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Effects of State Gun Laws and Gun Ownership on Gun Violence
Effects of Right-to-Carry. Shall-Issue, May-Issue, and Permit-to-Purchase on Gun Violence
Academic Research on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Academic Studies on the Efficacy of Child Access Prevention and Safe Storage Laws
Academic Studies on Adult and Youth Firearm Suicides
Academic Studies on Domestic Violence and Firearms
Academic Studies on Mental Illness and Gun Violence
Academic Research on Gun Violence Prevention Strategies
Academic Studies on Campus Carry
Academic Studies on the Effects of Laws and Policies on Gun Violence
Tennessee Firearm Death Data
TENNESSEE YOUTH FIREARM DEATH DATA
Tennessee Firearm Suicide Data
Tennessee Background Check Data
Tennessee Gun Permit Data
2019 PRIORITY FEDERAL LEGISLATION
2020 PRIORITY STATE LEGISLATION
Strengthen Firearm Dispossession
Expanded Background Checks
MaKayla's Law
Our Legislature Wants to Make it Easier for Convicted Violent Felons to Get Their Gun Rights Back
Posted on March 29, 2016 by safetennesseeproject
Yes, you read that right.
Here's the official summary of SB 1613/ HB 1565:
Present law provides 10 defenses that a defendant may assert when charged with illegal possession of a weapon; provided, that the defenses are not available to a person who unlawfully possesses a firearm and has been convicted of either a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon or a felony drug offense. This bill makes the defenses available to a person who unlawfully possesses a firearm and has been convicted of either a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon or a felony drug offense if the felony conviction was expunged or the person's citizenship rights were restored under the laws of Tennessee, another state, or the United States.
OK, so maybe that's not so bad? Think again. Here's our legal analysis of exactly what the bill is about (yes, it's a technical, kind of complicated subject but the analysis should be pretty clear):
Overview and Background Regarding HB1565/SB1613
Currently, the law in Tennessee states that it is unlawful to possess a firearm if you have been convicted of a felony using or attempting to use force, violence or a deadly weapon; or a felony drug offense. 39-17-1307 Tennessee Code 39-17-1308, provides 10 defenses to a possession charge, but these defenses are not available to individuals convicted of the above felonies.
SB 1613 would make these defenses available to those exempted individuals if their felonies have been expunged, or they have their citizenship rights restored. Currently, these particular felonies cannot be expunged under Tennessee law, so the focus on the bill is clearly on individuals who, despite having these violent felonies, have had their rights restored.
Restoration of citizenship rights are governed by Tennessee Code sections 40-29-101 to 106 and can be summarized as follows:
Felony Convictions Between July 1, 1986 and July 1, 1996
Citizenship rights may be restored upon receiving a pardon (except where the pardon contains special conditions pertaining to the right of suffrage); service or expiration of the maximum sentence; or being granted final release from incarceration or supervision by the board of parole or county correction authority. 40-29-105(b) (1)
Individuals convicted of first degree murder, aggravated rape, treason or voter fraud during this time shall never be elligible to register and vote in this state. 40-29-105 (b)(2)
Felony Convictions After July 1, 1996
Individual may petition the the circuit court of the county where the petitioner resides, or where the conviction occurred to have his or her citizenship rights restored immediately upon receiving a pardon or upon the expiration of the maximum sentence imposed by the court. 40-29-105 (c)(1) and (2)
Individuals convicted of murder, rape, treason or voter fraud shall never be eligible to register and vote in this state 40-29-105 (c)(2)(B)
The petition shall set for the bases for the petitioner's eligibility for restoration and shall state the reasons the petitioner believes that petitioner's full citizenship rights should be restored. 40-29-105(c)(3)
The petition shall be accompanied by the certified records, statements and other documents or information necessary to demonstrate to the court that the petitioner is eligible for and merits have full citizenship restored. THe court may require additional proof as it deems necessary. 40-29-105(c)(3)
"There is a presumption that a petition filed pursuant to this subsection shall be granted and that the full citizenship rights of the petitioner shall be restored. This presumption may only be overcome upon proof by a preponderance of the evidence that either the petitioners is not eligbible for restoration or there is otherwise good cause to deny the petition."40-29-105(c)(3) (emphasis added)
At least 30 days prior to any hearing or disposition on a petition, the court shall notify in writing the district attorney generals of the county in which the petitioner resides and the county where the conviction occurred. If the conviction was in federal court, notice shall be given to the United States attorney and district attorney general in whose district the petitioner is currently residing for federal convictions. Each district general attorney may oppose the petition in person or in writing. 40-29-105(4)
This exact issue was litigated in 2002 in the State v. Johnson, where the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee addressed the certified question: "After an individual has had his full rights of citizenship restored pursuant to Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-29-101, et seq., following a conviction of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, can he be convicted of a violation of Tenn.Code Ann. § 39-17-1307(b)(1)(A), or is he allowed to possess a handgun?" The answer was no.
In that case, Mr. Johnson was convicted, on June 29, 1989, of felony aggravated assault with a knife, which resulted in the loss of his citizenship rights. Id., 79. S.W.3d at 524. On May 12, 1999 Mr. Johnson successful had his citizenship rights restored. Then, on February 4, 2000, a search warrant was executed at Mr. Johnson's residence and marijuana, a rifle and a handgun were found. Id. Mr. Johnson claimed, he could not be prosecuted for possession of the handgun in his own home because 39-17-1308 explicitly allowed such possession. The Court of Criminal Appeals agreed but the Supreme Court reversed, holding, based on an analysis of the current statutes:
these statutory provisions demonstrate the legislature's clear intent to prohibit convicted violent felons from possessing a handgun. We therefore hold that a person convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence, or a deadly weapon cannot possess a handgun, even where his or her citizenship rights have been restored pursuant to Tenn.Code Ann. § 40-29-101, et seq.
Id. at 528
Clearly, the current bill was drafted to override the Supreme Court decision in Johnson. It seems fairly simple to have one's citizenship rightsrestored. Indeed, in some cases it is automatic, and where a petition is required, there is an explicit presumption will be granted. This bill will therefore make it relatively easy for convicted violent felons to legally obtain firearms. Given that the original legislation clearly considered and exempted these individuals from ever owning firearms, this bill seems ill conceived.
Some questions for consideration:
How does this proposed amendment benefit the citizens of Tennessee?
How does the existing legislation, banning a convicted felon from possessing a firearm, infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens?
Why not restore voting rights to murderers then? Why withhold that constitutional right?
How many instances are citizenship rights restored? Do you think that will increase because of this amendment?
Will the standard change? Perhaps the presumption that rights are restored be removed?
How do you respond to what recently happened in North Dakota?
A similar bill was passed in North Dakota in 2011, allowing "an individual who is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a conviction of a felony [to] petition the District Court where they live for a restoration of the individual's firearm rights." This bill was then taken advantage of by Marcus Schumacher. Mr. Schumacher was convicted of a felony for shooting and killing a man in 1988, but successfully petitioned to have his rights restored. He then legally purchased a firearm, which he used last week to shoot and kill a police officer.
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee:
Sen. Brian Kelsey 615-741-3036
sen.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Doug Overbey 615-741-0981
sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov
306 WMB
Sen. Janice Bowling 615-741-6694
sen.janice.bowling@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Mike Bell 615-741-1946
sen.mike.bell@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Todd Gardenhire 615-741-6682
sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
11A LP
Sen. Lee Harris 615-741-1767
sen.lee.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Sara Kyle 615-741-4167
sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Kerry Roberts 615-741-4499
sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen John Stevens 615-741-4576
sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
tagged with Expungement, Felony conviction, Gun rights, Restoration, State v. Johnson, Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee, Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee House, Tennessee Legislature, Tennessee Senate
Pingback: Remarks from Vanderbilt Gun Policy Discussion | Safe Tennessee Project
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Contact Safe Tennessee Project
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
– Margaret Meade


