text:
Tenneco Automotive Inc. (ticker: TEN, exchange: New York Stock Exchange) News Release
TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE REPORTS STRONG SECOND QUARTER OPERATING RESULTS
13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth
14th consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted EBITDA improvement
Strong cash performance offsets loss of customer advance payment program
EBIT and EPS improve year-over-year
Europe and South America EBIT up 43% on 13% revenue gain
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS, JULY 21, 2005 - Tenneco Automotive (NYSE: TEN) reported second quarter net income of $33 million, or 71-cents per diluted share, up from net income of $30 million, or 69-cents per diluted share a year ago. Adjusted for the items below, second quarter net income rose to $35 million, or 77-cents per diluted share, compared with $31 million, or 70-cents per diluted share in second quarter 2004.
EBIT (earnings before interest, taxes and minority interest) was $83 million compared with $76 million a year ago. EBITDA (EBIT before depreciation and amortization) was $127 million, versus $120 million in second quarter 2004. On an adjusted basis, EBIT was $85 million, up from $84 million a year ago, and the company reported its 14th consecutive quarter of year-over-year improved adjusted EBITDA at $129 million, up from $128 million in second quarter 2004. See the tables attached to the press release, which reconcile GAAP results to non-GAAP results.
Adjusted second quarter 2004 and 2005 results:
Q2 2005 Q2 2004
EBITDA EBIT Net Income Per Share EBITDA EBIT Net Income Per Share
Earnings Measures $ 127 $ 83 $ 33 $ 0.71 $ 120 $ 76 $ 30 $ 0.69
(reflects non-GAAP measures):
Restructuring/restructuring related expenses 2 2 1 0.03 5 5 3 0.07
New Aftermarket customer changeover costs - - - - 2 2 1 0.02
Consulting fees indexed to stock price - - - - 1 1 1 0.01
Tax Adjustments - - 1 0.03 - - (4) (0.09)
Non-GAAP earnings measures $ 129 $ 85 $ 35 $ 0.77 $ 128 $ 84 $ 31 $ 0.70
Download and print this summary table (PDF): Adjusted second quarter 2005 and 2004 results
Second quarter 2005 adjustments:
Restructuring related expenses of $2 million pre-tax, or 3-cents per diluted share;
Tax expense of $1 million, or 3-cents per diluted share, primarily related to adjusting state tax net operating loss carry forwards.
Expenses of $2 million pre-tax, or 2-cents per diluted share, associated with changeover costs for a new aftermarket customer;
Expenses of $1 million pre-tax, or 1-cent per diluted share, for stock price indexed consulting fees;
Tax benefit of $4 million, or 9-cents per diluted share.
Despite a $65 million impact in the quarter from the discontinuation of General Motor's advance payment program, operating cash inflow in the quarter was $28 million, versus a $46 million inflow in the second quarter of 2004. The strong cash performance was driven by inventory reductions and improved accounts payable. At quarter-end, total debt was $1.412 billion, down from $1.419 billion a year ago. Debt net of cash was $1.346 billion versus $1.253 billion a year ago, primarily due to the discontinuation of advance payment programs by General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler, which had a $94 million impact on debt over the last 12 months.
Tenneco Automotive generated its 13th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth with revenue of $1.180 billion, compared with $1.113 billion a year ago. Favorable currency benefited revenue by $33 million. Total OE revenues were up 7% year-over-year, outpacing a 2% increase in global industry production. Revenue was driven by the company's strong position on top-selling vehicles, continued gains from new OE business in Europe and stronger Japanese OE business in North America.
"Our strategies for generating top-line growth and cash continue to be effective despite difficult and volatile market conditions," said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and CEO, Tenneco Automotive. "We are also benefiting from our intense focus on managing costs and improving operational efficiency through Lean and Six Sigma. In addition, our balance in terms of products, markets, customers and vehicle platform mix gives us a competitive edge and continues to drive our progress."
The company's gross margin in the quarter was 20.3%, down 1.3 percentage points from a year ago. Higher steel costs, restructuring charges and business mix offset savings and improved efficiencies from Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma programs and other cost reduction initiatives.
Total steel cost increases in the second quarter were $35 million, which were largely offset by the company's cost reduction efforts, including SGA&E restructuring savings, material cost savings, Six Sigma program savings of $9 million and Lean manufacturing efficiencies as well as steel cost recovery from OE and aftermarket customers. Based on the company's efforts to offset increased steel costs and trends in the steel market, the company doesn't currently anticipate a significant year-over-year impact on operating results through the remainder of 2005.
Sales, General, Administrative and Engineering (SGA&E) expense in the quarter was 9.4% of sales versus 10.7% one year ago. SGA&E improvement was driven by restructuring and tight controls on discretionary spending.
The company outperformed its bank debt covenants in the quarter. At June 30, the leverage ratio was 3.41, below the maximum limit of 4.75; the fixed charge ratio was 2.03, exceeding the minimum ratio of 1.10; and the interest coverage ratio was 3.06, exceeding the minimum coverage ratio of 2.0.
North American original equipment revenue was up 3% to $390 million, versus $379 million a year ago. Excluding the impact of currency and catalytic converter pass-through sales, revenue was up 8%, outpacing a 2% industry production decline (Tables to this press release reconcile GAAP revenues to revenues adjusted for catalytic converter pass-through sales and currency). The increase was driven by exhaust business on better selling passenger vehicle and medium truck platforms, stronger commercial vehicle volumes, volume growth on key Japanese OE platforms and specialty market revenue from acquiring the Harley Davidson exhaust business.
North American aftermarket revenue was $146 million, versus $144 million in second quarter 2004. Ride control price increases, driven by higher steel costs, offset lower ride control volumes and exhaust sales.
EBIT for North American operations was $52 million, versus $50 million a year ago. Adjusted second quarter 2005 EBIT was $52 million compared with adjusted EBIT of $54 million in second quarter 2004. The impact of higher steel costs in the quarter more than offset benefits from restructuring and stronger value-added volumes.
Second quarter 2004 EBIT results include $4 million in costs related to the adjustments described above.
EUROPE AND SOUTH AMERICA
European original equipment revenue was $382 million, up 12% versus $343 million a year ago. Adjusted for favorable currency, catalytic converter pass-through sales and a change in reporting for a customer contract, revenue was up 13%. Strong ride control volumes and the company's exhaust business on top-selling platforms drove the increase.
European aftermarket revenue was $109 million, up from $103 million in second quarter 2004. Excluding currency, revenue was still up 3%, driven by higher exhaust revenues due to market share gains and price increases. A 10% year-over-year increase in exhaust sales helped offset a decrease in ride control revenue due to lower sales in Southern Europe and the Middle East.
South America operations generated $50 million in revenue versus $35 million a year ago. Excluding the benefit of currency, revenue was up 25%, driven by stronger OE ride and exhaust volumes.
EBIT for European and South American operations was $27 million, up 43% from $17 million in second quarter 2004. Adjusted EBIT in the quarter was $29 million, up from adjusted EBIT of $21 million a year ago. The strong EBIT performance was driven by higher OE and AM exhaust volumes, restructuring savings and manufacturing efficiencies, which more than offset the negative impact of higher steel costs.
Second quarter 2005 EBIT results include $2 million in restructuring related expenses and second quarter 2004 EBIT includes $4 million in restructuring related expenses.
Revenue from Asia operations was $44 million, versus $58 million a year ago. The decline was due to lower OE volumes in China as a result of government actions to control consumer lending and soft consumer sales at the company's largest customer in China.
Australian revenue was $59 million, compared with $51 million in second quarter 2004. Excluding the impact of currency and pass-through sales, revenue was up 7%, driven by higher volumes on existing OE platforms.
Lower OE volumes in China had a significant impact on Asia Pacific EBIT, which was $4 million, down from $9 million a year ago.
YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS
Through the first half of the year, Tenneco Automotive reported net income of $40 million, or 88-cents per diluted share, versus net income of $28 million, or 65-cents per diluted share reported for the first six months of 2004. On an adjusted basis, year-to-date 2005 net income was $44 million, or 97-cents per diluted share, versus adjusted net income of $37 million, or 85-cents per diluted share for the same period one year ago.
Year-to-date EBIT was $127 million compared with EBIT of $109 million in the first six months of 2004. EBITDA was $217 million versus $198 million a year ago. Adjusted year-to-date 2005 EBIT was $132 million, compared with $131 million a year ago, and adjusted EBITDA was $222 million, versus adjusted EBITDA of $220 million for the same period a year ago.
Attachment 1:
Statements of Income - 3 Months
Statements of Cash Flow
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to EBITDA - 3 months
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings Measures - 3 months
Reconciliation of GAAP Revenues to Non-GAAP Revenue Measures - 3 months
These files are provided in a PDF format.
Acrobat Reader® required. Download the latest version for free:
The company will host a conference call on Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 10:30 am EDT. The dial-in number is 800 857-4151 domestic or 210 839-8501 international. The passcode is Tenneco Auto. The call and accompanying slides will be available on the financial section of the Tenneco Automotive web site at www.tenneco-automotive.com. A recording of the call will be available one hour following completion of the call on July 21, 2005. To access this recording, dial 866 457-5512 domestic or 203 369-1285 international. The purpose of the call is to discuss the company's operations for the second quarter, as well as other matters that may impact the company's outlook. A copy of the press release is available on the financial and news sections of the Tenneco Automotive web site.
Tenneco Automotive is a $4.2 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 18,400 employees worldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco Automotive markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet® and Clevite® Elastomer brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Trac® and Monroe Reflex® shocks and struts, Rancho® shock absorbers, Walker® Quiet-Flow® mufflers, Dynomax® performance exhaust products, and Clevite® Elastomer noise, vibration and harshness control components.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "expects," "believe," "plans," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: (i) changes in automotive manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products, including the overall highly competitive nature of the automotive parts industry, and the company's resultant inability to realize the sales represented by its awarded book of business which is based on anticipated pricing for the applicable program over its life, and is subject to increases or decreases due to changes in customer requirements, customer and consumer preferences, and the number of vehicles actually produced by customers; (ii) increases in the costs of raw materials, including the company's ability to successfully reduce the impact of any such cost increases through materials substitutions, cost reduction initiatives and other methods; (iii) the cyclical nature of the global vehicular industry, including the performance of the global aftermarket sector, and changes in consumer demand and prices, including longer product lives of automobile parts and the cyclicality of automotive production and sales of automobiles which include the company's products, and the potential negative impact on the company's revenues and margins from such products; (iv) the company's continued success in cost reduction and cash management programs and its ability to execute restructuring and other cost reduction plans and to realize anticipated benefits from these plans; (v) the general political, economic and competitive conditions in markets and countries where the company and its subsidiaries operate, including the strength of other currencies relative to the U.S. dollar and currency fluctuations and other risks associated with operating in foreign countries; (vi) governmental actions, including the ability to receive regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; (vii) changes in capital availability or costs, including increases in the company's costs of borrowing (i.e., interest rate increases), the amount of the company's debt, the ability of the company to access capital markets and the credit ratings of the company's debt; (viii) the cost and outcome of existing and any future legal proceedings, and compliance with changes in regulations, including environmental regulations; (ix) workforce factors such as strikes or labor interruptions; (x) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers and the market; (xi) further changes in the distribution channels for the company's aftermarket products, further consolidations among automotive parts customers and suppliers, and product warranty costs; (xii) changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other accounting regulatory bodies to authoritative generally accepted accounting principles or policies; (xiii) acts of war, riots or terrorism, including, but not limited to the events taking place in the Middle East, the current military action in Iraq and the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the United States or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism, and the impact of these acts on economic, financial and social conditions in the countries where the company operates and (xiv) the timing and occurrence (or non-occurrence) of transactions and events which may be subject to circumstances beyond the control of the company and its subsidiaries. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Additional information regarding these risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. Further information can be found on the company's web site at www.tenneco-automotive.com.
Tenneco Automotive, Media Relations
Jane Ostrander
jane.ostrander@tenneco-automotive.com
Tenneco Automotive, Investor Relations
Leslie Hunziker,
leslie.hunziker@tenneco-automotive.com


