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Q: Transferring MySQL Workbench to Server I am trying to move my database model from mysql workbench to mysql server. I am using the reverse engineer sql create script but when importing it gives me an error. I have tried to google the problem but no luck to my situation.
-- -----------------------------------------------------
-- Table `MapLibrary`.`Books`
-- -----------------------------------------------------
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Books` ;
CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Books` (
`ISBN` VARCHAR(13) NOT NULL,
`date_of_publication` INT NULL,
`book_title` VARCHAR(45) NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (`ISBN`))
ENGINE = InnoDB;
-- -----------------------------------------------------
-- Table `MapLibrary`.`Genre`
-- -----------------------------------------------------
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Genre` ;
CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Genre` (
`genre_code` INT NOT NULL,
`genre_name` VARCHAR(45) NOT NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (`genre_code`))
ENGINE = InnoDB;
-- -----------------------------------------------------
-- Table `MapLibrary`.`Books_By_Genre`
-- -----------------------------------------------------
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Books_By_Genre` ;
CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `MapLibrary`.`Books_By_Genre` (
`genre_code` INT NOT NULL,
`ISBN` VARCHAR(13) NOT NULL,
PRIMARY KEY (`genre_code`, `ISBN`),
INDEX `Books_idx` (`ISBN` ASC),
CONSTRAINT `Books`
FOREIGN KEY (`ISBN`)
REFERENCES `MapLibrary`.`Books` (`ISBN`)
ON DELETE NO ACTION
ON UPDATE NO ACTION,
CONSTRAINT `Genre`
FOREIGN KEY (`genre_code`)
REFERENCES `MapLibrary`.`Genre` (`genre_code`)
ON DELETE NO ACTION
ON UPDATE NO ACTION)
ENGINE = InnoDB;
ERROR:
ERROR 1022 (23000) at line 89: Can't write; duplicate key in table 'books_by_genre'
Operation failed with exitcode 1
A: The problem is that the ISBN is NOT a unique identifier on its own in the referenced tables.
I assume, that the Books table is your base table and the three referenced tables are M:N link tables. If this is true, then your foreign keys are pointing in the wrong direction. (Try to drag the connection in the other direction?)
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Bond Revoked in Miami Health Care Fraud Case
Bond Revocation, Health Care Fraud, Medicare Fraud
June 16, 2022 December 20, 2022 palmbeachfederaldefense
A South Florida man awaiting trial for allegedly submitting more than $4 million in fraudulent health-care claims was detained on a jet ski as he tried to escape to Cuba, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
U.S. Coast Guard officers found the man on a broken-down jet ski in the Florida Keys along. Another man known to law enforcement for smuggling illegal aliens was aboard the jet ski along with him.
"The jet ski was outfitted with a special fuel cell to allow for long trips, and within the compartments of the jet ski, law enforcement discovered a trove of food and water bottles," officials said.
According to allegations in the criminal complaint, the man owned a Florida corporation which purported to provide durable medical equipment ("DME") to eligible Medicare beneficiaries. The complaint alleges that the man, in only a two-month period in 2022, submitted approximately $4.2 million in fraudulent health care claims to Medicare for DME that he never provided, and that Medicare beneficiaries never requested. As a result, Medicare paid the man over $2.1 million.
A judge agreed with prosecutors that the man posed a flight risk and should not be given a bond. Officers also confiscated his passport. He will remain at the Federal Detention Center in Miami until his trial.
How is Crypto Fraud Investigated and Prosecuted?
15 Charged in Prescription Drug Fraud Scheme
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Handling a terminal cancer diagnosis
There's no set playbook for how to handle a terminal cancer diagnosis.
"The sky's the limit," said Dr. Erin Costanzo, a psychologist with the UW Carbone Cancer Center Health Psychology Clinic. "Pretty much any feeling is normal."
There's pain. Fear. Anger. Sadness. Or, she said, for many people the news might not sink in right away. It's an overwhelming situation, and it's normal to feel numb to it right away.
"Often it takes some time for that information to settle in, for people to connect to it," she said. "I've certainly talked with many patients over the years who are very capable of understanding what their doctors are saying, but that information about a difficult prognosis just doesn't set in until later."
These reactions can be complicated and will differ from person to person. It can be especially tricky if loved ones have different reactions and emotions about the diagnosis. Costanzo said while a patient may be in shock and not have any emotional response immediately, a spouse may have a strong, immediate reaction.
Costanzo said it's OK to be in different places about the news, and she suggested having open conversations about how each other feels without trying to "fix" or change the other's thinking.
"The most important thing is to be a good listener and ask curious questions," she said. "Focus on getting concerns and feelings and thoughts out there without trying to quickly move into, 'What should we do about this?' mode."
Costanzo also said it can be easy for a loved one or caregiver to push their own feelings aside. The opposite also can be true.
"Often patients will say, 'This is awful, but I can be OK with this. I'm really worried about my spouse, or my child, or somebody else very close,'" she said. "Everybody needs to remember to make space for their own emotions."
Costanzo recommends "The Complete Bedside Companion: A No-Nonsense Guide to Caring for the Seriously Ill" as a helpful book for loved ones who are serving as caregivers.
The Carbone Cancer Center Health Psychology Clinic provides consultations and brief treatment to patients who would like help coping with cancer, treatment, and prognosis. In addition to helping address difficult emotions and thoughts, Costanzo said staff can also help with strategies for patients having trouble sleeping, who are fatigued or who have treatment-related pain.
Carbone's Palliative Care Team is a useful resource for patients, offering medical care focused on quality of life and pain management as well as spiritual resources and social worker support. Costanzo also highly recommends that patients who may have weeks or months left to live reach out to their local hospice provider. Those agencies not only care for patients but also offer helpful support services for families.
Figuring out how to tell others about a terminal diagnosis can be difficult. Costanzo said patients should take time to focus on themselves and ask questions of their physician. That creates a wiser space to decide on how they would like to share information and with whom they would like to share it.
"One of the things that patients worry about is that people may treat them differently when they hear they have a poor prognosis," she said. "I usually advocate for letting people close to you in your inner circle know, but beyond that, it's really up to the patient how much they want to share and with whom."
Discussing the topic with children can be daunting. Costanzo recommends the book, "How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serous Illness: Supportive, Practical Advice from a Leading Child Life Specialist," as a resource with age-appropriate advice.
Costanzo said some patients find comfort in creating legacy gifts for children, such as a stuffed animal with a recording of a loved one's voice, or video and audio recordings for special occasions in the future.
Once they have had some time to process news about a difficult prognosis, Costanzo said it is common to think about what to do with their time left. Should they create a "bucket list" of big events to achieve? For some, she said, making lists like that can be helpful and give fulfillment.
But it is also common to continue in normal routines and daily activities for as long as possible, including continuing to work. She advised that patients pursue whatever activities best reflect their values and priorities — there is no obligation to do things a certain way.
"For many people, it may be a hybrid or compromise," she said. "Maybe you do something you've been putting off, like a trip or a family reunion, and continue with the daily activities and routines that can also provide a sense of comfort and meaning.
"There's no right or wrong answer."
Costanzo added that it is normal for special moments to bring complex emotions: Joy at spending time with friends and loved ones, but also grief over an event that could be "the last" one for them.
"While it is normal and understandable to think 'I don't want to have hard, difficult emotions like fear and sadness,' if you don't make room for them, you may also block out other emotional experiences like joy, connectedness, and gratitude," she said. "It's very normal have a wide range of these emotions that change or shift or even occur all at once."
From Advances
Subscribe to Advances, the monthly newsletter from the UW Carbone Cancer Center to learn about the latest innovations and research. Subscribe today
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The Power of Dowsing
The power of dowsing mystifies, attracts or goes unnoticed. Which describes you? Those who are interested in psychic powers or tools for change may be drawn to dowsing. Others may find it confusing or out of reach. But the majority of people don't even notice the power of dowsing. This includes dowsers themselves.
Why Can't We All Embrace The Power of Dowsing?
Why is dowsing not seen as practically a superpower that can change your life dramatically? Because unless you have the intention of improving your life, you won't notice when the Universe presents you with a simple, affordable and natural tool. At best, most dowsers use dowsing infrequently for a few situations, like testing their supplements or predicting the future. Do we underuse dowsing because we lack the intelligence or imagination to recognize its power? I don't think so. I think our energies determine how we respond to dowsing.
Dowsing is a very empowering natural intuitive tool for making your life easier, healthier and happier. But if you don't want those things or if you focus instead on how disempowered and vicitmized you are, you won't even see the opportunity dowsing presents. If you have poverty mentality or a sense of not being good enough, dowsing will slip by you, because you don't resonate with its potential as a natural, affordable tool for creating the life you want.
How Can You Embrace The Power?
You'll need to shift or transform energies like the following:
Poverty mentality
Beliefs that involve negativity
It is possible to change your energies and your outlook using any number of tools. We often recommend meditation (click here for our favorite free meditations), yoga nidra, guided visualization, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and other energy practices to create a more harmonious, empowered state of being. These methods are cheap and easy to learn and practice, and they will help you recognize the power of dowsing as a creative tool.
How Can Dowsing Be Powerful?
You could ask, why is dowsing so powerful? Isn't dowsing simply a tool for getting answers to questions? That's true. But if you master dowsing and use it, you become vastly more intelligent than when you only use your brain for charting a course through life. Having the answers is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself.
In addition, dowsing technique, meaning learning all the steps to proper dowsing, is a transformational experience. You can't be fearful and dowse accurately. Seeing yourself as a victim blocks good answers to your questions. Also, it's vital to have a calm center to tap into your dowsing state. All of these skills are easy to learn and will transform you to a victor.
Dowsing has been the most empowering tool of the very many we have mastered in the past twenty years. It has helped us to become conscious co-creators of the life we want to live. How has dowsing empowered you?
Dowsing and Religion READ MORE Why You Need To Learn Dowsing: Empowerment READ MORE Dowsing and Enlightenment READ MORE Dowsing and Living Consciously READ MORE Dowsing and Empowerment: A Lie? READ MORE The Myth About Psychic Powers READ MORE It's Hard To Dig A Grave... READ MORE Are You Dowsing the "Man in the Mirror"? READ MORE Pendulum Healing READ MORE Crystal Dowsing Can Be Revealing READ MORE Dowsing Gurus READ MORE Dowsing The Aura READ MORE Use Your Brain - Both Of Them! READ MORE How Dowsing Works READ MORE Talent vs. Skill: Why Most People Don't Dowse Much READ MORE Pendulum Dowsing Exercise #1: Restaurant READ MORE Why Dowse? Why Bother? READ MORE What is the Dowsing State and Do You Need It? READ MORE The Water Diviner with Russell Crowe READ MORE The Bare Bones Of Dowsing READ MORE Why You Need To Learn Dowsing: Be Self-Aware READ MORE Intuitives As Rebels READ MORE Dowsing Doesn't Work? READ MORE How To Dowse Past Lives READ MORE How To Power Intention READ MORE Bad Dowsing Questions READ MORE Are You a Spiritual Know-It-All? READ MORE Hollywood Gets It Right: Watch This Dowsing Movie! READ MORE Yes and No Scale: Refine your dowsing answer! READ MORE Dowsing: Skill or Psychic Ability? READ MORE Dowsing For Baby Gender READ MORE How To Make A Dowsing Pendulum READ MORE Dowsing READ MORE Be Prepared For Change READ MORE
Greg Carroll on August 5, 2020 at 6:59 am
Thank you for sharing the free videos and for this post. I was interested in dowsing 4/5 years ago and had an experience using a pendulum and letter chart that scared me off. I now know that I regularly shield and protect myself with love. So I'm starting from scratch again and you are helping. Many thanks, Greg from Whitley Bay, UK.
Maggie Percy on August 6, 2020 at 7:08 am
We are glad that you are once again dowsing, Greg! We look forward to answering any questions you have.
Peter Foxx on August 5, 2020 at 6:47 pm
Yes it is so important to have the right answers, especially the right answers for as an individual. There are so many answers out there via OP opinions etc. Asking questions and getting my answers are now part of my internal dialogue. It took time and some clearing of old patterns but boy was it worth it. You guys played a major role in that so thank you.
Thanks for the kind words! We look forward to continuing to support you on your dowsing journey.
Thanks Maggie. I bought new dowsing rods recently and only the right hand one moved- the left one only moved when I asked questions about direction. I had more consistency with a little pendulum so have ordered a small pendulum. Interestingly, my 11 year old daughter picked them up, asked what 'yes' was, got a very clear answer, and then started chatting away with yes/no questions. She asked "Are you a loving spirit guide?" and got a yes and a bit later, after some more questions, told me "I have a 35 year old female spirit guide who's a relative on my side of the family. We (not just me any more!) are very new to this. Does all that seem normal ? I promise not to pester you with questions!! Thanks, Greg (and Eve!)
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Q: hadoop2.2.0 installation on linux ( NameNode not starting ) I am trying to run a single node hadoop cluster on my machine with the following config:
inux livingstream 3.2.0-29-generic #46-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jul 27 17:03:23 UTC 2012 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
I am able to format the namenode without any problems however when I try and start the namenode using :
hadoop-daemon.sh start namenode
I get the following errors :
ishan@livingstream:/usr/local/hadoop$ hadoop-daemon.sh start namenode
Warning: $HADOOP_HOME is deprecated.
mkdir: cannot create directory `/var/log/hadoop/ishan': Permission denied
chown: cannot access `/var/log/hadoop/ishan': No such file or directory
mkdir: cannot create directory `/var/run/hadoop': Permission denied
starting namenode, logging to /var/log/hadoop/ishan/hadoop-ishan-namenode-livingstream.out
/usr/sbin/hadoop-daemon.sh: line 138: /var/run/hadoop/hadoop-ishan-namenode.pid: No such file or directory
/usr/sbin/hadoop-daemon.sh: line 137: /var/log/hadoop/ishan/hadoop-ishan-namenode-livingstream.out: No such file or directory
head: cannot open `/var/log/hadoop/ishan/hadoop-ishan-namenode-livingstream.out' for reading: No such file or directory
/usr/sbin/hadoop-daemon.sh: line 147: /var/log/hadoop/ishan/hadoop-ishan-namenode-livingstream.out: No such file or directory
/usr/sbin/hadoop-daemon.sh: line 148: /var/log/hadoop/ishan/hadoop-ishan-namenode-livingstream.out: No such file or directory
I did not create a separate user "hduser" for hadoop installation. I am using my exsisting username. May be that is why I am facing the problem.
Can someone please help me with this .
Exactly what permissions do I need to alter to get this working ?
UPDATE
After fiddling around and getting around the permission problems I have moved on to new stupidity of errors posted here : hadoop Nanenode wont start
I will forever keep you guys in mind if you can nudge me in the right direction so that I can start some real work on this.
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The Florida Strawberry Growers Association represents over 75 grower members farming over 10,000 acres of strawberries in Florida with the majority being in the Plant City-Dover area. In addition, FSGA offers associate memberships to allied industries that would like to join our vast network.
FSGA is a voluntary organization that represents the majority of Florida strawberry growers as members. Growers pay $50.00 per planted acre as dues. The Association represents growers on a wide variety of issues and policies, works to increase consumption and helps keep strawberry production profitable in Florida.
Member Service has always been a top priority for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. FSGA is leading the fight to reduce and streamline regulations and eliminate duplication.
FSGA representatives have served on the Planning Commission, Greenway's Task Force, and the Agricultural Task Force. Currently, FSGA holds positions on the Agricultural Economic Development Council and Southwest Florida Water Management District Agricultural Advisory Committee. Issues include land use and funding for migrant housing, Greenbelt issues, open space, upland habitat, wetlands, environmental regulations and property rights.
The Association has been in the forefront during every crisis over the past decades, representing growers during drought, hail, floods and freezes. Whenever growers need to provide input to governmental agencies, FSGA serves as the industry's mediator.
Our Associate Membership consists of 5 levels and the dues are payable annually.
Our associate members receive various benefits throughout the year based on the level of membership that they choose. According to our Bylaws we cannot publish our grower addresses. However, one of the perks that our Associate Members have found to be very beneficial is our mail-out service. Any member can prepare a mail-out that they would like to send to our growers (stuff it, seal it, and stamp it), and send it to us. We will attach address labels and deposit in the mail it for them. This allows Associates to reach our growers without having access to our list. There is a $25.00 charge for this service if you are a base member.
The Board of Directors are hardest working members of our organization and they do it all for free.
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Youngsters across the area could win cash for their school and a camera in a national photographic competition.
Two runners-up in the remaining categories will each win £500 for their school to spend on print or photographic equipment/material, as well as receive a camera worth £100.
Closing date for entries is Friday, May 6, 2016.
A national competition has been launched offering the snap-happy youngsters of the South West the chance to win £1,000 for their school.
cartridgesave.co.uk is challenging children aged four to 11 across the country to print off and send in a photo of something that matters to them. Alongside each entry they must explain, in fewer than 100 words, why the person, event, place or object depicted is so important to them.
