text:
Liz Cheney and the Daughters of Creative Destruction
Source: Kurt Nimmo
It is rather bizarre Liz Cheney, the daughter of Dick Cheney, would cofound Keep America Safe (now defunct) with a neocon talking head, Bill Kristol. The forever war outfit was funded by Mel Sembler, an Israel-first real estate tycoon who is a good friend of Bibi Netanyahu.
Cheney has absolutely no interest in keeping America safe. She is calling for an immediate attack on Iran.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) said on Wednesday the U.S. should consider a "proportional military response" against Iran, among other potential actions, over its suspected involvement in drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil supply.
Liz Cheney calls for "proportional military" response against Iran https://t.co/4bmxqLnXK0 pic.twitter.com/ubQXGg1SsL
— The Hill (@thehill) September 18, 2019
Forget "proportional." Cheney and a handful of similarly psychotic neocons want nothing short of the total destruction of Iran on par with the destruction of Iraq, Syria, and Libya.
A million or more dead? Not a problem. For the neocons, would be worth it, same as it was for Madeline Albright, the former Clinton secretary of state who declared on national television the murder of half a million kids in Iraq was worth it.
"Not acting sends a message, frankly, that's likely to encourage an additional escalation by the Iranians if they feel they can take this kind of action without a response. So I'm pleased to see that we've begun to see some of that response," Cheney said.
"I also think that a proportional military response is the right way to go, and I'm hopeful that Secretary Pompeo is coordinating in that regard with the Saudis," she added, referring to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
This supposed proportionality would result in a devastating war in the Middle East, the shutdown of oil in the Persian Gulf, and would precipitate a crash of the world economy. It certainly wouldn't keep America safe. It would do the opposite.
Neocons are not concerned with ordinary Americans teetering on the edge of economic disaster. Neocons have two primary concerns: 1) making Zionist Israel the undisputed hegemon of the Middle East, and 2) maintaining American exceptionalism, that is to say maintaining the ability to destroy nations not following the neoliberal game plan.
Next, we have Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain. From her soapbox at the three-ring circus known as The View, Ms. McCain argued with Whoopi Goldberg about the advisability of bombing Iran.
During the tête-à-tête between Goldberg and McCain, Meghan "claimed that the U.S. sent $400 million to the 'largest state sponsor of terror,' adding, 'I don't care who you are but we shouldn't be giving money to a country where people go out in the streets and scream death to Israel, death to America,'" Splinter reported last May.
Not mentioned is the fact the US government stole the money from Iran. Even TIME admitted the money was stolen.
[In] the late 1970s… [Iran] had paid for U.S. fighter jets, while Tehran was still a U.S. ally. After it turned into an enemy in 1979, Washington was not about to deliver the jets. But, all these years later, Iran wanted its money back—and with interest.
And yet, neocons like McCain continue to push out the lie that Obama gifted the Iranians "$400 million stacked on pallets."
this video here features meghan mccain screaming – literally throwing a tantrum – about how iran is scary, how the iran deal was really, really scary; how iranians hate america & how she doesn't believe in diplomacy with iran.
she makes joy and whoopi look like radical leftists. pic.twitter.com/4AzQlzd9ab
— Sana Saeed (@SanaSaeed) August 1, 2018
McCain is woefully misinformed about nukes in the Middle East. There is but one nuclear power in the neighborhood, and that's Israel with its undeclared nukes. In 1965, the Zionist state stole over 200 pounds of weapons-grade highly enriched uranium from the Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corporation plant in Apollo, Pennsylvania. There was zero consequence for this brazen act.
Israel, however, doesn't fit in McCain's Dr. Strangelove scenario.
Meghan McCain: Iran Deal is "out of Dr. Strangelove…We are nuclearizing the Middle East" http://t.co/2w9dvBwXvN pic.twitter.com/0JCtCMMmF7
— Media Matters (@mmfa) August 21, 2015
More than a decade ago, McCain said she agreed with everything her father had to say about Iran.
Totally agree with my Dad on Iran…. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23747.html
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) June 15, 2009
Following the unlikely takedown of the mullahs, the late senator wanted a former Marxist cult leader to lord over the country. In the photo below, McCain is standing with Maryam Rajavi, the leader of a terrorist organization that has killed Americans.
John McCain, who stood by them all the way.
The Iranian people and resistance send their condolences to family and friends of Sen. @cindymccain @MeghanMcCain #JohnMcCain#FreeIran2018#Iran pic.twitter.com/kFXFmY2wxf
— Iran Freedom (@4FreedominIran) August 26, 2018
Both Meghan McCain and Liz Cheney are a sideshow attraction—billed as the Daughters of Creative Destruction—a minor distraction on the path to a larger and far more destructive war than what Dick Cheney's neocons inflicted on Iraq.
However, it appears this war will be postponed until after the election. Iran may or may not have targeted Saudi oil. This single event—and that of taking out an expensive US spy drone—are not enough to get a war going and the neocons know it. Israel and the neocons want Iran destroyed now and they may cook up another false flag to get their war going.
If Trump falls, as a result, that's not a serious concern.


Built by players for players,™ the SoccerHaus is a state of the art facility that will offer arena soccer on three different fields for a wide range of skill levels. We will host our very own Colorado Blizzard semi-professional arena soccer team (PASL), as well as provide an array of soccer leagues for teams to join. We will also be providing soccer tournaments, soccer camps, and soccer clinics for youth 5 yrs to 17 yrs.
In addition to our soccer fields we are proud to introduce our Warriors Weight Room where veterans can rehabilitate, train, strengthen, and work out.
We are also proud to announce our Upper 90 Tavern located on the mezzanine floor that provides outstanding views of the soccer fields and the action below. The Upper 90 Tavern will bring a wide variety of delicious meals to players and spectators, featuring both European and American cuisine.


GENEROUS CORNER MANSION of the order of 200 m2 with very spacious living room, luxury kitchen, garage with loft, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets. The House is well maintained and is fully double glazed. Great for a large family!
Furthermore, the House has a private driveway suitable for 2 cars and a very sunny large back garden located in a Southwestly direction.
landing, bathroom with toilet, shower and washbasin, 3rd bedroom.


text:
Home City of Fort Wayne City of Fort Wayne News Community input moves forward on State Boulevard
City of Fort Wayne News
Fort Wayne Division of Public Works
Community input moves forward on State Boulevard
Wednesday, February 20th, 2013
News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Citizen Dialogue Focuses on Project Design
(February 18, 2013) – Focused on building a street that will improve flood control, traffic flow and pedestrian and motorist safety, while preserving the historic aspects of neighborhood streets, the Division of Public Works today announced a series of Open House opportunities for residents to view and make suggestions to the final design of the State Boulevard Project. The project parameters are on State Boulevard between Cass Street and Spy Run Avenue.
Preliminary designs are rendered so that residents can have a better idea of what the street could look like. These designs came from citizen input, conveyed at numerous meetings over the past four years. Again, these are preliminary, not final, renderings.
Over the next few weeks, the Division of Public Works will take input from residents at three Open House sessions. An Open House is an opportunity for residents to examine preliminary designs, talk to staff members about the project, and make suggestions for incorporation in the final plans. Residents can drop by anytime during the two-hour Open House. The renderings and sketches will be displayed throughout the room, giving residents the opportunity to get a closer look.
February 25, 2013, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Franke Pond Pavilion
Franke Parke
3411 Sherman Boulevard
March 1, 2013 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Main Branch ACPL
Meeting Room A, 900 Library Plaza
March 7, 2013 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Psi Ote Barn – Lower Level
Bob Arnold – Northside Park
E. State Blvd. & Parnell Avenue
An interdisciplinary team comprised of four members of City Council, neighborhood residents and City staff members will review community input from these Open House sessions. The team will make suggestions for incorporation to the project to the Division of Public Works.
The final plans will be submitted at a public meeting.
To view renderings online and read more about the project, residents can visit the www.cityoffortwayne.org and click the State Boulevard Renderings slide in the slideshow or they can go directly to the information at www.cityoffortwayne.org/state.
Cass Street
Pufferbelly Trail
Spy Run Avenue
State Boulevard
West State Boulevard Realignment Project
Previous articleHolland Elementary School receives healthy school honor
Next articleDishcrawl makes its Fort Wayne debut

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Sybiracy (ros. Сибиряки, Sibiriaki) – radziecki film dramatyczny z 1940 roku w reżyserii Lwa Kuleszowa.

Obsada
 Aleksandra Charitonowa jako Wala
 Aleksandr Kuzniecow jako Sierioża Kryłow
 Aleksandr Pupko jako Pietia
 Marija Winogradowa jako Gałka
 Daniił Sagał jako Aleksiej
 Gieorgij Millar jako dziadek Jakow
 Aleksandra Chochłowa jako Piełagieja, matka Sierioży
 Micheil Gelowani jako Józef Stalin
 Andriej Fajt jako doktor Wasilij Wasiljewicz
 Siergiej Komarow jako Tierientij
 Dmitrij Orłow jako Doszyndon

Bibliografia
 Sybiracy w bazie filmweb
 Sybiracy w bazie IMDb

Filmy w reżyserii Lwa Kuleszowa
Radzieckie filmy czarno-białe
Radzieckie dramaty filmowe
Radzieckie filmy z 1940 roku

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Why Not to Believe 'Talking Angela' or Other Facebook Hoaxes
By Jill Scharr 21 February 2014
Don't believe hysterical Facebook posts about 'Talking Angela,' the harmless app rumored to be a front for pedophiles.
There's plenty to be scared of on the Internet today. Malware. Phishing. YouTube comments. But one thing you don't need to be afraid of is "Talking Angela," a totally harmless iOS and Android app that has become the center of a viral Facebook hoax.
Despite what people passing along warning messages say, "Talking Angela" is not a front for pedophiles. It's just a harmless app of a talking cat — and, unintentionally, a lesson in why you shouldn't believe everything you read on Facebook.
MORE: 7 Ways to Lock Down Your Online Privacy
"Talking Angela" is a free smartphone app that lets kids "talk" with an animated cat named Angela. Similar to a chat bot, Angela has some basic artificial intelligence that allows it to respond to simple inquiries, and if you give the app access to your device's camera, it can do some basic facial and gesture recognition as well. The app also has some in-app payments, but that's about as insidious as "Talking Angela" gets.
Yet "Talking Angela" has become the app that launched a thousand hysterical Facebook reposts, which claim that the app's computer-generated responses are actually pedophiles conversing with your children, and that the app uses the iOS or Android device's camera to spy on your children and your home.
"Take this app off your phone please! There's a big chance this could be a door for pedophiles. The police said they have seen things *like* this but never actually through a child's app, but that they are not putting it past them! ... These things AREN'T supposed to ask you questions!!!" reads one particularly hysterical Facebook post.
This scare has been around since February of last year, and even has its own page on the rumor debunking site Snopes.
"You shouldn't believe the warnings. And, in particular, you shouldn't share the bogus alert to your own friends and family," wrote security expert Graham Cluley on his blog. "All you are doing is perpetuating a scare that is without foundation."
The developers, U.K.-based Outfit7, have also added a "child mode" for the app that disables the chat bot feature. In child mode, the app "can respond only to touch and repeat what she hears over the microphone, similar to other apps within the 'Talking Tom and Friends' series" that are also made by Outfit7, the studio wrote on a FAQ on its website.
How one group of pedophiles could spy on all 230 million users of "Talking Angela" and the rest of the "Talking Tom and Friends" apps is a mystery all its own. That hasn't stopped thousands of people from emailing and reposting ridiculous warnings "just in case."
It's probable that genuine concern, if misguided and misinformed, started this "Talking Angela" scare. However, this kind of fearmongering is far more harmful than the app around which it centers.
For one, actual cybercriminals often use fear-baiting tactics like this one to trick people into clicking on bad links. If scammers haven't already created some malicious emails disguised as warnings about the evils of "Talking Angela," you can bet they're coming soon.
U..K.-based security company Sophos advises people to be skeptical of anything they see on Facebook or in a chain email, particularly if it contains as many spelling errors and hyperbolic exclamations as these do. (We cleaned up the one quoted above.)
"Hoaxes can be well-written, and truth can be written badly. But when everything about a written article screams, 'Why would I believe this?' then, to ask an obvious question, why would you believe it?," Sophos wrote on its blog Naked Security.
"Just in case" is not a good reason to forward anything and everything that comes across your screen, Sophos adds.
If you're worried about an app or other potential online concern, check it out yourself. If you don't like anything about it, don't let your kids use it.
As Sophos concludes in its post, "security is a journey, not a destination." Doing your own research and being informed about new technologies and trends is far better in the long run than hitting "repost" and spreading misinformation.
Email jscharr@techmedianetwork.com or follow her @JillScharr and Google+. Follow us @TomsGuide, on Facebook and on Google+.
13 Security and Privacy Tips for the Truly Paranoid
Soulmate or Cybercriminal? How to Avoid Online Dating Scammers
Mobile Security Guide: Everything You Need to Know
jeramiah 21 February 2014 21:46
This article is more propaganda from the ring of paedophiles that are using this app to watch your children. This app is not safe. They are grooming your children and they are doing it now.Do not download this app. Do not let your children use this app. It is sickening.
EditorSue 23 February 2014 12:34
Ignorance is the hardest thing in the world to combat. Hysterical people who lead narrow, pathetic lives will believe what they want to believe and would never let the truth stand in the way of their sensational hand-wringing drama. These people believe the boogie man lurks behind every door, screen or anything new. Just ignore them. In the words of an old song, "paranoia runs deep"......
mya1 23 February 2014 18:25
im still unsure about this whole thing....conversation with Angela has been posted on instagram and im starting to think even more then I did that this is all real....i would like to hear it from the owners that this is all a scam
Algernon Ex 25 February 2014 11:37
eheh, wonderful. Reminds me of the hunt for witches and burning them at the stake. I guess progress and ignorance and fear always go hand in hand.
Nicole12345 27 February 2014 01:01
I can prove that talking Angela is a hacker on google pics it shows a house and two people that I don't believe but if you go in the app store to talking Angela l screen shot the pic of Angela and zoomed in the eye and it clearly shows a HOUSE IN THE BACK and also the pic says talking Angela can understand your gestures how would you be able to do that!!! Website don't want people to get scared but we need the truth.


SYNOPSIS: A Dramady about two adversarial and high powered women and their celebrity hair dresser who develop an unexpected friendship that is sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious. And always…. VERY REAL!! In the pathos of their competition they find their adversary becomes their best friend. The film explores how women and men can support each other through life's trials and tribulations. It is a study in the difference between what is on the surface and the truth underneath.
The Trujillos-ABC Pilot.Created and wrote Pearl-Feature on author Pearl Buck. Oscar winning Cast attached The Bag-Web Series Docs: Homecoming:Veterans, Wives and Mothers Thank You For Your Service A Couple of White Chicks at the Hairdresser.
Emmy nominated "Home Sweet Homeless"-CBS. In Dreams-CBS, Fatal Vows-CBS. The Trujillos-ABC Pilot.Created and wrote Pearl-Feature on author Pearl Buck. Oscar winning Cast attached The Bag-Web Series Docs: Homecoming:Veterans, Wives and Mothers Thank You For Your Service A Couple of White Chicks at the Hairdresser.
So much fun is this light comedy! I found myself laughing out loud - many times. The caliber of this cast is a major plus. Rumor has it there may be a sequel- fingers crossed!
Review So much fun is this light comedy! I found myself laughing out loud - many times. The caliber of this cast is a major plus. Rumor has it there may be a sequel- fingers crossed!
Review An entertaining comedy with amusing dialogue and good performances all round, jumps in time at first are confusing but this is an engaging story of friendship - Very Los Angeles.


EU/UK Subscribers: new consents needed, for us to continue to contact you!
UK/EU citizen? You need to read this!
Thanks for supporting WriteMovies, the bridge between writers and the international entertainment industry. Over the years, we've brought you mentoring and consultancy, contests and pitches, news and insights. We have provided hundreds of awards, and secured hundreds of writers representation and more in the international industry.
To continue to provide these to you in accordance with the new Data Protection laws in the UK and EU, we need you to reconfirm what you're happy to receive from us.
Simply input your name and email address, choose from the options provided, and Submit your form to us. We'll do the rest!
Here's what you'd be missing out on without our marketing… highlights from recent months!
Anything marked with an asterisk(*) indicates a required field.
Former winning writer is writer-director of a new feature film!
Thank you for the analysis of the above mentioned screenplay. I was fully aware that the script was not in this final form when I sent it to you, but had reached that point where I didn't know what to do with it (trash can wasn't considered). The information contained in the review will be of a great help.


Want to buy CHEAP Lipocils and Black Mascara, Baby Blue with Silver Trim?
Talika has been an eyelash remedy knowledgeable seeing that 1948. These days, we're pulling out all of the stops with Lipocils & Black, a remedy + make-up duo: the Legendary Lipocils remedy is colorless and thickens the lashes visibly and of course, even as the Black mascara makes them right away extra radiant. • STEP 1 The Lipocils system supplies on a regular basis eyelash care. After 28 days, they're visibly more potent, fuller and extra stunning. • STEP 2 The Black mascara coats them in a deep black, lengthens them, curls them and volumizes the perimeter of lashes.
Talika Legendary Botanical Advanced (witch hazel, apple, nettle, horse chestnut and St. John's wort): beautifies the eyebrows, making them more potent.
Paraben loose and dermatologically examined.


text:
Q: How do you set your JFame's size to be as big as your computer's screen in java? I wanted to make a game in java, but i don't know if there is a way to set the size of the JFrame to cover the whole computer screen without actually going and setting the size myself to try to match up with your computer screen size.
P.S I do know how to set the size of the JFrame but i don't know how to make it the same size as my computer screen without trial and error my way through by changing to size over and over again. Thanks!!

A: To maximize your JFrame you could use
frame.setExtendedState(JFrame.MAXIMIZED_BOTH);

A: Instead of setting the size to a value, use setExtendedState(JFrame.MAXIMIZED_BOTH) in JFrame.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Chris Brown and Offset Have At It On Social Media - POPSTAR!
Chris Brown just challenged Offset to a fight!
Things got heated between Breezy and Offset on social media – and escalated really really fast.
"CMON FAM, STOP PLAYING WIT DA MANS DEM," Breezy wrote in the caption.
The Migos rapper hopped into the comments section of the post with a message for the "No Air" singer.
"Memes ain't funny lame," Offset wrote.
Offset appears to have responded on his own Instagram Story with a one-liner. "Coke head don't want (smoke emoji)," he wrote in a since-deleted the post.
Last Sunday (February 3), British-born rapper 21 Savage (real name She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) was arrested by the ICE on allegations that he has been in the U.S. illegally for more than a decade. Following the news, his British heritage became the subject of memes over the weekend.
Offset has been vocal about not being down for any 21 Savage memes. Earlier this week, he went on Twitter to slam netizens who have been making light of 21's arrest or nationality.
Offset is not the only celebrity sticking up for 21, with whom he worked with back in 2017.
Jay-Z is using his platform to advocate for the 26-year old rapper's release from custody.
He and record label, Roc Nation, also hired an attorney to assist in 21's legal battle against the ICE.
On Tuesday (February 5), 21's legal team addressed the issue of his arrest with a statement.
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph was born in the United Kingdom. Mr. Abraham-Joseph arrived legally in the United States at the age of 7," the statement explained.
According to ICE, the rapper is currently awaiting removal proceedings in federal immigration courts. People reports that, as of this time, 21 Savage is still being held in custody without bond – something his lawyers are contesting.


IAM Patent 1000 recognized Chang Tsi & Partners as one of the "Recommended Chinese Intellectual Property Law Firms" in 2015.
The institution recognizes Chang Tsi & Partners' rapid development, and quotes clients' comments, saying that our patent services are "top notch", and our translations are handed with "care and precision".
IAM Patent 1000, affiliated with The IP Media Group, is a leading ranking institution in patent field.


text:
Railroad 101
Positive Train Control
Railroads & States
AAR.org Articles
Rail Traffic Data
Private Investments
Railroad Jobs
Final Offer Rate Review
Revenue Adequacy
Forced Access
Operational Regulation
Crew Size
Mexican Crew Interchange
Hazmat/Tank Cars
Performance-based Regulations
USMCA & International Trade
Infrastructure Priorities
FAST Act Reauthorization Priorities
Truck Size & Weight
Shortline Tax Credit
Hazmat Safety
Infrastructure & Equipment
Pedestrian & Drivers
Preparedness & Response
First Responder Training
Physical & Cybersecurity
RailxTech on Capitol Hill
Stone, Sand & Gravel
Join AAR
360 Degrees: Freight Rail's Holistic Approach to Safety
Technology: Enhancing an Already Safe Network
America's freight railroad industry is among the safest in the world, thanks to its holistic approach to rail safety.
Safety statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) demonstrate why this approach matters. As the data highlight, recent years have been the safest in the history of the industry. Freight railroads invest in four key areas of safety: infrastructure and equipment, operational improvement and training, technology, and community preparedness and response.
Record Investment Fuels Safety Gains
Railroad investment correlates closely with rail safety improvement. In fact, a recent study done by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University concluded that record levels of rail investment enabled by railroad deregulation have been more effective at improving rail safety than safety regulation. Freight railroads have invested more than $685 billion in infrastructure and equipment since the industry was partially deregulated in 1980. Focusing investments on infrastructure and equipment, two of the leading causes of accidents, helped the industry achieve a string of record-setting years for safety. Since 2009 alone, the train accident rate is down 10% and the derailment rate is down 9%.
The most important safety investment the industry makes is in its highly skilled workforce, which is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the trains and the upkeep of the network. The result? The strong culture of safety that defines the railroad industry. Daily safety briefings, peer-to-peer safety programs and training programs at state-of-the-art technical training centers, featuring simulators and virtual reality, are just some of the ways railroads empower their employees to put safety first.
While federal regulations govern inspection of track and equipment, railroad inspectors often go above and beyond these requirements. In fact, many key routes are inspected four times a week, twice the frequency required by the FRA.
Railroads and their partners also focus extensive resources on the safe transport of hazmat. This focus has resulted in a 41% decrease in the hazmat accident rate since 2008. The Rail Corridor Risk Management System, software designed by the industry to identify the safest and most secure routes for moving hazmat and crude oil, and enhanced safety features for hazmat rail cars are just a few examples of freight rail's emphasis on operational safety. These efforts help make rail the safest way to ship hazmat. In 2018, more than 99.999% of rail hazardous material shipments reached their destination without a release caused by a train accident.
Advanced Technologies Improve Inspections
Technology plays a crucial role in improving safety. Today's advanced rail tech enables rail employees to inspect track and equipment with greater frequency, efficiency and reliability. These advanced tools also empower employees to make better decisions, arming them with data on the health of rail infrastructure and equipment that goes well beyond what the human eye can see.
The technologies used by rail inspectors include drones to inspect inaccessible areas and bridges, ultrasound technology to identify flaws within track and specialized sensors mounted along track which identify faulty or worn rail car components as trains pass by. Because the nation's rail network is highly integrated, with equipment often operating across the networks of multiple rail companies, today's technology allows rail employees to gather and share data so potential problems with equipment can be identified and addressed quickly.
Technology also has the potential to make meaningful progress toward the industry's goal of eliminating highway-rail grade crossing accidents. As autonomous-vehicle technology continues to be developed, railroads have called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure that these cars recognize and react properly to warning devices at grade crossings. This effort supplements the industry's long-standing commitment to community education and highway-rail grade separation initiatives.
Ensuring Preparedness for Communities
As the old adage goes, preparedness provides the calm before, during and after the storm. As such, community preparedness is a central focus of railroad safety efforts.
Each year, railroads train tens of thousands of emergency responders and collaborate with local officials on emergency response plans. Local emergency response agencies can also receive confidential information from railroads on the hazmat moving through their communities.
In the rare event of an accident, railroads provide the resources needed to respond to and mitigate the impact of the incident, as well as safely remediate the affected areas in the aftermath. First responders use the industry's AskRail mobile app to find detailed information about cargo on the train to ensure effective response. What's more, all major railroads have teams devoted to emergency response that are on call 24/7 to provide local officials with access to information and other resources — from clothing for displaced families to environmental consultants.
While efforts to date have produced impressive results, the rail safety challenge will never end until the industry reaches their goal of zero accidents. Until that time, railroads will continue to work with their employees, suppliers, customers and with officials at the FRA and across government, to assess and implement new approaches to improve rail safety.
Putting Technology to Work
Freight Railroads Are On Track With PTC
Freight Rail Powers America
6 Ways Freight Rail Gets Techie
More In Safety Technology
Freight Rail Greens America
As the most environmentally sound way to move freight over land, U.S. freight rail is using technology and smart operations to limit greenhouse gas emissions, increase fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint
Freight Rail & Highly Automated Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles and highly automated technologies can make our society safer and the movement of freight more efficient. See how a regulatory environment that incentivizes industry to constantly develop new technologies will help meet the transportation needs of tomorrow.
Pedestrians & Driver Safety
Freight Rail & Crew Size
Modern operational models and advanced technologies are enabling railroad to rethink how they deploy their workforce to maximize safety, reliability and productivity in the face of a rapidly evolving freight transportation sector
LISTEN: Governing Tech in Transportation
In a recent Mobility Podcast episode, leading transportation experts from the Mercatus Center, Oliver Wyman, the USDOT and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation discuss the challenges facing freight railroads — including changes to distribution patterns and increased use of intermodal transportation — and outline how policy can and should promote innovation across the transportation industry.
America's freight railroads operate the safest, most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sound freight transportation system in the world — and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is committed to keeping it that way. Founded in 1934, AAR is the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard setting, and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry. AAR Full members include the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Affiliates and Associates include non-Class I and commuter railroads, rail supply companies, engineering firms, signal and communications firms, and rail car owners.
Railroad Careers
The Signal Newsletter
425 3rd Street SW Washington, DC 20024
The Signal: Your quick stop for freight rail news
Get freight rail industry news right to your inbox, from important policy updates to fun facts about America's private, 140,000-mile network.
Full Name Email Address Organization


text:
Exploring the Process Behind Polyarc Games' Moss
Matthew Gepp • 06.29.18
With the critically acclaimed Moss becoming available on the HTC VIVE earlier this month, we took some time out to chat with Danny Bulla, the Co-founder and Design Director from Polyarc Games, to talk about the game and the process of bringing their hugely successful title to PC based VR.
Firstly, can you tell our audience a little about Moss and what they can expect when they play this title.
Moss is an action adventure game set in a fantastical world in which you meet the hero Quill and go on a journey with her to save a loved one. The game starts with you as a reader in a library and as you turn the pages of the book of Moss, you get transported into the world and become a guiding spirit for Quill. Because Moss is a VR game, you not only help guide Quill, but you are a character in the world yourself and your every action has impact on the world. Throughout the game you work together to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies and solve puzzles.
When players play Moss for the first time, one of the things that they'll notice is a sense of comfort, and that's an important thing when playing Moss for the first time, as some people are hesitant to VR because of the way it can make them feel. One of our goals a few years back when we started Polyarc, was to make sure that when players play our game they were as comfortable as possible. That's a big thing that we encourage everyone to know about Moss – we designed Moss with comfort in mind.
We also spent a lot of time world building and trying to make Moss feel as real as possible. It's our goal to have the players feel that when they arrive into our world they are on an adventure in this new, fantastical place, with their new friend Quill. Players can expect to do the things you do in adventure games; solve puzzles, fight enemies, and traverse cool spaces. All of this is really brought out by the medium in a way that you can't experience on any other platform. We here at Polyarc think it's a really great experience.
Obviously, players will find out pretty quickly about the main character Quill. Can you give us any background on the character & how players can expect to interact with her once they embark on their journey in Moss?
Quill is a really cool character and the hero within the story. In Moss, she's been pretty confined to the village, which is called The Clearing, where she grew up. She does like to push the boundaries and rules of The Clearing and that of her Uncle Argus. She doesn't go too far out but she does go out and explore the surrounding forest which is nearby and that's where you meet Quill for the first time. She wanders across the glass & she finds it, it's what binds you to her. It's a very interesting experience when you first meet Quill. It gives people a wide variety of emotions. One of the cool things is how Quill reacts to you, when she first meets you. The game notes that she's not afraid, in fact she's intrigued by this character that is following her now. I think that tells a lot about her character. She's almost assumes that you will become her friend, which demonstrates her perception and outlook on the world. You get to watch that bond grow with her as you play through the game. She begins to think of you not just as an ally but as a friend. We think that is a really cool experience for players to have.
You will do things with Quill that you would normally do with most of your friends when you're cooperating in games. You will solve puzzles, you will fight enemies, explore cool spaces and in the end it really solidifies this interesting relationship you develop with a character inside of a cool new world. This is something that really shines through with the medium of VR and we wanted to make sure that we doubled down on that experience.
What excites the Polyarc team about developing content for VR platforms & what did you learn from developing a title like Moss for VR?
I think in terms of excitement, most of us have been working in the traditional gaming space for 10 or more years & we have seen a lot in the way that console gaming has grown over the years. So, when we were introduced to VR, and experienced what it was like to have tracked controllers, and to have your hands show up in VR, we took away two things from that. The first thing being that virtual reality allows us to transport players into a new world by just loading the game. That is really powerful and that isn't really there when you are playing a traditional game. You may get transported to it but you're not fully surrounded by it. So obviously, that was very exciting.
Secondly, the six degrees of freedom that these controllers afforded us is the ability to interact with games in ways we haven't been able to do so before. From a design standpoint that was really cool because that gave us a wide-open field for what type of mechanics we can utilize and the type of experiences we can give players. As creatives, that is a great thing to act as a catalyst to launch your ideas. Your mind just starts running away with different possibilities. Once that happened and we started understanding what VR was and what that meant for us, we continued to get more and more excited as we discovered things.
One of the biggest things that we learned throughout this process was that developing for VR wasn't really that much different than developing games for traditional console and PC platforms. In fact, we were trying to solve some of the same problems, but just trying to solve them in a different way. A lot of our learnings came from not only discovering the problems we needed to solve, but how to approach solving them in VR. That to us here at Polyarc was very fulfilling. Finding new ways to develop games that we didn't have the opportunity before because the medium didn't allow space for that. Overall that has been really exciting as a team.
Can you give us some insight into Polyarc's motivation in bringing Moss to PC-based VR?
I would say the biggest thing to us was that it's important that as many people can play the game, experience the world and develop the relationship with Quill as possible. I would say it doesn't even go much deeper than that. It's our goal to have people play our games, experience them and we want to do everything that we can to help achieve that. PC VR is a big chunk of the VR market and so obviously that was very important to us.
What benefits/features did Polyarc want to leverage when bringing Moss to PC-based VR?
There were a couple of things that stood out to us as benefits of bringing Moss to PC based VR. Primarily it was having two tracked controllers. The ability to have two tracked controllers is more intuitive when it comes to reaching into the world and interacting with things from a mechanics standpoint. Intuitively players will reach in if their hands are free and that alone helps with the immersion. For instance, they aren't having to think "how do I reach and interact in with this world". I think that was one of the primary benefits we saw as it relates to PC based VR, as it allows players to have that ability to be immersed quickly. It's a little hard to explain until you have experienced both of them, but it certainly allows for more comfort.
Another thing that comes with PC based VR games is that it allows us to give players as much agency as possible, including how they want to tune their settings and their graphics. The PC market is used to that kind of thing. It's the expected user experience as it relates to PC gaming. So giving the users the opportunity to experience the world at whatever fidelity they see fit or computer can handle was also very exciting to us as a developer.
What were the challenges in launching Moss for PC-based VR?
For a small team, just bringing the game to additional platforms was a learning experience. Especially bringing them to multiple platforms simultaneously. We are really excited that we were able to achieve that. Polyarc as group of developers who haven't necessarily been on that side of development, in terms of publishing and working with the different platforms, it was a great learning experience for everyone involved to get an insight into & to figure out how we would want to do it moving forward. It was very rewarding for us to see the game go up across the PC platforms.
Another challenge for us was the variety of inputs we had to map. As we worked across each platform, each of them have a different controller. We knew what the basics each controller would have when it came to inputs. The biggest differences was the touchpad vs the analog stick. We spent a lot of time trying to make a platforming game and a platforming game on a touchpad isn't as intuitive as an analog stick is, due to a variety of properties. For us we saw that as a good chance to see how we could make the experience on a touchpad just as good as an analog stick. We got it to a point where we thought it was really good and released it when it came out. Then we started getting feedback from the community & by engaging with that feedback we actually found a few more things that we could do to improve the experience that we didn't think to do until we heard the feedback out in the wild. That was really rewarding for us and it allowed us to make a few adjustments that we have already released to the public & are already receiving feedback that the controls on the touch pad are feeling much better. We also have further improvements we will be making to the controls further down the line as well.
Moss is beloved by players and acclaimed by critics, what aspects of the game do you attribute to this success?
In my personal opinion I think one of the biggest things that has attributed to the success is the fact that we spent a lot of time building a world that was approachable and comforting. For those that were new to VR for their first time we wanted to ease players into what it felt like to be in VR and I think that having that approachability allowed a lot of the audience to connect with the game.
I think that also includes Quill, which is obviously another big part of the title's success. When we came to E3 and we introduced her to the press and the players for the first time, we saw how strong the reactions and responses were. It was almost instantly. This was happening before the game play had even started. So, one of the things we did after noticing this bond that was being created was to focus a lot of energy in further enhancing that bond and emotion that is coming from creating a new friendship. I think the amount of time we focused in making Quill feel like a lifelike character, the different types of interactions and reflection of her moods in the environment through her animations brought together this character that not a lot of people have experienced in a video game before. That's something that lasts once you remove the headset. I'm not sure if that is something you can instinctually know how to do off the bat, but its a happy thing that comes out of it when you put energy towards it. It's a lasting effect that Is sticking with players who have played Moss.
Overall I think the comfort along with that approachability, allowing people to play the game and share their relationship with Quill and the game itself is helping generate the positive reaction we are seeing.
What's next for the Polyarc team?
For us right now we are engaging with the community that we have. We are on Twitter and the Steam boards observing what the audience is giving us feedback on. Different things they would like to see in the game. We have some things moving forward based off of that feedback. Right now we are just taking all the feedback in as we continue to support Moss across the different platforms. Trying to make it the smoothest experience possible. All this feedback allows us to solidify the game for new people that come in to create the best experience we can for them.
We are very thankful that the community has been providing feedback and engaging with us. That's really making us ensure that game is the absolute best it can be.
Starting today, Viveport is offering a special promotion on Moss as part of our epic Summer Sale. From June 29th – July 8th at 11:59pm PDT, customers will receive a free copy of Moss with the purchase of any pre-paid Subscription bundle. Now all who purchase a 3, 6, or 12-month Subscription bundle will get to explore the charming tale of Moss and help Quill on her heroic journey in addition to the all the exciting titles ready to be discovered as part of their new Subscription membership.
Make sure to secure your free copy of Moss before time runs out and check out the Viveport Summer Sale for big discounts on popular VR titles.
#Developer stories#gaming#htc vive#Moss#Polyarc Games#virtual reality#vive#viveport#VR
Summer sale heating up – get Moss and Shooty Fruity free
Stephen Reid
HTC VIVE Raises The Bar For Premium VR With New VIVE PRO Upgrade And Wireless VIVE Adaptor
HTC VIVE Announces Fallout 4 VR Bundle


There are around 2, 800 species of termites in the world, and termite population outnumbers that of human. In the U.S., there are around 45 species of termites. Apart from being numerous, they are also voracious eaters. A single colony of termites can eat up to 1,000 pounds of wood per year; it's around 650 baseball bats!
Dampwood termites make their home in damp, decaying wood. They are considered an economic pest along the Pacific coast. These termites want damp wood, so homes with moisture or plumbing issues can be infested with this type.
Subterranean termites or ground termites, as the name implies, live underground. They tunnel underground up to 150 feet (45.7 meters) to find food, which is wood. According to statistics, these termites cause 95 percent of all termite damage in North America. A colony of subterranean termites can eat up to 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) of wood every week.
The most destructive type of termite is the Formosan termite. These termites are most common in Louisiana. They're also found in New Mexico, California, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. These termites love wood and other cellulose-based goods and will invade boats and live trees.
Unlike subterranean termites, Drywood termites live above ground. They are abundant in Southern California. They make their colonies in attics, door-frames, and window frames.
Termites destroy property. Each year, they cause damage amounting to $5 billion dollars. They can also affect the health of family members as they release gas when they break down the wood they eat. According to research, termites release around 150 million tons of methane gas each year.
For new property owners, it's important that the soil is thoroughly inspected before construction. Pest management supply and termite service providers usually apply liquid treatments to soil prior to the pouring of building slabs to make sure there will be no termite infestation in the future.
Parsons Pest Control provides termite treatment before construction. There are several procedures involved in this, including treating the soil before the foundation is created. You can trust Parsons Pest Control to help you ensure pests are eliminated before you build your home.


*Pastor Bonnie really appreciates communication and her office door is open to stop in anytime.
Advent Celebration Service with Communion followed by crafts, decorating, & projects in Fellowship Hall. At 11:15 AM there is a family project followed by lunch.
It is overcast, but not raining! Yahoo. A beautiful day in the neighborhood. I continue to reflect on the number of children we had in church on Sunday. Both services had so many children. It is wonderful.
I hope you take time to stop in and check out what is happening at the church during the week. It is a bustling place! A group has been in making candy; a group has been in helping to clean out old stuff in order that we might have room for new supplies and a neat environment to work. The phone rings often. Visitors stop in regularly, and we even have a neighbor that is not a member that stops in to see if she can help fold bulletins! We are a presence in the neighborhood.
At Trunk or Treat we had neighborhood families waiting in line to come into the building. This is what Jesus calls us to do—we are called to be a welcoming presence in the community. We are called to let the children come! We are doing it, and it is exciting!
I have 6-8 people ready to join the membership. We will be welcoming them in January at a service of commitment. We will be inviting current members and new members to a commitment service. We will re-commit to our membership at Grace United Church of Christ. Have you thought about what it means to be a member of the church? It is so much more than receiving communion and giving a tithe. It is time and talent as well. It is being present when someone needs a hand. It is greeting your neighbor all week and during worship.
As we greet our neighbor, it is listening to what they have to say. It is encouraging someone struggling. It is praying with someone in need. It is letting go of gossip, mis-communication, manipulation and divisive behavior in order to truly love our neighbor as ourselves.
In 2019 we are going to work specifically on healthy behavior: communication, listening, praying and working together. We want to move into 2019 as a healthy, thriving, life giving community!! I hope you will plan to attend as many of the activities as possible during December and January.
struggling with or what have you. It is just a time to come together and share in fellowship. I think we could meet at noon and bring a bag lunch, or order pizza, or sandwiches OR we could meet about 1:00 and have an hour or so in the afternoon.
Anyone interested? Please let Pastor Know your thoughts!
There were 15 members present including Pastor Bonnie Whittier.
Carroll Miller reported giving continues to be flat at $10,362, which is $2,000 below our monthly average. Expenses included $2,022 for stripping and waxing the floors. The October net deficit was $5,099. The Finance Committee met during October and started the 2019 budget process. We also agreed to take $20,000 from investments to cover our future deficits.
The 2019 Budget was presented for review. The 2019 Budget will be discussed at the December Consistory meeting.
A Deacon Fund Committee meeting was held. There is a lot of money in the fund.
The Education Fund currently has a lot of money as well. Donations can still be made to the Deacon Fund and Education Fund; however, those fund envelopes will be removed from the 2019 offering envelopes box.
Linda DeMaio submitted a letter of resignation.
Carroll Miller will work five hours per week at $14.25 per hour, to count and post the Sunday offerings.
Len Bankert has served as the de facto maintenance supervisor for the church for many years. Len has decided to retire and presented the Consistory with a letter listing all the maintenance activities he has been doing. Mike Mummert will take over most of Len's duties.
There was an electrical short in a light in the men's bathroom downstairs. Tim Hagarman was called to make repair.
Sanctuary temperature for the Moller Organ and Steinway Piano was discussed.
Temperature/ humidity recorders should be installed in the two organ chambers over a long period of time. This will help us decide what changes need to be made regarding sanctuary temperature. An average of the past three years church gas and electric bills should be used to compare to new utility bills in regards to any sanctuary temperature changes. The sanctuary temperature should be set at 55 F this winter.
Amy Fawks reported upcoming Worship and Music activities: November 11, Veterans Recognition; December 2, Advent Celebration; December 24, two Christmas Eve services, Family at 4:00 PM and Traditional at 8:45 PM.
Ken Wenger reported support for Sharing God's Grace Heifer Project is staying strong with the October offering of $797.20, bringing the year total to $4,798.55. Remember there is a matching gift challenge of dollar for dollar given by individuals for every dollar over $5,000, up to $2,500, which would bring the grand total to $10,000.
Pastor Bonnie reported the following: She has been randomly calling in-active members. The conversations have been very similar and very upsetting to her as pastor.
She has gotten a couple in-active families to commit to lighting the Advent Candles during the Traditional worship services.
She has met with the Stewardship Committee to have a plan for moving forward.
She will be doing all home communions in November. She only does home communions 3-4 times a year and bases them around Advent, Easter, and Summer.
Reports for the Annual Report should be sent to Amy Fawks by the first week in January 2019.
The Youth Group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM. All youth, 5th grade and older are invited to join us. Leaders are Janet Black, Jenn Weaver, and Amy Fawks (will lead the Kahootz).
Can you offer a few hours to help clean the church?
There are several areas where help is needed to sort through and organize materials. If you have time during the day or evening to help, you will be helping create a welcoming, orderly environment at church to gather with others. Also, what a great opportunity to work together with others!
If interested, please contact the church office.
The sewing Group will once again be meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, September through June, to assemble bed pads. This month we will meet on December 11. More hands are always welcome!
The Advent Celebration will take place on Sunday, December 2, beginning at 9:00 AM. The worship service will take place in the Sanctuary and will begin with the prelude by Ambient Grace. The Advent Processional will follow. Holy Communion will be offered. Following the service, we will adjourn to Fellowship Hall, where various activities will take place. At approximately 11:15 AM there will be a family project for all the families. Lunch will be served at about 12:15 PM. A brief closing will conclude the day's activities. We hope you will join us for the Advent Celebration as we prepare out church and our hearts for the coming of Christ.
"The Secret of Christmas" will be presented in the Sanctuary beginning at 7:00 PM. During the play, the children will re-enact the nativity. Following the play, refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall, and Santa will be there to greet the children. Participants in the play will be contacted and will be advised of two rehearsals. The first rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 15, at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary. The children will be fitted for costumes. The second rehearsal will be held at 9:30 AM December 16 in the Sanctuary. All members and friends are invited to attend.
The light is surely coming.
UCC congregations and members are provided an opportunity to reach out in kindheartedness to those who have faithfully shepherded our Church and who now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs.
You have the opportunity to be part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through your participation in the annual Christmas Fund offering.
This offering will be received during the month of December. An envelope is available in the December Days of Grace for your gift.
Gifts to the Christmas Fund help provide pension and health premium supplementation to low-income retirees, emergency assistance to the families of clergy and lay employees, and Christmas" Thank You" Gift Checks to hundreds of annuitants.
The Christmas Fund provides a lifetime of hope to many lower-income active and retired clergy and lay employees in the United Church of Christ. There have been many instances in which gifts from the Christmas Fund have made a critical difference in the lives of people living literally on the edge. Prayerfully consider a contribution to this fund.
Do You Shop at Giant or Weis?
Giant and Weis grocery cards are available to buy at the church office. There are $25, $50, and $100 denominations available. The church receives a 5% rebate on the face value of each card used. The rebate supports our Deacon's Fund when you use these cards.
Peanut brittle sale is going well. We will be making candy on Thursday, December 6, from 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and on Friday, December 7, from 7:00 AM until we are done cooking. Lots of help is needed in the kitchen to measure ingredients, butter the pans, cook the brittle, and wash dishes. Cracking, weighing, and packing of the brittle will begin at 7:00 AM Friday. Help is also needed for this part of the project. We will finish the cracking, etc., on Saturday, December 8. Brittle may be ready for pickup after 3:00 PM. We have a great time working together and hope you will join us. The Ladies of Grace will provide lunch on Thursday, and lunch and supper on Friday. Thanks to all who supported this worthwhile project.
Come and join us. There are sit down jobs for those who need to sit. Call Janet Black (717-637-1768) for more information or volunteer to help.
Christmas is right around the corner. A happy, merry time yet there are other feelings stirred up by this Holiday. Some folks among us may be feeling a bit blue. Missing someone they love, having a rough time, not fitting in.
Grace is reaching out to all with an invitation to join us for a very special Blue Christmas service, to be held Wednesday, December 5, beginning at 6:30 PM, in the parlor.
Ladies of Grace will host their third annual Cookie Swap on Sunday, December 9, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. All members and friends of Grace Church are invited to participate. Simply bring three dozen of your favorite homemade cookies and a container to take three dozen cookies home. Recipe books from last year's cookie swap will be available for your enjoyment. We will have refreshments and activities to round out the afternoon. Please plan to join us for a fun-filled afternoon. For more information, please contact Janet Black (717-637-1768). Happy cookie baking….
Please remember to donate gently used and in good condition clothing to this great effort. The bin is located at the end of our parking lot. For more information, please contact the Church Office. Thank you!
To mail a regular 1 ounce or less letter, $1.15 postage will be required. Regular U.S. postage is accepted. It would be best to use a regular business sized envelope. For more information, please check with the Post Office.
GRACE U.C.C. WINDOW CLINGS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE ONE. THEY ARE NOT A STICKER. THE CLING CAN BE PLACED ON THE INSIDE OF A CAR WINDOW, OR ON A WINDOW OR A GLASS DOOR AT HOME.
YOU CAN PICK THEM UP IN THE CHURCH OFFICE, ON THE TABLE IN THE BACK OF FELLOWSHIP HALL, OR IN THE LARGE TRANSCEPT.
Cling is larger than the Picture.
The elves are hustling and bustling around, trying to make their list for Christmas Caroling, and they are checking it twice. Elf Stephanie and Elf Jenn are compiling a list of other elves that would love to join them in sharing the Christmas Spirit. The elves can range from any age and singing ability is not required. All that is required is the willingness to spread some Christmas Love and Joy to others in our congregation.
Elf Stephanie is looking for elves that would be willing to make some delicious baked goods (cookies, bars, etc.) that our Carolers can pass out as they spread Christmas Cheer.
We are planning to meet at the church on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 3:30 PM. We plan to leave around 4:00 PM and will return to the church around 6:00 PM. As it has been done in the past, we will return to the church for a light supper, hot cocoa and fellowship.
To make sure that we have plenty of baked goods to pass out while caroling, enough food for our carolers and enough vehicles, please contact Elf Stephanie by Friday, December 7, 2018 if you are willing to join us in this wonderful opportunity to spread some Christmas Love and Joy.
Chancel Choir meets every Thursday at 7:00 PM. Please come and join us!
Your generous donation of handbags filled with useful supplies will help many people in need. Thank you.
Thank you one and all for making our recent Green Bean drive a success. We were able to meet and exceed our goal of 500 cans, to benefit New Hope Ministries' Thanksgiving Drive. A special Thank You to Sue Maddox for helping to organize and count the incoming donations, Barry and Donna Bankert for delivering most of the cans to New Hope, and Sue and Tracy Caler for making a delivery as well. Proof, once again, that when we pull together, great things happen! God Bless!
The following persons have completed the 3 hour First Aid/ CPR/ AED training held during November here at Grace church.
Thank you to members of Consistory for approving this expenditure and to our members for supporting this effort.
Our project for 2018 is Heifer International. Heifer International provides livestock to improve the lives of those who struggle for reliable sources of food and income. Since its founding Heifer International has helped more than 31 million families. Heifer International operates under the concept of passing on the gift or giving away a portion of what one has been given. Families who receive livestock are given extensive training on how to care for their animals and agree to pass on an offspring to neighbors in need. In this simple way every gift will multiply for years to come and help spread hope around the world.
Grace UCC's goal is to give enough animals (cows, sheep, oxen, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, geese, beehives, etc.) to fill an ark. In this way we can provide assistance to those in need. The cost of an ark is $5,000.
We have been challenged to fill two arks for a total of $10,000. As of October 31, 2018, we have given $4,798.55. To help us reach the challenge of two arks, our matching gift angel will match everything given till December 31, 2018 by individuals after we reach the initial goal of $5,000 up to a grand total of $10,000 for two arks.
This means if we give $1,000 over the initial $5,000 goal it will be matched for a grand total of $7,000. If we give $2,500 over the initial $5,000 goal it will be matched for a grand total of $10,000.
The last Sunday of December, you are invited to come forward during the final hymn in each service and put your offering in the ark. Of course, you may put the money in any Sunday and mark it for Heifer International or Sharing God's Grace.
Just as Jesus fed the multitudes during his ministry, let us provide food for those in need.
We are looking for individuals who are available to come and sort clothing and items. Sorters are needed 8:30-11:00 AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Cashiers are needed 9:00 AM-12 noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and on the first Saturday of the month when the Clothing Bank is open from 9:00 AM to 12 noon. If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact the Council office at 717-633-6353.
GRACE SENIORS . . . PLEASE NOTE . .
The December meeting of Grace Seniors will be held this year on MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, at the Elks on N. Forney Avenue. Monday is the day we were able to get their facility. We will meet there at noon, order from their limited menu, and each will pay for his/her own meal. Desserts will also be available. The program will be an appropriate Christmas-themed program. Remember that this is the month we contribute Bingo prizes for the Assisted Living folks at Homewood at Plum Creek. Small tissue packs, packs of crackers and cookies, pretzels, sugar-free treats, etc., are welcome.
Please let Glenn Ruhlman or Dona Warner know by December 12 if you plan to attend this gathering. A "tear-off" is included here to sign up.
Yes, I/we plan to attend Grace Seniors Christmas gathering on MONDAY, DECEMBER 17. See you there.
If you are interested in providing refreshments for the modern service, please contact Pam Kreitz 717-476-9511.
Please contact Ashley Rummel if you are interested in helping in the nursery.


text:
Linda Marie Meyer
Linda Marie Meyer 1949 - 2020 At the age of 72, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Linda Marie Meyer passed away on Thursday, January 23rd in the home of her daughter, Tiffany. Our dear mother was proceeded in death by her parents, Donald and Evelyn, and her older sister, Donna. Linda is survived by her three daughters, Tiffany, Tamara, and Lisa; four grandsons, Austin, Cody, Haygen, and Jayce; two granddaughters, Madison and Caydence; and two great-grandchildren. Linda is lovingly remembered by those who knew her as a hard-worker—one who would do whatever was needed to provide for her family. She excelled as a hair-dresser and manager of a beauty supply store. Additionally, she worked at both 7-Eleven and Sears for over twenty years to help support her beautiful family. She was kind and wonderful, and had a selfless love for all those she encountered. A viewing will be held in her honor this Saturday from 1:15 to 1:45pm in the Valley Vista Meetinghouse, 1456 E 320 N, Provo, UT. The funeral service will follow, beginning at 2:00pm.
Linda Marie Meyer 1949 - 2020 At the age of 72, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Linda Marie Meyer passed away on Thursday, January 23rd in the home of her daughter, Tiffany. Our dear mother was proceeded in death by her parents,... View Obituary & Service Information
The family of Linda Marie Meyer created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories.
At the age of 72, our beloved...
Share and view memories of Linda ...


text:
The Judds
Wynonna Judd Doesn't Think The Judds Final Tour Will Extend Again: 'There Are No Plans'
Instead, the singer says, she's planning to focus on something new.
Country Artists Who Have Performed During the Super Bowl [PICTURES]
These country artists have all taken the stage during the NFL's biggest game of the year.
Naomi Judd's Family 'Deeply Distressed' After Tabloids Publish Death Scene Photos
They're calling out the "craven gossip economy" that has exploited the situation for gain.
Top 10 Judds Songs — The Best of Naomi and Wynonna Judd
The Judds only released five albums, but they have a rich catalog of hit songs.
10 Essential Songs From The Judds
The Judds, comprised of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna Judd, are one of the most successful acts in country music history.
Tanya Tucker Joins the Judds' 2023 Final Tour Dates, Along With Repeat Guests Ashley McBryde + More
The lineup of special guests for the 2023 leg of The Judds: The Final Tour is officially here.
Larry Strickland Reflects on Late Wife Naomi Judd's Depression Battle: 'The Tragedy, the Trauma — It Changes You'
Larry Strickland is opening up about Naomi Judd's battle with mental illness.
Grace Lenehan Vaughn
Wynonna Judd Says She Sometimes Feels Her Late Mother's Criticism Onstage: 'And I Talk Back'
"I don't think the relationship ever ends."
Wynonna Judd Opens Up About 'Most Emotional' Judds Final Tour: 'It's Almost Too Much to Handle'
"I feel like I'm just the messenger."
Wynonna Judd Is Recreating The Judds' 'Final Concert' With Star-Studded Show and Television Special
Wynonna is looking back on an important piece of The Judds' history with this upcoming show and television special.


text:
James Corden reveals the next star to do Carpool Karaoke... and it's big!
James Corden's 'Carpool Karaoke' has become our new favourite thing!
Superstars like One Direction, Justin Bieber and Adele have all taken part in the feature that airs on James' 'The Late Late Show' in America.
He's had Bieber singing Alanis Morissette and Adele rapping Nicki Minaj lyrics...
how can he beat that?!
Well, he's now gone and got one of the worlds biggest stars on board for the next one!
Coldplay's Chris Martin is joining James Corden ahead of his performance at the Superbowl this weekend!
Check out the teaser clip below!
Coldplay's Superbowl performance is set to be the biggest ever with these rumoured stars set to join him!
A50 Toft Road - Knutsford, Cheshire
Dan Kelly playing Shawn Mendes - If I Can't Have You


4007 Lindenwood Ln. is a single family home built in 1983, and is located in Northbrook, IL in the Sanders Crossing subdivision. It has 4 bedrooms and 2.1 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and has annual property taxes of $13,263. This home goes to Hickory Point Elementary School, Wood Oaks Junior High School, and Glenbrook North High School.


Professional Photography Website Templates professional photography website templates 50 best photography website templates free premium freshdesignweb ideas. professional photography website templates photography website templates wix free. professional photography website templates photography website design templates google search new website. professional photography website templates photography websites templates for photographers professional templates. professional photography website templates photography websites templates for photographers best photography template.


SAP field status variant is a combination of several field status groups. Field status groups are maintained in an individual G/L account (at company code segment) to ensure which fields is required while booking transaction on this account. Using the functionality of field status groups, we can control which fields are required for input. SAP field status variant can be assigned to multiple company codes.
Field Status Variant is used to define the fields which are used for input like cost center, profit center, plant, etc., which are entry fields, and hidden fields. Field status Variant is a tool which is provided by SAP to assign the same set of properties to more than one object.
Example − We define fiscal year variant and it can be assigned to more than one company code. If a field status variant is assigned to more than one company code, the same set of screen field will be displayed while posting those company fields.
SAP field status variant enables us to customize SAP system and define required fields during entry of transactions. It helps users to input only required fields while booking business transactions. For example, imagine that we need to book an expense entry. For expense line items we can suppress fields related to asset accounting and, in the same way, for bank account we can minimize fields like cost center.
After postings have been done, it is also possible to change field status group in G/L account master data (at company code level).
Field status variant 0001 was provided by SAP with 42 standard field status groups. As per the requirements of a company, we can create new SAP field status variants with different field status groups. For each field in each field status group, it is possible to define its status as suppress, required or optional.
Every field status group divided into many subgroups as shown below.
General data: It contains fields Assignment number, Text, Invoice Reference, Hedging, Collective invoice, Reference specification, and Inflation Index.
Additional account assignments: It contains fields Settlement period, Material number, Cost center, CO/PP order, WBS element, Sales order, Personnel number, Network, Commitment item, Plant, business area, Partner business area, Quantity, profit center, profitability segment, cost object, Joint venture acct assignment, Joint venture partner, Joint venture recovery indicator, Fund, Funds center, Trading partner profit center, Joint venture calculation type, Earmarked funds, complete earmarked funds, functional area, Add. Insurance account assignment, activity type, business process, grant, segment, partner segment, Partner fund, partner grant, budget period, partner budget period, partner functional area and Federal government.
Material management: It contains fields Vendor goods movement, Customer goods movement, Purchase order, Reservation number, Inventory fields, Ext. GA amount in LC and transport order. This field status group should be in sync with MM field status groups.
Payment transactions: It contains fields Due date, Value date, Payment terms, Cash discount deduction, Own bank, Bank business partners, Bank reference, Reason code, Instruction key for payment, Payment reference, Payment currency, Payment currency amount and Mandate reference.
Asset accounting: It contains fields Asset retirement and Asset number/sub-number.
Taxes: It contains Withholding tax code, Withholding tax amounts, EC tax data and Gross income tax.
Foreign payments: It contains SCB / Supplying Country and Customs data.
Consolidation: It contains only Transaction type.
Real estate management: It contains only Real estate management fields.
Financial assets management: It contains only Financial assets management fields.
It is important to remember that a field status group setup should be in sync with posting keys (defined at the client level) and other integration modules. For example, if posting key 40 at the cost center level is in suppress mode whereas at the field status group level it is mandatory, then while booking expenses there will be a conflict because field status should be the same.
How to Create SAP Field Status Variant?
As per the requirements of a company, it is first necessary to configure required field status groups in the SAP system. Next, it is possible to proceed with creation of SAP field status variant.
Path in SPRO transaction: Financial Accounting (New) – Financial Accounting Global Settings (New) – Ledgers – Fields – Define Field Status Variants/Assign Company Code to Field Status Variants.
Transaction codes: OBC4 (Creation of field status variant) and OBC5 (Assignment of field status variant to company code).
Relevant tables: T004V (Field Status Variant) and T004F (Field status definition groups).
New field status variants are created in the transaction OBC4. You can create a new field status variant by copying a standard variant 0001 provided by SAP.
On the next screenshot, you can see field status groups that are assigned to a particular field status variant.
Once a new field status variant is defined, it is necessary to assignment it to a company code in the transaction OBC5.


text:
namespace Windar.TrayApp
{
    partial class LogTextBox
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Required designer variable.
        /// </summary>
        System.ComponentModel.IContainer components = null;

        /// <summary>
        /// Clean up any resources being used.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="disposing">true if managed resources should be disposed; otherwise, false.</param>
        protected override void Dispose(bool disposing)
        {
            if (disposing && (components != null))
            {
                components.Dispose();
            }
            base.Dispose(disposing);
        }

        #region Component Designer generated code

        /// <summary>
        /// Required method for Designer support - do not modify
        /// the contents of this method with the code editor.
        /// </summary>
        void InitializeComponent()
        {
            this.components = new System.ComponentModel.Container();
            this.logBoxContextMenu = new System.Windows.Forms.ContextMenuStrip(this.components);
            this.copyMenuItem = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
            this.clearMenuItem = new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem();
            this.logBoxContextMenu.SuspendLayout();
            this.SuspendLayout();
            //
            // logBoxContextMenu
            //
            this.logBoxContextMenu.Items.AddRange(new System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem[] {
            this.copyMenuItem,
            this.clearMenuItem});
            this.logBoxContextMenu.Name = "logBoxContextMenu";
            this.logBoxContextMenu.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(103, 48);
            //
            // copyMenuItem
            //
            this.copyMenuItem.Name = "copyMenuItem";
            this.copyMenuItem.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(102, 22);
            this.copyMenuItem.Text = "Copy";
            //
            // clearMenuItem
            //
            this.clearMenuItem.Name = "clearMenuItem";
            this.clearMenuItem.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(102, 22);
            this.clearMenuItem.Text = "Clear";
            //
            // LogTextBox
            //
            this.ContextMenuStrip = this.logBoxContextMenu;
            this.Cursor = System.Windows.Forms.Cursors.Default;
            this.DetectUrls = false;
            this.ReadOnly = true;
            this.ShortcutsEnabled = false;
            this.WordWrap = false;
            this.VScroll += new System.EventHandler(this.RichTextBoxPlus_VScroll);
            this.logBoxContextMenu.ResumeLayout(false);
            this.ResumeLayout(false);

        }

        #endregion

        System.Windows.Forms.ContextMenuStrip logBoxContextMenu;
        System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem copyMenuItem;
        System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripMenuItem clearMenuItem;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Christine Conte Hair and Makeup ARE YOU A VENDOR?
Based and operating out of Toronto, Ontario, Christine Conte is a makeup artist that is passionate about not only ensuring a bride looks fantastic for the big day but also feels stunning as well. In addition to servicing weddings, she also provides her services for engagements, fashion events, commercial photos and editiorial as well as graduations, proms and social events.
With over 22 years experience in bridal makeup, numerous print an television commercials, formerly a Senior Artist at CTV for 12 years (working on CanadaAM, Daily Planet, CFTO News, The National News, TSN) 2010 and 2014 Olympics, and currently working freelance at CBC and TSC. You can find assurance in knowing your wedding make up will be everything you envisioned.
Christine Conte Makeup offers trials, consultations and bridal makeup services. Trials are done from the studio in her home or for an extra fee she can come to you. She will work with the future newlywed to figure out her best look.
She can come to you in the comfort of your home for a worry free fun filled getting ready process. If need be, she will bring a team of high calibre artists if you have a early time start, or a large bridal party. She has serviced hundreds of brides over the years and you can be confident in your choice that she can execute beautiful make up for your special day.


Whenever I'm alone with you ... you make me feel like I am free again.
Whenever I'm alone with you ... you make me feel like I am me again.
Don't know why that song is stuck in my head, but I just started singing it in my office. Door closed, no roommate right now. It's like my own personal airpocket of freedom in here. Sort of.
If I'd have stayed around longer last night and gotten more of the preliminary work done, then yes, I probably would have been more prepared for this morning. However, I'd have been even less useful than I was once I got here and been more tired, so it's probably a tradeoff. Probably.
Ah well. Could've shined, only managed a minor gleam.


Wellspring Ministries is dedicated to helping people find answers to life's challenges. The book of Proverbs teaches that God's Word is a light to our journey and is health and healing to our bodies. At Wellspring we have found this to be true! As we dig deeper into His Word and learn more about His love we find more and more answers that we need to overcome life's challenges. Click on the testimony links to see how this has worked out in my life and consequently in the lives of thousands of other people.
As you explore our website, our ministries, our church, and our store, you will find many resources that are available. There are books and DVDs that I have written or produced that teach how to have victory over anger, resentment, bitterness, fears, and many other negative emotions and the diseases that they cause. Families, marriages, churches and physical bodies are healed as we all learn to apply His Word to our lives.
We offer one-on-one counseling and prayer ministry. We teach seminars and conferences all over the world. We would love to come to your area. Many of the seminars, along with our church services, are available to watch online. Wellspring Church is a vibrant community that you can be part of in Anchorage or wherever you live via our live-stream broadcasts.
God has sent us to preach the Gospel; to heal the broken hearted; to cast out demons; to heal the sick; to open their eyes, so that they will turn from darkness (without His Word) to light (His Word); from the power of the devil (opposition to His Word) to God (giver of The Word), and thus receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified (have a place) by trusting (obedience to) Jesus.
We invite you to take a look. Please feel free to call our offices and/or correspond with us through this website if we can help in any way.
Click to View our 2018 Year In Review Newsletter Here!


The Interfaith Eco Action day is an annual initiative that brings together volunteers from diverse races and religious communities to work on a project of common concern. Working together, over one hundred volunteers from different backgrounds clean up and beautify parks, alleyways and school yards. It provides an opportunity to build positive relations among people from diverse backgrounds while working on a common action project.Itis based on the idea of putting one's 'faith into action'. Common values in all religions areservice to others and carefor the earth.
The Interfaith Eco Action day is an annual initiative that brings together volunteers from diverse races and religious communities to work on a project of common concern. Working together, over one hundred volunteers from different backgrounds clean up and beautify parks, alleyways and school yards. It provides an opportunity to build positive relations among people from diverse backgrounds while working on a common action project. It is based on the idea of putting one's 'faith into action'. Common values in all religions are service to others and care for the earth.
The starting point is the International Council of Christians and Jews call to action in a statement in 2007 called a "Time for Re-commitment to the 12 Points of Berlin". Point 10 is a call to promote interreligious friendship and cooperation as well as social justice in the global society. Point 12 is a call to network with all those whose work responds to the demands of environmental stewardship.
The project brings together people from different races and religious communities in Montreal to work on a common project. It targets underprivileged areas of the city, often where minority groups live, and usually where there is the greatest need for care of the local parks and/or school yards.
While Christians and Jews have worked hard to repair and strengthen their relations over the past few decades, other religious communities in Montreal are just beginning to connect. The CJDM (Christian Jewish Dialogue Montreal) became interested in outreach to the larger community in an effort to increase positive relations among different religious groups in Montreal. The idea of the Interfaith Eco Action Day came to fruition as a way to build bridges across lines of difference in the city, as well as to address the state of our environment.
Since its modest beginning in 2011, volunteer turn out has increased steadily each year, with approximately 200 volunteers on site this past May 2016. Not only is this important for the individuals having these interactions, but they are also serving as a model for peaceful interfaith relationships. The initiative has also gained momentum with the presence of several municipal political leaders. The recognition of our best practice by City Counsellors can help affect change at the political level.
One of the main challenges we have faced is working with the City of Montreal on a holiday (Victoria Day) as most parks/community spaces are closed on this day. So logistically it has been a bit difficult to get the equipment/tools we require from them. Also, the timing of the event is in the spring (May) and many of the parks water systems have not been activated yet. In the first two years of the event, outreach to communities beyond Judeo-Christians was difficult. However, since joining forces with Concordia University in 2013, we have been much more successful in involving Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities as well.
Our vision for the future is to continue building this initiative by including as many communities as we can. Our intention is also to build agency among the individuals involved; to empower young leaders involved with this event to start their own initiatives using our framework. Involving students has been an important step in this process and we plan to reach out to more schools in the coming year(s).
The social impact of this event is the facilitation of positive and meaningful interactions among people of different backgrounds. By modelling positive meaningful relationships across differences and fostering appreciative knowledge of others' traditions, improving attitudes, increasing knowledge, and more relationships can occur.
Established in 1971 in mutual understanding and support, the Christian Jewish Dialogue of Montreal sets up and/or promotes activities to foster better relations between Christians and Jews. Our mission is to foster respect, and to strengthen mutual understanding and support between Christians and Jews through dialogue and activities in the larger community.


text:
T.G. Smith Mural Reveal
Last spring, 600 young artists from T.G. Smith Elementary came together to create a nature-inspired mural that is now on display at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, Arkansas. Through the Community Assist program, Art Feeds was able to supply T.G. Smith students and faculty with supplies and training curriculum, including an entire unit on mural creation. With the guidance of TG Smith Art Instructor Susan Jones, students owned the process- from choosing the theme to creating hundreds of drawings to be incorporated into the finished product, the students saw their hard work come to life in front of their eyes. Their enthusiasm and ownership over their work was evident as they explored the finished product, which came to life at the heart of the new Springdale Nature Center.
While there is a fundamental process to creating a community mural, the experience is unique to every school and artist involved. At T.G. Smith Elementary, the students were especially inspired by the outdoors and all of the fascinating plants and animals found in the natural state. Over the span of four weeks, the students learned about storytelling, brainstorming, and community collaboration. Each student was allowed to take ownership of their part in the greater creation, drawing their own interpretations of the theme. Once the students finished their artwork, the drawings were traced into a graphic design software system and compiled into a bold and beautiful creation for the entire community to enjoy.
In November 2020, 50 students and faculty from T.G. Smith Elementary gathered at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center for the official mural reveal. The day was complete with a private tour of the nature center and refreshments for the students as they celebrated their accomplishment. Here at Art Feeds, we believe that the shared experience of creating a mural allows students to learn valuable life skills while participating in telling a collective story. Grateful to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, The Walmart Foundation, and Dr. and Mrs. James Laurence Jones for making this mural possible.
Photos courtesy of Melody Maynard
back to Dino Sunset
Next Read:Sylvan Hills Mural Reveal
Turnbow Elementary Mural
Folsom Elementary Mural
New FREE Bundle on Art Feeds Online
Community Assist Apps for 2021-2022 are OPEN!


text:
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat speaking at a roundtable discussion on how to double the apparel exports to the US. The discussion was jointly organised by The Daily Star and the BGMEA at The Daily Star Centre yesterday. Photo: Star
Bangladesh's target to double its apparel exports by next five years is daunting but achievable if the country can fix infrastructure bottlenecks, boost productivity and attract investment.
"The target is very simple, but a challenging one," said Sharif As-Saber, a Bangladeshi professor at RMIT University, an Australia-based public university.
He said the apparel exports were currently growing at nine percent. But the growth should be at least 11 percent to reach the target of $50 billion by 2021 — a goal Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) set in 2014.
Garment sector accounts for 81 percent of the country's overall export earnings, and employs more than four million people, mostly poor women from rural Bangladesh.
Garment exports grew 4.08 percent to $25.5 billion in fiscal 2014-15, according to data from state-run Export Promotion Bureau.
Bangladesh would have to export an additional $5 billion per year for the next few years to reach the target.
Despite being the second largest producer of garment items in the world, Bangladesh accounts for only 5.09 percent of the global clothing market, according to Siddiqur Rahman, president of the BGMEA.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat said setting a goal of doubling apparel exports in less than six years was ambitious. "But I don't know how you get big results without setting big goals."
The diplomat expressed her country's commitment to helping Bangladesh reach the target.
She said Bangladesh's apparel sector is a major industry leader and is growing to be the top producer.
"It is not because of cheap labour. Buyers have told me there are countries that have lower wages than Bangladesh. What these industries [in other countries] don't have is skilled workforce that delivers time and again quality product on time.
"That's what puts this industry on top," Bernicat observed.
They made the remarks at a roundtable styled "Target $50 billion: We Need Your Support to Reach It" at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka. The BGMEA and The Daily Star jointly organised the discussion.
The sector has an opportunity to transform itself by adopting the international standards that are increasingly required of this industry and other industries everywhere, Bernicat said.
Talking about the duty and quota-free trade facility extended by the US to its trading partners, the American diplomat said all manufacturing units in every country had to adopt the same international standards to qualify for the trade preference, like the standards Bangladeshi manufacturers were asked to comply.
Ahsan H Mansur, executive director of Policy Research Institute, said the $50b target was very logical, as historically trade grew about the double of a country's gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
"If Bangladesh wants to grow its GDP by 7-8 percent the apparel exports will have to double the growth."
He said the economy size doubled from $100 billion to $200 billion in the last five years. "If we can double our national income in five years, why can't we do the same in case of garment exports in the same time?"
But the task is not easy either, reminded the former economist of the International Monetary Fund.
In the next few years, Mansur said, Bangladesh would have to make the investment it has made over the last 35-40 years, which is a formidable task.
"This time, the investment has to be capital-intensive to achieve the same output."
He said Bangladesh would have to invest $100-125 billion in the sector at the country's current capital output ratio of 4.5.
"The BGMEA has to think whether it would be able to make this amount of investment without foreign direct investment," he said, adding that he did not think that Bangladesh would be able to raise the money from domestic sources.
More importantly, the standards that are being applied in Bangladesh should be applied globally. "If it is ensured, the cost of production in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar will also go up. As a result, we will be able to remain competitive."
Md Nojibur Rahman, chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), said thanks to pragmatic and facilitative process of the government, Bangladesh's garment sector was touted as an alternative destination for companies leaving China.
He also said the government wanted to see the RMG industry as a well-governed sector. "If you do that and put in place energy-efficient and environment-friendly technologies, then there would be many more incentives coming from the NBR during the upcoming budget discussions and consultations."
Daniel Seidl, a representative of the Brussels-based Foreign Trade Association in Dhaka, said more than 70 percent of Bangladesh's exports reach Europe and the US markets.
"But we can see that China and India are coming to Bangladesh to buy products for their local markets.
"That clearly puts pressure on our factories," he pointed out.
Pierre Mayaudon, head of the European Union mission in Bangladesh, said that to reach the $50-billion target, Bangladesh would have to fight and win three battles: the battle of technology, international engagement and team spirit.
The battle of technology starts with remediation, and a fund of $200 million has been put on the table for the companies that need the money to implement the remediation plans, he said.
"But things are not moving very fast. So we need to put a mechanism in place so factories that need the fund can take the advantage from the donors," he said.
Skilled workers, energy efficient machines and modern machineries are also needed, said the EU ambassador.
He also said Bangladesh also needed to invite a lot of foreign direct investment. It will give more chance to local industries to forge partnership with foreign investors. "Please, be more foreign investors-friendly."
Mayaudon said the recent lifting of western sanctions on Iran opened up opportunity for Bangladesh to export garment products to the country, which have a per capita income of $5,000 and a population of 82 million.
Zahid Hussain, lead economist of the World Bank Bangladesh, said if Bangladesh could increase its export growth by 2-3 percentage points, then it would be able to reach the target.
As per 2015 McKinsey & Company report of 2015, 48 percent chief purchasing managers said they still saw Bangladesh as a sourcing destination, he said.
He said Bangladesh would have to increase productivity, but the lack of industrial land and energy stood as major barriers. And special economic zones have to be set up to ease crisis of industrial land, he said.
He backed BGMEA President Siddiqur Rahman's view on energy, saying many new factories could not start production as they had no gas connections. "If they can't go into production, new entrepreneurs would not be encouraged to make investment."
Siddiqur said although the textile and garment sectors together consume five percent of the total gas production, they contribute hugely in job creation, earning foreign currency and the GDP.
KG Moazzem, additional research director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said if the BGMEA could provide a numerical statistics on how much additional power, gas, land and the number of skilled workers and mid-level managers they would need to reach the target, it would help the government to make decisions.
Srinivas Reddy, director of the International Labour Organisation in Dhaka, said respect for labour rights, fixing the safety issues and completion of the remediation process and investing in people were three major areas for the sustainable growth of the sector.
The $50billion will not only bring benefits for the 5,000 employers, but also to the 4-6 million workers if the workers are made partners-in-progress, he said.
Jochen Weikert, a programme coordinator of GIZ Bangladesh, said the garment sector association, the government, and the civil society collectively were no longer a small player in the global garment sector.
"If you raise your voice on the grounds of your enhanced responsibility and sustainability then your claim will be much more heard and credible," he said while talking about bargaining over pricing issue.
Nazma Akter, a labour activist, said the living conditions of the workers and their wage had to be improved. Besides, trade union rights and freedom of association have to be ensured.
"Without ensuring the well-being of the workers, the sector will not be sustainable," she said.
Moderating the event, Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, said the garment sector was the growth engine for Bangladesh and had done wonders in the last two-three decades.
"They are now poised, in terms of infrastructure, ability and skills, for vigorous height."
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/goal-ambitious-achievable-209980