The family of a woman who police believe has been murdered are marking the first birthday since she disappeared.
Today, Monday 8 April, is missing Naheed Khan's 44 birthday and her family have released a number of photographs of her from over the years.
Naheed has been missing since May 2018 with the last confirmed sighting being in central Middlesbrough .
Gazala Khan, Naheed's mum, said: "One of the last times I had contact with Naheed was around the time of her birthday last year.
"It is heart breaking that it has been nearly a year since I last saw my daughter and we still have no idea what has happened to her or where she is.
"Naheed should be celebrating her birthday with her family today but she isn't and someone out there knows what has happened to her.
"All we want to do is lay her to rest, but instead we are constantly suffering pain and loss without her here."
Officers arrested a 39-year-old man in February in connection with the disappearance of Naheed.
He was later released , and remains under investigation pending further enquiries.
Officers were seen searching a terraced property on Angle Street in the Longlands area of Middlesbrough in connection with the arrest.
The house is close to the area which police searched earlier that month, near the shops at the junction of Southfield Road and Marton Road.
Police also searched a disused underground car park on Marton Road, just yards from that location.
Last month, her daughter Amber - a new mum herself - shared an emotional appeal for information as she got set to spend Mother's Day without Naheed: "My mother was my best friend and someone I always confided in. We did everything together.
"My mum was special and we shared such amazing times together.
"It's been almost a year since I last saw my mother, I wish I could see her or visit her or know where she is."
Independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information they receive that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the suspected murder of Naheed Khan.
It was not thought she would have left the country.
However in January police revealed they were now treating the gran's disappearance as a murder inquiry.
Since then information has come to light of potential sightings and details of how her bank card had been used.
Also known as Nadine or Nad, she lived alone in Valiant Way in Thornaby .
Naheed has links in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Thornaby. She is described as being of Asian appearance, of slim build and around 5ft 6ings tall, with long, dark hair.
Naheed was last seen during the bank holiday at the beginning of May last year and initially was at the centre of a missing persons investigation.
At the time her family begged her to come home saying it was unlike her not to get in touch.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they think it is, should contact Cleveland Police on 101 and say that they have information to help in the Naheed Khan case.
To stay 100% anonymous contact Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or use their online form at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org .


text:
Grande Terre, Le Caillou, är den största ön i den franska ögruppen Nya Kaledonien och den sjätte största ön i Söderhavet. När den brittiske navigatören James Cook upptäckte ön 1774 gav han den namnet "Nya Kaledonien", av det latinska namnet för Skottland, Caledonia. Så småningom började hela ögruppen runt Grande Terre att benämnas Nya Kaledonien.

Grande Terre annekterades tillsammans med resten av ögruppen av Frankrike 1853. Grande Terres största ort är Nouméa, vilken även är huvudstad i Nya Kaledonien. De lokala invånarna kallar ön för "Le Caillou", klippan. Ön är rik på mineraltillgångar, framför allt nickel.

Grande Terre sträcker sig från nordväst till sydöst och har en area på 16 192 kvadratkilometer. Den är 350 kilometer lång och 50 kilometer bred. Utmed ön löper en bergskedja, med fem toppar som sträcker sig över 1 500 meter. Den högsta punkten är Mont Panié som är 1 628 meter hög. Ön omgärdas av ett korallrev.

Källor
 South Pacific handbook - David Stanley, s. 549. Läst 2 oktober 2014.
 New Caledonia profile, BBC. Läst 2 oktober 2014.

Nya Kaledonien
Öar i Stilla havet

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Well done, Maui! When you want to sup on Maui's best pupus, head up to Gannon's in Wailea for Bev Gannon's irresistible crab fonduta, ahi carpaccio and ale steamed clams. There are raw dishes, fish dishes and specialties galore to enjoy on the pupu menu, and the spectacular view doesn't hurt either.


This 30-minute international newscast produced by Japan's national public broadcaster NHK looks at the realities of Asia today. From the diminishing natural coral along the coast of Boracay to the recruitment efforts by The Republic of Korea to find foreign workers to offset its labor shortage and aging population, the documentary series offers in-depth, behind-the-scenes analysis of news and public affairs issues affecting the continent. The series presents Asia as an evolving region open to change but one that is also home to traditional cultures.


The people you can search for include other program users, company people (contacts at the companies stored in Conga Contracts), and external people (people who are not program users or company contacts, but participate in Conga Contracts tasks and events using the Portal or eSignature cloud, such as lawyers). Your Address Book is comprised of the program users, company people, and external people that you can message, and assign to tasks and events.
2. (Optional) In the Person Browse screen, filter the category list by changing the default view from All People to Company People, External People, or Users.
3. (Optional) Hover over the Search label until it turns blue , and then click on it to display a list of searchable fields. Click in the check box to the left of the fields you want to search.
4. In the Search field, enter the first few letters of the person's first or last name, and click . To clear the filter, click .
You can also search for a person using any of the other fields in the list.
5. (Optional) Click on the person's icon to to display a history screen showing the date the person was added to Conga Contracts and any changes made to their Person Profile.
6. Click on the person's record to display their Person Profile.


I can't get the roof of because I don't know how to remove the flags.
@robertrsmith Robert, From your manual which is the 1st link below, give the flag installation instructions, so what you want to do is more or less is the opposite to remove the already installed flags.
turning the flag 90 degrees should facilitate it snapping in.
the pole when the carousel is ON.
You will want to find the flag pole connection under the roof, hold the lower part of the pole below connection tightly to prevent damage, then turn/spin the upper pole slightly while pulling straight up to disconnect. Good luck.
robert smith 가/이 대단히 고마워 할 것입니다.


Hooray! We're so happy you stopped by. If you're interested in any of our services or want to know more about our pricing. All you have to do is fill out the form below, choose the best time to chat and we'll set it up!


Are You Helping or Hindering Parents to Homeschool?
You lead a homeschool group to help parents successfully homeschool, right? But could your homeschool program actually be hindering their success as a homeschool parents?
Is your group too controlling?
Are your parents dependent on your group or program to successfully homeschool?
If my group closed tomorrow would our parents still continue to joyfully and confidentially continue to homeschool?
Share your thoughts on the I am a Homeschool Group Leader Facebook group!
Do you have questions about running your homeschool group?
Start by reading the Articles or search the blog. For more detailed information visit the bookstore and listen to HomeschoolCPA's podcast.
Phone Consultation: A pre-arranged phone call to discuss your questions. My most popular service for homeschool leaders. It's like having your own homeschool expert CPA on the phone!
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text:
OPULENT CONCEPTIONS
THE BYRDS - CHANGE IS NOW
THE BYRDS - "Goin' Back" / "Change Is Now" (CBS 5300) 1977
I started day dreaming at work today and my thoughts drifted to the music of the Byrds. They're my favourite group of all time you see. Only the Beatles and Love are at the same level. BUT that's just my opinion of course. Anyway, I longed to play "Change Is Now" when I got home and back to my beloved Technics SL-1200G
This song is a fine example of their magic. Moving through a country chorus it becomes a droning masterpiece with a way-out acid lift off to third eye territory with mystical mind explosions, backwards guitar, pumping bass, the harmonies, psychedelic bewilderment.
I was sure I had an original UK release on CBS but it's gone! Or I never had it...that is the trouble when you've got an archive of about 8,000+ 45s!!! Hard to keep up with
my collection. I only have this 1977 stereo re-press with "Goin' Back" as the plug side.
Must change that soon with an original MONO copy
the Byrds are a creative zenith. They sit on thrones above the celestial sphere.
Four days after realizing that I did not have a "Lady Friend" / "Change Is Now" CBS mono 45 a copy arrived @ EXPO67 HQ this morning. I found this online at a record shop in Plymouth. Looks and plays GREAT. Sound is loud and dynamic. You just can't beat 1960s mono 45s.
"Truth is real, truth is real
That which is not real does not exist."
Byrds CBS
THE LORDS - DEATH BELLS AT DAWN
THE LORDS - "Death Bells At Dawn" / "Light Rain" (Aldrich ALD 1001) December 1966
This is quite a stupendous disc, both sides are great but I would say "Death Bells At Dawn" is an absolute classic. It's a most beautiful haunting lysergic ballad with trippy organ, reverb guitar, subtle drums and mysterious vocals giving the song an almost other worldly sound.
Not a great deal is known about the Lords and I have seen no band shot although I believe they were a popular combo in New Jersey. According to 'Teenbeat Mayhem' they hailed from Morris Plains.
If anyone knows anything about them please get in touch because I'd love to know more.
The other side "Light Rain" is less immediate but still holds my interest and it's worth repeated plays. It's another languid performance but with some jangle, organ and pleasant vocals. Hearing these two songs it's obvious that the Lords were talented and it's such a shame that only …
THE YARDBIRDS - GLIMPSES
THE YARDBIRDS - "Glimpses" (Epic BN 26313) July 1967
It's always been a mystery to me why EMI decided not to release the album "Little Games" by The Yardbirds. I have read that it was a likely move because recent singles had all flopped and their popularity in Britain was ebbing away. This explanation seems a little harsh and ultimately British fans were oblivious to some quite brilliant and awe inspiring moments like "Glimpses".
With this number The Yardbirds attain some serious third-eye territory with a mesmerizing mind-blower. Listen out for way-out guitar, effects, sitar, other worldly recitation and all meshed together with a psychedelic gregorian chant.
"Energy radiates from the source
The life around us is but a reflection of our own."
"THEE ŒARLY DAYZE OF HYGHE KNYGHTES" - THEE TREASURE IN THEE TOWER
Copyright © Colin Mason 2011. No posts contained herein may be used or reproduced

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Megan is the Editorial Intern at Insider Picks, an e-commerce team dedicated to helping readers with all things product and service related.
She takes pride in calling The University of Colorado her Alma Mater and graduated with a degree in psychology and business. Megan continued her education by studying business in Beijing and Shanghai, and journalism at the London School of Journalism.
Prior to joining the BI team, she worked at Medtronic as a marketing and sales operations intern, and at NBC News as a production intern. Her time working for Insider Picks has been filled with everything from writing about personal product experiences, to building out articles from our network of freelancers.


*Important* Effective today, we will be tallying toilet paper and paper towel use. Please take note of how many sheets you use, and write it down on the sign up sheet outside of the bathroom. Fees will be tallied and added to next months membership dues.
Next Monday, April 8th, BodySpec will be parked outside doing DexaScans. This is the most accurate way to track your body composition. Please reserve a spot through their website.


are flexible and soft and can be folded or rolled to reconstruct a bone wall, for example in a diaphyseal defect or acetabular base where there are severe protrusions, to substitute the quadrilateral lamina.
the remodelling process can take place completely thanks to the partial demineralisation.
Osteoplant Flex sheets are innovative flexible bone grafts obtained by equine bone tissue. After the treatment with the Bioteck enzymatic deantigenation process, they are subjected to partial demineralization. After hydration, Flex sheets become soft and flexible maintaining at the same time their structure.
Bone remodeling is favored by the presence of collagen, exposed by the demineralization process. Bioteck applies this treatment both to cancellous and cortical bone, offering a variety of solutions for every kind of clinical needs.
surgery, such as in traumas to the orbital floor.


text:
Q: How to add the current git commit hash as an environment variable in a Digital Ocean app I have an app on Digital Ocean, and I want to be able to access the current git commit from the app code as an environment variable. From reading this help page, it looks like I should be able to set a variable to ${COMMIT_HASH}, but when I tried that it was just set to the literal string ${COMMIT_HASH}. Why is Digital Ocean not replacing it with the actual hash of the commit it's building my app from?

A: Short answer: You probably want ${_self.COMMIT_HASH}
Longer answer:
In the list of bindable names, it just says ${COMMIT_HASH} but if you look at the top of that section it says

Component specific variables need to be prefixed by the component name, for example ${my-service.BINDABLE_NAME}. The _self prefix can be used to reference the current component, for example ${_self.BINDABLE_NAME}.

I think the list below that should really say ${(componentName).PRIVATE_DOMAIN}, ${(componentName).PRIVATE_URL}, etc. so that people who are skimming through the docs quickly aren't misled.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
5 Reliable Sources of Economic News
Financial and Economic News Fundamental Analysis
J Smale
1. Financial Times
The Financial Times is an English newspaper that has been running since 1888. It has a million readers out of which three quarters are digital readers. The newspaper delivers finance-related news, its website features the daily top stories and highlights regarding business and economics from around the world. The website provides in-depth forex market information to its users. Unregistered users can read up to three articles in a month while registered users have the right to read a maximum of twenty articles every month along with added benefits. Registration is free which makes it one of the most feasible sources of economic news.
2. The Economist
One of the most reliable sources of economic news, The Economist is a digital version of the weekly newspaper with the same name. The newspaper started selling in 1843. The Economist contains a free-market perspective on economics, politics, technology, and business, which makes it highly reliable. The user can browse the website by section, data bank or subject and receive daily emails. The website also features podcast interviews and blogs citing opinions from experts. The user can even listen to the news in an audio version of the paper, all of this is offered for free.
3. Stratfor.com
Stratfor.com was founded in 1995 with a view for providing accurate forecasting in global trends and geopolitical analysis that would help organisations and individuals in seeking clarity in this complicated international environment. Its website user can read news for free on its website but if the user wants a customised advisory service, a subscription fee has to be paid. For those who are keen to know about international security, relations and conflicts, stratford.com is the best choice. It scans several news platforms and provides summarised headlines.
4. New Internationalist
Predominantly known as a bimonthly magazine, New Internationalist is the largest one-of-its-kind magazine. It caters to people who are interested in global social justice, as the focus of this magazine is on world poverty, inequality and other social issues. This is probably why this setup has a non-hierarchical structure and every operative is one of the owners. The website provides an option for subscribing to their eNews. The subscriber receives an e-mail every two weeks about the global injustice occurrences. The website and the magazine feature stories of refugees, child labour, poverty, developmental issues, etc. Their online portal can be accessed for free.
5. refdesk.com
This is probably one of the largest sources of economic news as well as other genres of news like social, political and general. refdesk.com provides the option to choose from all the U.S.A's states, major categorised countries and renowned international newspapers. Once the user selects the state or the country, a list of all the popular newspapers is displayed. After the user selects the desirable newspaper, a link is directed to its official website. Using refdesk.com is free of cost and extremely easy.
Tags financial times new internationalist refdesk stratfor the economist
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Igor Presnyakov's Solo Guitar Songbook feat. 14 of his popular Youtube Covers.
ATTENTION PLEASE SELECT CORRECT SHIPPING OPTION IN MENU: EUROPE OR WORLDWIDE!
The New Solo Guitar Songbook + Fingerstyle Anthology. Save 20% on shipping and get this bundle!
The first Album of Igor containing a selection of 13 of his Covers on Youtube.


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• A holistic knowledge-sharing and networking platform for retail investors and financial creators offer cutting-edge investment insights.• Focused on building a community for conversations around investments and trading, the company raised the first round of funding in June 2022. It aims to reach a subscriber base of a million in the next 12 months. New […]
PNN
• A holistic knowledge-sharing and networking platform for retail investors and financial creators offer cutting-edge investment insights.
• Focused on building a community for conversations around investments and trading, the company raised the first round of funding in June 2022. It aims to reach a subscriber base of a million in the next 12 months.
New Delhi (India), January 25: The trading community and investors willing to take more tangible investment decisions have a new ally, Investmates – a next-gen platform for retail investors & traders where experts and influencers from the financial world share their insights across various asset classes, including stocks, MF, crypto and other emerging investments with their followers. Subscribers of the app can learn, collaborate, and connect with credible experts, influencers, traders, and other investors and gain insights on markets, making it easier to achieve their financial goals. Communities formed on the platform thus work toward making the investment journey smooth.
Founded in December 2021, the social networking platform boasts of having more than 10,000 users and around 70 communities. The app also helps users to follow credible financial advisors who share great investment tips, tricks and portfolios. The average Investmates users are usually males (~85%) under the age of 40 and spend an average of 20 mins on the platform on a daily basis. Investmates is looking to increase its user base to women & empower them towards financial freedom.
Commenting on the merits of the platform, Investmates Founder and CEO Prakash Nagarajan said, "The biggest challenge investors face is the lack of focused and trusted advice on market investments. Through our platform, we are bridging the gap between financial experts and novice retail investors. Expert conversations help subscribers in making a sound investment strategy. As a result, retail investors and traders can make the most of the advice. Hence, we simplify people's investments through learning and experience sharing."
"With insights from a trusted trading community, investors can replicate best practices and the best investment model available across the board. Such market insights can improve a person's investment journey of retail and institutional investors.".
The app also rewards subscribers for their achievements, and users receive rewards for being trending investors or community owners. Conversations on Investmates cover a range of topics, including stocks, mutual funds and crypto-stocks, thereby, allowing users to have a consolidated portfolio.
It also ensures that investors are safe while sharing insights. Hence, Investmates follows a strict policy when it comes to profile listings. Users of Investmates are screened as per the country's data privacy laws and regulations. An internal verification process follows the signing.
Investmates raised its pre-seed funding in May 2022 and has a goal of reaching one million subscribers in the next 12 months. The company is now looking for a second round of funding. "With that objective, we plan to expand across geographies and add to the workforce. With the second funding round, we will be able to achieve our expansion targets and increase our subscriber base," added Prakash.
About Investmates:
Investmates is a one-of-a-kind credible platform that aims to revolutionize investment decisions for the next generation. Backed with the power of a strong, trusted community, investors are able to replicate best practices from across the board. A significantly modern approach to money making, Investmates is transforming the narrative around investments by empowering investors to make informed decisions. Investors use Investmates' cutting-edge platform to learn, collaborate, and connect with credible experts, influencers, traders, and other investors – making their financial goals more tangible and achievable.
Regardless of the asset class, investment potential, or where they are in their financial journey, the Investmates community has got your back. Our vision is to create an ecosystem where investors feel safe to share insights and learn from each other and to simplify investments. Investmates help you get closer to your personal visions and goals, one collaboration at a time. Your financial journey does not have to be hard or lonely when it can be empowering and liberating; instead – knowledge is power, after all.
The Institute of Sports Science & Technology announces admissions for its bachelor's...
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Awesome, you've registered your interest for Associate Mechanical Building Services Engineer. A representative will contact you regarding this position.
Our client is an award-winning consultancy practice looking to recruit an Associate Mechanical Building Services Engineer to join their expanding Plymouth/Exeter team. The vacancy presents a great opportunity to work within a dynamic team across a range of sectors including residential/commercial development, education, social housing, industrial, commercial and retail, heritage, leisure, and defence.
Their ethos is based on efficiency, flexibility, accessibility, and being passionate about what we do, always striving to build meaningful enduring relationships with their clients and industry partners.
As an Associate Mechanical Building Services Engineer, you will be the Technical Lead for the Mechanical Engineering team and will be responsible for mentoring junior members of staff across the practice. You will need strong leadership qualities and you must be able to manage resources, potentially across a multi-disciplinary team, in order to meet numerous project deadlines.
You will work closely with Partners, Directors, and other members of the Senior Management Team to identify and develop marketing opportunities and contribute to business growth and development.
The successful candidate will need to be degree qualified and considered an expert in their field. You must be a chartered member of CIBSE or the IMechE and will need to have at least 5 years post qualified experience. You must also hold a full UK drivers licence.
You must be a dedicated, hardworking and self-motivated individual with a proactive approach to work and business development. You must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills; a high degree of experience in the use of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, IES and Hevacomp; and ideally have experience in using Revit.


Tristan and Sarah Carter opened Curtain Up in January 2004 with just 12 students, although we have many more students now, we strive to provide quality training in singing, dancing and acting each week during term time with the principle that every single child is important and should be recognised as an individual person, not just a number within a huge organisation.
Since 2004 we have moved from strength to strength and Curtain Up is now the largest independent part time theatre school in the area. We teach children from age 4 right up until they are 18 and in some cases heading for degree at drama school.
We are so proud of our students' achievements! Some of our children have received nationwide attention through the performing arts such as major roles in BBC long running dramas or UK national musical theatre tours whilst other children have achieved huge personal hurdles of simply having the confidence to stand up and deliver their lines at the end of term performance.
We use drama, singing and dancing to increase individual self esteem and confidence whilst learning the basic principles of performing.
At Curtain Up we believe that training in singing, dancing and acting encourage children to develop their skills both on and off the stage. Children develop increased self-confidence, as self-confidence increases children develop their imaginations and improve their vocal capabilities. Friendship circles are broadened which further strengthens social skills.
All the children have a singing, dancing and acting lesson which lasts just under an hour every week. The children are separated in age groups. Each lesson is taught by a teacher who has trained and specialised in their subject.
We aim to put on a performance at the end of each term. The performances vary hugely, sometimes they are work in progress involving just your child's age group, whilst other times the whole school is involved and the children create an enormous show for all to watch.


Today I'm thrilled to have Sarah guest posting! She is sharing about her new ebook which is available free to you when you sign up below!
You can read more of Sarah's journey to live in daily faith by getting her FREE e-book. Just sign up for Letters of Grace and you will recieve a free copy of the book in your inbox. As a bonus, she's offering this amazing print desined by LilyPad Printables for the month of July!
Sign up here to receive all of this for FREE!
About Sarah As a momma of four little ones and wife to a busy husband, she spends her days making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, reheating her coffee thirty times, and sneaking in quiet time with her earbuds. Find her at SarahEFrazer.com. You are invited to join her as she studies God's Word in the ordinary day. If you enjoyed her e-book, keep an eye out for her NEW Bible study coming this Fall (2016).


International Students Office (ISO) warmly welcome you to Fudan University as new undergraduate student for autumn 2018!
This coming Sunday, 2 September, the International Undergraduate Students Orientation will be held. We heartily invite you to join us.
The orientation also provides you with a chance to meet other incoming Fudan international students. We look forward to seeing you!


In 2004 the U.S.-Mexico Foundation for Science (FUMEC) created as TechBA (Technology Business Accelerators) program for the development of fast growing Mexican small businesses in international markets.
TechBA Michigan was founded in 2008 and is located in Southfield, Michigan.
The team at TechBA Michigan is staffed by industry experts which, along with our location and personal networks, gives us unprecedented access to key decision makers in this industry.
In 2012 TechBA Michigan was recognized with the Pyme Award as the most successful international accelerator organization by the Mexican Department of Commerce.


Attention all families…words of advice on getting THE most out of your sessions with me.
Come to play and goof around with the people in your life that mean the most.
Clothes matter…but not that much.
Kids are wild. Kids are crazy. Kids are dirty. Kids always come with the fun – follow their lead and let me handle the rest. I've been photographing lovely wild things for eight years now and I have several tricks and wondrous white lies to get kids to focus on me. Unless your kid is being a crazy maniac – let the session flow.
Ok – got it?? HA! My big advice panel above was inspired by the session/family below. They get it (It doesn't hurt that they're naturally hilarious, gorgeous, well dressed, and their kids are older). They came ready, stress-free (from what I could tell), and we had fun. Perfection.


A fabulous bold printed cotton from Chiara Santoni features clusters of flowers on a pea green background. The last 2.65 metres are now available to purchase as a piece only - the perfect amount to create a dress with a full skirt. Usually priced at £43.90 per metre, this last remnant piece is now available for just £79.


The foundation's Center for Nonprofit Excellence has inspired major improvements in board strength, compliance, fiduciary duties, quality of planning, and efficiency and effectiveness in our own work and throughout the county's 2,500 nonprofits. Key to all this is leadership development, better public and philanthropic understanding of the importance of the charitable sector, and improved organizational productivity. Research shows a 95% congruence between a charity's participation in the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and its receipt of grants from the county's largest donors.


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Russia works on a super app for government officials
Russia's Ministry for Digitalisation has announced a tender for a super app that government officials would use to "improve security and independence of sanctions."
The winner of the tender will collect RUB487.7mn ($6.7mn) to develop an app that will combine a messenger with tools for voice communication, video conferencing, cloud storage, a task manager, an internal portal and an antivirus, Konstantin Gurzov, director of the cloud service and data management department at the digitalisation ministry, was quoted as saying by RBC business daily.
According to Gurzov, government officials will be able to install the app on their devices, taking security concerns into account, as well as use it in a browser.
At this point, the government expects the app to have 100,000 users, and the tender description says that the system primarily aims to improve information security and make Russian government officials less vulnerable in case of sanctions imposed by foreign nations.
According to the digitalisation ministry, the first working prototype of the app is expected to be launched before the end of 2022. Its test run will include the digitalisation ministry, as well as the state statistics agency RosStat, the national pension fund and the economic development ministry.
Meanwhile, there are no plans to use any special hardware with the app at this point, and at least in the first years of its operation, the super app will be installed on existing devices, said Gurzov.
Since the United States and the European Union slapped sanctions on Russia following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine back in 2014, senior Russian officials have been repeatedly speaking about a need to step up security of government operations and communication.
A switch to locally developed software and hardware has been named as the most preferable way to achieve the desired information security, but the execution of this idea has proved to be difficult and time consuming.
RBC quoted a government source as saying that 54% of Russian state agencies are still using Microsoft Exchange Server, although "because of the sanctions, the government is moving away from foreign solutions towards solutions based on open-source code or local tech."
In August, Russian business daily Kommersant reported that by 2022, authorities plan to switch all government officials, as well as public sector employees, to Russian messengers and other IT services.
The digitalisation ministry said that the measure was necessary to protect data and rule out unauthorised access to sensitive information. It is clear, that the announced time frame is unrealistic, but the drive towards substituting foreign IT solutions with local equivalents is likely to continue.
At the moment, free cloud-based services, including foreign ones, are used by government agencies, which, according to the digitalisation ministry, cannot properly protect transferred data.
In addition, if more sanctions are imposed on Russia, some of foreign cloud-based IT services used in Russia could become unavailable.
There have been cases when already existing sanctions have prevented Russian institutions from obtaining foreign software.
For instance, recently Microsoft declined to sell software to the Bauman tech university out of fears of reprisals from the United States, as the university trains personnel for Russia's defence industry.
Russian tycoon Usmanov exits VK internet major, Gazprom-related firms get 46%
USM Holdings of Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov approved selling its 45% stake in MF Technologies, a structure controlling a 57.3% voting stake and a 4.8% economic stake in VK (former Mail.ru) ... more
Global online exchange provider MultiBank Group challenges Von der Heydt Group, offers refund to noteholders
Global online exchange and cryptocurrency ecosystem provider MultiBank Group is appealing against a decision dismissing a case it brought against its former joint venture partner, German-based Von ... more
Russia's Sber presents its supercomputer
Russia's financial and tech giant Sber (formerly known as Sberbank) and its subsidiary SberCloud, a cloud service provider, presented their cutting-edge high-performance supercomputer ... more


The infrastructure you need to develop, deploy, and manage fleets of connected devices at scale.
Balena provides a software platform that helps developers build, deploy and manage code on connected devices. We brought Docker to embedded GNU/Linux devices in 2013 and have been building our IoT toolkit ever since. We also maintain a variety of successful open source projects including Etcher, openBalena, balenaEngine, and balenaOS, and made contributions to high-exposure projects such as Docker, Electron, and AppImage.
Our technology is open, standards-based, and proven in production across a wide range of scenarios from drones, 3D printers, point-of-sale devices, tidal turbines, skyscrapers and more. Our investors include DFJ, Aspect Ventures, GE, and Ericsson.
Balena is a highly distributed, remote-friendly company with a pretty much flat hierarchy. Our organization is adaptive, getting feedback signals from our users and systems. Right now we organize ourselves by projects, which allow us to build complex features and solve big problems, while staying mutable. As a distributed group, we rely on clear communication and the rule of "assume positive intent" to help us work together across time zones, cultures and first languages. Our base of operations is nominally London, though really we are living all over the world: from Barcelona to Bulgaria, Argentina to Vietnam, and many more.
We send you hardware for side projects!


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MUSH love DOGS
MARQUETTE – Larry Fortier earned his first sled dog race win Saturday morning crossing the finish line of the Midnight Run ahead of the pack in Marquette's Mattson Lower Harbor Park.
But nipping at his heels the whole time was his wife, Joann.
"She's won it before," Larry said of Joann. "This is my first of any race. I've never won a race before except for this one."
The Gaylord couple finished right around 11 a.m. Saturday with all 16 dogs, eight for each team, reported to be in good shape.
"This means a lot to us," Larry said. "Coming in first and second is big for us."
"Especially him getting his first win and beating me with the B team," Joann said jokingly.
Joann, who was mushing the "A" team, finished at 11:03 a.m. while Larry crossed the finish at 10:56 a.m.
"His team came up on me 18 miles in. They just looked fantastic," Joann said. "He passed me, and I stayed with him just for a couple miles, then he was gone."
The Midnight Run, in its 26th year, takes sled dog teams on a roughly 90-mile roundtrip between Marquette and Chatham.
Though there was some heavy snow over the first 10 miles on the trail back toward Marquette from the Chatham checkpoint, Larry said the weather was much better than last year.
"It was pretty smooth sailing the whole time," he said. "We're happy."
Frigid temperatures were reported Friday evening when the 16 Midnight Run teams left the starting gate in downtown Marquette at about 8:30 p.m.
At that time, the temperature in Marquette was 1 degree, with a wind chill of minus 15-18 degrees, according to the National Weather Service office in Negaunee Township.
Three teams withdrew from the race, two after reaching the Chatham checkpoint, and one earlier, according to race standings on the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association website, up200.org.
The final team to cross the finish line, led by musher Kevin Mathis, of Monona, Iowa, arrived in Marquette at 12:38 p.m.
Larry and Joann have competed in the Midnight Run several times, with Joann taking first place in the 2010 competition.
The trick, they said, is to race in the moment, always trying to overcome the next obstacle, whether it's following the winding trail through wooded terrain, or crossing the wide open fields and snowmobile trails, where "It feels like you're just crawling along," Joann said.
Larry said he didn't like that part of the route either, describing it as boring.
"I thought for sure somebody was going to catch me," he said.
"I was trying to catch you," Joann said laughing.
"I know," Larry replied. "It didn't work."
Ryan Jarvi can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rjarvi@miningjournal.net.
Marquette Kiwanis Club awards grants
Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival: 41st annual gathering set for weekend
Local businesswomen speak out at event
DETROIT — In recent years, Detroit automakers have been at relative peace with the United Auto Workers union ...
Negaunee fireworks delight crowd


Contracts, whether in a commercial or employment context, sometimes employ the use of restrictive covenants (such as non-compete and non-solicitation clauses) to protect business owners and employers. Violating the restraints imposed by a covenant may result in damages ordered against employees and business operators/purchasers. However, as MEDIchair LP v DME Medequip Inc. demonstrates below, in certain circumstances, a covenant may be found to be unenforceable.
MEDIchair is a franchisor of stores that sell and lease home medical equipment. It entered into a franchise agreement with DME Medequip Inc. ("DME"), which has operated a MEDIchair franchise store in Peterborough, Ontario for 20 years. The two parties signed their latest franchise agreement in 2005. In the agreement, a restrictive covenant prevents DME from operating a similar store for 18 months within a 30-mile radius of their store or of another MEDIchair franchise store.
In 2011, MEDIChair was sold to Centric Health Corporation ("Centric"). Centric also bought Motion Specialties ("Motion") and other stores that are similar to MEDIchair stores. To the disillusionment of DEM, Centric began to offer more support to MEDIchair's competitor store, Motion, in Peterborough. The number of MEDIchair stores eventually declined, and Centric decided to transfer the ownership of both MEDIchair and Motion to Birch Hill Equity Partners in 2014.
As DEM was unhappy with the way Centric has favoured its competition, it decided not to renew the franchise agreement with MEDIchair in 2015. DEM removed all MEDIchair signage and began operating under a new name, Living Well Home Medical Equipment. However, it was essentially the same business in the same location, selling the same products, and employing the same workers.
MEDIchair filed an application to court to stop DME from carrying on business, claiming DME is bound by the non-compete clause in the franchise agreement. DME argued that the restrictive covenant was not enforceable and that there was no breach of the franchise agreement. However, the application Judge found the clause enforceable and that DME breached the agreement. DME appealed the decision of the application Judge.
Should the non-compete covenant be enforced, preventing DME from carrying on business against MEDIchair?
The learned Justice Feldman based his analysis on a number of cases that look at restrictive covenants in both the context of employment contracts and business sales contracts. A convenant is a restraint on trade that is inherently contrary to the public interest. Case law dictates that restrictive covenants are enforceable only if it is reasonable to both parties and it takes into consideration the public interest. There is a higher burden in the employment context than in the sale of business.
It would be contrary to the public interest for a business owner to sell its business and then have the purchaser compete with that same business. At the same time, the covenant cannot restrict the purchaser from operating a business in a territorial scope that is too large for a timeframe that is too long, thereby causing economic hardships for the purchaser.
Considering MEDIchair did not intend to have a store in the Peterborough area, it had no business interest to protect in the same territory as DME. Furthermore, MEDIchair did not claim that enforcing the restrictive covenant is for the purpose of protecting the Motion stores owned by the same corporate group. As a result, Judge Feldman decided in favour of the appellants and overturned the original ruling.
The most common restrictive non-compete covenants typically deal with the issue regarding how far the employee or business purchaser is from the employer or seller's location. This case poses an additional question – does the employer or covenant-enforcer have a legitimate business interest to protect? If not, then the restrictive covenant may not be enforceable.
Although this is a case that focuses on restrictive covenants in the context of sale of businesses, the same principles may still apply to an employment relationship. An employee may find it difficult to seek comparable positions if they are bound by a restrictive covenant imposed by former employer who may not have a legitimate business interest to protect. Courts will give even greater scrutiny and hold employers to higher standards than in the business context.
If you are an employee dealing with a restrictive covenant and wish to question its validity, it is important to seek legal advice to ensure you are protected. Contact Monkhouse Law today for a free consultation regarding similar and other employment law issues.


"Lily Was Here" is a single, released in November 1989, from the David A. Stewart soundtrack also called Lily Was Here for the Dutch movie De Kassière.
David A. Stewart invited Candy Dulfer, who had not previously released any of her material, to play the saxophone on this instrumental. The single became a major hit and stayed at the #1 position for five weeks in The Netherlands. Because of this success, the single was also released in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States where it became a hit as well, reaching number six in the UK and even rising to number eleven in the tough U.S. market. The success of this instrumental encouraged Dulfer to compose music for her own album, which she titled Saxuality.


Laser Tag for the winners of the RSVP Six Nations.
> RSVP: The Hungry Games.
The world has ended, nothing is left but some ruined building, nuclear waste, and a handful of RSVP staff. Whilst they all were once close friends the fight for resources has driven them to violence against each other with ultra-modern laser weapons.
They split into two factions it was red vs greens for some reason and the battle is epic. The leader of green clan was the warrior Gyles and the leader of the Red Clan was Chris.
After the epic battle between the two teams the fight for the resources stopped after they realised there was a curry house around the corner.
Instead of fighting they decided that was it better to break poppadum's and bhaji's with one another and they all lived happily ever after.
Just to fill you in without the weird story the two winners of the RSVP Six Nations competition went for laser tag and a curry. I'm told they had a cracking time and there was no violence between anyone.


Our wine route is one of the most picturesque routes in the Western Cape. What a sight to see all the canola fields blooming and the vineyards with the most beautiful colours in Spring and Autumn. There are lots of activities on the farms like biking, swimming and enjoying the fauna and flora; the farms speak of peace and tranquility.
Experience a night on a farm, on a wine estate and enjoy nature.
N.B. Bedding & linen available for up to 6 persons. Please supply your own towels.
The Farm House can sleep 9 persons with 4 bedrooms.
The Cottage can sleep 4 in 2 bedrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, 1 bathroom, under cover outdoor braai.
4 bedrooms,lounge dining room, 2 bathrooms and braai facility.
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Open plan kitchen with braai area.
There is a coffee shop on the estate serving breakfasts & light meals.
Tasting Room available for events, birthdays, functions up to 60 people. Contact us at 076 736 0351 for a quotation and menu options, or email drnjtdevilliers@mweb.co.za. Suitable for small groups, birthday parties, family friendly, braai area, etc.
Ask us about wine tasting.


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Resources | Capstone Newsletter | Recognizing and Remedying Common Forms of Over-Support
Recognizing and Remedying Common Forms of Over-Support
The balance between under- and over-support is a critical component of person-centered services.
By Carli Friedman, Director of Research, CQL
The human services field, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has traditionally operated under a custodial model of care, where the focus is on safety, supervision, and minimizing risk, rather than support. Unfortunately, this custodial culture often continues today. As a result, many people with disabilities are denied choices and opportunities and are over-supported.
To avoid over-supporting people, it is important to be able to recognize what over-support looks like. It is also important to know how to remedy over-support or even how to avoid it altogether! In this Capstone, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership staff share what they've observed about over-support in human services. Then, Susan Arwood, Executive Director of Core Services of Northeast Tennessee, shares how her organization moved away from a restrictive service model to a person-centered service model.
Over-Support: Perspectives from CQL Staff
I asked CQL staff to share examples of over-support they commonly see as well as what best practices should be implemented instead. While they offer specific stories of over-support that they have observed, these can be applied more universally to other aspects of people's lives. Here's what they had to say.1
Kendra Julius, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
Example of over-support:
"The most frequent situations of over-support I see are due to an organization's assessments (safety, medication, etc.) functioning as a gatekeeper, rather than a tool to provide real support. For example, recently I conducted a Personal Outcome Measures® interview with a 17-year-old young man named Ari who never had the opportunity to ride his bike or go for a walk on his own. His host family and his support coordinator just simply hadn't thought about what would be typical for a teenager his age and had not tried to determine what supports he might need to be able to do these things more independently. The risk assessment simply stated, 'Ari always has an adult with him during walks/bike rides' rather than delving deeper into what Ari knew about pedestrian safety (he knew a lot from talking with him!) and if there were other natural or environmental supports that would keep him safe (there are)."
What could have been done instead:
"The support coordinator and host family could have assessed the need for supports to promote independence, rather than simply stating what they were doing to keep Ari safe. They could have asked Ari questions to determine what he knew. It also would have been helpful to think outside of support as being just line of sight supervision."
Jen Papouchis, CQL Support Systems Specialist
"Jeanette is a young woman I used to help support who likes to stay busy. If she wasn't working on a craft of some kind or talking on the phone with her boyfriend she could often be found wandering in the kitchen to snack. Jeanette's guardians became concerned that she was gaining weight and, due to a family history of diabetes, they wanted her put on a restrictive diet. The decision was made (without Jeanette) to restrict Jeanette's diet and block her access to the shared kitchen between scheduled mealtimes."
"Someone could have explained to Jeanette the difference between junk food and healthy snacks. Because of Jeanette's need to be kept busy I believe she would have enjoyed helping to create a shopping list and shopping for healthy foods. By explaining to Jeanette 'the why,' she could have learned how to make the decision for herself."
Leanne Mull, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
"Lucas lived with his grandmother and his mother. Lucas took care of everything in the home; he did all of the grocery shopping, he cleaned the house, he took public transportation, and worked in the community. When Lucas' grandmother died after a short illness, his aunt placed his mom in long-term care and Lucas into a 24-hour group home. At his group home Lucas was not allowed to shop, cook, or clean. He was also not allowed to leave the home without staff, which limited visits with his mom who lived nearby. Since the community job he had required hours that did not work with residential services, he entered sheltered work, where he has remained for about 15 years. When a supported living opportunity came up, staff said he was not ready. Today, Lucas is still receiving 24-hour supports and he's lost many of his previous skills due to over-support."
"Rather than entering a group home, Lucas' independent service coordinator could have explored intermittent services, either in the home he lived in with his family or in an apartment. He would have maintained his independence while receiving support with what he needed after he had a reasonable and accurate assessment of his skills."
Crystal Hicks, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
"A situation I see too often is 24-hour support provided to people when they sleep all night. These supports are provided because of the possibility of what might happen rather than what has happened to the person. Documentation from the direct support professional indicates either sleeping all night, or getting up and using the restroom, or maybe getting water and going back to bed. There is no need for direct support professionals to be present, instead the overnight staff support creates an environment of over-support for the person."
"One possible strategy to decrease over-support is utilizing enabling technology and providing remote support opportunities for people to feel safe. Remote support can include items like off-the-shelf technology or customized person-centered plans put together by technology vendors. These plans should ensure the person is comfortable utilizing this technology. Strategies for everyone to understand and use these technologies should also be developed."
Katherine Dunbar, CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence
"Ryan moved from his family home to an HCBS setting. At his family home, Ryan managed his diabetes and could calculate his insulin dose in his head and would confirm it using an app on his phone. While living with his parents, Ryan would go out in his community by himself and would also stay home alone. However, once in formal services, the state determined that Ryan needed line of sight supervision (due to seizures) and a registered nurse had to take over his insulin. Ryan had less freedom and control over his life in a residential setting than he did living with his parents."
"The agency was supporting Ryan to advocate for himself; it was an issue of risk awareness versus risk aversion on the part of the state. The independent support coordinator could have advocated for Ryan to have far fewer restrictions. The risk assessment could have been presented in a way that focused on strengths."
IDD MLTSS Workgroup: Dignity of Risk
Epp O'Neill, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
"A very simple example I saw recently was staff not asking Destiny what she wanted for lunch; they just made the lunch for Destiny, had her sit at the table, and then put it in front of her. Not once was Destiny given the option of doing any of these steps on her own or with some assistance. Destiny definitely could have done most of these things all by herself."
"Destiny could have been asked what she wanted for lunch, even if it was out of 2-3 choices available. She could have been asked to get the food out and asked if she needed help with getting it ready. The lunch did not consist of anything that required the use of a stove. Then Destiny could have been encouraged to put her dishes in the sink or dishwasher. It really is so unfair to people for them to not have this control of their life."
Kristen Heichel, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
"I've seen so many instances of over-support but one that stands out because it happens so frequently is people being unable to stay 'home alone' or be in the community by themselves."
"Ideally, people would be provided with more education and experience around the skills needed to be safe and successful in these areas. For example, many times people are not allowed to be alone because they can't repeat their address and phone number. But not 'knowing' your phone number and address can be easily remedied with putting it into a cell phone, carrying it in a wallet, etc."
The Three E's: Education, Experience, and Exposure
Anne Buechner, CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist
"Because of perceived regulations and legacy practices, many people receiving supports continue to be on a regularly scheduled 'bed check.' Most times, this practice is not viewed as a potential infringement on people's rights; therefore, the activity is not fully reviewed for adequate due process. Or even if adequate and robust due process has been applied for one person – for example, safety or health reason – these bed checks are 'blanket' practices and have the potential or do infringe on others' privacy. Additionally, even if by chance some form of due process has been sought, organizations often do not fully explore all creative solutions to minimize this invasion of privacy to prove least restrictive measure."
"Instead, adequate due process could have been conducted to rule out this restriction and any and all lesser restrictive interventions should be pursued. What I often see though is the organization does not challenge legacy practices, nor does it adequately seek to mitigate what might be perceived regulations. Challenging of the actual and/or perceived rule or statute, or the perceived funder criteria, is limited or non-existent."
Moving Away from a 'One-Size Fits All' Model
By Susan Arwood, Executive Director, Core Services of Northeast Tennessee
In 2017 Tennessee celebrated the dismissal of all federal lawsuits ending a quarter of a century of litigation and court oversight of intellectual disabilities services in the state. The 25-year journey was a transformation from institutional care to community services. Despite all the positive changes, what emerged might be described as a culture of heavy staffing and risk aversion. Through an Enabling Technology "test project" Tennessee leaders hoped to put a toe in the water and feel a way out of the trend of heavy staffing and a 'one size fits all' service model.
The agency recognized that when a person desires more independence, no amount of paid supports, no matter how excellent those supports might be, can provide people with their preferred life.
Core Services jumped on the Enabling Technology test project opportunity seeing the potential to break away from a restrictive service model (one-size fits all) to a person-centered service model where the level of support is designed around the desires and needs of the person. The agency recognized that when a person desires more independence, no amount of paid supports, no matter how excellent those supports might be, can provide people with their preferred life.
Addressing Over-Supports Through Technology
To get started the people who were most vocal about wanting independence were identified. Next came a process of identifying outcomes — what was missing from the person's idea of a preferred life? Can technology achieve a dream that traditional services could not? Evident early on was the fact that the traditional service model was a poor match with desired lifestyle.
Fast forward four years and 47% of people supported by Core Services now use technology for increased independence. 22% have significantly reduced DSP support, such as living independently or have no third shift staff. The improved quality of life is evident to even the most casual observer. Recent agency Personal Outcome Measures® (POM) data revealed that people supported with technology resulting in reduced paid supports were 50% more likely to have outcomes present in their life. They were also 19% more likely to have supports in place to achieve those outcomes.
Lessons learned along the way include that you do not need a state initiative to get started. There are countless opportunities to use technology so people can control aspects of their lives. The idea of being able to spend time alone at home is a foreign concept to most, but a desired goal. Technology reduces the cost of services and pays for itself. People are far more capable than others give them credit for, they want this opportunity and are overwhelmingly excited about it. Any change of this magnitude will face opposition and the best way through it is education and open communication – with everyone. To learn more watch Brad or Carl's story:
Brad's Enabling Technology
Enabling Tech: Carl's Own Home
Maintaining Balance Between Your Supports
The best support balances the duty to care with dignity of risk. This doesn't mean putting people in unsafe situations, but instead supporting people to understand risks and facilitating informed choice. Self-determination and dignity of risk are not only crucial for person-centered services and supports, they are also essential for quality of life.
1 Pseudonyms are used in the examples from CQL staff.
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Putting Barriers To Transportation In The Rear-View Mirror
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Essential Skills For Quality Personal Outcome Measures® Interviews
Tips, techniques, and guidance for successfully facilitating Personal Outcome Measures® interviews.
Leveraging The Power Of The POM
Learn about the unique ways that organizations utilize the Personal Outcome Measures®, after the interview ends.
Inclusive Practices To Spark Change At Your Organization
Strategies to promote inclusion and participation among people supported in all aspects of organizational life.
Dignity and Respect – Things That Make You Go … Huh?
Uncover ten subtle signs of disrespect that are regularly observed by CQL staff members.
Creating Inclusive Boards And Committees
Ensure that people receiving services are not only on boards and committees, but are also active members in meaningful roles.
Fine-Tuning Your Human Rights Committee
Receive important guidance and information for forming and maintaining Human Rights Committees at your organization.
Using The Three E's To Impact Rights
In this Capstone, learn about how the "Three E's" can be used to support people with disabilities in exercising their rights.
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Discussion in 'MediaPortal 1 Plugins' started by kroko, March 9, 2007.
short the text to "play vs comp"
Will be only 1 player against AI or 2 player also?
programming a 2 player game is easy comparing with the AI. Even I use a code from somebody else to have a good AI.
Of couse i can include a 2 player mode.
Looks quite nice. Looking forward to test it.
is ongoing a little. Basic game play is now possible. I have still some problems with the AI. I will be on the road next week. So a release will not before next week end.
I updated my screenshot, so see above.
I finished the AI now. On the hightes level it is mostly hard to win against the computer. I only need to test my remote support which I will do on wednesday. So expect a release soon. See the actual screenshot above.
-short the text to "play vs comp"
very nice. Just played it with my girlfriend and she likes it. too.
after talking to Kroko, i did some improvements for this plugin.
I added full-multilanguage support, i use the same class, we already do for mp's language stuff, we only have a plugin specific folder in mp's language directory.
Second: i added a button to the togglebutton group, which is called "Sounds". Now you can toggle sounds on and off, on-the-fly, like it is already possible in Tetris.
Note: This is a SVN-only plugin, because it is a requirement for language stuff. If you are using the stable 0.2.2.0 please use the release in plugin-repository on main page.
Please provide us with bug reports/issues, specific language files and so on.


This is one of the illustrations in a new course due to publish in late February or Early March 2019. It's been produced using Adobe Illustrator Draw and then Illustrator, with optimisation using Astute Graphics' Vector First Aid plugin.
If you add all of those up together it's a staggering 1,794,005 optimisations possible from that file, and all without changing the appearance! Running the Vector First Aid "Fix All" command took just a little over a minute to run and fix those but I ran a second pass that reported there were still optimisations that could be made (this is often a good thing to do with VFA).
Running Fix All took a little less time and a third pass just showed up a few minor tweaks which were cleaned up really quickly. Sometimes I'm asked why you need to run it three times to get the best results and the answer is that you don't have to, it's all a matter of the complexity of the file and what can be optimised without penalty. You may get files that are cleaned up with a single pass but AI Draw files rarely clean in one go, as there are usually so many points to deal with, many of which may overlap perfectly (as was definitely the case here).
Before getting to the state above, I pushed an earlier version to desktop which I then decided could be optimised in AI Draw first. The file began with the drawing below, with the white areas being transparent so that I could paint quickly and freely in the tutorial with low-opacity brushes and have a nice sharp result.
Merging all of the painting layers—you have to merge down one at a time—took just a minute or so and the next step was to create a duplicate of the "mask" layer and then merge that down too, followed by pressing on the black area with the eraser for it to remove all areas of that compound area. I'm using the new third-gen iPad Pro (12.9") and even with it's super-duper processor it was obviously choking, but I was asking a lot of it, in fairness, so I aborted the operation and then undid all of the previous merges and duplication. What I did next was to make several duplicates of the mask layer and position each one above a "painting" layer, then merge down each in turn and delete the black region each time, and once complete (it only took a few minutes) merge all of the painting layers and the file was ready.
The upshot of that (apart from having a more optimised file) was that with the "mask" layer turned off, I've got a really attractive image that looks very watercolour-like, but is entirely vector!
Once the course is published, I'll update this post so it can be easily found if you're interested. In the meantime, why not check out my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/thedesignninja) for tuts and tips with all of your favourite Creative Cloud desktop and mobile design tools.
Short video showing me working in AI Draw, from my Instagram (@tonyharmer).