In return a panel of judges will award the photographer of the very best entry £1,000 for their school to spend on print or photographic equipment. Two runners-up will receive £500 for their school and all three placed entrants will bag themselves a camera worth £100.
In addition, the top 50 entries from across the UK will be showcased in a free-to-download-and-print photo album. This album will become a testament to the things that mattered to children in 2016, that can be printed and physically handed down to their children's children.
The Generation P competition will be judged by Stuart Nicol, former head of pictures for The Daily Telegraph and group picture editor of The Press Association.
As a photographer, Stuart covered major news events all over the world including the invasion of Lebanon by Israeli forces, famine in Ethiopia and Southern Sudan and the protests in Tiananmen Square. Closer to home he covered multiple royal weddings, the miners' strike, and the conflict in Northern Ireland.
He will be joined by Dr Sandi Mann, a behavioural psychologist from the University of Central Lancashire, who specialises in the analysis of things that matter to people.
Children can access hints and tips from Stuart Nicol and Dr Sandi Mann on what makes a good photo and how best to explain why it matters, plus full details of how to enter here.
Stuart Nicol is excited about seeing the emerging talent of Britain's youngest photographer.
He said: "The most amazing thing about photography, is that it allows you to steal a moment in time, a moment never to be repeated.
"A printed photograph has immense power. It allows you hold onto that memory, that moment, forever.
Dr Sandi Mann believes that this competition will encourage youngsters to build a very special testimony to their lives.
Ian Cowley, managing director of cartridgesave.co.uk continued: "We'll never be able to 100 per cent rely on technology, so printing is the only way to guarantee that an image won't be lost.
|
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From very small beginnings, it seems that South Korea's electronics giant LG is placing plenty of R&D cash into OLED technology, for watches, for computer screens and now for large-screen TVs.
According to DisplaySearch data, the company is already enjoying a 90 per cent market share of the 400,000 large-screen units expected to be sold this year. DisplaySearch says the OLED TV market grew to 35,200 units in Q1, more than seven times greater than the 4,600 units sold in the same period last year, showing rapid growth in the premium TV market. DisplaySearch says this will grow to a staggering seven million units globally by 2019.
And currently LG has this market – more or less – to itself. Neither Samsung nor Sony has yet joined the OLED market. Samsung is said to be much more cautious over large-screen OLEDs, while Panasonic abandoned a j-v with Sony for producing OLEDs.
LG said last year that it had cured the very high wastage level on larger screen production (said by informed sources to be worse than 60 per cent) and was now generating positive yields of 80 per cent, and better. With these higher yields has come tumbling prices. A 55" curved screen was once strictly in football player and Russian oligarch territory as far as pricing was concerned, at some $15,000.
The same unit today costs about $2,500, and the price continues to fall. LG is currently marketing what it claims is the first 'true black' OLED display. An LG executive, speaking in Australia on July 7th, said that the company expects to take around 30 per cent of the overall 4K/UHD market by 2020.
LG reportedly is to open a second OLED factory later this year at a cost of some $750 million for wearables and smart phones, and is also considering a third facility.
Nevertheless, not all in LG's garden is rosy. To date, according to The Economist magazine, LG has invested some $3 billion on OLED production – and has yet to see a profit.
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Christine + Frank got married on a beautiful fall day in late-September at St. Francis in Medford with a reception at The Andover Country Club. Every so often, we get the chance to get to know a couple deeper than the initial phone consultation and booking and sometimes we even become good friends. Leading up to the big day I had several phone conversations with Christine about all sorts of topics and she even hooked us up with Game 6 World Series tickets and we were lucky enough to see the big win in person at Fenway. So when the day finally arrived, I couldn't wait to share in such a momentous moment in Christine + Frank's lives.
Such a fun, loving couple, the day was amazing. Christine + Frank, Thank you for letting me share in your day and provide you with a one of a kind wedding video! Much love to you both and here's to years of happiness!
Are All (Wedding) Photographers The Same?
I hope this blog sees you well. I came across this blog post done by Andrea Joki and thought it was brilliant so I am reposting.
A question I am asked frequently is why photographers charge what they do. There is such a discrepancy in prices – and those shopping purely on price alone are nearly always going to go the least expensive route. But is that the wisest decision? One phrase I hear a lot is, "it only costs 10c to make a print – so why do you charge so much?" And if the value of the image was only the print paper cost itself, that would be a valid question. But then again, a lawyer makes several thousands and all they produce is paper worth less then a penny. So why do we pay lawyers upwards of 100 euros an hour?
The easy answer is that an experienced photographer – one who has spent years studying the craft, honing skills, and perfecting style, is going to give you a much better image than the beginner who is simply clicking a shutter button. If clicking the shutter is the only parameter of a professional photographer, I'd like to offer the services of my 7 year old – she takes great pictures (everyone says so!) and I'm happy to hire her out for $200 for a disk of images. She'll be happy too – she'd love a new Lego Star Wars set. But why pay $200 for my 7 year old (or a beginner photographer) when you can just have the grandparents click the button instead – and for free?
I could make this post longer by summing out costs of being a photographer: VAT/taxes, insurance, business development costs, time, software, equipment, the desire to not work for free for other people ……. but really, I would think that most would recognize there are obvious costs behind owning any business. Would you really feel you were saving money if you hired a lawyer who had no formal training or education but who felt they would be good at winning lawsuits because they saw someone do it on TV? The parallel is true since many photographers are encouraged by friends and family (would you tell your best friend that the image she shot and is so proud of has a kid in dappled light and a telephone pole sticking out of his head with a white balance so off that he is practically blue?). Similarly, many photographers are not licensed business owners – so if you get charged for poor portraits, you have no recourse. I would love to charge less – and certainly my photography business isn't going to buy me a Lexus. But at the same time, it is frustrating to be legal, pay taxes, and yet lose customers to those operating illegally.
Truly: professional images comprise a lot of factors – otherwise, why would you hire someone to photograph your children if you could just do it yourself? Composition, metering, focus, white balance, skin tones, light in the eyes, pose, post processing….. these are skills that take time to develop. And the difference in quality should be fairly obvious if you compare portfolios. Which always leads to the next question: "It's just the camera, right?" And that one hit kind of home for me. One day last year, my sister told me she wanted to take images of her family and have them be as good as mine – so she asked which DSLR she should buy. I answered her honestly: unless you are going to shoot in manual modes (not auto) and learn ISO, F-stop, Shutter speed, spot metering, etc, she could spend thousands and thousands and not have as good images. Good images are about using the equipment and reading the light correctly – neither of which can be obtained in AUTO by clicking a button. If you don't believe me, go ahead and spend thousands. But also be prepared to admit that it's not the camera, it is the artist BEHIND the lens, that is making the creative and beautiful portraits. And as for my sister? She bought a prosumer and not a DSLR and has been very happy since. And saved quite a bit of money in the process.
One thing I really find interesting is that people will buy Coach purses, fancy flatscreen TVs, expensive toys and sets for their children, and all manner of luxury goods that have maybe a 1-2 year lifespan. But when it comes to professional portraits, which will last a lifetime, they base the decision purely on price. I'm not sure at what point children and family become less important than a fancy purse. But I can tell you that those who purchased high quality portraits have a beautiful reminder of a time that has past – and those portraits are still hanging or displayed while the purse has long since been thrown away.
Sure, parents can choose to purchase inexpensive photography based solely on price. Not everyone can afford the price of a good photographer and the compromise often is quality. But I truly hope and encourage buyers to really consider what they are buying and why – and not to choose solely on price. Your memories do not have a price tag and once this moment is gone, you forever lose the chance to have hired a true professional to beautifully capture your family. Choosing the best you can afford will always be the best advice given to anyone looking for quality professional portraits. As with anything hand-made and requiring an artistic eye, those who produce quality work often charge more – it compensates for the amount of time they have spent learning and perfecting their art. Choose not based on price – but on how the photographer expresses themselves – and how that will translate into your family's portrait work. Choosing based solely on price is saying that all photographers are the same – and that really isn't true. Sure, price may not always reflect skill. That's where a buyer's judgment and comparison of portfolios come in. But it is a good bet that a lot of the cheaper photographers will disappear in a year as they realize they are actually losing money and working for nearly free. And that is also a concern because they may not have an interest in protecting or archiving your photos.
Attention fellow wedding vendors / venues!
Would you like some new pictures and video to showcase your work to potential clients?! Peter and I would like to extend a free offer to all of our fellow wedding vendors and venues that we have the pleasure of knowing and working with during wedding season.
We would love to provide you with some new photos (digital and/or prints) of your work/products so that you can showcase your incredible talents through your website, facebook page, print materials and at bridal events. We would also like to offer you a 2-3 minute promotional video that you can feature on your website, facebook page or where ever else that's appropriate!
Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 603.888.7204 / 603.865.7445!
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@class UIImage;
@interface CHChatMessageLocationVM : CHChatMessageFileVM<CHChatMessageViewModelProtocol>
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) double longitude;
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) double latitude;
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) CLLocationCoordinate2D coor;
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) NSString *areaDetail;
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) NSString *areaName;
@property (nonatomic ,readonly) UIImage *snapshot;
@end
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Hamburg, Germany — Hapag-Lloyd will retrofit its 15,000 TEU ship "Sajir" to operate using liquified natural gas (LNG). In future, the engine system will be able to function using either of two types of fuel: LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO). The contract for the retrofitting was signed at the end of last week with Hudong HONDHOA Shipbuilding (Group) Co., LTD. The conversion will be carried out in the Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard Co., Ltd.
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EatFeaturedNews Room
International Hot Dog Day – celebrating the fast food favourite
by Press Release 17 Jul 2020
ONE of the most popular fast foods after hamburgers and pizzas has to be the hot dog and, in honour of International Hot Dog which is celebrated on Wednesday, July 22, here is the history of this sausage-in-a-bun that has been around for hundreds of years.
Historians believe that the origin of the wiener sausage used in hot dogs can be traced all the way back to era of the notorious Roman emperor Nero. In Roman times it was customary to starve pigs for one week before the slaughter. Nero's cook Gaius was watching over his kitchen when he realised one pig had been brought out fully roasted, but somehow not cleaned. He stuck a knife into the belly to see if the roast was edible and out popped the intestines: empty because of the starvation diet, and puffed from the heat. According to legend, Gaius got the idea to stuff the intestines with ground game meats mixed with spices and wheat and … behold … the sausage link was created.
After that, the humble sausage travelled across Europe, making its way eventually to present-day Germany, where the locals took to it as their own, creating an estimated 1 500 different versions that exist today. But it's two towns that vie to be the original birthplace of the modern hot dog sausage. Frankfurt claims the frankfurter was invented there in 1484 – some 736 years ago, but the people of Vienna (Wien in German) say they are the true originators of the "wienerwurst".
Photo by Tiara Aracama
But whoever is correct, it's agreed that German immigrants to New York were the first to sell wieners from a pushcart in the 1860s which led to the modern-day hotdog as we know it. There are many stories of people who claim to have brought together the wiener and the bun but according to Josh Chetwynd, author of How the Hot Dog Found Its Bun, there are only two credible contenders:
One story takes place in the 1880s in St Louis where hot dogs were referred to as "red hots." A vendor was selling red hots on the city streets and passed out white gloves so people who bought them wouldn't get burnt or have greasy hands. But after people began stealing the gloves, the vendor turned to his brother-in-law to help solve the problem. His brother-in-law, a baker, suggested the vendor pair a soft roll with the red hots. Voila – the complete hot dog!
Another story takes place on Coney Island, involving a man named Charles Feltman, who sold sandwiches on his cart. Unable to completely fill up his cart, he decided to sell something else and wondered if red hots could be added to a bun and eaten the same way as a sandwich. The rest is hot dog history.
"The noblest of all dogs is the hot-dog; it feeds the hand that bites it" ~ Lawrence J Peter
But how did the sausage and bun combination get the actual name "hot dog"?
No one is certain, but one theory has it that in the 1890s, the sausage and bun vendors would sell their wares outside student dorms at several major US universities and their carts became known as "dog wagons," a slang term from the popular belief that dog meat was used in making the sausages. It was not long before the students began referring to them as "hot dogs".
Whatever the facts though, there is no doubt the hot dog is as popular today as it ever was. Served with lashings of ketchup and mustard it is standard fare at sporting events, children's parties and almost always on food truck menus.
In South Africa, the much-loved "boerie roll" is a close relative of the hot dog and is often served with chutney, chakalaka or fried onions. But what other topping options are there for hot dogs – or "horrogs" as locals like to pronounce it.
Photo by Victoria Shes
Chefs from the Capsicum Culinary Studio share their favourites.
Says Lungi Makiza: "I'm a lover of all things cheesy and spicy, so a mix of mozarella and gouda with jalapenos or piquant peppers is my go to topping," while Mark Coombe likes a sriracha mayo to give a little spicy kick to the hot dog. "I also like to add some fresh rocket for a peppery flavour," he says. Natasha Jooste enjoys topping her hotdog with caramelised onions and blue cheese, and for Bianca Jacobs nothing beats Mexican salsa with white cheddar cheese. "Try it and you'll never look back," she says.
Whatever your preference there's no doubt that this simplest of fast foods is going to be around for a long time and enjoyed by generations to come.
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Do Deer Move In The Rain? The Facts You Need To Check Out For A Great Hunt!
→Do Deer Move In The Rain? The Facts You Need To Check Out For A Great Hunt!
Sure, a lot of you have already hunted under the blazing heat, or even began targeting your game on tree stands and transporting guns to your boat, but have you ever attempted hunting during inclement weather? It seems difficult, especially when predicting the way your game moves during the rainy season. It has people wondering: Do deer move in the rain?
Instead of just guessing and missing out on a good hunt just because of a bit of wet weather, read on to learn more about how deer move during the rain and how you can successfully have a good hunt despite these "limitations!"
So, have you ever heard of deer moving under other types of weather besides the usual sunny day?
Whitetail deer (or any other deer) do not have the luxury of sleeping under the roof of a cozy home with warmth and blankets. They live outdoors and are better adapted to the outdoor life as compared to us humans. They have the metabolism that can withstand cold temperatures that would usually freeze us, as well as the fur coats that keep them warm.
During windy weathers, deer do not mind the light breeze. But once the wind becomes stronger, that is when they start to hide or avoid moving. This is because it's hard to detect or identify predators as it removes the scent and makes it difficult to hear predators and in what direction it's coming from.
The same would go for rainy weather. A light drizzle is fine, or even a bit stronger than that. But once it's a torrential downpour, all your senses are unable to work. Just like us, humans, deer would have difficulty smelling, seeing, or even hearing predators approach. Because of this, they would avoid moving during the extremely rainy weather until it begins to subside.
Deer have the ability to predict approaching storms, feeding lightly before and after minor storms or feeding heavily before and after the major storms.
So, is it recommended to hunt deer during this type of weather? If it's slightly windy or simply drizzling, then that's totally fine. You'll still be able to find a few bucks or does roaming around the fields. But don't bother hoping for a sight of the game during inclement weather, as deer are seeking shelter or do not move at these times.
Before you begin the hunt, make sure that you check the weather first. Being knowledgeable with when a storm is approaching will have you be able to determine if deer will be out or hiding during the day.
To avoid getting sick or being uncomfortable during the rainy hunt, I recommend that you wear quality clothing, such as a hat, jacket, boots, and gloves, on top of your usual hunting gear, of course.
You won't need to change your tactics during the light rain or drizzle. But once the moderate rain begins, attempt still-hunting or reverting pastures, as spot-and-stalk is effective. Use your eyes more so than your legs!
Still-hunting is a great way to hunt during moderate rain. When doing so, always go for very slow movement, taking one step and stopping each time you do so. Spend time looking at your surroundings with binoculars for hunting. If there is nothing, take another step and begin glassing again. Keep your eye on the back trail as well, as there are some bucks that come in behind you.
Stop against a tree or any type of cover (like a hunting blind). This makes it easier to blend in and has you lean on something.
When it begins to rain heavily, I suggest that you wait it out rather than risk your life for the hunt. The drying out period is great, as this is when you find animals resuming their normal activities.
Are there some of you who wish to achieve a great feat of hunting in just about any weather? Hunting during the rainy season may seem daunting at first, but once you realize that a bit of rain won't steer deer clear from the fields, you'll probably enjoy it more (and even like the breeze that goes with it!).
I hope that this article answers your question: "Do deer move in the rain?" Now that you know how your game goes around the fields as you hunt, begin planning your next expedition today!
If you have any questions or would like to share your tips and experiences with hunting in the rain, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
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/ Carstares, William
Carstares, William
Carstares or Carstairs, William, 1649–1715, Scottish statesman and Presbyterian divine. While studying theology at Utrecht, he became a friend of William of Orange (later William III of England). He was imprisoned in Edinburgh (1674–79) for alleged coauthorship of An Account of Scotland's Grievances and again imprisoned and tortured in Edinburgh (1683) as a suspect in the Rye House Plot. He returned to Holland where he was made chaplain to William of Orange. He accompanied William to England in 1688 and became so powerful in his efforts to reconcile the new king and the Scottish church and to frustrate the Episcopalian Jacobites that he was nicknamed the Cardinal. His influence continued under Queen Anne as he worked for the union of England and Scotland, served as principal of the Univ. of Edinburgh from 1703, and was four times moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland.
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Beautiful eyes define elegance, many people want to have longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. To make eyelashes look their best, woman began to opt for excellent mascara and a really great eyelash curler. But here is the problem, because of aging, poor makeup habits, product overuse, medical issues, etc, some people get thinner eyelashes. So more and more people search for a proper method to obtain a natural long eyelashes for themselves.
In this years, FEG eyelash enhancer is becoming more and more popular, because its effectiveness and affordable price.
The FEG Eyelash Enhancer is very easy and convenient to use. Even if you are on the go, you can use the product. You should use it everyday, at least once. If you prefer to use it in the morning and night or, even more, you can also safely do so.
Apply it in same way as you apply the eyeliner.
Draw a line at the base of your eyelash.
To get the best results, you need to continuously use the product. Many of those who have already applied this product would attest for its efficacy.
This entry was posted in FEG Eyelash Enhancer and tagged Eyelash Growth, FEG Eyelash Enhancer.
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The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill returned to the House of Lords on Tuesday 2 February for consideration of Commons amendments in 'ping pong'.
What is ping-pong/consideration of amendments?
Lords members discussed MPs' amendments relating to fund-raising and the powers of the Charity Commission.
Members discussed subjects including the regulation of fundraising. The Bill now goes to the Commons for its consideration.
Cabinet Office minister, Lord Bridges of Headley (Conservative), introduced the bill as one which would 'strengthen the public's trust in charities and help charities to do more'. He explained the majority of the proposals within the bill concern the powers of the Charity Commission.
Members of the Lords offered broad support for the bill, but called for additional powers for the Charity Commission and extra responsibilities for charities to be added. Several members identified the issue of proper protection for vulnerable people and children as an area which needs more consideration as the bill progresses.
Committee stage, the chance for line by line scrutiny, begins in the Lords on Tuesday 23 June.
The bill is designed to protect charities from people who present a risk of abuse, and give the Charity Commission for England and Wales new and tougher powers to tackle serious abuse of charities.
It also seeks to give charities a new legal power to invest their funds in a way that provides a financial return, and furthers the charity's aims.
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Q: How to make the RecyclerView's ItemTouchHelper work on only part of the list(drag & drop) I use RecyclerView's ItemTouchHelper to change the order(drag & drop),And I want to move only a part of the list.
I don't want to move after a certain index. How can I handle it with one RecyclerView?
If I explain a little more about what I want to make,
The active items are sorted up and the non-active items are sorted down. And only the activated items will shift the order.
Right now, when I drag an active item, it goes down to the area of the non-active item, but I want to prevent it from going down. How can I do it?
UPDATE
open class SimpleItemTouchHelperCallback(private val mAdapter: ItemTouchHelperAdapter) :
ItemTouchHelper.Callback() {
private var isLongPressDrag = true
fun setLongPressDragEnable(isLongPressDrag: Boolean) {
this.isLongPressDrag = isLongPressDrag
}
override fun isLongPressDragEnabled() = isLongPressDrag
override fun getMovementFlags(
recyclerView: RecyclerView,
viewHolder: RecyclerView.ViewHolder
): Int {
val dragFlags = ItemTouchHelper.UP or ItemTouchHelper.DOWN
val swipeFlags = 0
return makeMovementFlags(dragFlags, swipeFlags)
}
override fun onMove(
recyclerView: RecyclerView,
viewHolder: RecyclerView.ViewHolder,
target: RecyclerView.ViewHolder
): Boolean {
return mAdapter.onItemMove(viewHolder.adapterPosition, target.adapterPosition)
}
override fun onSwiped(viewHolder: RecyclerView.ViewHolder, i: Int) {
mAdapter.onItemDismiss(viewHolder.adapterPosition)
}
}
A: Use ItemTouchHelper.SimpleCallback and override getDragDirs and onMove methods:
ItemTouchHelper.SimpleCallback(
UP or DOWN,
0
) {
override fun getDragDirs(recyclerView: RecyclerView, viewHolder: RecyclerView.ViewHolder): Int {
val selectedPosition = viewHolder.adapterPosition
val isActive: Boolean = // retrieve your model from list and check its active state
return if (isActive) super.getDragDirs(recyclerView, viewHolder) else 0
}
override fun onMove(
recyclerView: RecyclerView,
viewHolder: RecyclerView.ViewHolder,
target: RecyclerView.ViewHolder,
): Boolean {
val toPosition = target.adapterPosition
val isActiveTarget: Boolean = // retrieve your target model from list and check its active state
if (!isActiveTarget) return false
val fromPosition = viewHolder.adapterPosition
moveItem(fromPosition, toPosition)
return true
}
}
Returning 0 on getDragDirs prevents inactive item selection, while returning false on onMove prevents item movement while dragging.
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GIG REVIEW: Olly Murs
Welcome to UK Music Reviews » GIG REVIEW: Olly Murs
Categories: Gig Reviews
Olly Murs performing at Sherwood Pines Mansfield on Friday 23rd June 2017.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
In a week that saw the searing heat break all weather records, it was a cold, damp and windy night that welcomed Essex boy Olly Murs to Sherwood Pines last night. In the beautiful Forestry Commission setting it was 2015 X Factor winner, Louisa Johnson who opened the first of three concerts taking place over this weekend.
Welcoming a crowd of adults and children, her soaring voice immediately engaged as she owned the stage with her single releases, Best Behaviour and So Good. Proving that she is a class act with Forever Young she then handed over the stage to the star of the night.
Love or loathe Olly Murs, what he does have in bundles is a natural charm and an endearing cockiness. With no fancy visuals or pyrotechnics as evidenced when he came to the Motorpoint Arena in March this year, the crowd right at the back were able to see every bum wiggle and pout with the aid of the backdrop screen as he opened with the lively You Don't Know Love.
Delivering a set list of fun filled showmanship with strokes of laddish behaviour, dad dancing and chart toppers such as Wrapped Up and Grow Up, he entertained from the off. Running around the stage he is the consummate performer making sure that everyone in his audience is having as much fun as he clearly is.
With a voice that reached all parts of the forest he treated his fans to the lovely ballad, Up, which came after talk of heartbreak which was followed by some outrageous flirting with the ladies. Informing them that he was single and that he had renamed the tour 'The Find A Girlfriend Tour 2017', there was no shortage of volunteers to fill the vacancy.
With Back Around morphing into Tina Turner's What's Love Got To do With It, there was plenty of opportunity to have a dance, and when Louisa Johnson joined him on the stage for his latest single, Unpredictable, there was a mass sing along from the adoring crowd.
There was an old school music segment with KC & The Sunshine Band's That's The Way (I Like It), Luther Vandross' Never Too Much and MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This along with She's Got That Vibe, Can't Stop The Feeling as well as Jump Around which for a very entertaining ten minutes, the crowd did just that.
With a very talented band and brilliant backing singers he wrapped things up with Dance With Me Tonight and an arm waving rendition of Years And Years. Murs had delivered 90 minutes of high energy, pure pop fun that was never less than entertaining and eight years after his X Factor days, it's still a 'Yes' from Sherwood Pines.
Tags: Olly Murs
INTERVIEW: Olly Murs
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Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer Part 2
Fairs Recommended Temples Uncategorized
A symbol of divine love and compassion, the marvellous marble mausoleum of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti attracts devotees of different faiths and beliefs in great numbers not only during the annual Urs which marks his death anniversary but all through the year. Pilgrims from all walks of life and from all parts of the world consider it to be their great privilege to offer their homage and pray at the shrine.
Born around 1143, at a small village Sanjar in the area of Sistan in Iran, Moinuddin lived a life of deep devotion and great austerity. Even at an early age of nine years he had commited to memory the holy Quran. He got a flour mill and a garden at the age of 15, when his father Ghjayas-ud-din died. His mother's name was Mah-e-noor. His coming in contact with Hazrat Ibrahim Kandozi made him renounce all wordly desires and he sold all that he possessed. During his stay at Samarkand, he studied holy scriptures till he was 20. Khwaja travelled to several places and met Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harun. While in Meeca, he got a divine order to go to
India and spread the message of Sufism there. This brought him to India where he stayed till he left for his heavenly abode. In between, Khwaja visited plaes like Gazni, Bagdad, Lahore and Delhi.
Khwaja's great emphasis on the humanitarian aspect of Islam had a great appeal for persons of all castes, creeds and conviction. The aim of his life was to get divine knowledge through prayer and meditation and then educate the masses about true religion, the core of which was to love man and tend to his needs. For him it was not enough for a Sufi saint just to pray, so he strived hard for ameliorating the lot of suffering human beings, especially the poor. This earned him the name of Gareeb Nawaz, the protector of the poor. He believed in the wise dictum of a Sufi poet who had said that to please the heart of an unhappy person was an act like going on Haj. Following the tenets of Sufism which are very close to some Indian religions, earned him great reverence of different sections of the society.
A great believer in simple living, Khwaja had brought with him to India just two set of clothes, a stick, a bow and arrow, a salt case and a 'datoon'. And these were his only possessions through out his life. He
never bought a third set of clothes. He himself would wash his clothes and put patches on patches when they were torn. It is said that this made his clothes weigh as much as twelve kilos at the end. He would not waste 'chapatis' and soak dried ones in water and eat them. He would spend a lot of time reading the Quran and was so lost in prayer that he would not do anything else for several days.
The Urs is held from the 1st to 6th day of the Islamic month of Rajjab. The exact date of his death is not known as he had shut himself up in his cell for prayer and meditation and was found dead by his disciples when they opened it after six days. So the celebrations take place for six days.
The Urs ceremonies commence with the hoisting of a flag at the Buland Darwaza. The privilege of bringing the flag now belongs to the Gauri family of Bhilwara in Rajasthan, whereas during pre-partition days it was brought from Lal Shah Baba across the border. With this ceremony, the time of the afternoon service at the main shrine changes to 7.30 p.m. The sandal paste that had deposited on the shrine during the year is peeled off and it is then distributed among the pilgrims. The Jannati Darwaza in the east of the shrine remains open all through the six days of the Urs. In
the evening, it is fascinating to watch the presentation of the 'chhadi' by the Kalandars.
A great attraction of the Urs fair is the visit of a class-by-itself set of pilgrims called Kalandars who come here not for the fulfilment of any desire of their own or their family, but to keep up the old tradition of their ancestors. Their prayer to the Khwaja is for the health, peace and prosperity of every citizen of the country. They are always in search for opportunities to serve humanity and also enthuse others to do so. By no means, they are beggars. The Kalandars love to spend their lives in serving at big and small 'dargahs' all over the country. They give up all wordly relations and only then are initiated into their sect. Their participation in various ceremonies during Urs adds colour to the festival.
At several places in the Dargah premises can be enjoyed the singing of lilting 'qawwalis'. The Shahi Mehfil of 'qawwals' takes place in the 'mehfilkhana'. On the sixth day, before the Qul ceremony, the pilgrims wash the outer walls of the shrine with rose and lavender water, collect the holy liquid in bottles and carry it home as 'tarbarruk'. One special feature of the last day is the closing of Jannati Darwaza and another one is the holding of a mass prayer.
A highly interesting sight in the shrine is the looting of rice cooked in two large 'degs' (cauldrons) with a capacity of 40 quintals and 30 quintals each Rich devotees pay for this. Cooking goes on all through the night. At dawn with the firing of a cannon, 'pirzadas' with their bodies wrapped in rags plung into the steaming food and scoop out the contents in buckets, as they have hereditary right to do so. The looted rice is then sold as 'tabarruk'.
After the morning prayer, people start gathering at the holy tomb. Celebrating the Qul Day devotees recite Quran, Darood, Shigra-e-Chistia and other verses. They also tie small turbans on each other's head and pray for peace and prosperity.
Thus falls the final curtain on an event at the great Sufi saint's resting place which had been bustling with people from all over the sub-continent for a week and the site of fascinating ceremonies.
Ajmer Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
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"Bringing Back Bill" - in the news!
William "Bill" Anthony Hoppin Howland died of natural causes on Monday, Oct. 3, 2005, in Moorestown, N.J., at the age of 92. Born in Asheville, N.C., on Aug. 5, 1913, he was the proud son of Reginald Howland and Frances Theobald Howland. Bill was a graduate of Kent School in Connecticut and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD., class of 1937. He served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy until 1941. He retired to Asheville from American Airlines in 1973 after 32 years of service as a pilot based in New York. He received his masters in education and taught mathematics for New York and North Carolina schools. After retirement he volunteered and tutored inmates earning their G.E.D. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Biltmore Forest Country Club.
There was a great secret – some mystery that he feared would die with him if he didn't figure it out soon. My dad had just turned 90, and for the past year he'd been alluding to this mystery concerning two brothers – calling me almost daily and asking me to travel from New Jersey to his home in Asheville, NC to look for clues…in a graveyard.
Then the quest began in earnest. Dad and I went to Asheville and found Rex's grave. We learned a lot about him from Asheville School and from old newspapers in the local library. Rex had left old family pictures and books to dad and we poured over these looking for verification. Once we felt confident that Rex was truly dad's father, we went back and changed the family genealogy records to reflect William A. H. Howland, my dad's, true parentage/lineage.
It was now early 2004 and our discovery was proving overwhelming for both of us. I contacted my friend, Dr. David Grand, who specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), to see if he could help us. David was utilizing EMDR with people nearing the end of their lives and seeing amazingly positive results. David and dad met on Long Beach Island where dad's EMDR session lasted over two hours. This was remarkable due to dad's age and frailty. And it completely changed the rest of his life.
"It was as if I put on a pair of glasses and saw my whole life through them differently." He told me that all of his life he thought there was something inherently unlovable about him and that explained why his "father" Stanley treated him so poorly. He thought the reason he inherited money from his "uncle" Rex was because he was the only male child who could carry on the family name. This false perception induced him to marry young and repeatedly (3 times), in order to fulfill this responsibility and also in an attempt to find a sense of family life. It's also why he had six kids! I think mom might have had something to do with that as well.
In July of 2004, dad participated in a Sky Help retreat in Westchester, NY. He attended with firemen, FBI employees, a stone mason, volunteers from 9/11 and several others. While the other attendees shared the experience of the September 11th attacks, dad's "life changing event" was realizing who his true father was late in his life. He was a beloved inspiration to the other's attending the retreat. Dad was one of Sky Help's original board members and back in 2000, had helped me to fill out and file the tons of paperwork needed to apply for status as a non-profit organization. We never anticipated then how integral Sky Help would be in helping our own family through trauma and powerful transformation.
Though I was not a participant in this particular workshop, my heart overflowed with love and pride when I realized what a positive and inspiring impact dad had on the group and how emotionally attached to him they were. The greatest part was to see dad enjoying this and to see him joking around with the Irish stone mason and a NYC fireman. He turned out to be the "star" of the workshop.
The next great adventure was in February of 2005 when dad, the NYC fireman, the Irish stone mason and I went to St. John, USVI on vacation together. We stayed in what we dubbed, the "handicapped tent" since dad was using a cane. The shower was a hung up water hose and the only thing remotely handicapped was a ramp that led to the cabin door!
This didn't stop dad at all… he was a total trooper! We watched the Super Bowl at a bar, spent lots of time with binoculars on the beach and laughed so hard we cried for days. Dad and Sean wanted to eat smelly dead fish (kippers) for breakfast, just to gross everyone out. Sean and Jim also kept threatening to throw the "old bloke" over the railing if he didn't stop making fun of them. It was my favorite vacation ever and dad was definitely at his wittiest and most charming.
Experiencing dad's transformation was a life changing and healing experience for me. He was transformed as a father and the kind smile that his journey had finally given him was there every day for the rest of his life. He enjoyed sitting around and thinking about his real father and remembering things from his life. There was no longer a single soul alive that could be embarrassed or shamed by the news. Dad wanted to shout his truth from the mountain tops.
Which brings me to the film about his life, "Bringing Back Bill." Dad said that no one could make up a better story and the fact that it was true gave it a more powerful reason to be told! I am in the process of compiling the facts of Dad's discovered mystery – which includes a WWII torpedo bomber named the Devastator crashed off the coast of San Diego, a mysterious tattoo, the talented and sometimes disturbing art of a searching mind, the acceptance of an autistic son, a family legacy in dispute and a series of plot twists that continue to keep everyone guessing. We have about 6 to 8 hours of film footage and I'm talking with a couple of independent film producers.
I could never have done any of this if dad had not believed in me, encouraged me, helped with the details and participated directly. My life's work – Sky Help, Inc. – is the direct result of William A. H. Howland's epiphany and his willingness to share his journey with all those who would grow and heal from the experience.
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As an alumnus of the celebrated Screwed Up Click, rapper Lil' Keke knows that his fans have been anticipating his much-delayed Swishahouse debut, Loved By Few, Hated By Many, for roughly two years. Planning for the album to finally be heard later this year, Don Ke has scooped up fellow Houstonians, Slim Thug and Paul Wall, for a tribute to everyone making Money In Tha City (whether legally or illegally). With Baton Rouge native Tre Virdure's hook vocals and Mr. Lee's street-certified production, Money In Tha City has the makings of yet another underground street anthem in the veins of Chunk Up The Deuce and Ima G. Loved By Few, Hated By Many is currently scheduled for release this September.
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Above is a photo of a new "sky island" species of Vaejovis, Vaejovis grayae. This Arizona Scorpion pic was taken in northern Arizona. Vaejovis grayae is related to Vaejovis trinityae Ayrey, 2013 and Vaejovis crumpi Ayrey & Soleglad, 2014 but is a distinct new species. Download the description here. I am very fortunate to have pics of rare scorpions like this one.
This Flagstaff Arizona Scorpion site © Rich Ayrey 2014.
Arizona Scorpion World page created 05/23/14.
Arizona Scorpion World page last updated 07/26/14.
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Langtang is the closet mountain can be seen from Kathmandu valley as white wall on northern side.The Langtang Himal forms the western portion of a complex of mountains, which also includes the Jugal Himal, home of Shisha Pangma (Tibetan Mountain). This complex lies between the SunKoshi valley on the east and the TrisuliGandaki valley on the west. LangtangLirung lies near the TrisuliGandaki, and north of the LangtangKhola. LangtangLirung is the highest peak of the Langtang Himal, which is a subrange of the Nepalese Himalayas, southwest of the Eight-thousander Shisha Pangma. The close up view of Yala Peak, Dorjelakpa, Shishapangma and more than 100 of mountain peaks can be viewed. Short stope of KyanjingGompa for refreshment tea/coffee is another excite on this program.
After the take off, the landscape of the Kathmandu valley changes almost drastically into high alpine country then comes the main course, the Langtang valley a unique world on its own, undisturbed by the crowed modern world. The valley's pristine purity will inspire you, and may even challenge you softly to come back and trek in its national park. You can easily view Gosaikund Lake, one of the important pilgrimage places of Hindu. The Langtang National Park area is famous for the rare Himalayan Red Panda and Yak Cheese.
Depart from Kathmandu Airport early in the morning.
Langtang National Park Fee: Inr. 1875.00 per person direct pay at KanjinGompahalt place.
Tea / coffee at KyanjinGompa.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
Norfolk 1939. The start of World War II brings about dramatic changes for the de Lacey family. Their eldest daughter Elizabeth is expected home any day from France when an accident detains her with the war rumbling ever closer. Her sister Amy has returned from finishing school full of possibilities for her future. Jack, the eldest son, is distracted by his blossoming romance with Lucy Storey, the daughter of the village stationmaster. And the youngest de Lacey, Edmund, is seeking adventure with the new evacuees. The war is bringing changes for all at Nayton Halt, changes they must embrace.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
These Glory Days is created by Mr. Magnus Beckman. His interest for fashion began in his childhood as his grandfather, Lennart, was an employee at the famous NK department store in Stockholm, and introduced him to the classical look of a true gentleman. The inspiration for this brand are gentlemen who appreciate design, fit & details, like his grandfather did.
These Glory Days believe that price should reflect quality, and our ambition is that everybody should be able to afford well-designed clothes. Most of the clothes are based on old classic garments that every gentleman should have in his wardrobe.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
Time to Regroup on Iran
Israelis - and Jewish people the world over- now know that neither the Democratic administration nor American Jewry will be there for them on critical matters of security.
David Friedman
Aug 31, 2015, 11:50 AM (GMT+3)
Iran Nuclear ProgramProportionality
The JCPOA is not going to be thwarted by Congress. Even if the Senate musters the 60 votes necessary to break a filibuster and reject the deal, there is no chance that it will produce enough votes to override a presidential veto. So for the near term, the United States will be a party to this reckless act of appeasement.
Our political leaders, especially the Jewish ones, have failed us. Jerry Nadler, an outspoken supporter of Israel and a long time congressman from one of New York's most Jewish districts, proved to be all talk and no action. Obama had him at hello. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from a heavily Jewish district in South Florida and head of the Democratic National Committee, elevated politics over principle. Over and over again, she went on the airwaves to defend the Iran deal, spouting the nonsensical talking points fed her by the administration. Other Jewish legislators were no better. Even Chuck Schumer, who will vote against the deal, did nothing to exercise the considerable influence he has over his colleagues.
Our non-political leadership failed us as well. While there were notable exceptions, many prominent American Jews – in the rabbinate, academia, the arts and elsewhere – were all too quick to support the Iran deal. In the face of united opposition to the deal from the State of Israel – spanning the far left to the far right – many American Jews, none with any expertise in military security, nonetheless honored their loyalty to Obama above all else. Incredibly, a greater percentage of American Jews support the Iran deal than the population at large.
We must now confront the painful reality that Israel currently cannot trust a Democratic administration nor a majority of the American Jewish community to side with it on critical and existential matters of security. That is not to say that the relationship between the two countries is, God forbid, irreconcilably broken. A Republican administration will hopefully emerge that will share Israel's world view, and, even under a Democratic administration, military cooperation and coordination between the USA and Israel is at a very high level (in the interests of both sides) and does not appear to be in jeopardy (at least not yet). But it is unfortunately apparent that many of Israel's friends in America have disappointed us and proven unreliable in observing their pledges of loyalty and support when needed the most.
Incredibly, a greater percentage of American Jews support the Iran deal than the population at large.
Among the perilous consequences of the current situation is the potential loss of Israel's power of deterrence against its enemies. Terrorist organizations read the same newspapers that we do, and they are gleeful in their perception that the United States, including its Jewish leaders, has abandoned Israel in its time of need. As they see Israel in an increasingly weakened state, their aggression is likely to increase proportionately.
Israel must respond to its rejection by the United States and send a clear message to its enemies who undoubtedly are salivating over their good fortune. If I were Bibi Netanyahu, I might write a letter that looks something like this:
Mr. President:
You have acted in a manner that you deem in the best interests of your country. Now Israel must do the same.
For decades, Israel has shown great restraint against its hostile neighbors to accommodate the geopolitical goals of the United States. In the First Gulf War, Israel was besieged by scud missiles from Iraq but held its fire to permit the United States to maintain a coalition with Arab countries. Following each of its defensive wars, Israel has returned land validly captured at the request of the American administration. More recently, Israel has responded to indiscriminate rocket fire into its population centers with the type of limited force that no other country would consider, all at the request of our American ally.
"Ten years ago, Israel evacuated 8000 Jews from Gaza with the support of the United States in an attempt to demonstrate its commitment to Palestinian self-determination. The evacuation almost split the country in half and ultimately proved disastrous, but it was at least accompanied by a letter from then-president George W. Bush that recognized the permanence of a Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ripped up that letter virtually the day you appointed her.
Israel thus has proven, time and time again, that it is willing to make great sacrifices on account of its friendship with, and loyalty to, the United States, with only mixed results in return. But never have Israel's concerns been so completely rejected as in the case of the Iran agreement. Your intent to implement a deal with Iran at all costs puts my country at an untenable risk, both in the short and the long term. In the short term, you will be funding Hezbollah and Hamas with billions of dollars to terrorize our population. In the long term – only 10 years from now – you will have created a nuclear Iran. As our enemies rejoice in their good fortune and predictions of Israel's demise – all a direct result of the JCPOA -- Israel must re-calibrate its security platform in response.
With our enemies expected to grow stronger with enhanced weapons, and more emboldened by the return of Iran to the community of nations, we can no longer follow a path of 'proportionate force' in response to attacks against our people -- attacks that American leaders have acknowledged will result from the implementation of the JCPOA. Such proportionality, followed to its logical conclusion, will only encourage further militancy and ultimately lead to our destruction. Rather, we are respectfully informing the leadership of the United States, our greatest friend, as well as all of our enemies, that any further attacks on Israel, whether by rocket, by tunnel, by incursion or otherwise, will be met with entirely disproportionate force – the type of force every other nation has used and will use under comparable circumstances -- designed to immediately end the battle and discourage and deter further misconduct. You have left us with no other choice.
Winston Churchill is considered by many to be the greatest leader of his generation. To defeat the Nazis, Churchill, in coordination with American forces, bombed population centers in Dresden, Germany and elsewhere in early 1945. Civilian life was lost but the war quickly ended, Nazism was defeated and Churchill was regaled as a hero. No one holds life to be more precious than the People of Israel and we will never target civilians. But we will no longer permit human shields to limit our self-defense and we will send a clear message to deter the terrorist attacks that we know are coming. We will not be held to a different standard than the United States, we will not bow to the world's hypocrisy and we will defeat Islamic terrorism by any and all means necessary.
I hope this clarifies our position in response to the JCPOA's approval.
Binyamin Netanyahu
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaCommonCrawl"
}
|
package ch.bastiangardel.easypay.exception;
public class CheckOutNotFoundException extends RuntimeException {
public CheckOutNotFoundException(String message){
super(message);
}
}
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaGithub"
}
|
Ruth Benedict, ameriška antropologinja, * 5. junij 1887, New York, New York, ZDA, † 17. september 1948, New York, ZDA.
↑ 1,0 1,1 Blain V., Grundy I., Clements P. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English: Women Writers from the Middle Ages to the Present — 1990. — P. 80.
Čas zadnje spremembe strani: 21:25, 21. oktober 2015.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
Q: Getting GraphicDeviceManager from another class I've been searching for a way to use the GraphicDeviceManager in other classes that don't inherit from Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Game
I'm using the Game State Management example.
I've got a class called "FirstLevel" which is essentialy GamePlayScreen from the example, I'm trying to get that class to use the GraphicsDeviceManager to do code such as the following;
this.graphics.PreferredBackBufferWidth = 1920;
this.graphics.PreferredBackBufferHeight = 1080;
But it has no idea what "graphics" actually is.
What are my options in terms of getting a hold of a GraphicsDeviceManager and using it in the FirstLevel class?
I can't inherit from Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Game because my class is already inheriting from GameScreen.
I heard somwhere that you can use the DrawableGameComponent class to access a GraphicsDeviceManager, such as the class "ScreenManager" which inherits from this class.
I cant pass Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Game into the constructor of firstLevel because other classes that call it need to get the GraphicsDeviceManager to pass into it.
Any help guys?
Thanks.
A: The usual is passing to your GameScreen constructor the game instance as a Game parameter.
A GraphicDeviceManager is used to initializate graphics, inside a game you should use the GraphicsDevice instance provided by the game instance.
public class GameScreen {
public Game Game;
public GameScreen(Game game) {
this.Game = game;
}
public void Update()
{
Game.GraphicsDevice....
}
}
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaStackExchange"
}
|
> > sched_domains_numa_level now equals 2 on 2 node systems.
> > machines. The Identity node is only needed on very few systems.
> > sched_domains_numa_distance and sched_domains_numa_masks tables.
> > init_sched_groups_capacity() (sg != sd->groups is always true).
> then the degenerate code would take it out.
> Why is that not working (right) and can we fix that instead?
Here is my analysis on another box showing same issue.
groups per sched-domain, so the problem is masked.
i.e On a topology update, the sched_domain_numa_mask aren't getting updated.
archs can help build correct/proper sched_domains.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
An extraordinary 79% of 2-16 year olds taking antipsychotics in 2009/10 were prescribed risperidone, a drug at the centre of multi-billion dollar lawsuits in the US and capable of causing irreversible damage to the nervous system and life-threatening diabetes. The number of children taking antipsychotics overall increased 69% between 2007/08 (5,727) and 2009/10 (9,683), 759 of them in 2010 aged 6 or under. The Citizens Committee on Human Rights (CCHR) said an investigation is needed into the potential conflicts of interest between pharmaceutical companies and psychiatrists writing treatment guidelines and the influence of these on prescription trends.
Concerns have escalated with federal government plans for GPs to screen 3-year-olds for highly subjective mental disorders when already this group has been heavily marketed to by the pharmaceutical-psychiatric consortium and prescribe 72% of antipsychotics, 86% of antidepressants and 94% of sedative-hypnotics.1 CCHR says Medicine Australia's proposed Code of Conduct disclosing conflicts of interest with doctors and consumer groups is a whitewash, needing federal legislation similar to that in the US which names all doctors receiving more than $100 from pharmaceutical companies. CCHR national executive director Shelley Wilkins says the pharmaceutical-psychiatric industry needs to disclose any funding of psychiatric training manuals, treatment guidelines, and research.
In 1998 in Australia, Janssen-Cilag sponsored the development of a Resource Kit for General Practitioners aimed at integrating GPs into outpatient services for young people who were given psychiatric treatment for early psychosis.
The treatment algorithm in the Training Pack and subsequent Early Psychosis Treatment Guidelines is similar to that exposed in the recent Texas case against Janssen, which was developed by psychiatrists funded by Janssen around the same time as the Australian training pack and early psychosis guidelines were produced.
Rothman exposed how the company's phrase "unrestricted educational grant" was misleading, aimed really at expanding Risperdal's market. Treatment guidelines were turned into a powerful marketing tool, he said.2 Medical education and research were "thinly disguised marketing activities" and "funding of these activities created conflicts of interest that subverted scientific objectivity and professional medical integrity."3 Psychiatrists were paid to develop treatment guidelines with a $65,000 bonus for completing on time. Government officials were given kickbacks to make Risperdal a preferred drug in insurance rebates.
Like the US Schizophrenia Guidelines, the Australian Early Psychosis Training Pack, Australian Clinical Guidelines for Early Psychosis and The Diagnosis and Management of Psychosis: A Booklet for General Practitioners, recommended risperidone, quetiapine and olanzapine as treatment for early psychosis/first episode psychosis.
PBS expenditure on antipsychotics has soared 3,700% since 1992/93. Expenditure on just three brand-name antipsychotics Risperdal (risperidone), Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Seroquel (quetiapine) year-ending 30 June 2011 reached $343,121,352; total costs with co-payments were $362,728,613.4 Between April 2010 and March 2011, Janssen in Australia spent over $1 million on 563 events attended by psychiatrists, representing 36% of all their sponsored medical events.
One J&J employee, Rob Kraner, explained J&J's approach to colleagues: 'One of the reasons Janssen committed substantial funding was to develop treatment guidelines/algorithms for schizophrenia that positioned atypicals as the first line agents (at the time atypicals were usually positioned after conventionals) and test it in a real world setting. The rationale was to develop this approach in Texas, find out the most effective way to roll it out, and then other states could replicate [it] with minimal investment.' (Italics added) [Page 18].
Like the US Schizophrenia Guidelines, between the Australian Early Psychosis Training Pack, Australian Clinical Guidelines for Early Psychosis (including updated 2010 version) and The Diagnosis and Management of Psychosis: A Booklet for General Practitioners, the atypical antipsychotics risperidone, quetiapine and olanzapine are recommended as treatment for early psychosis/first episode psychosis.
2010, October: The Australian Early Psychosis Treatment Guidelines produced by Orygen Youth Health and edited by McGorry and others recommended risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and three other atypical antipsychotics.
Individual or Class Action lawsuits may be the only way for Australians to learn the truth about all adverse drug events and potential collusion between pharmaceutical companies and psychiatrists conducting industry-funded studies and/or writing treatment guidelines that could influence prescription sales in the country.
Mental Health Minister Mark Butler does not appear to monitor conflicts of interest within the mental health system. An investigation should be conducted into whether pharmaceutical company-funding of antipsychotic research and treatment guidelines or potential influence over government preference of prescription psychiatric drugs.
How does the Minister account for the 69% increase in 2-16 year olds prescribed antipsychotics between 2007/08 and 2009/10?
How does the Minister account for the fact that of 2-16 year olds taking antipsychotics in 2009/10 (9,683) 79% were prescribed risperidone, a drug which is the subject of lawsuits in the U.S. against one of its manufacturers, Janssen-Cilag?
What statistics are collected annually on number of children/teens prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants and psychostimulants through federally-funded youth mental health programs, such as headspace and Orygen Youth Mental Health?
If statistics in (3) are not collected, what will the Minister do to obtain such information and make it publicly accessible and accountable?
What investigation(s) have been initiated or will be initiated to determine what, if any, conflicts of interest may be influencing government treatment guidelines for psychosis, schizophrenia and depression in children, youths and the elderly?
How does the Minister explain the over-representation of risperidone use in the elderly [of all elderly aged 72 and above in 2009/10 taking antipsychotics (87,911), 48% were taking risperidone (42,478), 24% were taking Zyprexa (21,099), and 11% Seroquel (10,203)]?
Is the Minister aware of the recent lawsuits in the U.S. against Janssen-Cilag, the maker of Risperdal (risperidone) resulting in $1.9 billion in fines and settlements over misleading promotion and concealing adverse effects risperidone? Does the government have guidelines or any policy that makes Risperdal (risperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine) or Zyprexa (olanzapine) "preferred" drugs to be prescribed in mental health facilities?
Does the Minister intend implementing a regulation/law where any government-subsidised healthcare facility, organisation, and or researcher and doctor must disclose complete past and present pharmaceutical company or medical device financial support or affiliation?
Can the Minister provide a current breakdown of the number of Australians prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants and psychostimulants, by age, gender, state and by itemized drug in these classes?
Of the total number of 2-16 year olds taking antipsychotics in 2009/10 (9,683) 79% were prescribed risperidone, towering over quietapine at 9% and alonazapine at 7%.
NB: The total number of people PBS reports take clozapine is low: 894 in 2007/08, 952 in 2008/09 and 1003 in 2009/10, compared to olanzapine for the same period, 101,012; 105,337 and 104,407 respectively. That means the risk of death could be 87,000 or greater for those taking Clozapine.
In Australia, obtaining statistics on psychiatric drug usage, especially by age group and drug is a lengthy and costly affair—upwards of $4,000 per request.
Medicare has informed those seeking such statistics that they now must provide a detailed explanation for wanting the information and how it will be used. This is information that should be provided annually in health care statistics as a matter of transparency.
See near bottom of this page for statistics references.
Early Psychosis Training Pack, Module, 4, p. 6.
Early Psychosis Training Pack, Module, 4, pp. 15-16.
Richard Gosden, Ph.D., Chapter 10, Schismatic Mind: Early Psychosis, pp. 298-299.
"Johnson & Johnson fined $1.1bn in Risperdal case", Herald Sun, 12 April 2012.
"Clozapine monitoring least stringent in Australia," Medical Observer, 28 Feb 2012.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
The company boosts interoperability improving its Cloud Partner Program to provide support services to cloud platforms.
The IoT company expands the partner ecosystem adding compatibility with Arrow, Haibu and Labeeb Cloud Services.
Today, at Mobile World Congress, Libelium presents new IoT solutions ready to be deployed on smart environment scenarios to develop projects for green cities, flood prevention, security and golf courses.
With the aim to extend the interoperability that Libelium provides nowadays with a network of 36 certified cloud partners, the IoT company launches a new program providing business opportunities, technical support and marketing benefits to the clouds. This new Cloud Partner Program focuses on offering interoperability with Meshlium IoT Gateway to build successful cloud based services and better market positioning.
"The best way to speed up the IoT adoption is offering our partners special services and benefits to create new business development opportunities together and to gain visibility and wider presence in a very fragmented market. Now we have a complete program that meets our partners' needs", states Alicia Asín, Libelium CEO. The company will be presenting the Cloud Program at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (February 27 – March 2) at stand 8.0F9 in the IoT Pavilion (hall 8).
Libelium has packaged new solutions ready to be deployed in the form of kits available in The IoT Marketplace. These kits are direct translations from market needs and the result of leveraging the wide ecosystem of the company. With these new kits, The IoT Marketplace -launched one year ago now -moves forward with 50 final products packaged to accelerate the easy adoption of the IoT.
Smartis has designed with Libelium a Green Cities Solution Kit that includes sound level sensor and dust particle matter (PM1 / PM2.5 / PM10). Cities and organizations demand meeting environmental regulations for air or noise pollution levels.
EnsuraC&C has included new three IoT solutions. Flood Prevention Solution Kit allows to monitor water flows to provide an early warning system to prevent floods or other natural disasters. Smart Security Solution Kit enables Security, Defense, and First Responder forces to manage situations in real-time. The company has also worked on an IoT Development Kit to program any kind of solution based on EnsuraC&C Cloud.
BaseN has worked on a Smart Golf Solution Kit to manage golf courses in terms of maintenance needs, player volumes and service information for users about weather and other environmental conditions.
Hirisens has launched a Smart Parking Sigfox Solution Kit with Libelium technology that has been tested in the Basque Country (Spain) with more than 70 nodes deployed.
Kerlink Development Kit is LoRa SPN embedded and allows to program a LoRaWan IoT solution with no fees associated.
Labeeb IoT Development Kit provides the opportunity to develop solutions on top of Labeeb IoT platform.
Haibu Smart Cloud is an horizontal IoT Platform that offers functionalities to gather, integrate, store and analyze data from sensors, analyzing information in real-time and visualizing insights to improve decision making and process optimization. Our dashboard integrated with historical and real-time data allows predictive models.
Labeeb™ IoT is an Internet of Things applications enablement platform, which works according to the Platform-as-a-Service paradigm. It provides a wide of range of services to ease the development and deployment of IoT solutions. With the Labeeb™ IoT comprehensive suite of platform capabilities, tools and SDKs, third party companies and developers can achieve faster time-to-market for their IoT projects while reducing their overall R&D costs.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
American heritage brands' lack of extravagant ad campaigns or the perception of a complicated marketing strategy is a major part of their appeal. The idealized heritage brand marches on unaware and unconcerned with fashion trends, instead focusing on core customers and quality products. Filson is now trying to expand their business while staying loyal to their brand image. The Portland store exemplifies these efforts.
I met Nathan Gray, Filson Store Manager, a couple days ago on my visit to the store and chatted a little about the possibility of Goldwin Inc, Filson's Japanese Distributor, opening a store in Tokyo. Yesterday I exchanged a few emails with Nathan and continued our conversation about the heritage movement and Filson's retail strategy. Here are a few questions with Nathan.
Foster: How much business do you get from people buying Filson due to the recent interest in American heritage brands?
Nathan: So far, the vast majority of our sales have been from our loyal Oregon customers who are delighted that we've opened a store closer than Seattle. I hope that our great location in the Pearl will turn a lot of new customers on to our brand. I believe that Portland will be an ideal location for us due to the interest in American heritage brands and the strong attraction this community has for natural products.
Foster: So Filson is using the Portland store as concept store to test the waters of expanding Filson to a new market? Interesting.
Nathan: I don't know that I would describe us as a "concept test store." One of the goals of any retailer is to increase their customer base, and hopefully the amount of exposure we will get here in the Pearl District will help in that aim.
Filson's apparent marketing strategy differs from that of other American heritage brands like Woolrich and Red Wing, who have launched sub-brands to capture on the resurgence movement. These sub-brands, Woolrich Woolen Mills and Red Wing Heritage, have their own websites, sales distribution, and collections. Filson has instead tried to overhaul their own brand by putting up vintage ads on their website (as attached in the article), and launching stores in strategic locations, Portland and potentially Tokyo, to capitalize on the resurgence movement.
My conversation with Nathan accentuated the differences between Filson and Woolrich and Red Wing's approach to capitalizing on the resurgence movement. It will be interesting to see how these two different approaches will weather the economic crisis and the current heritage fashion trend.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
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John Kelly of the Irish Chamber Orchestra at the 2011 Irish America Wall Street 50
John Kelly of the Irish Chamber Orchestra plays a riveting rendition of "O'Carolan's Cocerto" follwed by an encore performance of "The Orange Blossom Special" at the annual Irish America Wall Street 50 awards dinner on September 22, 2011 at the New York Yacht Club.
2011 Wall Street 50 Awards Highlights
Irish America magazine celebrated the 2011 Wall Street 50, an annual celebration of the best and brightest Irish Americans in finance, on September 22, 2011 at the New York Yacht Club. Among the speakers were Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Governor Martin O'Malley and keynote speaker Brian Ruane, CEO of BNY Mellon Alternative Investment Services John KellyRead more..
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore addresses the Irish America Wall Street 50
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore delivers a speech at the Irish America Wall Street 50 awards dinner on September 22, 2011 at the New York Yacht Club.
Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland addresses the Irish America Wall Street 50
Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland speaks at the 14th Annual Irish America Wall Street 50 awards dinner on September 22, 2011 at the New York Yacht Club.
Brian Ruane of BNY Mellon Keynote address at the Irish America Wall Street 50
Brian Ruane, CEO of BNY Mellon Alternative Investment Services delivers his Keynote address at the Irish America Wall Street 50 awards dinner. The Wall Street 50 awards honored the best and brightest Irish Americans in finance on September 22, 2011 at the New York Yacht Club.
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{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaCommonCrawl"
}
|
import * as React from 'react';
import { useUtils } from './useUtils';
import { ParseableDate } from '../constants/prop-types';
import { PickerOnChangeFn } from './useViews';
import { getMeridiem, convertToMeridiem } from '../time-utils';
export type OverrideParseableDateProps<TDate, TProps, TKey extends keyof TProps> = Omit<
TProps,
TKey
> &
Partial<Record<TKey, ParseableDate<TDate>>>;
export function useParsedDate<TDate>(
possiblyUnparsedValue: ParseableDate<TDate>,
): TDate | undefined {
const utils = useUtils<TDate>();
return React.useMemo(
() =>
typeof possiblyUnparsedValue === 'undefined' ? undefined : utils.date(possiblyUnparsedValue)!,
[possiblyUnparsedValue, utils],
);
}
interface MonthValidationOptions {
disablePast?: boolean;
disableFuture?: boolean;
minDate: unknown;
maxDate: unknown;
}
export function useNextMonthDisabled(
month: unknown,
{ disableFuture, maxDate }: Pick<MonthValidationOptions, 'disableFuture' | 'maxDate'>,
) {
const utils = useUtils();
return React.useMemo(() => {
const now = utils.date();
const lastEnabledMonth = utils.startOfMonth(
disableFuture && utils.isBefore(now, maxDate) ? now : maxDate,
);
return !utils.isAfter(lastEnabledMonth, month);
}, [disableFuture, maxDate, month, utils]);
}
export function usePreviousMonthDisabled(
month: unknown,
{ disablePast, minDate }: Pick<MonthValidationOptions, 'disablePast' | 'minDate'>,
) {
const utils = useUtils();
return React.useMemo(() => {
const now = utils.date();
const firstEnabledMonth = utils.startOfMonth(
disablePast && utils.isAfter(now, minDate) ? now : minDate,
);
return !utils.isBefore(firstEnabledMonth, month);
}, [disablePast, minDate, month, utils]);
}
export function useMeridiemMode<TDate>(
date: TDate,
ampm: boolean | undefined,
onChange: PickerOnChangeFn<TDate>,
) {
const utils = useUtils<TDate>();
const meridiemMode = getMeridiem(date, utils);
const handleMeridiemChange = React.useCallback(
(mode: 'am' | 'pm') => {
const timeWithMeridiem = convertToMeridiem<TDate>(date, mode, Boolean(ampm), utils);
onChange(timeWithMeridiem, 'shallow');
},
[ampm, date, onChange, utils],
);
return { meridiemMode, handleMeridiemChange };
}
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaGithub"
}
|
Philadelphia school district starts 3-year solar training program
By SD News On Oct 29, 2021
The Philadelphia Energy authority marked a milestone in Pennsylvania's just transition to clean energy with the opening of the Solar Training Lab at Frankford High School.
"Philadelphia is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and that effort will create thousands of jobs," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "We need our young people to access those careers, and this lab will make sure they do. Congratulations to the school district, Frankford High School and the Philadelphia Energy Authority on this important milestone."
Bright Solar Futures (BSF), funded by the US Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, PECO and other industry partners, provides access to solar careers for young Philadelphians. The first of its kind three-year career and technical education (CTE) vocational training program will launch young people for careers in clean energy.
"Supporting Bright Solar Futures and the opening of this new Solar Training Lab is at the intersection of two very important priorities for us at PECO: supporting clean energy sources to reduce the impact of climate change and promoting initiatives to empower the workforce. of tomorrow in clean energy," said Mike Innocenzo, PECO President and CEO. "We are proud to be involved in this program and look forward to the 'bright' future for these students."
Emily Schapira, CEO of Philadelphia Energy Authority, said: "We are so proud to be here in Frankford today with these partners and these students. Solar energy is the fastest growing job in Pennsylvania, and this lab will ensure equal access to this Bright Solar Futures students train in solar installation, sales and design, along with weatherproofing, construction basics, and site safety, so that Philadelphia has the best-trained clean energy workforce in the region."
News release from the Philadelphia Energy Authority
FCNews kicks off annual Fantasy Football for a Cause
Solar BOS Survey Report
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaCommonCrawl"
}
|
Fundamenta Informaticae - Volume 153, issue 1-2
ISSN 0169-2968 (P)
ISSN 1875-8681 (E)
Fundamenta Informaticae is an international journal publishing original research results in all areas of theoretical computer science. Papers are encouraged contributing:
- solutions by mathematical methods of problems emerging in computer science
- solutions of mathematical problems inspired by computer science.
Topics of interest include (but are not restricted to): theory of computing, complexity theory, algorithms and data structures, computational aspects of combinatorics and graph theory, programming language theory, theoretical aspects of programming languages, computer-aided verification, computer science logic, database theory, logic programming, automated deduction, formal languages and automata theory, concurrency and distributed computing, cryptography and security, theoretical issues in artificial intelligence, machine learning, pattern recognition, algorithmic game theory, bioinformatics and computational biology, quantum computing, probabilistic methods, & algebraic and categorical methods.
Recommend this journal Editorial board Submissions Subscribe
Methods for Distributed and Concurrent Systems: Special Issue on the occasion of the 60th Birthday of Professor Gabriel Ciobanu
Authors: Aman, Bogdan | Kleijn, Jetty | Koutny, Maciej | Lucanu, Dorel
Article Type: Other
DOI: 10.3233/FI-2017-1528
Citation: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 153, no. 1-2, pp. v-vi, 2017
Modelling and Analysing Qualitative Biological Models using Rewriting Logic
Authors: Alhumaidan, Abdullah | Steggles, Jason
Abstract: Qualitative logical modelling techniques play an important role in biology and are seen as crucial for developing scalable methods for modelling and synthesizing biological systems. While a range of interesting work has been done in this area there still exists challenging issues that need to be addressed for the practical application of these modelling techniques. In this paper we present an algebraic framework for exploring these issues by developing techniques for modelling and analysing qualitative biological models using Rewriting Logic (RL) . The aim here is to develop a universal formal framework which is able to integrate models expressed in …different formalisms (e.g. Boolean networks, Petri Nets and process algebra) and provide a basis for new work in this area (e.g. merging models based on different formalisms; compositional model construction and analysis; and tools for synthetic biology). We take as our starting point Multi-valued networks (MVNs) , a simple yet expressive qualitative state based modelling approach widely used in biology. We develop a semantic translation from MVNs to a corresponding RL model and formally show that this translation is correct. We consider both the asynchronous and synchronous update semantics, and investigate the use of rewriting strategies to enable synchronisation to be modelled. We illustrate the RL framework developed and the potential RL analysis possible by presenting two detailed case studies. Show more
Keywords: rewriting logic, qualitative modelling, genetic regulatory networks, multi-valued networks
Citation: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 153, no. 1-2, pp. 1-28, 2017
Contradiction-Tolerant Process Algebra with Propositional Signals
Authors: Bergstra, J.A. | Middelburg, C.A.
Abstract: In a previous paper, an ACP-style process algebra was proposed in which propositions are used as the visible part of the state of processes and as state conditions under which processes may proceed. This process algebra, called ACPps, is built on classical propositional logic. In this paper, we present a version of ACPps built on a paraconsistent propositional logic which is essentially the same as CLuNs. There are many systems that would have to deal with self-contradictory states if no special measures were taken. For a number of these systems, it is conceivable that accepting self-contradictory states and dealing with …them in a way based on a paraconsistent logic is an alternative to taking special measures. The presented version of ACPps can be suited for the description and analysis of systems that deal with self-contradictory states in a way based on the above-mentioned paraconsistent logic. Show more
Keywords: process algebra, propositional signal, propositional condition, paraconsistent logic
Citation: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 153, no. 1-2, pp. 29-55, 2017
Semantics for Specialising Attack Trees based on Linear Logic
Authors: Horne, Ross | Mauw, Sjouke | Tiu, Alwen
Abstract: Attack trees profile the sub-goals of the proponent of an attack. Attack trees have a variety of semantics depending on the kind of question posed about the attack, where questions are captured by an attribute domain. We observe that one of the most general semantics for attack trees, the multiset semantics, coincides with a semantics expressed using linear logic propositions. The semantics can be used to compare attack trees to determine whether one attack tree is a specialisation of another attack tree. Building on these observations, we propose two new semantics for an extension of attack trees named causal …attack trees . Such attack trees are extended with an operator capturing the causal order of sub-goals in an attack. These two semantics extend the multiset semantics to sets of series-parallel graphs closed under certain graph homomorphisms, where each semantics respects a class of attribute domains. We define a sound logical system with respect to each of these semantics, by using a recently introduced extension of linear logic, called MAV, featuring a non-commutative operator. The non-commutative operator models causal dependencies in causal attack trees. Similarly to linear logic for attack trees, implication defines a decidable preorder for specialising causal attack trees that soundly respects a class of attribute domains. Show more
Keywords: attack trees, semantics, causality, linear logic, calculus of structures
P Systems Simulating Bacterial Conjugation: Universality and Properties
Authors: Păun, Andrei | Rodríguez-Patón, Alfonso
Abstract: We refine the modeling in the P systems area of the way bacteria transmit genetic information in bacterial colonies, specifically the conjugation process. We study this new model from the computational power perspective using methods and ideas in the area; we are able to prove the universality of these systems. We show that systems working in a homogeneous manner and using only 75 species of objects in the regions and 13 species of "on-membrane" objects are enough for reaching universality. The system starts in a initial state with only few (nine) bacteria needed and the "bacteria" from this system are …homogeneous, all have the same rules. Show more
Keywords: P systems, Bacterial conjugation, universality, small universal machines
Citation: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 153, no. 1-2, pp. 87-103, 2017
Binary Analysis based on Symbolic Execution and Reversible x86 Instructions
Authors: Stoenescu, Teodor | Stefanescu, Alin | Predut, Sorina | Ipate, Florentin
Abstract: We present a binary analysis framework based on symbolic execution with the distinguishing capability to execute stepwise forward and also backward through the execution tree. It was developed internally at Bitdefender and code-named RIVER. The framework provides components such as a taint engine, a dynamic symbolic execution engine, and integration with Z3 for constraint solving. In this paper we will provide details on the framework and give an example of analysis on binary code.
Citation: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 153, no. 1-2, pp. 105-124, 2017
Concurrency Semantics in Continuation-Passing Style
Authors: Todoran, Eneia Nicolae | Papaspyrou, Nikolaos
Abstract: We present a denotational semantics designed in continuation-passing style (CPS) for an abstract language providing operators for nondeterministic choice, sequential and parallel composition, and a general mechanism of interaction between multisets of distributed actions. We show that the basic laws of concurrent systems are satisfied in this semantics. Next, by customizing the behavior of continuations we obtain denotational semantics for a couple of concurrent languages and a nature-inspired formalism. The languages discussed include Hoare's communicating sequential processes (CSP), and two formalisms based on multiparty interactions: a version of CSP extended with communication and synchronization on multiple channels, and a language …similar to a process algebra for DNA computing introduced by Cardelli. We accomplish the semantic investigation in the mathematical framework of complete metric spaces. Show more
Keywords: continuation-passing style, denotational semantics, metric spaces, concurrency semantics
Computational Efficiency of Minimal Cooperation and Distribution in Polarizationless P Systems with Active Membranes
Authors: Valencia-Cabrera, Luis | Orellana-Martín, David | Martínez-del-Amor, Miguel A. | Riscos-Núñez, Agustín | Pérez-Jiménez, Mario J.
Abstract: Polarizationless P systems with active membranes are non-cooperative systems, that is, the left-hand side of their rules have a single object. Usually, these systems make use of division rules as a mechanism to produce an exponential workspace in linear time. Division rules are inspired by cell division, a process of nuclear division that occurs when a parent cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells. On the other hand, separation rules are inspired by the membrane fission process, a mechanism by which a biological membrane is split into two new ones in such a manner that the contents of the …initial membrane is distributed between the new membranes. In this paper, separation rules are used instead of division rules. The computational efficiency of these models is studied and the role of the (minimal) cooperation in object evolution rules is explored from a computational complexity point of view. Show more
Keywords: Membrane Fission, Membrane Computing, Active membranes, Separation rules, Complexity classes, SAT problem
Issue 2,3,4
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1. In a saucepan, heat the water on the stove.2. Add the teabags to the water, along with milk and spices.3. Bring tea to boil, boil till darkened to color you desire, preferably a rich caramel color.4. Now add the sugar or condensed milk and boil for another 30sec. 5. Remove from heat, and using a tea strainer, serve the tea in mugs immediately.
Note: If using cardamom flavoured evaporated milk, there's no need to use cardamom pods. If using condensed milk then no use for sugar.
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to be mandatory at the beginning of 2020.
during the lifetime of the plan.
Fair Share Mitigation Impact Fees.
Next message: domainremoved: "Another Winning Trade"
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Home/Sports/Clifford takes Kingdom out of the corner with belated idleness when Mayo boss Horan refuses to speak in solidarity act
Clifford takes Kingdom out of the corner with belated idleness when Mayo boss Horan refuses to speak in solidarity act
Kerry remains in a high position to secure a third Allianz League title after ending both Mayo's unbeaten run this season and their 12-season unbeaten run on Kerry soil last night.
Notably, this was Kerry's first win over Mayo at home since 2009 when Jack O'Connor was in the first season of his second term as Kingdom boss.
A point from David Clifford in sixth minute of stoppage time substitute Stephen O'Brien earned two points for Jack O'Connor's side.
So far in this reign, his team has barely misplaced a single foot. They are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak and have secured a spot in the tournament final with the most unlikely combination of the remaining penalty shootouts.
Mayo still has a chance to be the tournament decider by the first weekend of April although at this stage their focus is probably shifting to the Connacht title match against Galway on April 24. .
Mayo dominated territory early but converted only one of their three early scoring opportunities through Matthew Ruane as they struggled with Kerry's protective defence.
Kerry responded with a brace – a spectacular first attempt by Clifford after he missed marker Oisín Mullin.
Mayo nearly scored in the 11th minute when Fergal Boland was overturned and Dara Moynihan linked up with David Clifford, but Tony Brosnan chose to punch the ball over the bar rather than test goalkeeper Rob Hennelly.
When given the opportunity, Mayo cornered Kerry and gave Shane Murphy a headache. Ruane flipped one of his re-emergences and linked up with Fergal Boland, who turned it into a one-point (4-3) game after 16 minutes.
David Clifford was engaged for the only goal of the game as he started to move to link Adrian Spillane on the right and his pass was successfully completed by Tony Brosnan.
Mayo should have responded immediately after Aidan O'Shea put Aiden Orme past, but he shot far away – and Mayo's poor finish cost them in the half as they went up 5 points from 3 the home team's goal, although Kerry missed three. short photo.
Scores appreciated for the rest of the half and even though Clifford fouled Stephen Coen to kick Kerry's sixth point. All but two of those scores came directly from Mayo's first leg.
Mayo's growing dominance in the middle third becomes more apparent despite Ruane, Jordan Flynn and Aidan O'Shea making major changes. The away team should have scored in stoppage time. Once again, Ruane joined the rally, but 'keeper Murphy made a brilliant save from Diarmuid O'Connor's shot that went wide of the post '45, Rob Hennelly diverted it to give Kerry a 1-6 to 0 lead- 6 at break.
Brosnan and O'Donoghue (free) swapped points early in the second half. Then Kevin McLoughlin, who had only seconds on the field, overturned Kerry's possession. He teamed up with Aidan O'Shea, who linked up with Fergal Boland for a third.
David Clifford was awarded a visionary corner, but O'Donoghue from the corner helped the game two points after scoring a superb mark.
Paudie Clifford missed a 13-yard penalty where Kerry should have had a four-point advantage in the 56th minute and when O'Donoghue scored a harder goal on the other end shortly after, the game resumed. with 2 points again.
Dara Moynihan was penalized for being too close to Rob Hennelly's long-range shot and O'Donoghue took the free kick before Ruane leveled with seven minutes remaining.
Clifford free posting has restored Kerry's advantage; Paddy Durcan had two dangerous shots from long range in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Mullin won a questionable penalty that O'Donoghue nailed to level the score in the 73rd minute.
But Kerry got out and Aidan O'Shea fouled his replacement Stephen O'Brien whom Clifford converted and it proved the winning score. For the first time Kerry prevailed in a tight finish. They will have concerns about the effectiveness of their midfield pairing.
But on a night when the weather turns into a sport spoilt, they will be happy to finally win at home against Mayo.
Mayo coach James Horan did not speak to the media before and after the game. According to a spokesman for the County Board of Directors, he was acting in solidarity with the GPA, who are in dispute with the Croke Park administration over the players' expenses.
Scorer – Kerry: D Clifford 0-6 (2f); T Brosnan 1-2; J Savage 0-2 (2f); D Moynihan J Barry, 0-1 each. Mayo: R O'Donoghue 0-7 (6f, m); F Boland 0-3; M Ruane 0-2; R Hennelly ('45), A Orme 0-1 per team.
Kerry: S Murphy; D Casey, J Foley, T O'Sullivan; G O'Sullivan, T Morley, B O'Beaglaioch; D O'Connor, J Barry; D Moynihan, J Savage, A Spillane; P Clifford, D Clifford, T Brosnan. Subs: S O'Brien to A Spillane (46), K Spillane to Savage (48), G Crowley to Casey (56), M Burns to P Clifford (66), P Warren to G O'Sullivan (70 + 4 ) .
Mayo: R Hennelly; P O'Hora, L Keegan, M Plunkett; P Durcan, S Coen, O Mullin; J Flynn, M Ruane; D O'Connor, A O'Shea, J Carney; F Boland, A Orme, R O'Donoghue. Subs: E Hession to Coen (ht), K McLoughlin to Carney (43), F Irwin to Orme (56), C Loftus to Boland (67), F McDonagh to O'Connor (70 + 1).
Referee: B Cawley (Kildare).
https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/clifford-gets-kingdom-out-of-a-tight-corner-with-late-free-as-mayo-boss-horan-refuses-to-talk-in-solidarity-action-41440118.html Clifford takes Kingdom out of the corner with belated idleness when Mayo boss Horan refuses to speak in solidarity act
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El Greco's single-minded style rejected naturalism and rejected accessibility. Works such as The Disrobing of Christ (1577–79), The Burial of the Count of Orgaz (1586–88), and The Vision of St John (1608–14) reveal elongated, twisted figures; unreal colors; and an experimental rendering of space — all resistant to easy viewing and intent, instead, on an art of epic grandeur and intellectual beauty.
Michael Scholz-Hänsel studied art history, history, theater studies, and Hispanic studies in Berlin and Hamburg, earning his doctorate in 1984. He has taught at Leipzig University since 2002 and has published widely, especially on topics relating to the Hispanic world. His research focuses on cross-cultural influences in the Mediterranean area, for example in the work of El Greco and Jusepe de Ribera.
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Inspir' Talks
Tech 30 September 2018 <18 November 2018
GOOGLE UPGRADES ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA WITH AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) LABORATORY AND AN AI MASTER'S PROGRAMME
by Isabella Muma
Dr Moustapha Cisse (Courtesy of Sucess Story Africaines)
Exponential growth in technology has led many to believe, the world is witnessing the start of a fourth industrial revolution, characterised by a combination of technologies that seek to merge the physical, digital and biological worlds. Being part of a technology driven society, it was only a matter of time before Africa became actively and strategically involved in the new age revolution swiping across the globe. According to Nouha Abardazzou of Africa Business Insight, although many African countries are still dealing with issues related to the first, second and third industrial revolutions such as electricity, mechanisation of production and automation, the ongoing industrial revolution, if used well, will enable Africa to become a major player in the world economy.
Topping the charts in the realm of technological advancement is none other than the very popular Artificial Intelligence. An international analytics powerhouse known as SAS, describes Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a technology that makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks. AI performs frequent, high-volume, computerized tasks reliably and without fatigue. AI analyses more and through deep neural networks, which was previously impossible, AI achieves incredible accuracy. AI adapts through progressive learning algorithms to let the data do the programming, also it gets the most out of data. When algorithms are self-learning, the data itself can become intellectual property. Most importantly, AI adds intelligence to existing products. Taking all these benefits into consideration, it is obvious that, if used responsibly, AI offers a wonderful opportunity to create a future of efficiency, reliability and satisfaction for our fast-paced world. Research from PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated artificial intelligence technologies could increase global GDP by $15.7 trillion, a full 14%, by 2030 of which $1.2 trillion would be added for Africa. In summary, AI is the future. No wonder IT moguls such as Google LLC has been very keen on scaling up its activities in this area.
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In 2016, the company reportedly invested $30 billion on AI and machine learning research. Two years later it drew attention to itself by announcing a major move in the very young and fragile AI sector of Africa. Google decides to take this major step in Africa when majority market share models are now much more possible with AI as indicated by Eric Schmidt, former executive chairman and current technical advisor at Google. "AI has great potential to positively impact the world. So, it makes sense to us the world should be well represented in the development of AI. Our new AI centre in Accra joins the list of other locations around the world where we focus on AI"– Google.
The Google AI research centre in Africa will be led by Senegalese born Dr. Moustapha Cisse, a former research scientist at Facebook. Mr. Cisse who recently joined the Google AI Research also doubles as an AIMS professor and founder of the organization Black in AI. This grand technological venture is expected to mobilize top notched machine learning researchers and engineers who will be committed to AI research, and its applications on the continent. Key areas of the project are research on medical diagnosis and treatment, fairness in machine learning, and interpretability and understanding of machine learning models, as disclosed by a Google spokesperson to VentureBeat. "We're excited to combine our research interests in AI and machine learning and our experience in Africa to push the boundaries of AI while solving challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education."-Moustapha Cisse, leader of Google AI Africa and Jeff Dean, senior fellow Google AI.
Why Ghana?
Although Africa has witnessed noticeable changes and recognisable advancement in terms of the internet technology, Africa continues to deal with the underlying issues of poor infrastructure and insufficient connectivity which hinder a mile stone technological development on a large and significant scale within the continent. None the less a few African countries have distinguished themselves from the others by taking significant action towards addressing these issues and creating a much more convenient nest for highly advanced technological endeavours like the AI project. Ghana ranks itself high on the list. Jeff Dean narrows Google's reasons to the robust network of academic institutions such as local universities and research centres like the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) as well as infrastructure present in Ghana. The company is said to be a major investor in bolstering these institutions and the infrastructure around it.
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) recently started a one-year intensive African Master's in Machine Intelligence (AMMI) in partnership with Facebook and Google, at the AIMS-Rwanda campus in Kigali, Rwanda. The AMMI program will provide brilliant young Africans with state-of-the-art training in machine learning and its applications. Each course on AMMI will be lectured by leading experts from prestigious African and international institutions, providing the AMMI students the best possible foundation. As pioneers of a growing ecosystem of African machine intelligence specialists, these students will be able to bring in leading edge skills to Africa's economy, governance and society at large. "Our goal with AMMI is to train a generation of young scientists who will bring a fresh perspective to machine intelligence research and contribute to advancing its development across Africa, for the benefit of its society" said Dr. Mouhamadou Moustapha Cissé, Founder and Director of the AMMI program and Professor of Machine Learning at AIMS. Meanwhile Facebook seeks to drive positive social and economic impact across Africa, and this partnership is a major move towards driving innovation by supporting the continent's already exciting tech ecosystem and talent pool.
Get tips for tech entrepreneurs willing to attract investment
Since Google entered the African technological sphere over ten years now, 10 million Africans are estimated to benefit from its overall digital skills training program with 2 million people having already completed the course. Google is supporting 100,000 developers and over 60 tech Start-ups through its Launchpad Accelerator Africa, while trying to adapt its products to make it easy for people to enjoy proper internet services, even on low-RAM smartphones or unstable network connections.
It may not seem as such, but Africa is in the process of transforming into a technological playground and a viable player on the global market. Artificial Intelligence can take Africa there! From the 13th through the 15th of November 2018, the world's number one AI event for business will take place in Cape town, South Africa under the theme, Human capacity truly reimagined. The launch of the AI Summit Cape Town as part of AfricaCom this year is expected to bring together leading global multinationals as well as regional powerhouses with the aim of uncovering the true opportunity AI presents for the most forward-thinking enterprises, tackling the challenges around people-change management, upskilling the workforce, creating deeper relationships with customers and partners as well as understanding the business case. Advanced technologies are therefore not a luxury. It is crucial to Africa, as stated by Getnet Assefa, founder of iCog, Ethiopia's first AI lab.
Artificial Intelligence, Ghana, Google, Mouhamadou Mustapha Cisse, Senegal
Isabella Muma
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SAFARICOM'S M-PESA ACADEMY: REVOLUTIONIZING INNOVATION
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Clay City, Illinois is the 10,693rd largest city in the United States as of 2017.
Clay City, Illinois is a village.
Clay City, Illinois is currently 7.6% smaller than it was in 2000, the year of its peak recorded population.
Clay City, Illinois's growth is below average. 68% of similarly sized cities are growing faster since 2000.
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WHAT COLOR WAS JESUS THE CHRIST
The most common answer, "He was not blond and blue-eyed like they show him in movies and paintings. He was darker than that, like the people who live in North Africa today." However, the average American today looks nothing like the average American 500 years ago when Columbus arrived. So why expect the North Africans of today to necessarily resemble those of more than 2,000 years ago?
Some point to phrases in the Bible that say, "His eyes are like blazing fire, his feet like burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of many waters." which would indicate a very black man with a deep voice. And there are depictions of Christ like this in some Black churches, and some ancient statues and paintings show him this way. However, doesn't the second commandment explicitly forbid the making of "graven images?" So how come there are so many depictions of Christ, as Black or white?
Muslims have no depiction of Jesus Christ or any of the prophets, neither do Jews, or many Christian sects. However, Catholics and many Protestant sects do have icons, usually of a white Jesus. And note that it is Catholics and the Protestant sects with the white Jesus icon that sent out missionaries in the wake of the European conquerors and colonizers. Note that the literal meaning of "Catholic" is "universal." The Catholic Church purports to be universal, a faith for everyone. However, how can any faith that holds that certain of its members look like God, and others do not, be all-encompassing? Once the prophets, or God himself, as many Christians hold Jesus Christ to be, is pictured as any color, then all who are not of that color would have to have a lesser status.
However, there is an even deeper question. Did Jesus Christ really exist? Because this is a predominantly Christian country, the mass media acts as if Jesus Christ is an undisputed, real historical figure. As a result many, if not most, are not aware that there is a historical debate as to whether or not such a person really existed. Who or what one believes, or does not believe, is a purely personal matter. But it is a fact that there is great controversy over Christ's authenticity.
Here is a little test. Tell me, who am I referring to? He died in his 33rd year. He said the man married to his mother was not his father. He said he was fathered by a God. He was called, "King of Kings." And the name "Issus" was connected to him. Who was that? Jesus? Yes, but all these things are also true of Alexander the Great. It has been claimed that Christ is a re-configuring of the supreme Western conquerer, Alexander, as a supremely religious figure.
The Persians invaded and conquered Egypt in 666 BCE. The Greeks under Alexander came in 333 BCE. Alexander's general Ptolemy, after Alexander's death, inherited the throne of Egypt and was declared Pharaoh. The Ptolemaic line was the last Pharaonic dynasty; its last member was Cleopatra. After Cleopatra, the Romans seized Egypt. The Romans, at first, persecuted the Christians until, that is, the Emperor Constantine converted to the Christian faith.
However, Walter Williams in The Historical Origins of Christianity disputes that last claim. He offers evidence that Constantine did not convert to Christianity, but, instead, created it! Williams says that the Romans were not putting Christians to death, that they were persecuting the last stubborn remnants of the original, ancient Egyptian religion. Constantine, says Williams, ceased his attacks on them once they agreed to convert Egyptian religion into what is now known as Christianity. That is why the earliest statues of Christ and his mother are Black. They are based on the Egyptian holy figures Isis and her son, Osiris.
Notre Dame and many European cathedrals are, in fact, built on sites that were originally temples to Isis. Notice, how in Southern Europe the "Mother of God," is often given as much, if not more, attention and veneration than Christ. Williams, and others, say this is because Mary is really a refiguring of the goddess Isis, and Jesus is a recasting of her son, Osiris.
The Romans badly needed a central religious figure to hold together their ever expanding Empire. Observe that the Pope is called the "Pontiff." One of the titles of the Roman Emperor was "Pontifex Maximus." Also, look at the hat, called the "mitre," that the Pope and all the bishops of the Catholic Church wear. It is based on the double crown of the Egyptian pharaoh. The pharaoh was the intermediary between the people and the gods, the Roman Emperor and later the pope assumed that pivotal role. After the fall of Rome, the various kings that rose up across Europe claimed to rule by, "Divine Right."
So we see that starting with the simple question, "What color was Christ?" we can explore a host of historical issues and perspectives. But, bottom line, what is the truth? Only you can decide. However, unless you read and think for yourself, others will make up your mind for you and thereby decide your fate. Would that not be a waste?
by Dr. Arthur Lewin, author of Africa Is Not A Country: It's A Continent www.AfricaUnlimited.com www.ReadLikeYourLifeDependsOnIt.com
2018-05-13T07:05:27+00:00By Ramsees|Comments Off on WHAT COLOR WAS JESUS THE CHRIST
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Do you know of any legally published process for making certain you have the most important feature novelty, recency in the thesis for your essay? Thought so. Me neither of them. Textbooks and teachers just show you pieces of writing that contain newness in them, and they say, Do it like that. Means, sure, they give you isolated types of the forms you should use, including Introductions, Thesis Statements, Matter Sentences, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions. But they never give you a specific, reusable p-r-o-c-e-s-s for creating any of them, do they? They have kind of like a shoemaker exhibiting an apprentice a pack full of shoes and stating, Here's what they look like. Right now make some like these. Right? Yeah, right! That's why I've truly written this to share with you a proven process for creating novelty, recency for your essays.
Avtohlamu - Horror gothic adjectives by eyeofthefly teaching. Worksheet used with year 7 8's in conjunction with 'gothic novel create your own' resource, as a feed in to them exploring the castle of otranto and frankenstein suggestion: circle three from the options and then add three 'unique' adjectives of y. Study the word list: adjectives to describe a scary setting. Study the word list: adjectives to describe a scary setting learn about the words: adjectives to describe a scary setting using look, say, cover, write, check, spelling games, spelling tests and printable activities. Horror scary: a horror of adjectives. Horror writers in particular hear the siren call of the adjective we want to scare people, to describe our settings, monsters, and scenes in the most gruesome and frightening way possible, and to improve on every image by pouring a syrupy sauce of adjectives over them. Eyeofthefly teaching resources tes. Eyeofthefly horror gothic adjectives this resource was revised from its original format in april 2016 after teaching further analysis of the wonderful 'poppies' jane weir and belfast confetti by ciaran carson all poems listed have extensive notes within each table an extensive resource showing title author birth date learning. Gothic horror adjectives for events bing. Source #2: adjectives test 9th grade free pdf download english teaching worksheets: 9th states and events for s level gradable adjectives gothic horror adjectives for free pdf download now!!! related searches for gothic horror adjectives for events related searches modern gothic horror. Adverbs: a horror story? : wordshop :. : wordshop when developing writers are striving to be more "descriptive" and vivid in their creative writing, they often turn to adverbs as one of their enhancement tools understandably since they are words that are intended to modify or qualify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs however, when students begin to learn some of the more sophisticated standards for writing. Horror lesson plans & worksheets lesson planet. Horror lesson plans and worksheets from thousands of teacher reviewed resources to help you inspire students learning lesson planning articles timely and inspiring teaching ideas that you can apply in your classroom and choosing the best adjectives and verbs for their writing use the get free access see review improving a paragraph. Adverbs: a horror story? : wordshop : thinkmap visual. Thinkmap visual thesaurus: wordshop when developing writers are striving to be more "descriptive" and vivid in their creative writing, they often turn to adverbs as one of their enhancement tools understandably since they are words that are intended to modify or qualify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs however, when students begin to learn some of the more sophisticated standards. Vocabulary words for writing scary stories pen and the pad. Description is one of the four main forms of discourse, according to david grambs' "the describer's dictionary " when writing scary stories, use a thesaurus or other vocabulary reference book to enhance your description of events, places and characters the more interesting your vocabulary, the better your readers. Gothic horror short stories resource pack & sow for year. Teaching & learning resource from zigzag education for gothic horror short stories resource pack & sow for year 9 gifted & talented pupils study 4 gothic horror stories all carefully selected for their interest these short, accessible texts invite analysis of complex aspects such as narrative structure and language gothic horror.
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Workers passing busy hours at a factory of Hatil. Photo: Collected from internet.
Furniture export from the country has been experiencing a positive trends over the last ten years. In continuation of that trend, the sector has exceeded the export target set by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in the last fiscal.
In fiscal year 2017-18 (FY18), the country exported furniture products worth $6.31 crore, up 20.27 percent from the fiscal 2016-17 (FY17).
Furniture items worth $5.25 crore were exported in FY17.
According to EPB, the country targeted to export furniture products worth $6.10 crore in FY18. That means, the real figure surpassed the export target by $21 lac.
Quoting president of Bangladesh Furniture Exporters' Association (BFEA) K M Akhtaruzzaman BSS said, the furniture industry has been able to consolidate its position in the domestic market over the last ten years. The manufacturers are producing quality products with innovative designs, quality wood and technical skills.
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#include <iostream>
#include "eval.h"
#include "env.h"
#include "load.h"
#include "utils.h"
namespace
{
using namespace mclisp;
ConsCell *Evcon(const ConsCell *clauses, ConsCell *env)
{
TYPECHECK(clauses, Listp);
if (Null(clauses))
return kNil;
TYPECHECK(Car(clauses), Consp);
if (*Eval(Caar(clauses), env))
return Eval(Cadar(clauses), env);
return Evcon(Cdr(clauses), env);
}
ConsCell* Evlis(ConsCell* lst, ConsCell* env)
{
TYPECHECK(lst, Listp);
if (Null(lst))
return kNil;
return Cons(Eval(Car(lst), env), Evlis(Cdr(lst), env));
}
} // namespace
namespace mclisp
{
ConsCell *Eval(const ConsCell *exp, ConsCell *env /* env::g_user_env */)
{
if (Atom(exp))
return env::Lookup(env, exp);
if (Atom(Car(exp)))
{
if (EQ(Car(exp), QUOTE))
return Cadr(exp);
if (EQ(Car(exp), ATOM))
return FromBool(Atom(Eval(Cadr(exp), env)));
if (EQ(Car(exp), EQ))
return FromBool(Eq(Eval(Cadr(exp), env), Eval(Caddr(exp), env)));
if (EQ(Car(exp), COND))
return Evcon(Cdr(exp), env);
if (EQ(Car(exp), CAR))
return Car(Eval(Cadr(exp), env));
if (EQ(Car(exp), CDR))
return Cdr(Eval(Cadr(exp), env));
if (EQ(Car(exp), CONS))
return Cons(Eval(Cadr(exp), env), Eval(Caddr(exp), env));
if (EQ(Car(exp), DEFUN))
{
ConsCell *fname = Cadr(exp);
ConsCell *formals = Caddr(exp);
ConsCell *body = Cdddr(exp);
ConsCell *lambda = Append(List(BUILTIN(LAMBDA), formals), body);
env::g_user_env = env::Extend(env::g_user_env, fname, lambda);
return fname;
}
if (EQ(Car(exp), EVAL))
return Eval(Eval(Cadr(exp), env), env);
if (EQ(Car(exp), LOAD))
{
// We append ".lisp" because '.' can't be a valid symbol character (since
// symbols can have whitespace and '.' is also used for dotted lists).
LoadFile(ToLower(SymbolName(Eval(Cadr(exp), env))) + ".lisp");
return kNil;
}
if (EQ(Car(exp), PRINT))
{
ConsCell *v = Eval(Cadr(exp), env);
std::cerr << *v << std::endl;
return v;
}
return Eval(Cons(env::Lookup(env, Car(exp)), Cdr(exp)), env);
}
if (EQ(Caar(exp), LABEL))
return Eval(Cons(Caddar(exp), Cdr(exp)),
env::Extend(env, Cadar(exp), Car(exp)));
if (EQ(Caar(exp), LAMBDA))
{
ConsCell *body = Caddar(exp);
ConsCell *formals = Cadar(exp);
ConsCell *parameters = Cdr(exp);
if (Listp(formals))
PARITY_CHECK(formals, parameters);
// The double Listp check is wasteful, but I think it makes the code easier
// to read.
auto extendfn = Listp(formals) ? env::ExtendAll : env::Extend;
ConsCell *values = Evlis(parameters, env);
ConsCell *newenv = extendfn(env, formals, values);
return Eval(body, newenv);
}
ERROR("Invalid expression: " + ToString(exp));
}
} // namespace mclisp
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"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaGithub"
}
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Find you lots of treasures!
Hello. I'm Rosemarie, and welcome to my wonderful Directoire Knickers Website.
All my life I have been involved with knickers in one way or another, and this website has been created to complement my old-established Directoire Knickers, Corsetry and Traditional Underwear Business.
Its other purpose is to openly present knickers as a continuing source of fun, pleasure, and satisfaction for you all. So why not come in and take a look around because I feel sure that all you lovers of women's knickers will be delighted with what you will find!
A few examples of my wonderful directoire knickers!
Of rayon, lovely nylon, AND cotton for a change.
They'll fit the slimmest person or those wide in the beam.
You want to have some pleasure? Then we will show you how.
There's over a hundred items and the prices are special too.
So if you have a favourite then mail me before it's sold.
Fills me with dread. I hope you like the lot.
There's knickers for fourteen to twenty eight waists.
The prices are good so I'm sure they won't hurt.
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Does the dark web aid and abet terrorist groups?
Juliana Kenny
Mar 31, 2016, 2:58 PM EDT
(Source: Image Catalog/flickr)
As the threat of ISIS spreads around the world, taking hold of countries including France, Belgium, and the U.S., governments are grasping to understand how the terrorist organization proliferates. One fact has become clear: ISIS has money, and governments are now looking at systems such as the "dark web", bitcoin, and other underground networks to see if they are partially to blame for helping terrorist groups find and secure funding.
The 2016 CIGI-Ipsos Global Survey on Internet Security and Trust, undertaken by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and conducted by global research company Ipsos interviewed 24,143 web users in 24 countries between November 20, 2015 and December 4, 2015. 71% of those respondents said that the "dark net" should be shut down. Three in 10 respondents said the dark net should remain in existence. This disparity highlights a few points, one of which is that most users probably don't know exactly what the dark net is and associate it with the underbelly of the internet and criminal activity.
Indeed, the dark net — networks primarily used for illegal file-sharing and what have become associated with systems such as the Silk Road and Pirate Bay — is the home for plenty of illegal activity. But in the wake of devastating terrorist attacks, the world is scrambling to understand how groups such as ISIS stay funded, and it sees the dark net as a threat in this regard, mainly because most people don't understand what it is or how it works.
That isn't the only unknown. Some governments are attempting to figure out if and how they should regulate systems like bitcoin to get a better hold on the underbelly of the internet. In January, Germany and France both called for stricter bitcoin regulation and regulation of payments systems on the web to insure against financing terrorism.
It's difficult to find evidence of bitcoin used for funding terrorist group activity, but because the jury is still out on whether or not the dark net allows such financing to fly under the radar, it's a popular culprit. Still, around one-third of respondents to the aforementioned survey believe the dark net should stay — something no amount of government policy or public opinion will actually determine. And Fen Hampson, director of CIGI's Global Security & Politics Program and co-director of the Global Commission on Internet Governance says that the anonymity aspect of the dark web is what complicates the issue for many people. He said:
"The opinions expressed by global citizens on the Dark Net, a faceless realm functioning purely on anonymity, demonstrate the complexity of this issue for policymakers and governments around the world. Simply put, anonymity and the privacy of users must be central determinants in guiding the future of creating systems and boundaries to govern the Internet."
As the global threat of ISIS continues to impact policy-making, the shadowy sections of the internet will undoubtedly remain in the mix.
France-Technology
U.S.-Technology
Germany-Technology
Australia-Technology
The net neutrality debate is in for the long haul
Social media grows as primary news source
France unveils plan for de-radicalization
Sinai insurgency reshaping region through chaos
Morocco foils ISIS chemical attack
U.S. agency looks to social data to fight ISIS
Netanyahu's trip aims to boost Israel-Africa ties
Dozens dead in suicide attack at Istanbul airport
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}
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Put your beer-drinking skills to good use on a self-guided beer tour and mystery investigation through Carrboro. Solve a mysterious disappearance as you enjoy a blind beer tasting and scavenger hunt.
Explore Carrboro by foot on a guided walking tour. Check out the scenic sights with a professional, snapping plenty of photos long the way.
Cute date night idea, we enjoyed it!
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}
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35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association
Membership Purpose Board of Directors Constitution
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KIA Index KIA Photos Needed KIA Tributes
Rosters History War Stories Photos Guestbook Links Contact
Back KIA Index Search
1LT James Oris Blankenship In memory of our fallen brother
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"
2nd Battalion
"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, 1LT James Oris Blankenship, who died in the service of his country on January 8th, 1968 in Quang Tin Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Rocket/Mortar. At the time of his death James was 24 years of age. He was from Independence, Missouri. James is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 34E, Line 4.
The decorations earned by 1LT James Oris Blankenship include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
My husband, James Oris Blankenship, was killed in VN on Jan 8, 1968. We met just before he graduated from OCS at Ft Benning (Class #10-66). We dated while he was assigned to jump school at Ft Benning. It was truly Gods design to have us fall in love and have what little time we had together. We were married at Ft Sill, Oklahoma where we were blessed with a son before he left for VN (Douglas James, now 42). Our sons twin daughter (Julia Mae), died 7 days after birth. In those 2 months of fatherhood before going to VN, I saw a man torn between the desire to be with his family and raise his son and his loyalty to his country. We mourn his loss each day. And feel sad for those who never had the chance to spend time with this wonderful and beautiful person.
Jill Blankenship Riedel -- Peoria AZ USA -- 05/30/2010
Lt. Blankenship is buried at Fort Sill, OK
From the book Through the Valley, Vietnam, 1967-1968 by James F Humphries, at p. 134:
"More troops were on the way to reinforce 4-31. During the early evening hours of 8 January the Americal Division had directed the 2-35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division into the Hiep Duc Valley. The 2-35th Infantry would share FSB West with 4-31 and operate between Hill 445 and the Chang River. The battalions Company D would go first, with the remainder of 2-35 closing sometime on the 10th.
And from page 138:
"By 0430 (9 January) the movement had ceased, and the NVA pulled back down the hill. Mellon reported the company at 50 percent alert. Company D, 2-35th Infantry, in positions on the south side of the perimeter, had two (Jackson and Quitmeyer) killed and three wounded during the NVA attack."
"At the end of February, the 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division ceded its operational area to the 196th LIB and, minus the 2-35th Infantry that followed later, moved south to rejoin the 4th Infantry Division. ... When the dust settled 4-31 was on LZ Colt; 1-6 had secured LZ Baldy; 2-35 had FSB Ryder; 2-1 was at LZ Ross; 3-21 remained on FSB Center; and 1-1st Cavalry Squadron continued to operate in the eastern sector of the Que Son Valley and the costal lowlands."
(His BSM Citation)
The Bronze Star Medal is presented to First Lieutenant James O Blankenship for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Blankenship distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company D, 2/35th Infantry during the period September 1967 to January 1968. Upon taking command of his platoon, First Lieutenant Blankenship demonstrated fine leadership ability and honed his men in infantry tactics as a small unit as well as an integral part of the company. Under the strain and hardships of combat, he remained calm and accomplished all missions in a highly professional manner. Through his cheerful attitude and deep concern for his men, he earned the respect and admiration of his men, fellow officers, and superiors. On 9 January 1968, First Lieutenant Blankenship was participating in a combat assault in Quang Tin Province when fragments from a nearby exploding mortar round mortally wounded him. His aggressiveness, professional integrity, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Heretic Outreach picks Sundance Competition title "Human Factors"
Heretic Outreach is proud to add to its slate the sophomore suspense drama HUMAN FACTORS (previously known as ZORRO) by Ronny Trocker, produced by Zischlermann filmproduktion, Bagarrefilm, Snowglobe and ZDF and set to world premiere in competition at Sundance. Told through narrative loops and shifting lenses, the film places in the center of the narrative a family only to unveil the fragility of truth in the hyper-mediatized world and the power of individual perspective.
The film follows Jan, Nina and their two kids, a cosmopolitan, middle-class family. Nina and Jan have a successful career as account executives at their advertising company, but when Jan accepts to work on the campaign of a political party, Nina's exclusion from the decision-making leads to doubting and mistrust. When they decide to spend a family weekend at their house in a coastal holiday resort, a mysterious home invasion sets everything off balance. While they try to put the incident into perspective, agitation triggers off a shake in the family core.
Ioanna Stais, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Heretic Outreach, comments: "HUMAN FACTORS is a visually stunning and intense experience. When diving into the world of the film, you can't help falling for its narrative techniques and the intriguing characters. What we find remarkable about the film is that, weeks after first watching it, we are still peeling off different layers of the narrative and discovering new ways of approaching it".
Ronny Trocker was born in Bolzano, Italy, and grew up in a small village in the Northern Italian Alps. He lives and works mainly in Brussels. His work includes documentary, fictional and experimental short films as well as video installations, which have been shown at various festivals worldwide. In 2016, his first feature film THE EREMITES premiered in Venice Film Festival's Orizzonti section. The film was nominated for the FIPRESCI Prize at the European Film Awards 2017.
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HomePosts tagged 'church and state'
Pittsburgh Christian Academy Tries to Become a Charter School to Cash in on Taxpayer Funding
February 5, 2019 February 5, 2019 stevenmsinger Accountability, Betsy DeVos, Budget, capitalism, Charter Schools, church and state, Civil Rights, Corporate Education "Reform", Education, Local Control, Parents, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Politics, privatization, School Choice, School Funding, school vouchers, Schools, Students, Teachers, Tom Wolf charter schools, church and state, education, First Amendment, Imani Christian Academy, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Public Schools, public schools, separation of church and state, U.S. Constitution
The line between public and private school is getting awfully thin in Pittsburgh.
City public school directors received a request from Imani Christian Academy, a religious school in the East Hills, to be allowed to transform into Imani Academy Charter School for the Fall term of 2019.
Though parochial schools have metamorphosed into charter schools in Florida, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., this would be the first such transformation in Pennsylvania, according to Ana Meyers, executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools.
The change would require Imani to give up its religious curriculum in exchange for being fully funded by taxpayer dollars.
However, there are numerous red flags in the school's application that make one wonder if operators are being entirely honest about giving up a faith-based curriculum.
First, there is the proposal by the school, itself.
The application does not specify that religious values will be taught in the classroom. However, its personnel budget lists a comparative religion teacher on staff. The list of proposed teachers also includes a middle/high school religious studies teacher.
That's not exactly common practice at most public schools though teaching about religion in a secular context is allowed.
According to the Anti-defamation League's Website:
"Public schools may not teach religion, although teaching about religion in a secular context is permitted. The Bible may be taught in a school, but only for its historical, cultural or literary value and never in a devotional, celebratory or doctrinal manner, or in such a way that encourages acceptance of the Bible as a religious document."
Even so, it's awfully convenient that a school whose mission statement currently includes "We share Christ with our children daily and seek to help them grow into mature Christians" would somehow magically become secular overnight.
If Imani's charter is approved, it would be required to discontinue any religious component in its curriculum. The state school code requires even charter schools to be "nonsectarian in all operations." The proposed academy would not be permitted to display any religious objects or symbols on the premises.
Yet one wonders who will check to make sure this actually happens.
Charter schools are not required to be nearly as transparent as fully public schools. They are not required to have open meetings of school directors, release their documents for public inspection or any of a host of other safeguards that you'll find standard at the state's hundreds of fully public districts.
Pennsylvania charter schools have had operators embezzle millions of dollars from taxpayers to buy private jets, apartments and jewelry. It took investigators years to uncover such graft.
Will the few auditors tasked with keeping charter schools honest even be equipped to determine whether parochial schools suddenly turned charter actually refrain from ministering to students?
According to Public Source, a nonprofit digital newspaper covering the Pittsburgh area, one of the qualities Imani is looking for in an operator for its charter school is the ability to use the school building after-school hours for religious instruction and activities.
So during the day, there will be an entirely secular K-12 school at the site of the present day parochial school that just happens to teach comparative religious studies. Then at a certain time of day, it will transform into an optional religious school offering church functions!?
This is a violation of the Separation of Church and State waiting to happen.
But it's not only the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution that is in danger of being trampled.
Imani's proposal is not fiscally responsible.
The charter application proposes its CEO/head of school be paid a salary of $145,000 a year for an institution that would enroll merely 230 students.
Pittsburgh Public School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Hamlet earns a salary of $210,000 a year and he oversees a district with 24,652 students!
The proposed academy would also employ a principal at $85,000 annual salary.
That's not exactly good reimbursement of services for the outlay of cash taxpayers are expected to pay.
Imani has struggled financially for several years.
In 2014, the school had more than $400,000 in additional expenses over its revenue, according to its form 990 filed with the IRS. The very next year, it had a budget surplus of almost the same amount. By 2016 – the most recent year on file – its expenses again were more than its revenue – this time by more than $500,000.
Imani CEO and Head of School Paulo Nzambi explained the up and down budgeting to state officials in 2017 this way. The parochial school relied on the state's defacto school voucher program – the Education Improvement Tax Credit. However, payments were delayed resulting in the use of a line of credit to pay bills.
It's just such financial uncertainties that are pushing Imani to become a charter school in the first place. Even with school vouchers, parochial schools rely heavily on tuition from parents. However, you always know where the money is coming from in a charter school. Like religious and private schools, these institutions are privately managed – but like public schools they're funded entirely by taxpayers.
Before setting up shop, any new charter school in Pennsylvania must get the approval of the school board from the district where it would be located. If the board does not approve the application, charter school administrators can appeal to the state Charter Appeals Board.
Pittsburgh school board held a public hearing on Imani's application in December and earlier this month. Next, the district's review team will offer its suggestions on the application. District solicitor Ira Weiss says the board is scheduled to vote on the matter at its Feb. 27 meeting.
If approved, the district would be required to pay for each student at the new charter school based on the district's per-student spending formula.
The Pittsburgh district already pays approximately $82.8 million – about 13 percent of its total budget – for charter school tuition.
Imani Christian Academy currently operates out of the former East Hills Elementary School building, which it purchased from the city school district for $1 million in 2008.
The objections brought up here are really just the tip of the iceberg.
The proposal leaves many questions unanswered. For instance, though the new academy would be located within the geographical boundaries of the Pittsburgh Public School District, where would it get its students from? Would current students at the religious school get preferential enrollment – and what if they don't already live in and pay taxes to Pittsburgh?
Let's hope Pittsburgh school directors do the right thing and deny this request.
Still can't get enough Gadfly? I've written a book, "Gadfly on the Wall: A Public School Teacher Speaks Out on Racism and Reform," now available from Garn Press. Ten percent of the proceeds go to the Badass Teachers Association. Check it out!
School Choice Week – Choosing Away Your Choice
January 24, 2018 stevenmsinger Accountability, Betsy DeVos, Budget, capitalism, Charter Schools, church and state, Civil Rights, Corporate Education "Reform", Education, Local Control, Parents, Politics, Prejudice, privatization, Propaganda, Racism, School Choice, school closings, School Funding, school segregation, school vouchers, Schools, segregation, small class size, Social Justice, Standardized Testing, Students, Teachers, Unions charter schools, church and state, Local Control, Privatize, propaganda, public schools, scam, scandal, School Choice, School Choice Week, school vouchers
School Choice Week is one of the greatest scams in American history.
It is a well-funded, thoroughly organized attempt to trick parents into signing away their right to make educational choices about their children.
It goes like this:
Salesman: Would you like a choice?
Parent: Sure!
Salesman: Then just agree to never have another choice again.
That's it in a nutshell.
Choose not to choose.
When you decide to send your child to a so-called choice school – a charter or voucher institution – you lose almost every other choice about what happens at your child's school.
Sound impossible?
Let me count the decisions you lose by signing on the dotted line.
When you send your child to a school paid for with public money but run by a private organization, you lose:
–AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD, so you have no say about what the school does.
–OPEN DOCUMENTS, so you have no right to see budgets, spending agreements, bids, contracts, etc.
–OPEN MEETINGS, so you have no public place to speak up to the people who run your school.
–RIGHT TO SELF-GOVERNMENT, so you have no right to run for a leadership position on the school board. Instead you're at the mercy of appointed flunkies.
–THE RIGHT OF ENROLLMENT, so school operators get to choose whether your child gets to attend, unlike public schools which have to accept your child no matter what – so long as you live in the district.
–QUALITY SERVICES, so school operators can cut services for your child and pocket the savings as profit or use it to advertise to get more paying butts in seats.
–QUALITY TEACHERS, because most charter and voucher schools aren't required to hire educators with 4-year degrees, and since they don't pay as well as public schools and often refuse to let their teachers unionize, they attract less experienced and distinguished educators.
–DIVERSE CLASSMATES, because charter and voucher schools increase segregation. Your children will be educated with more kids that look just like them. That's healthy!
And that's merely at MOST privatized schools. But that's not all. At some privatized schools you can lose even more! You may also lose:
–COMMON SENSE DISCIPLINE POLICIES, so your children will be held to a zero tolerance discipline policy where they may have to sit quietly, eyes forward, marching in line or else face aggressive public reprimands and harsh punishments.
–AN UNBIASED SECULAR EDUCATION, so your children will be taught religion and politics as if they were fact – all funded by public tax dollars! Hear that sound? That's our Founders crying.
–FREE TIME, so you'll be required to volunteer at the school regardless of your ability to do so. Gotta' work? Tough!
–MONEY, so you'll have to pay tuition, buy expensive uniforms, school supplies or other amenities.
And if your children are struggling academically, you may also lose:
–ENROLLMENT, so your child is given the boot back to the public school because he or she is having difficulty learning, and thus costs too much to educate.
You lose all that if you decide to enroll your child in a charter or voucher school!
But that's not all!
If you DON'T decide to send your child to a so-called choice school, you can still lose choice!
Why? Because of the rubes who were fooled into give up their choice. When they did that, they took some of your choices, too.
Because of them, you still lose:
-NECESSARY FUNDING, because your public school has to make up the money it lost to charter and voucher schools somewhere, and that means fewer resources and services for your child.
-LOWER CLASS SIZES, because your public school has to fire teachers and increase class size to make up for lost revenue.
-FAIR ASSESSMENTS, because the state and federal government require your child to take unfair high stakes tests to "prove" your public school is failing and thus justify replacing it with a charter or voucher school – as if those have ever been proven to be better, but whatever! CA-CHING! CA-CHING!
This is what you get from School Choice Week.
It's a uniquely American experience – selling the loss of choice — as choice.
And all the while they try to convince you that public schools are the ones that take away your alternatives.
Yet public schools are where you get all those things you lose at privatized schools.
You get elected school boards, open documents, open meetings, the right to self-government, the right of enrollment, quality services, quality teachers, diverse classmates, common sense discipline policies, an unbiased secular education, free time and money! That's right! You actually get all that and more money in your pocket!
I'm not saying public schools are perfect. There are many ways they need to improve, but it's difficult to do so when many of the people tasked with improving these schools are more concerned with sabotaging them to make room for privatized systems.
These are paid employees of the charter and voucher school movement who want to kill public schools – BUT THE KILLER IS ALREADY IN THE HOUSE!
Imagine if we dedicated ourselves to making our public school system better!
Imagine if we committed to giving parents and students more choices in the system and not trying to replace that system with one that gives all the benefits and choices away to corporate vultures!
So, yeah, School Choice Week is a scam.
But, hey, enjoy those yellow scarfs.
Stupid Ass School Voucher Bill Back for Pennsylvania Vote Tomorrow
October 23, 2017 stevenmsinger Accountability, church and state, Civil Rights, Corporate Education "Reform", Democrat, Education, Parents, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Schools, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Politics, Poverty, privatization, Propaganda, Republican, School Choice, School Funding, school vouchers, Schools, small class size, Students, Teachers church and state, John DiSanto, Pennsylvania, Politics, private schools, Privatize, School Choice, school vouchers, separation of church and state
Close your eyes and imagine a school like the one where I teach.
The public middle school is right next door to a Catholic middle school.
Some of the wealthiest families send their kids to the religious school. The rest send their kids to the public school.
Now imagine that the state passes a school voucher bill.
Those wealthy families can now use public tax dollars to help fund their kids' Catholic school tuition.
A truckload of taxpayer wealth would be redistributed away from the public school and into the religious one.
And this is for children who weren't attending public school in the first place.
Imagine what an impact that would have on the two schools. At the Catholic middle school, not much would change. At most a few more kids might enroll. And wealthy parents would get to pay less in tuition.
At the public middle school, however, the results would be disastrous. It would have to survive on much less funding than it was already receiving. Services for the majority of students in the district would be degraded. Class sizes would balloon. Educational quality would take a nose dive.
So why wouldn't more kids from the public school move to the Catholic one?
Well, first of all, few kids in the district are Catholic. Should they be forced to be indoctrinated in a faith in which they don't believe?
Second, tuition at the Catholic school costs more than the price of the voucher. Parents would have to pay above and beyond what they're paying now to make tuition at the Catholic school. And this is a mostly poor neighborhood. Parents simply can't afford it.
THIS is the situation the Pennsylvania Education Committee will vote on tomorrow.
The committee will decide whether State Sen. John DiSanto's school voucher bill should be voted on by the state Senate and House.
School vouchers are not popular at both the national and state level.
Around 70% of people across the country oppose school vouchers, according to the PDK-Gallup public opinion poll about U.S. education.
Moreover, Harrisburg wastepaper baskets are lined with school voucher bills that fail to pass despite being introduced every few years.
DiSanto's bill is called Education Savings Accounts for Students in Underperforming Schools or SB 2.
And guess what!?
It's almost exactly the same as a pile of similar bills offered by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
The Special Needs Scholarship Program Act, The Foster Child Scholarship Program Act, "Opportunity Scholarships," The Smart Start Scholarship Program – all ALEC bills that do almost the same thing.
They designate some group of at risk students and say, "Hey, you know what they need? School vouchers!"
Well, my goodness. I'm sure glad DiSanto didn't stress himself out writing something new. I'm certain his constituents wanted him to plagiarize someone else's bill and pretend like it was his own.
And how exactly will spending public tax dollars on non-public schools help these kids succeed? That's never explained.
Fools like DiSanto just pretend that it will help as a matter of faith. And since the overwhelming majority of school vouchers go to religious school coffers, this makes sense.
It is a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. But privatization supporters don't give a crap about that. They don't care about the values on which this country where founded. Their only concern is doing what their rich donors demand.
SB 2 would target students living in districts with the most underfunded schools serving the most impoverished populations. You know – "failing schools."
If passed, kids living in these neighborhoods would have whatever the district sets aside for each student put in a savings account to be spent in almost any way parents see fit so long as they could somehow justify it as educational.
Send your kids to a private or parochial school?
Homeschool your child?
Go on a trip to the life-sized replica of Noah's Ark in Williamstown, Kentucky?
You betcha!
And the best part is there is hardly any accountability built in to the law, so we probably wouldn't even know how this money was spent.
Your tax dollars at work. Somehow. Somewhere. Out of sight.
I guess that's what Pennsylvania Republicans like DiSanto call fiscal conservatism.
If passed, the bill would affect 800 schools – the 15% lowest performing in the state – including mine.
Take a look at the list.
Every school serves mostly poor students. