Authorities and bespoke impact MBS pools. The binding elements of the strategy are as follows: (1) Maintain that all of the Fund's investments will be Sustainable Investments (save for instruments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging, which will not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets); (2) Apply the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens; (3) Maintain that the investment strategy reduces the investment universe of the Fund by at least 20%; and (4) Ensure that more than 90% of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests (excluding money market funds) shall be ESG rated or have been analysed for ESG purposes. This Fund takes into account the PAIs through BlackRock's DNSH standard for Sustainable Investments.
All of the Fund's investments will be Sustainable Investments or instruments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging. Investments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging will not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets.A minimum of 80% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in Sustainable Investments, however, the Fund does not commit to separate minimum levels of investment in Sustainable Investments with environmental or social objectives. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in other investments. The Fund does not currently commit to invest more than 0% of its assets in Sustainable Investments with an environmental objective aligned with the EU Taxonomy, however, these investments may form part of the portfolio.
BlackRock has developed a highly automated compliance process to help ensure that the Fund is managed in accordance with its stated investment guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements. This includes monitoring of the environmental or social characteristics of the Fund in accordance with the relevant methodology. BlackRock has developed a proprietary methodology for determining Sustainable Investments and the Fund uses a number of other methodologies to measure the attainment of the sustainable investment objective.
BlackRock Portfolio Managers have access to research, data, tools, and analytics to integrate ESG insights into their investment process. ESG datasets are sourced from external third-party data providers, including but not limited to MSCI, Sustainalytics, Refinitiv, S&P and Clarity AI. BlackRock applies a comprehensive due diligence process to evaluate provider offerings with highly targeted methodology reviews and coverage assessments based on the sustainable investment strategy of the product. Data, including ESG data, is received through our existing interfaces, and then processed through a series of quality control and completeness checks which seeks to ensure that data is high-quality data before being made available for use downstream within BlackRock systems and applications, such as Aladdin. BlackRock strives to capture as much reported data from companies via 3rd party data providers as practicable, however, industry standards around disclosure frameworks are still evolving, particularly with respect to forward looking indicators. As a result, in certain cases we rely on estimated or proxy measures from data providers to cover our broad investible universe of issuers.
BlackRock continues to monitor developments in the EU's ongoing implementation of its framework for sustainable investing and its investment methodologies seeking to ensure alignment as the regulatory environment changes. ESG data sets are constantly changing and improving as disclosure standards, regulatory frameworks and industry practice evolve. BlackRock continues to work with a broad range of market participants to improve data quality. Sustainable investing and understanding of sustainability is evolving along with the data environment. Industry participants face challenges in identifying a single metric or set of standardized metrics to provide a complete view on a company or an investment. BlackRock has therefore established a framework to identify sustainable investments taking into account the regulatory requirements.
Engagement with companies in which we invest our clients' assets occurs at multiple levels within BlackRock. Where investment teams choose to leverage engagement, this can take a variety of forms but, in essence, the portfolio management team would seek to have regular and continuing dialogue with executives or board directors of engaged investee companies to advance sound governance and sustainable business practices targeted at the identified ESG characteristics and principal adverse indicators, as well as to understand the effectiveness of the company's management and oversight of activities designed to address the identified ESG issues. Engagement also allows the portfolio management team to provide feedback on company practices and disclosures.
There is no specific index designated as a reference benchmark to meet the sustainable investment objective of the Fund.
B. No significant harm to the sustainable investment objective
Sustainable Investments meet the DNSH requirements, as defined by applicable law and regulation. BlackRock has developed a set of criteria across all Sustainable Investments to assess whether an issuer or investment does significant harm. Investments considered to be causing significant harm do not qualify as Sustainable Investments.
The indicators for adverse impacts on sustainability factors for each type of investment are assessed using BlackRock's Sustainable Investments proprietary methodology. BlackRock uses third-party data and/or fundamental analysis to identify investments which negatively impact sustainability factors and cause significant harm.
Sustainable Investments are assessed to consider any detrimental impacts and ensure compliance with international standards of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the principles and rights set out in the eight fundamental conventions identified in the Declaration of the International Labour Organisation on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the International Bill of Human Rights. Issuers deemed to have violated these conventions are not considered as Sustainable Investments.
C. Sustainable investment objective of the financial product
The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in fixed income transferable securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government which have a positive social and/or environmental impact.
"Impact" investments are those which are made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and/or environmental impact alongside a financial return. Investment decisions for the Fund will be based on agency and program specific research to identify and select the fixed income securities described above that, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, have the potential to produce attractive income returns whilst having a positive social and/or environmental impact. The team evaluates existing housing programs and initiatives to determine the level of social and/or environmental impact and how the programs or initiatives support increased access to home ownership, savings to borrowers, support the increase affordable housing supply, and / or reduce barriers to the provision of affordable housing credit.
The Fund invests in Sustainable Investments. BlackRock defines Sustainable Investments as investments in issuers or securities that contribute to an environmental or social objective, do not significantly harm any of those objectives and where investee companies follow good governance practices. BlackRock refers to relevant sustainability frameworks to identify the alignment of the investment to environmental or social objectives.
BlackRock invests in Sustainable Investments which contribute to a range of environmental and / or social objectives which may include but are not limited to, alternative and renewable energy, energy efficiency, pollution prevention or mitigation, reuse and recycling, health, nutrition, sanitation and education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals ("Environmental and Social Objectives").
An investment will be assessed as contributing to an Environmental and/or Social Objective where:
a) minimum proportion of the issuer's business activity contributes to an Environmental and/or Social Objective; or
b) the issuer's business practices contribute to an Environmental and/or Social Objective; or
c) the use of proceeds is assessed as contributing to an Environmental and/or Social Objective such as green bonds, social bonds, and sustainability bonds; or
d) the fixed income securities are aligned with an Environmental and/or Social Objective.
The Fund applies the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens. This set of screens avoids exposures that have negative environmental outcomes by excluding direct investment in issuers that have material involvement in thermal coal and tar sands extraction, as well as thermal coal-based power generation. Negative social outcomes are also avoided by excluding direct investment in issuers involved in controversial weapons and nuclear weapons, and material involvement in production and distribution of civilian firearms and tobacco. This Fund also excludes issuers deemed to have failed to comply with the 10 UN Global Compact Principles, which cover human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti- corruption.
The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or United States government sponsored enterprises which have a positive social and/or environmental impact. These include Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) mortgage backed certificates and other United States Government securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools, such as mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which have social and/or environmental impact characteristics that the Investment Adviser (IA) has at its discretion deemed to be impactful, including (without limitation) rural housing, manufactured housing, housing pools issued by State Housing Finance Authorities and bespoke impact MBS pools.
More than 90% of the issuers of securities the Fund invests in are ESG rated or have been analysed for ESG purposes.The Fund will apply the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens.
The binding elements of the strategy are as follows:
1. Maintain that all of the Fund's investments will be Sustainable Investments (save for instruments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging, which will not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets).
2. Apply the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens.
3. Maintain that the investment strategy reduces the investment universe of the Fund by at least 20%.
4.Ensure that more than 90% of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests (excluding money market funds) shall be ESG rated or have been analysed for ESG purposes.
This Fund takes into account the PAIs through BlackRock's DNSH standard for Sustainable Investments. This Fund will provide information on the PAIs in its annual report.
BlackRock assesses good governance practices of the investee companies by combining proprietary insights and shareholder engagement by the Investment Adviser, with data from external ESG research providers. BlackRock uses data from external ESG research providers to initially identify issuers which may not have satisfactory governance practices in relation to key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sound management structure, employee relations, remuneration of staff and tax compliance.
Where issuers are identified as potentially having issues with regards to good governance, the issuers are reviewed to ensure that, where the Investment Adviser agrees with this external assessment, the Investment Adviser is satisfied that the issuer has either taken remediation actions or will take remedial actions within a reasonable time frame based on the Investment Adviser's direct engagement with the issuer. The Investment Adviser may also decide to reduce exposure to such issuers.
All of the Fund's investments will be Sustainable Investments or instruments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging. Investments used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging will not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets.
A minimum of 80% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in Sustainable Investments, however, the Fund does not commit to separate minimum levels of investment in Sustainable Investments with environmental or social objectives.
A minimum of 80% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in Sustainable Investments. These Sustainable Investments will be a mix of Sustainable Investments with an environmental objective that is not aligned with the EU taxonomy or a social objective or a combination of both, and the exact composition may fluctuate.
The Fund invests in Sustainable Investments that are not aligned with the EU Taxonomy for the following reasons: (i) it is part of the investment strategy of the Fund; (ii) data to determine EU Taxonomy-alignment may be unavailable; and / or (iii) underlying economic activities may not be eligible under the EU Taxonomy's available technical screening criteria or may not comply with all requirements set out in such technical screening criteria.
The use of such investments does not affect the delivery of the sustainable investment objective, as these investments are used for the purposes of liquidity management and/or hedging.
F. Monitoring of sustainable investment objective
Sustainable Investments Methodology
BlackRock has developed a proprietary methodology for determining Sustainable Investments which is broken down into a four-part assessment:
(i) Economic activity contribution to environmental and/or social objectives;
(ii) Do no significant harm;
(iii) Meets minimum safeguards; and
(iv) Good governance (where relevant).
It is necessary for an investment to meet all four limbs of this test to be considered a Sustainable Investment. Sustainable Investments are subject to a robust oversight process to ensure that regulatory standards are met.
(i) Economic activity contribution to environmental and/or social objectives
Environmental and social objectives
The Fund invests in Sustainable Investments which contribute to a range of environmental and / or social objectives which may include but are not limited to alternative and renewable energy, energy efficiency, pollution prevention or mitigation, reuse and recycling, health, nutrition, sanitation and education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals ("Environmental and Social Objectives").
Economic activity assessment
An investment will be a Sustainable Investment (subject to it satisfying the other three limbs):
• Where more than 20% of its revenue attributable to products and/or services is systematically mapped as contributing to Environmental and/or Social Objectives using third-party vendor data. Fundamental analysis may also be used to assess a company where there is no third-party vendor data or where an analyst determines that the data is inaccurate or that there is a more appropriate materiality metric than revenue for identifying a company's contribution such as capital expenditure or recycled inputs.
• Where the issuer has set a de-carbonization target in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiatives as validated by third-party vendor data or by way of fundamental assessment.
• Demonstrable leadership attribute that evidences a company's critical role as an enabler of sustainable practices.
Fixed income securities
• A use-of-proceeds bond will be a Sustainable Investment where the use of proceeds substantially contributes to an Environmental and/or Social Objective as determined by fundamental assessment
• Other fixed income securities will be a Sustainable Investment where the security is aligned with Environmental and/or Social Objectives as determined by fundamental assessment such as environmental and/or social asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities issued by supranational entities committed to the promotion of UN SDGs
(ii) Do no significant harm (DNSH)
Sustainable Investments meet the DNSH requirements, as defined by applicable law and regulation. BlackRock has developed a set of criteria across all Sustainable Investments to assess whether an investment does significant harm which consider both third party data points as well as fundamental insights. Investments are screened against these criteria using system-based controls and any which are considered to be causing significant harm do not qualify as Sustainable Investments. BlackRock assesses the indicators for adverse impacts on sustainability factors for each type of investment as defined by the regulation.
Climate principal adverse impact indicators will be assessed using BlackRock's proprietary Heightened Scrutiny Framework which identifies investments which present significant climate-related risk by assessing: (i) carbon emissions; (ii) readiness for the net zero transition; and (iii) climate-related disclosures.
All other indicators for adverse impacts are assessed using third-party vendor data on controversies to exclude investments which BlackRock has determined are harmful to sustainability indicators subject to limited exceptions, for example, where the data is determined to be inaccurate or not up to date.
Where no data is available, or it is substantially incomplete, fundamental analysis will be undertaken using reasonable efforts to identify impacts which BlackRock determines to be harmful to the sustainability indicators.
(iii) Meet minimum safeguards
Sustainable Investments are assessed using third party data provider information to consider compliance with international standards of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the principles and rights set out in the eight fundamental conventions identified in the Declaration of the International Labour Organisation on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the International Bill of Human Rights. Issuers deemed to have violated these conventions are not considered as Sustainable Investments.
(iv) Good Governance
In respect of its good governance assessment BlackRock uses data from external third-party ESG research providers to initially identify issuers which may not have satisfactory governance practices in relation to key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the criteria outlined above. Where issuers are identified as potentially having issues with regards to good governance, the issuers are reviewed to ensure that, where the Investment Advisor/Manager agrees with this external assessment, the Investment Advisor/Manager is satisfied that the issuer has either taken remediation actions or will take remedial actions within a reasonable time frame based on the Investment Advisor's/Manager's direct engagement with the issuer. The Investment Advisor/Manager may also decide to reduce exposure to such issuers. Funds' indirect exposures to issuers with good governance failings are limited to de minimis levels by internal controls and are also monitored on a periodic basis to ensure that this indirect exposure remains at de minimis levels
Other methodologies
In addition, the following methodologies are used to measure the attainment of the sustainable investment objective:
1. The Fund applies the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens. Further details on the BlackRock EMEA Baseline Screens methodology are available at: https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/publication/blackrock-baseline-screens-in-europe-middleeast-and-africa.pdf
The Fund via the environmental and/or social characteristics of its strategy has been assessed as considering a set of principal adverse impact indicators (PAIs) as defined within the SFDR Regulatory Technical standards. We have assessed whether and how these are fully or partially considered and outline how those characteristics map to those PAIs in our pre contractual and periodic reporting.
1. Data Collection: this includes but is not limited to assessing the data providers underlying data sources, technology used to capture data, process to identify misinformation and use of machine learning or human data collection approaches. We will also consider planned improvements
2.Data Coverage: our assessment includes but is not limited to the extent to which a data package provides coverage across our investible universe of issuers and asset classes. This will include consideration of the treatment of parent companies and their subsidiaries as well as use of estimated data or reported data
3. Methodology: our assessment includes but is not limited to consideration of the third-party providers methodologies employed, including considering the collection and calculation approaches, alignment to industry or regulatory standards or frameworks, materiality thresholds and their approach to data gaps.
4. Data Verification: our assessment includes but is not limited to the third party providers' approaches to verification of data collected and quality assurance processes including their engagement with issuers
5. Operations: we assess a variety of aspects of a data vendors operations, including but not limited to their policies and procedures (including consideration of any conflicts of interest) the size and experience of their data research teams, their training programs, and their use of third-party outsourcers
• Forward looking data, such as climate related targets may vary significantly from historic and current point in time metrics
Sustainable Investments and Environmental and Social criteria
Sustainable investing and understanding of sustainability is evolving along with the data environment. Industry participants face challenges in identifying a single metric or set of standardized metrics to provide a complete view on a company or an investment. BlackRock has therefore established a framework to identify sustainable investments, taking into account the regulatory requirements.
BlackRock uses third-party vendor data in assessing whether investments cause significant harm and have good governance practices. There may be some circumstances where data is unavailable, incomplete, or inaccurate, in which case fundamental assessments may be undertaken, taking a proportionate approach and using reasonable efforts, to identify issues likely to have a significant impact. Despite reasonable efforts, information may not always be available in which case a subjective assessment will be made based on BlackRock's knowledge of the investment or industry. In certain cases data may reflect actions that issuers may have taken only after the fact, and do not reflect all potential instances of significant harm.
The Investment Adviser integrates sustainability risks into the investment due diligence process of the Fund. The portfolio managers of the Fund are primarily responsible for considering sustainability risks. They are subject to an oversight framework within the Investment Adviser and BlackRock's risk management function, RQA group also provides independent reviews of sustainability risks and the compliance team provides further oversight and monitors the ESG requirements relevant to each fund and the investment restrictions for each fund. RQA, serves as the second line of defence in BlackRock's risk management framework. RQA is responsible for BlackRock's Investment and Enterprise risk management framework which includes oversight of sustainability-related investment risks. RQA Investment Risk conducts regular reviews with portfolio managers to ensure investment teams are advised of relevant sustainability risks, complementing the first-line monitoring and oversight of sustainability considerations across our investment platform. RQA also has a dedicated Sustainability Risk Team that partners with risk managers and businesses to reinforce this constructive engagement. RQA collaborates with working groups throughout the Investments Platform and with Aladdin Sustainability Lab to advance the firm's sustainability toolkit through consultation on firmwide data, modelling, methodologies, and analytics. In addition, BlackRock makes data relating to principal adverse impacts (PAI) available to all portfolio managers. Please note that at present PAI data coverage varies in respect of markets, asset class and sectors. BlackRock as part of its implementation of ESG regulatory requirements including SFDR is working closely with data providers and investment teams to ensure that robust and reliable information goes through appropriate due diligence processes and is made available where possible. For further information, please see section 'Section D – Investment strategy' above.
The Fund does not use engagement as a means of meeting its binding commitments to environmental or social characteristics or sustainable investment objectives. Engagement may form part of the Due Diligence carried out by the portfolio management team for funds pursuing Fixed Income investment strategies in order to assess how companies manage ESG risks and opportunities and how these impact companies financials. Where applicable, we use engagement to discuss concerns, understand opportunities and share constructive feedback, based on the view that material ESG issues are intractably tied to a business's long term strategy and fundamental value. Engagement may be undertaken in collaboration with the Business Investment Stewardship team however, this is not always the case and can be undertaken directly. The Fixed Income portfolio management team may also use engagement with corporate treasurers when they are in the process of issuing green and social bonds to ensure a robust issuance.
L. Attainment of the sustainable investment objective
Overall Morningstar Rating for BGF US Government Mortgage Impact Fund, Class X3, as of 31.01.2023 rated against 225 USD Government Bond Funds.
GNMA2 30YR 56.05
UMBS 30YR TBA(REG A) 16.28
FNMA 30YR UMBS 14.09
UMBS 30YR TBA 13.88
FHLMC 30YR UMBS SUPER 10.71
UMBS 15YR TBA(REG B) 8.70
GNMA2 30YR 2020 PRODUCTION 6.15
GNMA_21-191B BI 1.55
Class X3 USD Monthly 7.90 0.01 0.13 01.02.2023 9.00 7.38 LU1246652132 -
Class ZI2 Hedged EUR - 10.59 0.02 0.19 01.02.2023 10.64 9.86 LU2533725326 -
Class I3 USD Monthly 7.92 0.02 0.25 01.02.2023 9.02 7.39 LU1456639035 -
Class I2 USD - 9.58 0.01 0.10 01.02.2023 10.57 8.84 LU2011139206 -
Class D3 USD Monthly 7.77 0.01 0.13 01.02.2023 8.85 7.25 LU0592702145 -
Class ZI2 USD - 10.69 0.01 0.09 01.02.2023 10.74 9.86 LU2533725599 -
Class A1 USD Monthly 7.75 0.01 0.13 01.02.2023 8.83 7.22 LU0035308682 -
Akiva Dickstein
Matthew Kraeger
The fund invests a large portion of assets which are denominated in other currencies; hence changes in the relevant exchange rate will affect the value of the investment. The fund may make distributions from capital as well as income or pursue certain investment strategies in order to generate income. Whilst this might allow more income to be distributed, it may also have the effect of reducing capital and the potential for long-term capital growth. The fund invests in fixed interest securities such as corporate or government bonds which pay a fixed or variable rate of interest (also known as the 'coupon') and behave similarly to a loan. These securities are therefore exposed to changes in interest rates which will affect the value of any securities held. The fund(s) may invest in structured credit products such as asset backed securities ('ABS') which pool together mortgages and other debts into single or multiple series credit products which are then passed on to investors, normally in return for interest payments based on the cash flows from the underlying assets. These securities have similar characteristics to corporate bonds but carry greater risk as the details of the underlying loans is unknown, although loans with similar terms are typically packaged together. The stability of returns from ABS are not only dependent on changes in interest-rates but also changes in the repayments of the underlying loans as a result of changes in economic conditions or the circumstances of the holder of the loan. These securities can therefore be more sensitive to economic events, may be subject to severe price movements and can be more difficult and/or more expensive to sell in difficult markets.


text:
Q: Android ArrayList pass as parcelable Code now modified to reflect the accepted solution.
This now serves as a working example of how to pass a custom ArrayList into a DialogFragment.
I am passing an ArrayList of custom objects to a DialogFragment using a Bundle on newInstance.
The arraylist is received correctly in newInstance.  The call to putParcelable executes fine (no errors), but putting breakpoints in the parcelable code in the ArrayList object shows that the parcel methods are not been called when setting or getting the data.
Am i correct creating a LocalityList class for the ArrayList and making that parcelable, or should Locality class itself be parcelable ?
DialogFragment
/**
 * Create a new instance of ValidateUserEnteredLocationLocalitySelectorFragment, providing "localityList"
 * as an argument.
 */
public static ValidateUserEnteredLocationLocalitySelectorFragment newInstance(LocalityList localityList) {

    ValidateUserEnteredLocationLocalitySelectorFragment fragmentInstance = new ValidateUserEnteredLocationLocalitySelectorFragment();

    // Supply location input as an argument.
    Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
    bundle.putParcelable(KEY_LOCALITY_LIST, localityList);
    fragmentInstance.setArguments(bundle);

    return fragmentInstance;
}

/**
 * Retrieve the locality list from the bundle
 */
@Override
public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
    mLocalityList = getArguments().getParcelable(KEY_LOCALITY_LIST);
}

 @Override
public View onCreateView(LayoutInflater inflater, ViewGroup container,
        Bundle savedInstanceState) {

    View view = inflater.inflate(R.layout.validate_user_entered_location, container, false);

    mLocalityListView = (ListView) view.findViewById(R.id.dialogLocalityListView);
    mAdapter = new SearchLocationLocalitiesListAdapter(getActivity(), mLocalityList);
    mLocalityListView.setAdapter(mAdapter);

    return view;
}

LocalityList class
import java.util.ArrayList;

import android.os.Parcel;
import android.os.Parcelable;

public class LocalityList extends ArrayList<Locality> implements Parcelable {

    private static final long serialVersionUID = 663585476779879096L;

    public LocalityList() {
    }

    @SuppressWarnings("unused")
    public LocalityList(Parcel in) {
        this();
        readFromParcel(in);
    }

    private void readFromParcel(Parcel in) {
        this.clear();

        // First we have to read the list size
        int size = in.readInt();

        for (int i = 0; i < size; i++) {
            Locality r = new Locality(in.readString(), in.readDouble(), in.readDouble());
            this.add(r);
        }
    }

    public int describeContents() {
        return 0;
    }

    public final Parcelable.Creator<LocalityList> CREATOR = new Parcelable.Creator<LocalityList>() {
        public LocalityList createFromParcel(Parcel in) {
            return new LocalityList(in);
        }

        public LocalityList[] newArray(int size) {
            return new LocalityList[size];
        }
    };

    public void writeToParcel(Parcel dest, int flags) {
        int size = this.size();

        // We have to write the list size, we need him recreating the list
        dest.writeInt(size);

        for (int i = 0; i < size; i++) {
            Locality r = this.get(i);

            dest.writeString(r.getDescription());
            dest.writeDouble(r.getLatitude());
            dest.writeDouble(r.getLongitude());
        }
    }
}

Locality class
import android.os.Parcel;
import android.os.Parcelable;

public class Locality implements Parcelable {

    private String mDescription;
    private double mLatitude;
    private double mLongitude;

    public Locality(String description, double latitude, double longitude) {
        super();
        this.mDescription = description;
        this.mLatitude = latitude;
        this.mLongitude = longitude;
    }

    public Locality(){
        super();
    }

    public String getDescription() {
        return mDescription;
    }

    public void setDescription(String description) {
        this.mDescription = description;
    }

    public double getLatitude() {
        return mLatitude;
    }

    public void setLatitude(double latitude) {
        this.mLatitude = latitude;
    }

    public double getLongitude() {
        return mLongitude;
    }

    public void setLongitude(double longitude) {
        this.mLongitude = longitude;
    }

    @SuppressWarnings("unused")
    public Locality(Parcel in) {
        this();
        readFromParcel(in);
    }

    private void readFromParcel(Parcel in) {
        this.mDescription = in.readString();
        this.mLatitude = in.readDouble();
        this.mLongitude = in.readDouble();
    }

    public int describeContents() {
        return 0;
    }

    public final Parcelable.Creator<Locality> CREATOR = new Parcelable.Creator<Locality>() {
        public Locality createFromParcel(Parcel in) {
            return new Locality(in);
        }

        public Locality[] newArray(int size) {
            return new Locality[size];
        }
    };

    @Override
    public void writeToParcel(Parcel dest, int flags) {
        dest.writeString(mDescription);
        dest.writeDouble(mLatitude);
        dest.writeDouble(mLongitude);
    }
}

A: I know this question is rather old but since I originally came here looking for answers, I wanted to share my experience.
Yes, you need to implement Parcelable for your Locality class but that is it.
If your LocalityList is ONLY a wrapper for ArrayList, then you do not need it.
Just use the putParcelableArrayList method.
ArrayList<Locality> localities = new ArrayList<Locality>;
...
Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
bundle.putParcelableArrayList(KEY_LOCALITY_LIST, localities);
fragmentInstance.setArguments(bundle);

return fragmentInstance;

And retrieve it using...
localities = savedInstanceState.getParcelableArrayList(KEY_LOCALITY_LIST);

So, unless you need the custom ArrayList for some other reason, you can avoid doing any of that extra work and only implement Parcelable for your Locality class.

A: Yes, make Locality class itself Parcelable, and don't forgot to initialize
ArrayList<Locality> mList= new ArrayList<Locality>();

A: The trick i normally use is to parse the list to Json using Gson (from google). On the other side i just parte the string in Json back to a new list.
Never noticed any lag.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Porsche Club members can get behind the wheel of the latest generation 911 with our exclusive Porsche Experience Centre drives at Silverstone Classic on Saturday, 27th July.
Priced at £85, the driving sessions are thirty minutes in length and will allow you to test your skills on the demanding Experience Centre tracks.
Club members will need a valid entry ticket to Silverstone Classic in order to take part, so be sure to book by 31st May in order to receive your infield pass. You'll find the necessary Club booking codes here.
A shuttle bus will be available to take you from the outside of Copse tunnel to the Porsche Experience Centre.


Redout is a high-speed futuristic track racing game in the same vein as Wipeout 2097 and other similar classics.
I used to be a Wipeout junkie. It was one of my favourite games on my old PSX and I played it to death. It got me into FSOL and The Prodigy. When "We Have Explosive" or "Firestarter" came on, I knew I was going to win. And I was pretty good at it, too. So when I was given a chance to play and review Redout, I jumped at it.
There's a story behind Redout's world, but it's not really important. It's so not important, in fact, that the game doesn't bother presenting it to you. There's not even an introduction to the game. If you're interested, you can read the Steam page instead.
The first thing you'll notice in Redout is the pretty slick interface. It looks nice, it's well animated, and it's functional. Once you've used it to start your first race, the next thing you'll notice about the graphics is that they move rather fast — fast enough that you don't have much time to pay attention to whether they're very good or not, at least at first.
I've been playing some games lately with much more impressive graphics — the dust clouds and storms in Mad Max, for example, put Redout's desert dust to shame — but with the speed at which Redout moves, everything passes quickly anyway, and it mostly looks reasonably nice. If you pay attention, though, you'll notice some large polygons and sharp edges sometimes, although in many cases this seems to be a style thing.
The ships are the highlight of the game and they look pretty cool: not very aerodynamic, with all of those sharp edges, but cool. But enough of those big triangles, really!
Some of the visual effects are a bit overdone and distracting, such as the sparks from grinding on the track surface and the whole screen colour changes during 'redouts' and blackouts, but the game does have a good graphical coherence to it.
Redout gives you a ton of graphics detail settings, too. I'm playing on a GTX1070 graphics card with everything set to 'epic' and it churns along at a nice rate.
Music is good. It's not Wipeout 2097 good, but it's good enough. There don't seem to be that many music tracks, though; either that or I'm just unlucky enough to hear the same couple over and over again. Sound effects are okay, but although the graphics give a good sense of speed, the sounds do very little to help it along. They could benefit from a bit more punch. Voiceovers are text to speech. They sound okay, but wonky enough in places that it seemed a bit second rate. There's a nice homage to Wipeout in there: "contender eliminated." Yeah!
If you've ever played Wipeout or any of Redout's other influences then you'll be pretty familiar with this. You buy a hovership with starting cash, compete in track-based races like rollercoasters in order to earn more cash, and gradually move up the ladder, buying better classes of ship until you're the best of the best. Races are fast and at least in the first class, you don't need to remember which button is the brake.
There's a nice range of ships to choose from, in four classes. Only the slowest class is unlocked to start with, but you'll soon enough be racing the second class ships as well. Unfortunately I found this progression a bit disappointing; the game is fast with Class 1, and just doesn't feel much faster with Class 2.
As well as ships, cash can also buy you powerups — one passive and one active at any one time — and upgrades for these powerups. These should add another dimension to play, but after buying the fully upgraded Advanced Propeller (supposed to increase acceleration and top speed) and the EMP, I have to say I'm pretty disappointed with them. Racing the fastest ship with the passive powerup that's supposed to make it even faster, some of my supposedly much slower competitors seem able to out accelerate me at the start of the race, or overtake me on the straights, even while using my afterburner. And more often than not the EMP does nothing, even when firing it off right next to an opponent. I suspect some of Redout's challenge actually comes from computer opponents that don't quite follow the rules.
Some text is provided as background for the powerups, but this is written quite badly. It's a shame; I feel the developers would have been better off leaving this out entirely rather than making the poor attempt that seems to have been made here.
Redout supports VR devices, which I don't have, and game controllers, which I do. I played exclusively with my XBox 360 controller. Controls were mostly good, although I found the right stick (for pitch and jink/strafe) a bit tricky at first. Activating your active powerup (default X button) is a bit of a pain, too. But I found the controls worked well enough after some practice.
There are two basic single player game modes: career (where the core of the game lies) and quick race, which gives you a choice of 10 types of race in which to participate. There are the usual time attack, normal race, and elimination race types, too.
Redout also features multiplayer, but I've been unable to find anyone playing, so I can't comment on how well this works. With the speed of the game I'd hope the net code is robust and fast. In what seems to be becoming a fashion in indie games lately, there are no server stats available, so you don't know whether anyone else is even playing anywhere, and there's also no way to change your racer name: it uses your Steam profile.
The career mode also offers seemingly random — and sometimes broken — contracts. These give you a chance to make more money or even gain a powerup by winning the next race with a specific craft or a specific powerup. They're a nice idea, but they don't always work. For example, the first contract I received told me to use a powerup in the next race, which turned out to be a 'pure' race (no powerups allowed). I won the race and then changed my ship for the next one, and the game failed to recognise that I'd won, told me that I'd failed the contract, and then gave me the prize powerup anyway.
If you're having trouble with a race (you shouldn't in Class 1, at least; they're very easy) you can always replay previous races to try to earn enough cash for a powerup or upgrade to help, but races you've won previously pay out much less when you replay them, so be prepared to grind races a bit if you have to make some cash.
Overall I've found Redout to be a fun racing game, but it's not the next Wipeout, much as it might try. Where Wipeout's powerups and weapons added a sense of excitement to the game, Redout's sort of fizzle out and don't add much to the experience. But it does try hard, and the many game modes and added multiplayer (if you can find anyone to play with) should keep you occupied for quite some time, even though with only four environments and a few tracks in each, you'll end up seeing the same tracks a lot!
Redout is a good, fast racing game that's not quite deserving of its high price. Recommended, but only if you can pick it up at a significant discount.


text:
Q: check url with google, safe = active how can I check if url is displayed by google or not?
Example:
https://www.google.com/search?q=redtubex.xxx&safe=active

Code:
$input = 'http://www.example.com';
$input = trim($input, '/');
if (!preg_match('#^http(s)?://#', $input))
{
     $input = 'http://' . $input;
}

$urlParts = parse_url($input);
$domain = preg_replace('/^www\./', '', $urlParts['host']);
$request = 'https://www.google.com/search?q='.$domain.'&safe=active/';

$ch = curl_init($request);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HEADER, 0);
curl_setopt($ch,CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, 1);
$data = curl_exec($ch);
curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);

preg_match_all('/<cite.*?>(.*?)<\/cite>/', $data, $matches);
foreach ($matches as $fmatch)
{
    echo $fmatch[1]);
}