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Published 30 Jun 2016 in Articles
Erkki Melartin: rediscovering a remarkable Finnish composer
by Tuire Ranta-Meyer
For decades, composer Erkki Melartin faded slowly into obscurity. Today, he is the subject of more research than ever. Recently produced editions of his music to modern standards have made his works more accessible for performances by orchestras. All this has resulted in these exciting works being performed in concert, and now a wonderful recording.
Composer and conductor Erkki Melartin (1875–1937) was a key figure on the Finnish musical scene in his day. He was an encouraging and cordial teacher of composition and an enthusiastic pedagogical reformer whose diverse career included directing the Helsinki Music Institute (which later became the Sibelius Academy).
Last year marked the 140th anniversary of Melartin's birth, but this was overshadowed by the 150th anniversary of his most distinguished Finnish colleague, Jean Sibelius. Melartin himself would not have been surprised had he been around to witness this. In his lifetime, he often felt overshadowed by Sibelius, who had been elevated to the status of a national hero at a relatively early age and was only 10 years older than Melartin.
"Sibelius is worshipped like an idol," he wrote in his calendar after a concert in 1908. In 1935, the manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra regretfully explained that the concert season was being devoted to the music of Sibelius on the occasion of the latter's 70th birthday. Melartin turned 60 that same year, but his works were seldom performed, even though it was already known that his health was failing.
Research takes centre stage
After the Sibelius 150 celebrations, in 2016, two significant tributes to Melartin's life's work emerged. The first was a themed issue of the Musiikki periodical dedicated to the style, analysis and genesis of his music. The publication of research articles focusing on compositions is of prime importance. As long as composers and their era are studied, they remain a living presence on the musical scene.
One of the motivations for the themed issue was the project of editing Melartin's symphonies and other major orchestral works, launched by the Erkki Melartin Society in 2007. "Over the past ten years, our understanding of Melartin's orchestral works has become immeasurably deeper," says music engraver Jani Kyllönen, who is editing the scores produced in the project. "This is a vital project. Composers who are researched and evaluated are in a much better position than those who have been forgotten. There are now much better opportunities for getting Melartin's works performed."
Out of obscurity
Fascinating new aspects of Melartin's life and music have emerged through the research. New information on the style, origins and performance history of Melartin's works has been discovered, along with insights into Melartin's artistic ambitions in general. We should note that in the early 20th century he was pretty much Finland's only composer of symphonies apart from Sibelius.
The editing process uncovered a variety of observations and historical notes from original sources; this is particularly to the fore in the articles on the works Traumgesicht and Marjatta in the Melartin themed issue. They were written by Tuire Ranta-Meyer, editor of the issue, and Jani Kyllönen. Although Melartin's symphonies occupy a central position in his output, the two works described in these articles – a symphonic poem for orchestra and a tone poem for soprano and orchestra – reveal quite a new aspect of Melartin's creative persona. Whereas his symphonies are firmly rooted in the Germanic tradition, these two works show his orchestral writing in a more colourist and virtuoso light. It would appear that working with a freer form inspired him to bolder stylistic experiments in the 1910s in particular.
Important premiere recordings
There was another high point in store for Melartin enthusiasts in early 2016. Once the ongoing research and the editing project had revealed the high artistic quality of hitherto completely obscure works, it became possible to engage the interest of Hannu Lintu, Chief Conductor of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Reijo Kiilunen, managing director of the Ondine record label.
In November 2014, Lintu conducted the FRSO in a performance of Traumgesicht – the first time it had seen the light of day in 81 years. May 2016 saw the release of a recording of the work by the same orchestra and conductor on the Ondine label to the highest standard of artistic excellence. The album contained all world premiere recordings of colourful, poetic, often nature-inspired works: Traumgesicht, Marjatta and the eight-movement suite from the ballet Sininen helmi [The Blue Pearl]. It has already been hailed as an act of high cultural merit (see the review by Mats Liljeroos).
"Exploring these works by Melartin broadened my conception of his persona and the history of Finnish music," says Hannu Lintu. He sees Melartin's melodic writing as exceptionally interesting and his orchestration as amazingly sonorous and colourful. "It is high time that we acknowledged Melartin as a master in his own right, with an output of great integrity that is remarkable even by international standards," says Lintu.
The soprano soloist in the recording of the tone poem Marjatta is the radiant Soile Isokoski. She is gratified by Melartin's vocal writing. "It is an extensive narrative where the opening is lyrical and the conclusion more dramatic. This progression is friendly on a singer's voice. Its harmonies and melodic shapes are challenging in places, but Melartin is always fresh and has an interesting dash of Romantic sparkle," Isokoski describes the work from her perspective.
Melartin and symphonic unity
The themed issue of the Musiikki periodical also contains a research article by Sakari Ylivuori D.Mus. on Melartin's Fifth Symphony. It is the first instance of someone noting and describing the composer's facility for building symphonic unity: all four movements are closely tied together, and two different thematic processes run through the entire symphony, sustaining the structure. Ylivuori notes that because of these processes, the four movements of the symphony form a close-knit single entity.
In other words, Sibelius does not have a monopoly on symphonic unity. A closer look at Melartin's symphonies may reveal further interesting and original ways of pursuing the ideals of 'inner conciseness' and 'grand expansiveness', terms that Melartin himself used to describe his symphonic ambitions.
Variety of perspectives
Thanks to the Jean Sibelius Works project, there is now a significant body of manuscript scholars in Finland. One manifestation of this is the final research article in the Melartin themed issue, where the genetic criticism method is applied to Melartin's Modernist piano sonata Fantasia apocaliptica. The author demonstrates that this single-movement fantasy was worked out from sketches originally intended for a four-movement sonata.
The Melartin issue casts further light on his composition process and its various aspects through two reviews. Music critic Mats Liljeroos reviews Melartin's symphonies and their interpretations in recordings to date. He concludes that there is an urgent need for a new, ambitious complete recording of the symphonies, going back to the original scores and using the newly edited materials. Non-fiction author and music librarian Heikki Poroila, on the other hand, outlines the problems of opus numbering, using the catalogues of three Finnish composers as examples (Melartin, Selim Palmgren and Oskar Merikanto).
Further exploration
The Melartin orchestral works editing project is still going on and is constantly uncovering new information for scientific study. Melartin scholarship will continue to clear overgrown paths and to explore unknown lands for some time to come. The disc freshly released by Ondine shows that a new interest in Melartin's music may result in a new and artistically dazzling tradition of interpretation – or fireworks of differing interpretations by various conductors. It would be highly desirable to attract international explorers and pyrotechnicians, so to speak, to join the effort.
Main photo: Performers of Melartin's ballet Blue Pearl (1931). Atelier Rembrandt/Archives of the Finnish National Opera Ballet
#Erkki Melartin
#Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
#Hannu Lintu
#Jani Kyllönen
#Soile Isokoski
#Tuire Ranta-Meyer
The multiple aesthetic aspects of Melartin
Reviews by Mats LiljeroosPublished 30 Jun 2016
Erkki Melartin - a symphonic composer of international stature?
by Osmo Tapio RäihäläPublished 01 Mar 2000

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


In that activity plan, the CNMV did not outline specific plans to target Forex and CFD trading, but it did state that one of its four strategic objectives will include "analysis of initiatives with complex, high-risk products". Which, in regulator-speak, means leveraged products traded by retail clients – namely, Forex and CFDs.
In the latest developments, today we got an official release from the CNMV, which officially set in motion several measures to enhance the protection of retail investors in Spain when opening accounts with CFD, forex trading, or binary options brokers.
And about as interesting as what the CNMV did do, is what they didn't do – much to the chagrin of Forex and CFD traders and brokers alike, no outright limit was put on leverage, or binary options trading.
(But, the CNMV did specifically state that they weren't ruling out similar leverage limits or outright trading bans in the future).
What did the CNMV enact?
Expressly warn investors that CNMV believes that due to their complexity and risk the purchase of these products is not appropriate for retail investors.
Inform about the cost they would support if they decide to close out their position immediately after entering into the transaction and, in the case of CFDs and forex products that due to leverage losses may be greater than the amount originally invested to purchase the product.
Entities must obtain from the investor a written text or voice recording that proves that the customer is aware that the product he/she is about to purchase is especially complex and that CNMV believes it is not appropriate for retail investors.
Advertising used by companies to promote CFDs, forex products or binary options must always contain a warning on the difficulty of understanding these products and a disclosure of the fact that CNMV believes they are not appropriate for retail investors owing to their complexity and risk.
The companies to whom this demand has been addressed must adapt their procedures and systems so as to be able to give these warnings and obtain written or oral statements of awareness as soon as practicable, and at all events within one month from receipt of the demand.
CNMV also plans to approach the securities supervisors of other countries to ask them to require that similar warnings be given and actions be taken by entities that provides these products to Spanish retail investors under the freedom to provide services.
CNMV will actively advocate at ESMA the adoption of coordinated measures throughout the European Union to enhance investor protection in this domain.
The marketing of high levered CFD products to retail investors has raised concerns at CNMV for some time. As documented by LeapRate, you can view here the high amount of warnings emanating from the CNMV.
In October 2014 an official warning was given on the risks and the high ratio of investors obtaining losses when investing in CFDs and in July 2016, on the occasion of a release issued by ESMA on CFDs, binary products and other speculative products, CNMV issued a new warning on the risks involved in these products.
CFD's, forex products and binary options and their risks are hard to understand for most retail investors. Research conducted by CNMV and other securities supervisors shows that most retail investors investing in these products lose money.
According to data drawn from the CNMV's latest study, from January 1st, 2015 to September 30th, 2016, 82% of investors who entered into CFD transactions made a loss.
The total losses of 30,656 investors, including transaction costs, spreads and fees, came to €142 million (the aggregate results were losses of €52 million plus €90 million in fees, spreads and other costs).
Some European Union countries have proposed and in some cases even implemented a range of initiatives to limit the leverage of investments in these products or restrict their marketing by placing constraints on advertising or remote sales via call centres. CNMV stated they didn't rule this option out.
Let your voice be heard on ESMA's 30x Forex leverage plan!


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News > 4X4 / Rock > Tracy Jordan Captures His Twenty-Fourth Career Win
Mar 30, 2010 by admin
Filed Under: 4X4 / Rock
W.E. Rock Western US Nationals
Oroville, California
Heading into Oroville, California, for W.E. Rock's season opener and their tenth year of competitive rock crawling, brothers Tracy and Jason Jordan had their eyes on one thing; another series championship. Coming off of a spectacular finish to their 2009 season by winning the Grand Nationals in Farmington, New Mexico, Jordan Racing made plans to campaign their SpiderTrax built Rock Bug in the Pro Modified class. Little did they know by weekend's end, they would make rock crawling history.
Tracy Jordan soon began to question his decision to compete in the Pro Modified class once he learned there were equal entrants in both classes. In a last minute decision, Jordan decided to switch to the Unlimited class where he will compete for his ninth series championship.
"My heart has always been there [in the Unlimited class]," Jordan explained. "It's where the best talent has traditionally been and it gives us a chance to showcase what this car, and rear-steer, can really do. Once we learned the entrant numbers were equal, our decision had been made."
The odds were seemingly stacked against the brothers, who had removed the rear-steer axle and 39" BFG Krawlers just days prior to the event. They would enter the Unlimited class shod with Pro Mod spec'd 37" BFG tires and no rear-steer, a major disadvantage for the brothers who would be going up against lightweight, single-seat moon buggies running 39-40 inch tires.
The end of day one surprisingly found the brothers in second place and only fifteen points off the leader. Jordan knew he would have to continue to post low scores if he wanted to go into the Shootout high enough in the rankings to have a chance at a top place finish. The pressure was now on for the reigning national champs and day two would be their proving grounds.
Like a true veteran of the sport, Jordan kept a level head throughout the day. Working seamlessly with his spotter, he was able to continue to keep the pressure on the leader and even posted a low score on one of the courses. The day would end with Jordan Racing sitting in second place, four points off the lead, after running eight courses and heading into the Shootout with a full-steam-ahead mentality.
The Shootout will either make or break a team. It is where all the cards are laid out on the table and the winner is usually the one who can keep his composure and nerves in check for one last run. Tracy Jordan is one of the best in the sport at keeping his cool in these situations. Having more competitions under his belt than anyone competing in rock crawling today, Jordan not only knows how to deal with the pressure, but also how to put the pressure on other teams as well.
In front of the 2,000 plus fans that attended the event, Dirt Sports magazine, Off-Road.com, Pirate4x4.com and CRAWL magazine, Jordan was able to showcase what the best equipment on the market is capable of accomplishing. After a nearly flawless Shootout run, Jordan was able to take the lead and net his twenty-fourth career win. Jordan made rock crawling history by winning the Unlimited class in a Pro Mod spec'd car.
"I have yet to find the limits of this car," Jordan exclaimed. "The King shocks, Trail Ready wheels, and BFG Tires work so well on this SpiderTrax built car that I am amazed every time I drive it. I can't say enough about the quality of each and every part that went into making this revolutionary rock crawler; it really is a work of art."
Jordan Racing's next stop will be at W.E. Rock's second event in Tucson, Arizona. The brothers are sure to have a target on their backs as they try to maintain their lead in the Western US Nationals Series and their dominance in the sport of rock crawling.
Tags: crawling, king of the hammers, koh, off-road, rock, rock bug, tracy jordan


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Stats Reveal Skate Safety
April 29, 2009 at 4:59 am by Richard Lau
The university released a host of statistics concerning skateboard safety on Monday.
The statistics are the result of the On-Campus Skateboard Safety Survey conducted via e-mail during Fall Quarter by the Skateboard Committee, which was convened by the university to review skateboarding safety on campus and consider potential solutions. The findings show that 86 percent of undergraduates do not know of the rules regarding skateboarding on campus, or even where to find them.
Ryan Pabkaz, a second-year computer engineering major who skateboards to and from class was not aware that these rules even existed.
"We have a campus skateboard policy?" he said.
The random open survey found that of the 36 percent of undergraduates who skateboard on or around campus, 14 percent have been in an accident caused by a pedestrian. A quarter of the participants of the survey claim that a skateboarder had hit them, and 66 percent said they had almost been hit.
Chris Kim, a second-year business economics major, said he is one of the pedestrians who has been in an accident, and attributed the danger to negligence on the part of skateboarders.
"I was hit head on by a skateboarder who was texting on his cell while skateboarding on the bike path," Kim said, "He wasn't paying attention and glided into the opposite lane and hit me head on."
Despite these dangers, the survey found overwhelming opposition to a campuswide ban on skateboarding. Only 15 percent of pedestrians and three percent of skateboarders supported a possible ban.
The survey also collected statements from skateboarders who had been involved in accidents. From these comments, the committee concluded that panicking pedestrians played a significant role in the danger surrounding skateboarding.
Pabkaz agreed, saying that while he has not been in any accidents he has seen this behavior contribute to many near misses.
"I think the major problem is that [pedestrians] kind of get all 'deer-in-headlights' seeing an approaching skateboarder," Pabkaz said. "It'd be better if they kept walking."
Raymond Collins, Associated Students off-campus representative and Skateboard Committee member, said the survey results prompted this week to be named "Skateboard Awareness Week," which consists of students, administrators and police officers tabling to answer questions concerning skateboarding safety and policy.
Collins said he believes that the majority of skateboarders only need to make a few minor changes to their habits in order to significantly increase safety on campus.
"If students can change the way they skateboard on campus to be [safer], the number of accidents will decrease and we will maintain the privilege of skating on campus," he said.
The skateboard committee will enact several measures in response to the survey's findings, including an increase in signs directing pedestrians, skateboarders and bicyclists.
Additionally, Collins said the university is planning to build a skateboard lane from Humanities and Social Sciences Building to Davidson Library. He said construction will begin once student organizations raise the second half of the necessary funds.
The full results of the survey can be viewed online at www.vcadmin.ucsb.edu/skateboard.html.
how does this reveal skate safety?
it says that 25% of faculty, staff, and students have been hit by skateboards. that's a lot.


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Viknesh Vijayenthiran May 9, 2019 Comment Now!
Workhorse, an Ohio company specializing in electric commercial vehicles, is in talks with General Motors to purchase the Lordstown Complex plant, which produced the Chevrolet Cruze until it was idled in March.
The plant, located in Lordstown, Ohio, was among five North American vehicle plants that GM first announced last November it would idle. At the time, GM said it would find other jobs for most of the 1,600 workers employed at Lordstown Complex. More than 1,350 have accepted transfers to other GM plants since then.
President Donald Trump in a tweet made on Wednesday said he learned from GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra that the sale will go ahead subject to agreement with United Auto Workers and other stakeholders.
GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 8 May 2019
The sale will be to a newly formed entity led by Workhorse founder Steve Burns, with Workhorse owning a minority stake in the new entity. Workhorse plans to initially use the plant for production of an electric pickup truck, likely to be the W-15 extended-range pickup first shown in 2016.
Workhorse also develops delivery drones and delivery vans. The company signed a deal last June to deliver 1,000 vans to UPS.
"We remain committed to growing manufacturing jobs in the U.S., including in Ohio, and we see this development as a potential win-win for everyone," Barra said in a statement released after Trump's tweet. "Workhorse has innovative technologies that could help preserve Lordstown's more than 50-year tradition of vehicle assembly work."
Mary Barra
Barra on Wednesday also confirmed a Trump tweet that GM will spend $700 million on expanding operations at three other Ohio sites and create 450 jobs in the process. The sites are Toledo, Parma and Moraine, which are responsible for diesel engines, transmissions, and stamped parts, respectively.
Barra also revealed that GM plans to bring more jobs to the U.S. over time due to the expected provisions of the new USMCA trade deal, which has been signed but not yet ratified.
Meanwhile, over in Canada, GM will inject around $170 million in its plant in Oshawa to turn it into a components plant and test site for self-driving cars. Unfortunately, only about 300 jobs are expected to be retained versus the current 2,600-strong workforce.
High-Res Gallery: Workhorse W-15 extended-range electric pickup truck
Electric Cars Industry Pickup Trucks Workhorse Trucks
Porsche served $598M fine in Germany over diesel scandel
VW Group reportedly drops electric sports car platform, mulls Bentley sale to cut costs


The court system in Cape Coral, Florida is a government institution of Florida to settle disputes involving residents of, or events that occurred in, Cape Coral.
More likely than not, you will deal with the courts of Cape Coral, Florida at least once or twice in your life.
Jury Duty: All adult U.S. citizens who live in Cape Coral are eligible to be called for jury duty in Cape Coral, Florida. This is the only way that many people deal with the court system. If you are called to serve in jury duty (typically, every person is eligible to be called for jury duty once per year), when you get the letter from the court telling you to show up for jury duty (typically a few weeks after the letter arrives), you are legally required to do so on the appointed date. You are then placed in a large "juror pool," and called into a courtroom that has an upcoming trial. The lawyers for each side of the case will then ask each juror some questions to determine if they are biased. If the lawyer doesn't want a juror serving on the jury, they can dismiss the juror (they only have a limited number of dismissals, however). If you are dismissed, you're done. If you end up on the jury, you are now serving a very important role in the justice system, and it's important that you follow all of the judge's instructions.
Being Sued: Similarly, if you are sued, you will have your work cut out for you in the courts of Cape Coral, Florida. You, or your attorney, will have to file an answer to the complaint, and many other documents. You might also have to attend discovery hearings, or case management conferences.
Divorce: If you and your spouse are divorcing, hopefully you can do it amicably. If there are disagreements over child custody, or other concerns, a Cape Coral, Florida family court is going to have to settle them.
How Can A Cape Coral, Florida Tort Lawyer Help?
Most people who have to deal with Cape Coral, Florida's courts do so because they are facing extremely intricate legal issues, or disputes that they cannot resolve on their own.
Accordingly, it's almost always a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable civil litigation attorney if you think that you are going to have to deal with the courts in Cape Coral, Florida.
Cape Coral, Florida is a city in Lee County, Florida. It has a population of approximately 155,000 people.
The city of Cape Coral, Florida was founded in 1957. Development of the area continued through the 1960s. Cape Coral saw a major addition with the construction of the Cape Coral Bridge, which is about 1 kilometer long. This reduced the drive time between Cape Coral and nearby Fort Myers from over half an hour to just a few minutes.
This allows the professionals who reside in Cape Coral, Florida, such as doctors, accountants, and lawyers, to shorten their commutes to the larger cities in the surrounding area, turning Cape Coral into a quiet residential community.
The economy of Cape Coral, Florida is largely dominated by city government, healthcare, and services. All of these industries employ large numbers of administrative personnel, such as lawyers.
If you live in or around Cape Coral, Florida, and need an attorney, it's very likely that there's a Cape Coral, Florida lawyer who can help you with whatever legal issue you might face.


Our Kitchen cabinet handle and knob range has been specially selected to cover a broad spectrum of Kitchen styles. If you are looking for a particular handle style such as modern, vintage or classic you will find it here. Our furniture handles are suitable for many different applications.


I was arrested for DUI, but I was not drunk. What do I do now?
Sober individuals who are not physically active or have inner ear problems often cannot balance on one leg for any length of time. An officer may cite failure to pass this simple test as evidence of intoxication, when it may simply be evidence of a driver's physical inactivity or medical problem.
Drivers who do not speak English as their native language may not be able to recite the alphabet or count forward or backward correctly and confidently. And any driver, regardless of his native language, may feel nervous or intimidated when confronted by a law enforcement officer and not perform simple mental task to the best of their normal abilities.
Many prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter products (like cough medicines) or herbal preparations (such as ginseng or kava kava), may contain alcohol. This may alter the results of breathalyzer tests or blood or urine samples taken.
How a law enforcement officer calibrates, stores and operates a breathalyzer machine may impact the machine's results. Any error on the officer's part can, on occasion, render the machine inaccurate.
When taking a blood or urine sample, wiping the area with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol before taking a sample can create inaccurate Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) results.
Some medical conditions can cause a driver to have an elevated BAC even when he hasn't been drinking. For example, diabetics can have ketones in their breath, which could cause a breathalyzer analysis to record alcohol when they haven't been drinking.
No attorney wants help drunk drivers break the law and get away with it, but those who are victims of a false arrest need legal representation to prove their innocence. Contact an DUI attorney in your area experienced with your state's DUI laws.


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Young's Seafood Limited Announce M&S contract wins and consultation on factory closure in Annan
Young's Seafood Limited is today announcing the signing of 3 significant contracts with M&S. These new contracts will see Young's Seafood supply M&S with chilled and frozen coated fish, natural salmon and white fish from 2018 to 2023. Young's Seafood is also announcing that it has chosen to exit Deli and Meals production from its […]
A look around the new Baptist Church Centre, Gilbrae, Dumfries – video
youtu.be/P8CQ_I_-CL0
Local cameraman, David Slater, was given privileged access to the brand new £4.9m centre for Dumfries Baptist Church, in Georgetown:
IMPACT WRESTLING SET FOR UK RETURN
IMPACT Wrestling announced today a return to the U.K. as part of Britain's biggest wrestling convention – Wrestling MediaCon 2018 – on Sunday, Sept. 9 at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. The show marks IMPACT Wrestling's first live event in the U.K. in more than two years, coming as part of a huge convention with […]
Seasonal illness affects Maternity Service in West of the Region
A COMBINATION of long-term staff sickness and other staff now falling ill is having a temporary impact on the maternity service in the west of the region. An overriding concern for patient safety has prompted moves to place the on-call service on hold until staffing recovers from short-term seasonal illness. A very small number of […]
Paramedics join Out of Hours in ground-breaking pilot scheme
A GROUND-BREAKING pilot scheme is introducing paramedics as part of NHS Dumfries and Galloway's Out of Hours (OOH) service. Two Specialist Paramedics with the Scottish Ambulance Service will support the region's OOH service as part of a collaborative six-month pilot project The Out of Hours Service delivers medical help outside of general practice opening times. […]
Scottish Secretary meets engineers and apprentices as UK Government launches campaign to inspire the next generation
Scottish Secretary David Mundell visited a major engineering company to support a pioneering UK Government campaign to transform the way young people see engineering and boost numbers entering the profession. Mr Mundell toured Mitsubishi Electric's Livingston facility and met engineers and apprentices as the Year of Engineering was launched to highlight the scale of opportunity […]
GOVERNMENT IN DENIAL OVER NHS CHALLENGES
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the Scottish Government of being in denial over the challenges facing the NHS in Dumfries and Galloway, after the latest Accident and Emergency Waiting times showed that the local NHS failed to hit the Government's target for the twelve week in a row. According to the latest figures […]
Free course offers guide to less stressful life
A CHANCE to learn how to take better care of yourself and get the most out of life is being offered in Dumfries from next Wednesday. Nithsdale Health Improvement Team are preparing to launch a new free, run of the Mindfulness Course, which is an interactive approach helping to change the way we think about […]
Free Health and Wellbeing sessions expanded in Nithsdale
WEEKLY sessions helping to support healthy lifestyle choices are being launched in Upper Nithsdale for the first time. Free guidance and support will show how even small changes to routine can result in someone feeling fitter and better, and potentially reduce their risks of developing illnesses such as cancer and Type 2 diabetes. The Health […]
Audio - listen again
Special feature on mental health, with Frank Ritchie – audio
Here's a chance to listen again to Mark Smith's special feature with Samaritan's volunteer, Frank Ritchie, who lost his son to suicide in 2015. This moving interview, interspersed with music poignant to the story, tells of Frank's experiences before and after the tragedy, as well as how he's been coping since. First broadcast on Boxing […]


Most people suffer from bad breath occasionally. However, if it happens often or becomes persistent you should consult your dentist. Occasional bad breath is usually caused by strong foods like garlic, onions and coffee. Persistent bad breath is usually brought on by the breakdown of proteins by bacteria somewhere in the mouth, usually as a result of gum disease or dry mouth..
Many think that dental flossing is simply a waste of time. Though many dentists consider dental flossing to be just as essential as brushing, many people go months, even years without dental flossing. Truly, "not flossing is like washing your hands without getting between the fingers". The dental flossing process is really not difficult, it just requires commitment.
Thorough dental cleansing takes approximately 5 minutes. Brushing teeth is an integral part of dental hygiene, and even though it is the aspect most people are familiar with, there are tips that can make it even more effective.


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Monday - Friday, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET
Mad Money with Jim Cramer
Cramer's Covid-19 Index
Cramer's Soundboard
Car auction company KAR goes 100% digital years ahead of schedule amid pandemic
Published Tue, Jan 12 20216:56 PM EST Updated Wed, Jan 13 202111:23 AM EST
Tyler Clifford@_TylerTheTyler_
"We planned on going 100% digital over the course the next two or three years," KAR Auction Services CEO Jim Hallett told CNBC's Jim Cramer.
"We basically got that taken care of in the space of about two or three weeks and, quite frankly, it has exceeded our expectations," he said in a "Mad Money" interview.
"All in all, it's been a win-win, and our dealers are really pleased and satisfied with how the digital model's performing," he said.
KAR Auction CEO says pandemic sped up digital transition by three years
An Indiana-based auction house is emerging amid the coronavirus pandemic as a technology company, and the disruption caused by the global health crisis has turned a three-year process into what could be considered an overnight success.
KAR Auction Services, based near Indianapolis, made a name for itself in the business of used car auctions.
As last year's pandemic lockdown turned more companies on to remote work and homebound citizens to online shopping, in April the company took its auction services digital, CEO Jim Hallett told CNBC's Jim Cramer Tuesday.
"We planned on going 100% digital over the course the next two or three years," he said in a "Mad Money" interview. "We basically got that taken care of in the space of about two or three weeks and, quite frankly, it has exceeded our expectations."
The process to digitize the auction house began about five years ago and by 2019, three-in-five car sales that KAR facilitated came through the web, Hallett said.
The company also doubled down on both digital and in the dealer-to-dealer market by purchasing BacklotCars, an online dealer-to-dealer vehicle wholesaling platform, for $425 million last September. BacklotCars serves dealers in 46 states across the country. Dealer-to-dealer transactions are a key business for KAR and Hallett said there are as many as 15 million cars under that market.
Facilitating auctions online has given buyers access to more inventory than what's available in their local market, while sellers gain access to a larger buyer base, Hallett explained. KAR serves 150,000 registered buyers in the U.S. Beginning in July, the company said it has faced a used car shortage in the wholesale marketplace.
"All in all, it's been a win-win, and our dealers are really pleased and satisfied with how the digital model's performing," Hallett said.
The digital process has made the business more efficient, Hallet said, and the company's cost of sales has declined in recent years. In the quarter ended Sept. 30, KAR reported a nearly 20% decline in its cost of sales, which followed a roughly 23% decline the year prior, according to Factset.
Through the first nine months of 2020, KAR also a saw revenue decline of 21%, measuring at about $1.66 million as the country battled through the pandemic. Revenue has fallen double digits for seven straight quarters.
Cramer noted that the company's workforce is now below 10,000, down from 15,400 in April, suggesting that it was accompanied by an expansion in gross margins, or the amount of capital a company retains on each dollar of sales.
Despite the workforce reduction caused by the online transition, Hallet said he expects the company to recover jobs as its digital business grows.
"As you become a digital company and you continue to innovate … we will bring additional talent back into the marketplace so that we can support this digital platform and all of the digital acquisitions that were focused on as we go forward," he said.
Since the start of the new year, KAR shares have climbed 11.50%, closing Tuesday's session at $20.75, within dollars of its pre-pandemic price levels.
KAR shares finished 2020 down almost 15% as the market recovered from the coronavirus-induced shutdown in the first quarter last year. The stock has more than doubled from its pandemic lows of under $10 per share.
KAR Auction Services CEO discusses transitioning into a tech company
Questions for Cramer?
Call Cramer: 1-800-743-CNBC
Want to take a deep dive into Cramer's world? Hit him up!
Mad Money Twitter - Jim Cramer Twitter - Facebook - Instagram
Questions, comments, suggestions for the "Mad Money" website? madcap@cnbc.com
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that the total value of cars in the dealer-to-dealer auction market is projected to be $15 million.


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Al Pacino & Director David Gordon Green - Manglehorn
Film 101 The Directors Trailers
The Directors: David Gordon Green Teams With Al Pacino in "Manglehorn"
June 21, 2015 June 21, 2015 Greg Srisavasdi 231 Views 0 Comments Al Pacino, David Gordon Green, David Wingo, Explosions in the Sky, featured, Harmony Korine, Manglehorn
Whether you're a fan of filmmaker David Gordon Green's visually sprawling, voiceover driven explorations of humanity (George Washington, All The Real Girls) or simply love his flair for comedy (Pineapple Express, The Sitter, Your Highness), it's safe to say Green doesn't mind changing things up. With Manglehorn, Green may have shot near his own residence but he still traverses a new path thanks to his collaboration with Al Pacino.
Manglehorn – (IFC Films)
Lonely, bitter, and occasionally volcanic in temper, A.J. Manglehorn (Pacino) is a locksmith who's perpetually stock in the past. Even the attentions of a charming bank teller (Holly Hunter) or sycophantic praise from a tanning salon owner (a surprisingly affecting Harmony Korine) won't snap our protagonist out of his funk. The only two people who Manglehorn truly has patience for is his constipated cat and granddaughter, which means his inner circle is more like a small, suffocating triangle.
Now available on VOD and playing in select theaters, Manglehorn is a resonant drama about a man who, though still battling his personal demons, may find greener pasture if he simply takes a look at the wonder around him (and like all of Green's dramas, the movie is beautifully shot).
I participated in a conference call with several other writers to discuss Manglehorn with David Gordon Green. Here's what he had to say:
How did you come up with the idea for Manglehorn?
I was evacuating from a hurricane when I was working on the show "Eastbound and Down" in North Carolina. I was lost and confused, and I was trying to find my buddy and he asked me what street I was one and I said 'I am on Mangle Horn street' which was out int he middle of nowhere. I thought that would be a cool name for a movie.
I met Al Pacino the next week and I was seeing this kind of strange, very gentle, funny side to him. He was more of the Scarecrow than Scarface (side) of Pacino. I thought that it would be cool to make a movie with him called "Manglehorn."
And then I went home and I was getting my locks changed and I went to the locksmith's shop and I thought, 'I should make a movie at this locksmith's house, it's just a couple of blocks away from my house.'
I gave that idea to my neighbor (Paul Logan) and he wrote the script. (laughs). It was a little unconventional but it worked out really great. I just wanted to use it as an exploration of a strange man who, on the surface is not very lovable, but when you peel back the layers you find a little bit more of a complex and emotional human being.
Al Pacino (A.J. Manglehorn) in David Gordon Green's MANGLEHORN. Courtesy of Ryan Green. An IFC Films release.
How much thought and planning goes into the visual design of your films, especially with Manglehorn? Do you have all the images in your head before you start production with everything set in stone, or does that process change during filming?
Nothing is ever set in stone, but I was making a movie in a neighborhood that is significantly gentrified. And so I wanted to film in places that I knew were barely surviving (and) had a rich history and texture in a neighborhood that is being bulldozed as townhouses are being built.
Literally, all of the locations I could walk to. They were all remnants of a small town and lower income properties in the neighborhood of Austin. And Manglehorn's house isn't there anymore – it's a duplex. The locksmith shop has just been sold – it's going to be a strip mall. We were filming in dying locations that I thought were beautiful and said a lot about Austin's history and character. And they were a great backdrop for a story about characters that are a little bit out of time and trying to struggle and keep up with the world around them.
Most of where we filmed the movie is a 10-minute walk from downtown, and yet we feel like we're in a small town. (For example) when we went in for a shot, a guy on a horse walks by. That was unplanned – and perfect. I asked if him if he'd ride by one more time (laughs).
We do a lot of work with the production designer and the costume designer to create a palette, but I think it begins with the inspiration of real places.
Your work has often been compared to the work of Terrence Malick (Days of Heaven, Badlands). How do you feel about that comparison?
The Malick reference came early in my career where I was making movies kind of about – I'm not really sure why – just kind of lyrical, Southern dramas. And I think he was the easiest comparison.
I will say that it was fun, during the production of Manglehorn, I had dinner with Al Pacino, Terrence Malick, and Holly Hunter. It was incredible to go to a restaurant with those rock stars. It was totally bizarre – I was getting stories of how Malick tried to convince Al Pacino to be in Days of Heaven and things like that. Oh man, it was so juicy for a guy like me to be in on those dinners. It's just inspiring.
Malick was certainly a very big inspiration and has become a friend. And I've departed considerably from that, and I think this may be a return to those strange, lyrical, thematic movies.
But i really just look to a movie that strikes my interest almost like a character actor would. Something I could disappear in and a world I want to live in for a year.
Sometimes it's a movie with a crew of 15 people like "Prince Avalanche" – I just wanted to leave, get the world off my back and just relax in the woods and make a movie that literally had one location and two actors in it. Other times it's to do something ambitious and comedic and blow s**t up like Pineapple Express.
I'm just finishing up a movie ("Our Brand Is Crisis") with Sandra Bullock for Warner Bros. about a Bolivian presidential election because I've really gotten into Latin American politics.
I just shake it up and confuse my mother as best as possible.
To Hear David Gordon Green talk about having lifelong friend David Wingo and Explosions in the Sky create the score and soundscape for Manglehorn, click on the media bar below:
One of our oldest friends wrote it. One of our closest friends directed it. An icon stars in it. The film they made together is out today!! See it in a theater if you can. Movies are always better that way. #manglehorn #paullogan #davidgordongreen #alpacino #ifcfilms
A photo posted by Explosions In The Sky (@explosionsinthesky) on Jun 19, 2015 at 2:43pm PDT
What have you taken from your experiences working with Al Pacino and Harmony Korine?
Volumes. I was just e-mailing with Harmony yesterday and Al I was talking to last week. Those guys have become good friends but they're also creative and psychological resources. As creative people that don't necessarily go with the grain of an industry, we're constantly there to reassure and challenge each other and call each other on our bulls**t. The more friends you have from a diversity of backgrounds and countries and cultures and generations, the better (it is to) navigate (and find) what you really want.
We all get kind of confused on what we want. You get so driven by what money will get you or what celebrity will achieve for you and how it makes your life easier or more complicated. But sometimes it takes a reminder from these strange friendships that "get it." They get the pressures of a creative process that has become a massive industry.
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Greg Srisavasdi
I've been a movie reviewer/interview since 1991 (as a UCLA Daily Bruin scribe), worked at Westwood One, Deepest Dream owner, co-editor of Hollywood Outbreak, podcast co-host of "CinemAddicts" and "Matt and Greg Used To Interview Movie Stars." I can be reached at editor@deepestdream.com for inquiries or whatever the case may be!
Greg Srisavasdi has 1308 posts and counting.	See all posts by Greg Srisavasdi
Arnold Schwarzenegger Pleased With "Extraordinary" Terminator Genisys
July 1, 2015 July 1, 2015 Greg Srisavasdi 0
DVD Review: "50 to 1" Picks The Winning Racehorse
April 26, 2015 April 26, 2015 Greg Srisavasdi 0
'The Pact 2' Q&A With Actor Patrick Fischler
October 7, 2014 October 7, 2014 Greg Srisavasdi 0
'For No Good Reason' Delves Into Ralph Steadman's Artistic Journey
April 24, 2014 July 23, 2014 Greg Srisavasdi 0
"While We're Young" Images With Ben Stiller & Naomi Watts
February 12, 2015 February 12, 2015 Greg Srisavasdi 0
'Jodorowsky's Dune' Spotlights A Filmmaker's Visionary Quest
July 8, 2014 July 21, 2014 Greg Srisavasdi 0


Why would the browser cache assets (images, js, etc.) whilst getting but re-request everything following a Publish + 302 redirect?
We have got our ETags and expiry headers setup correctly so when browsing round the site without posting it really is very snappy. However, after any Publish (that is almost almost always adopted having a 302) you can observe the browser re-request all of the images. Can there be something that may be leading to this? It is possible to setting that handles this?
In my opinion typically you'll still obtain a request however with 'If-Modified-Since' within the header -- a minimum of that is what I have observed, despite expires headers. The response ought to be 304 (not modified) that is ultraquick. Or are you currently saying all of the images are reloaded entirely?
Using Wordpress techniques in echo - does not appear to operate properly?
Machine.Migrations mature enough for use?
Complex htaccess rewrite rules - where will i start?
Can a junction table (join table) also be employed for any one-to-many relationship?
Amazon . com EC2 versus. Rack Space versus. Options for promising small to moderate django powered ecommerces site?


Last month, the European Commission published its evaluation of the Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC, as amended), examining whether it remains fit for purpose, particularly in light of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and the Internet of Things ("IoT").
The first Machinery Directive was adopted in 1989; the current (third revision) came into force in 2009. It is the main piece of EU regulation in the mechanical engineering and industrial products space and its scope is broad – covering everything from lawnmowers to 3D printers, hand-powered tools to bulldozers, household robots to automated industrial production lines.
Under the Machinery Directive, manufacturers must design products to meet essential health and safety requirements ("EHSR"). European harmonized standards are voluntary, but adopting them creates a presumption of compliance with EHSR. Regardless of approach, manufacturers must produce a technical file, sign a Declaration of Conformity and affix a CE marking to all products (in most cases by means of self-assessment).
The Commission's view is that the manufacturing industry is leading the way when it comes to key emerging technologies, creating a "fourth industrial revolution" whose distinctive features are "technological breakthroughs" in areas like robotics, IoT and AI. The Commission expects the market value of just IoT in the EU to exceed one trillion euros in 2020.
Despite the pace of change, the Commission found that the Machinery Directive remains "generally relevant, effective, efficient, coherent and has EU added value". However, it had some reservations.
The Commission thinks there is a need for greater legal clarity in the Machinery Directive's scope and definitions, and better coherence with other legislation such as the Low Voltage Directive.
Market surveillance and enforcement of non-compliance is ineffective, according to the Commission, and the mechanisms of accreditation and monitoring of Notified Bodies insufficient. It is working on a proposed Regulation to tackle these issues.
The Commission found the Machinery Directive had coped well with innovations since 1989, and remained fit for purpose at present, but was "widely perceived as being less able to deal with coming emerging digital innovations".
The Commission's evaluation of the Machinery Directive is one of a raft of initiatives it has launched in response to rapid industry modernisation, including measures on artificial intelligence, a strategy on connected and automated driving, and a parallel evaluation of the Product Liability Directive.
In considering whether the Machinery Directive remains fit for purpose, the Commission recognises the challenges posed by new technologies and the need for greater legal clarity and coherence. Yet it is notable that the Commission's evaluation does not suggest that there is any need for legislative amendment, or further guidance – in contrast to the Product Liability Directive, where it has established Expert Groups (including Cooley's Rod Freeman) to help prepare guidance in the context of emerging technologies.
This suggests that, overall, the Commission thinks that the Machinery Directive has come out of its first health check reasonably well. However, given the pace and type of change, the real tests for EU machinery legislation are likely to lie ahead. To that end, the Commission's recent announcement that it will launch a study into aspects of emerging technologies not explicitly addressed by the Machinery Directive, such as human-machine collaboration, should be welcomed.


text:
<?php

namespace Commonhelp\App\Template\Helper;

class SlotsHelper extends Helper{

	protected $slots = array();
	protected $openSlots = array();

	/**
	 * Starts a new slot.
	 *
	 * This method starts an output buffer that will be
	 * closed when the stop() method is called.
	 *
	 * @param string $name The slot name
	 *
	 * @throws \InvalidArgumentException if a slot with the same name is already started
	 */
	public function start($name){
		if(in_array($name, $this->openSlots)){
			throw new \InvalidArgumentException(sprintf('A slot named "%s" is already started.', $name));
		}
		$this->openSlots[] = $name;
		$this->slots[$name] = '';
		ob_start();
		ob_implicit_flush(0);
	}

	/**
	 * Stops a slot.
	 *
	 * @throws \LogicException if no slot has been started
	 */
	public function stop(){
		if(!$this->openSlots){
			throw new \LogicException('No slot started.');
		}
		$name = array_pop($this->openSlots);
		$this->slots[$name] = ob_get_clean();
	}

	/**
	 * Returns true if the slot exists.
	 *
	 * @param string $name The slot name
	 *
	 * @return bool
	 */
	public function has($name){
		return isset($this->slots[$name]);
	}

	/**
	 * Gets the slot value.
	 *
	 * @param string      $name    The slot name
	 * @param bool|string $default The default slot content
	 *
	 * @return string The slot content
	 */
	public function get($name, $default = false){
		return isset($this->slots[$name]) ? $this->slots[$name] : $default;
	}

	/**
	 * Sets a slot value.
	 *
	 * @param string $name    The slot name
	 * @param string $content The slot content
	 */
	public function set($name, $content){
		$this->slots[$name] = $content;
	}

	/**
	 * Outputs a slot.
	 *
	 * @param string      $name    The slot name
	 * @param bool|string $default The default slot content
	 *
	 * @return bool true if the slot is defined or if a default content has been provided, false otherwise
	 */
	public function output($name, $default = false){
		if(!isset($this->slots[$name])){
			if(false !== $default){
				echo $default;
				return true;
			}
			return false;
		}
		echo $this->slots[$name];
		return true;
	}

	public function getName(){
		return 'slots';
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Category Archives: Turbines and Tourism
Adverse Health Effects, Climate Change, Cost Benefit, Environment, Noise, Property Rights, The problem with Wind Turbines, Turbines and Tourism, Turbines run on Subsidies
Big Wind- An Out of Date Solution
December 28, 2017 mum4kids	1 Comment
Rutland Herald| Letter to Editor|December 28th, 2017
A recent Rutland Herald editorial, entitled "Powering up," concluded that we need to move with urgency toward the renewable power of the future. While that is correct, the editorial goes on to complain that "old ways" of thinking dominate the discussion in Vermont. At issue: the editorial then proceeds to propose "old ways" to move us forward.
When it comes to energy development in Vermont, the industrial wind industry leads the "old way" pack. Wind operators and developers have been living off federal subsidies since the early 1990s and have been wreaking havoc in Vermont for just as long. It's time to boot them out of the state and employ creative Vermontsized energy solutions.
The editorial employs the "old way" strawman tactic when citing the arguments of industrial wind opponents. Legitimate concerns of Vermonters are minimized when the only argument acknowledged against ridgeline destruction is to mock "the exquisite timidity of those who grieve over birds killed by wind turbines." It's a cheap shot that does nothing to advance the conversation.
We should instead be talking about the entire range of problems industrial wind development brings to Vermont: mountaintop dynamiting, destruction of intact eco-systems, stormwater runoff, habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, noise and health impacts to neighbors and wildlife, safety risks, community division, aesthetic degradation, tourism, property devaluation, and, yes, impacts on birds, bats, and even bears.
We should also talk about what does and doesn't work. As environmentalist Suzanna Jones recently told us, "Despite the platitudes of its corporate and government backers, industrial wind has not reduced Vermont's carbon emissions. Its intermittent nature makes it dependent on gas-fired power plants that inefficiently ramp up and down with the vicissitudes of the wind. Worse, it has been exposed as a renewable energy credit shell game that disguises and enables the burning of fossil fuels elsewhere."
The editorial expresses concern about mass extinction facing numerous species around the globe. Bravo! Then let's protect the ecosystems that will enable those species to migrate, adapt and survive and abandon the "old way" of thinking that allows our ridgelines and forest habitat to be destroyed by energy developers and their energy sprawl. As wildlife biologist Sue Morse tells us: "New England's ridgelines will play an increasing and integral role as global climate change forces countless species of plant and animals to seek new habitats in which to adapt and survive."
The editorial call for an improved large-scale infrastructure capable of transmitting intermittent power from remote, industrial-scale wind plants is another "old way" solution; rural areas are sacrificed to enable our unsustainable wastefulness. Treasured areas like the former Champion Lands, once valued for their ecological significance, become collateral damage. Large-scale transmission from rural to urban areas is a misguided "old way" use of our resources.
There is both wind and sun in our urban areas (Lake Champlain Wind Park, www.champlainwindpark.com) anyone?). We should be supporting renewable development in already-developed areas while protecting undeveloped areas.
We should also be emphasizing community scale generation facilities sited in the communities that they serve. This would reduce energy loss over lengthy transmission lines, improve system reliability, and preserve our vital wildlife habitat. This is the Vermont-scale approach that is in tune with Vermont values.
Some view turbines on distant ridgelines as a visible sign of our commitment to climate action. They're wrong. A closer look shows that those turbines are exacerbating the very climate impacts that we wish to avoid. Industrial wind plants are putting money in the pockets of investors, developers and a few landowners, but they're not addressing the very real and pressing problem of climate change.
The industrial wind lobby is fond of saying say we need to make sacrifices. We do. But where those sacrifices come from, whether or not they're effective and, most certainly, who profits and who loses from them should shape our solutions. We need to change the way we live, we need to stop being so wasteful, and we need to support solutions that actually work. We need to invest in unsexy work of weatherization, efficiency and demand reduction. We should support renewable development in already-developed areas and prevent new development in resource rich areas. We should be focusing on the least destructive renewable technologies and develop microgrids around community scale generation.
Yes, we need to sacrifice, but that doesn't mean sacrificing our natural resources. It means changing the way we live and protecting the earth. All of it.
Noreen Hession is a retired engineer, community organizer and environmental activist who lives in the Northeast Kingdom.
Green Energy, Lack of municipal power in planning, The problem with Wind Turbines, Turbines and Tourism
New Rural Routes
October 30, 2017 mum4kids	1 Comment
Some photos recently shared to Mothers Against Wind Turbines
Destruction from turbines, Government Misrepresentation, Lack of municipal power in planning, Protecting our children, Turbines & Property Devalue, Turbines and Tourism
Windlectric Fails to bully Council over Amherst Island Wind
May 31, 2017 mum4kids	4 Comments
Loyalist Township Council Resists Bullying By Algonquin Power
Stella, May 30, 2017
The Association to Protect Amherst Island (APAI) applauds Loyalist Township Council's decision to defer approval of Windlectric's Operations Plan for the Amherst Island wind turbine project. Council resisted pressure from Algonquin Power to approve a Plan that in Windlectric's own words, anticipates "Structural failure of lsland roads".
On May 29, 2017, Mr. Jeff Norman, Chief Development Officer for Algonquin Power wrote:
"Due to the differences separating Windlectric and the Township, Windlectric can see no basis on which arbitration can be avoided on some of the issues identified in the Staff Report. Accordingly, Windlectric will have no choice but to commence arbitration proceedings under Part X of the RUA (Roads Use Agreement) if the OP (Operations Plan) is not approved by Council on May 29, 2017."
APAI congratulates Council for choosing the public interest over Windlectric's business interests by deferring at its May 29th meeting the Operations Plan pending receipt of:
a. legally supported definition of the extent of the Township's road allowance, to the satisfaction of Loyalist Township;
b. the confirmation that the width and capacity of the Township's road allowances will support the construction and related detours as outlined in the Operations Plan, to the satisfaction of Loyalist Township; and
c. that the issues noted by G.D. Jewell [Loyalist Township's engineering consultant] be addressed to the satisfaction of Loyalist Township.
In its submissions to Council, APAI emphasized that:
• the fifth version of Operations Plan finally acknowledged that the lsland roads do not have the load bearing capacity to support the heavy equipment required for the wind turbine project and that structural failure of lsland roads is anticipated in section 2.6 titled "Potential Road Failure". APAI asserted that it was inconceivable that Windlectric expected Council to approve a Plan that anticipates the total failure of roads on Amherst lsland, putting lives and the environment at risk.
• Windlectric's Plan also fails to comply with commitments made to the Environmental Review Tribunal as Windlectric now plans to widen all haul routes to 6 m. This is totally contrary to the three minor and temporary widenings on which the ERT based its decision.
• the Operations Plan should be amended to place the onus on
Windlectric to comply with the Renewable Energy Approval Conditions of Approval, all federal, provincial, municipal laws, and commitments made before the Environmental Review Tribunal.
• Windlectric's Marine Logistics Plan fails to demonstrate how 24 barge trips per day crossing the ferry path can possibly be safe. According to the Operations Plan, two barges carrying fuel, hazardous materials, heavy equipment, turbine parts and personnel will cross the ferry path twenty four times per day from September to April.
APAI's submission also addressed a long list of significant and very troubling matters including resolution of the important and complex issue of forced roads, the lack of baseline testing of residents' wells for water quality and rate of flow, and Windlectric's request for a blanket exemption to the Township Noise Bylaw.
The Amherst Island Wind Project has already caused a major power outage on the lsland, a fuel spill, and a water emergency in Prince Edward County. Consequently, it is reasonable that Council insist on absolute compliance without exception to protect the public and the environment.
APAI commends the expertise, tenacity and due diligence of Township staff and congratulates Council for standing firm in the face of bullying by Algonquin Power until the Operations Plan addresses all outstanding issues.
Contact: Michèle Le Lay
President, Association to Protect Amherst Island
protectai@kos.net
SOURCE (emphasis and links added): Association to Protect Amherst Island
"Windlectric's proposed haul route on South Shore for heavy equipment, turbine parts and concrete trucks – 10,322 trucks! The scene by Peggie's house this morning Monday May 29. Windlectric says roads will fail and has finally discovered what Islanders have known all along: Island roads do not have the load bearing capacity for an industrial turbine project.
Be careful out there: South Shore is closed by Bruce and Andrea's. South Shore to the east is being pounded by waves and the eroded bank may collapse" FaceBook, May 29, 2017 Caption on photos corrected: Road damage shown due to high water levels
Animals and turbines, Climate Change, Corruption, Cost Benefit - NOT, Destruction from turbines, Direct Effects, Environment, Government corruption, harm to wildlife, Health effects from wind turbines, Noise, Turbines and Tourism, Turbines run on Subsidies
"Absolute Corruption"
September 26, 2014 alt	Leave a comment
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHER: WIND INDUSTRY RIDDLED WITH 'ABSOLUTE CORRUPTION'
Written by James Delingpole, breitbart.com
A Mexican ecologist has blown the whistle on the corruption, lies and incompetence of the wind industry – and on the massive environmental damage it causes in the name of saving the planet.
Patricia Mora, a research professor in coastal ecology and fisheries science at the National Institute of Technology in Mexico, has been studying the impact of wind turbines in the Tehuantepec Isthmus in southern Mexico, an environmentally sensitive region which has the highest concentration of wind farms in Latin America.
When a project is installed, the first step is to "dismantle" the area, a process through which all surrounding vegetation is eliminated. This means the destruction of plants and sessilities – organisms that do not have stems or supporting mechanisms – and the slow displacement over time of reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, arachnids, fungi, etc. Generally we perceive the macro scale only, that is to say, the large animals, without considering the small and even microscopic organisms…
….After the construction is finalized, the indirect impact continues in the sense that ecosystems are altered and fragmented. As a result, there is a larger probability of their disappearance, due to changes in the climate and the use of soil.
The turbines, she says in an interview with Truthout, have had a disastrous effect on local flora and fauna. Read more.
corruptionENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHERMexicowind turbines
Manitoulin needs turbine wakeup call
September 5, 2014 pbiljan	Leave a comment
Be honest, would you go to the Manitoulin Island now??
Maintain the sacredness and sanctity of the Island
Hey, Manitoulin Island, wake up! One of your greatest resources is eco-tourism, but those towering industrial-sized wind turbines are an unsightly welcome that are destroying the awesome experience of any visitor to the Island. More importantly, the turbine's intrusive and horrific Gothic presence disregards a sacred obligation to protect one of the most beautiful bio-systems in the world. In addition, the Dark Sky Sanctuary that is an important global contribution is threatened by the towering night lights on the horizon.
Take the opportunity now to stop this intrusion that is defacing and devaluing the sanctuary of beautiful Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin could be a global leader if you can maintain the originality and sacredness of the Island that is a shining crystal for us all to behold. Like an invasive species, the influx of towers is turning visitors away and preventing them from enjoying the treasure they expect from an island gem, such as this.
Nicole Pepper and Anne Pepper
Toronto (Visitors for over 20 years)
The Matoulin Expositor, Sept 3 2014


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Charity Touchstone placed 4th at UKs most inclusive employer awards
Mental health and wellbeing charity Touchstone has ranked 4th in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers' at a ceremony in Manchester last month. he Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers list awards UK-based organisations who promote employee inclusion at all levels of their businesses, including management, senior, executive and board level. Organisations entering the awards must demonstrate the promotion…
Touchstone achieves Best Companies – Three star accreditation for the second year running!
Yorkshire mental health charity Touchstone celebrates achieving a coveted three star accreditation in the annual Best Companies – Sunday Times to Work for employee engagement, which is for extraordinary levels of employee engagement and is the highest star rating you can achieve. Touchstone has been a top 10 Best Company since 2017 and has been…
Touchstone "truly excels" as an employer
Posted 11th March 2019
Yorkshire mental health charity Touchstone celebrates achieving coveted three star accreditation in the annual Sunday Times Best Companies to Work survey in recognition of its extraordinary levels of employee engagement. The charity, ranked 8th in The Sunday Times Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to Work For 2019, was also given the Discovering Potential award for the third…
Touchstone shortlisted for Investors in People Awards 2018
Yorkshire based wellbeing charity Touchstone has been named as a leader in people management practice globally, having been shortlisted in the Excellence in Leadership and Management category of the Investors in People Awards 2018. Alison Lowe, Touchstone's chief executive, said: "I am delighted our philosophy of distributed leadership has been recognised by this award nomination. Everyone…
Touchstone has been shortlisted for the UK's Largest Diversity Awards
Touchstone has been shortlisted for the Diverse Company category at the National Diversity Awards 2018. Over 20,000 people submitted nominations for the awards this year. Amongst those being honoured are freedom fighters, domestic violence campaigners and trans rights activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways. Designed to highlight…
Touchstone nominated for the UK's largest diversity award
Posted 9th April 2018
Touchstone a local well-being charity in Yorkshire has been nominated for the Diverse Company of the Year category at The National Diversity Awards 2018. The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral will play host to this year's awards, to be held on 14th September, recognising individuals and groups from grassroots communities. The event recognises nominees in their respective…
Touchstone meets the Investors in People Platinum standard
At Touchstone, a Yorkshire based mental health and wellbeing charity that works in partnership with many other organisations, our first priority is always the results that we achieve with and for our service users. But to do that, we need to support our diverse and talented staff to reach their potential. Recently that support has…
Touchstone stays in top 10 best not-for-profit companies to work for
Posted 22nd February 2018
Once again, Touchstone has been listed in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For. We've been placed 9th in the 100 Best Not-for-Profit Companies, our second year in the top 10, and our 6th in the top 100. The results are based on a confidential survey of staff, giving them the opportunity to feedback…
Touchstone has been ranked number 1 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List
Posted 6th December 2017
The long awaited Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers showcases leading organisations working across all strands of diversity. In recognition of their continued dedication to workplace diversity, Touchstone has once again been ranked first in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List – which lists UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each…
Going from strength to strength: Touchstone is a top place to work
Posted 23rd February 2017
We're getting better all the time – well, we like to think so, and our results in the Best 100 Not For Profit Organisations to Work For seem to confirm it. In 2013, Touchstone entered the Best 100 at number 72, since then, our results have improved every year, and we now find ourselves at…
Touchstone wins Employee Engagement award
On Thursday 26th January, the 2016 UK Employee Engagement Awards in association with People Insight, announced its winners – the companies that put workforce engagement at the heart of their business strategy. And, of course, Touchstone was in there, scooping the award in the Inclusion and Diversity category. We were recognised for our allies programme "Pink…
Touchstone in Stonewall's top 100 employers for 2017
Once again, Touchstone has been placed in the Stonewall top 100 employers – highlighting out commitment to maintaining diversity and challenging prejudice. The Stonewall Top 100 Employers are the best performing employers on Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index 2017, an annual audit of workplace culture for lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff The Workplace Equality Index…
Touchstone recognised as top employer
Posted 23rd December 2016
It is with great excitement that we're letting you know that Touchstone has, for the 5th year running, been named as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work For 2017, moving up from a 2 star to 3 star rating. This recognises our commitment to supporting staff through training, supervisions,…
Employee Engagement Awards
We want everybody who works at Touchstone to know how much they are valued, to understand the impact that their work has on individuals and communities, and to feel that they're being supported to do their best work. Because of this, we're delighted to announce that we have been short-listed in the Employee Engagement Awards…
Social prescribing service nominated for innovation award
The Patient Empowerment Project (PEP) has been shortlisted in the Primary Care Innovation category at the 2016 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards. The PEP is a social prescribing service commissioned by NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and delivered by a partnership including BARCA-Leeds, Touchstone, Better Leeds Communities and Leeds Mind, which helps GPs access community…
Touchstone is number 1 inclusive employer
Posted 1st September 2016
Touchstone is delighted to announce that it has been placed top of The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List – recognising the hard work that the team continually do to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers was published on 1st September 2016, showcasing organisations that promote inclusion across all protected…
Inclusive Leaders Recognised
ITV News presenter Charlene White took centre stage on 12th May to host the Excellence in Diversity Awards, celebrating inclusive employers and diversity champions. Companies and charities nationwide were honoured at the ceremony at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. Over a thousand nominations had been received showcasing incredible achievements in promoting equality. A panel of judges including…
The Excellence in Diversity Awards announce 2016 shortlist
Diversity Champions and Inclusive Employers shortlisted for Pioneering Diversity Awards Throughout the year, there are some individuals who work tirelessly to remove barriers and put diversity at the very heart of everything they do. This year, on May 12th, The Excellence in Diversity Awards will once again celebrate those who go above and beyond the…
Riding high in the Best Companies list
For the 4th year running, Touchstone is excited to be named as a Sunday Times 100 Best (Not-for-Profit) Organisation to Work for, achieving a 2 star status, and moving up 11 places from 32 in 2015 to 21 this year. Touchstone is placed 8th out of 100 companies for its leadership and 65% of staff…
Touchstone's fourth year in the Sunday Times top 100
Each year since 2013, Touchstone has been listed in the 100 best not-for-profit organisations to work for by the Sunday Times. We've once again made the list for 2016 – we'll find our our position at the award ceremony on 24th February. We'll be hoping to see another improvement in our ranking, having gone from…
Stonewall Workplace Equality Index
Touchstone are delighted that we have once again made it into the top 100 of Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index – a recognition of our work to ensure that staff and job applicants find Touchstone to be a safe and supportive environment. Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall said: "Touchstone and all of those employers that secured a place in the…
"Understanding equality means we are better at what we do"
As Touchstone found out that we had risen to number 19 in Stonewall"s Top 100 employers (having entered the list at number 91 a year ago), it was also announced that CEO Alison Lowe had been named as Stonewall's Senior Champion 2015 – recognising the role she's played in promoting LGBT equality both in the organisation…
Touchstone CEO Alison Lowe Wins the Prestigious Forward Ladies Business Woman of the Year Award!
Congratulations to our Chief Executive Alison Lowe who has just won the prestigious Forward Ladies Business Woman of 2014 award, in the Not for Profit category. The results have been announced earlier today on Friday 28 November. Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards is an annual competition that recognises achievements of women in leadership positions across…
Touchstone chief up for award
Touchstone's chief executive Alison Lowe is one of a group of inspirational women from Yorkshire and the North East who have been shortlisted for the Women in Business Awards organised by Forward Ladies – a support organisation for women in business. Alison has been nominated in the Not For Profit category, along with Sandra Howard…
Touchstone goes for Gold – and gets it
Touchstone is delighted to announce we are an Investors in People Gold organisation. During a rigorous assessment of our policies, strategies, training and development over 4 days in October, IiP found that Touchstone had evidence to support every indicator of excellence at the gold standard and that we had staff whose commitment was second to…
Touchstone builds on success as top employer
Posted 3rd March 2014
The Sunday Times survey of best not-for-profit organisations to work for, this year lists Touchstone at number 59 (a significant rise from our placing of 72 last year). The results are due to be published in a special supplement on Sunday 16th March. Only one other West Yorkshire based organisation made it in to the…
Touchstone is a Stonewall Top 100 Employer!
At a star-studded champagne reception held at the Tate Modern on 15th January, Touchstone gained entry to the Stonewall Top 100 Employers' list for 2014, 4 years after becoming Stonewall Diversity Champions. Touchstone is the first ever local charity to be awarded the accolade of being amongst the UK's top gay-friendly employers, previous winners usually…
Award winning community development work from Touchstone's Kimberley Saggu
We are thrilled to announce that one of Touchstone's Black and Minority Ethnic Community Development Workers, Kimberley Saggu, has won a Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust Award. The annual Trust Awards offer staff and members the chance to recognise and celebrate the talented people working and volunteering for the Trust. Kimberley has worked tirelessly…
Community Development Team Named "Best Partner"
Touchstone's Community Development Team were named "Best Partner" by Leeds Adult Social Care, in their Excellence Awards 2011. Nafisa Miraf and Samantha Powell and Jon Beech were nominated for the award in recognition of their development of the Migrant Community Organiser Programme alongside Zobi Barok from Feel Good Factor and Pria Bhabra of Adult Social…
NHS Leeds Health Stars Awards 2011
Touchstone was highly commended in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category at this year's Health Stars Awards for our work on the "Talking Our Language" training pack. Staff from the Community Development Service supported Chinese and Pakistani community activists to train peers about mental health. Download and use the training manual.


Fremont, California, USA, April 27, 2010 - Patriot Memory, a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash and computer technology, as a part of their year long 25 year anniversary celebration, today announced an exclusive software licensing and bundling agreement with Futuremark®, granting rights to manufacture and market products bundled with the multiplayer first-person shooter, Shattered Horizon™.
Patriot is now offering select capacities of the popular Xporter USB Flash Drive products bundled with the zero gravity first-person shooter, Shattered Horizon. The Shattered Horizon bundle will include a Steam download code enabling users to easily download and install the game and then jump into the action. The first Shattered Horizon bundles will be 8GB and 16GB USB Flash Drives easily recognized by their unique packaging featuring design elements from the Shattered Horizon game. Additional Patriot products will be bundled with Shattered Horizon and introduced at a later time.
Shattered Horizon is an innovative first-person shooter set in zero gravity and offers action-packed gaming for up to 32 players at a time. Set in near-Earth space 40 years from now, players fight it out in zero gravity to control hollowed-out asteroids, huge fragments of Moon rock and the ruined remains of the International Space Station.
"We are pleased to once again partner with an industry leader like Futuremark®, to bundle their innovative first-person shooter PC game, Shattered Horizon, with select Patriot products" says Eric Ackerson, Patriot's Director of Marketing. "Our goal at Patriot is to enhance our product offering by including content that enriches the end user experience. Patriot and Futuremark® have been collaborating to this end with Futuremark® 3DMark Vantage bundles and this latest bundle extends that partnership."
"Futuremark® Games Studio is excited to offer Shattered Horizon with selected Patriot USB flash drive products, a bundle that offers excellent value for gamers," says Jukka Makinen, CEO of Futuremark. "Patriot has been a good partner for Futuremark for many years and we are happy to extend this relationship to include our game studio. We look forward to creating more product bundles and joint promotions with Patriot in the future."
For more information about Patriot's Shattered Horizon bundle products and other memory module and flash memory solutions, please contact your Patriot Sales Representative or visit http://www.patriotmemory.com.


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Veteran takes his Honor Flight
Ralph Dixon holds is "notice to report for active duty" certificate from Honor Flight. - photo by Photo by Cailtin Kenney
Ralph H. Dixon Sr., 86, is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army. On Oct. 23, he was ceremonially put back on active duty with other veterans for a special experience.
Dixon, a Korean War-era and Vietnam War veteran, gathered other veterans from past conflicts at Hunter Army Airfield for their Honor Flight to Washington.
"The mission of the Honor Flight Network is to fly America's veterans to Washington, D.C., so that they may visit the memorials built and dedicated to honor their sacrifices in past wars," according to the Honor Flight Network Savannah website.
Dixon, of Hinesville, retired as a sergeant first class. He worked in maintenance, supply and ordnance during his career. He served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 with 618th Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company from Fort Stewart.
He also did a tour to Korea in the late 1960s on occupation duty with 8th Army Support Command, where he spent his time inspecting tools and equipment across the country.
At the October send-off on Hunter Army Airfield, past, present, and future veterans were represented. Before the Honor Flight participants embarked, 10 new soldiers were sworn in. And as the veterans headed to their charter bus, current military members lined the path, representing the different branches.
Once on the bus, Dixon and the other veterans were escorted by motorcycles to Interstate 95 before they headed off to the nation's capital.
During the trip, Dixon and the veterans had "mail call" just like they did in the military. He received a manila envelope filled with letters from his family, friends, local students and members of his church. And on the way back, they received letters from U.S. Sens. David Perdue, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., as well as a senator from South Carolina.
Dixon also had a guardian, an active-duty airman from Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, with him for the entire trip.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Honor Flight participants visited the World War II Memorial and met some well-known faces from the Fort Stewart community.
"That was awesome," Dixon said of the World War II Memorial. "All kinds of people. And there's a lot of people from Georgia there and a lot of young kids there."
Carter and former Fort Stewart Commanding General Lt. Gen. John "Mike" Murray and his wife, Jane, greeted the veterans at the memorial.
The group also visited several other sites, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
"Now that can get you," he said of the Vietnam memorial.
Every year during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Dixon said, he carries two names of soldiers from the Vietnam War with him while he marches. While at the memorial, he was able to find and take photos of their names on the wall.
As a Vietnam veteran seeing the memorial, "You know unless you've been over there, it's just hard to say," Dixon said. "It was just awesome, and it brought all kinds of memories back. But I don't let it bother me 'cause I only pick out the good ones and keep them in my mind."
Dixon said seeing the war memorials with other veterans from other wars made him want to "thank the people of America for honoring you the way they do. We didn't get recognized in Vietnam for many, many years."
"It just feels great. I mean, just feels like a relief," he added.
For veterans who have never been on an Honor Flight but are interested in going, Dixon pointed to the name of the program for why they should go.
"Well, the name of it is 'honor.' It's to honor the veterans that served this country so well," he said.
Because of this experience, Dixon said he appreciates America more, and he would not give up being an American for anything.
"So it's just proud to be American."


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AoB PLANTS is an open-access, online journal that publishes peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of environmental and evolutionary plant biology. Published by Oxford University Press, AoB PLANTS provides a fast-track pathway for publishing high-quality research, where papers are available online to anyone, anywhere free of charge. Find out more about AoB PLANTS here.
What bacteria are in your banana?


Ashville College adds real value to the education of its sixth formers, newly-published Government figures have revealed.
Its Progress Score - calculated by the Department for Education (DfE) - places the 140-year-old independent day and boarding school as the top performing sixth form in Harrogate at A-Level, and among the top in the district.
The figure considers "added value" relating to the progress of pupils throughout their A Level studies, compared with if they'd attended another school – both state and independent - following their GCSEs.
The placement puts the school in the "above average" category – which only 17 per cent of other schools and colleges in England are in. The score is based on pupils who were entered for at least one A Level or AS Level in a wide range of subjects including English, maths, sciences and languages.
The Government department recently released the annual comparison table, which reveal national statistics in relation to the performance of pupils in schools and colleges in England.
Headmaster, Richard Marshall, comments: The DfE 'added value' figure demonstrates how far pupils in our care can progress in their educational journey whilst at our Sixth Form.
"We challenge and stretch every pupil to be 'the best version of themselves' – which is our unofficial school motto. The figure shows that throughout two years with us they can achieve far more than they thought they were capable of when initially starting at Sixth Form entry.


A special version of Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Vegeta for the upcoming Broly movie. Vegeta's hair has had a special effect added to it along with a special package that resembles scenes from the movie. Vegeta comes with 2 types of energy parts, the Final Flash and the Big Bang Attack. The model comes with original damage stickers. Runner x 7, Stickers x 1, Saiyan Special Sticker x 1 and Manual x 1.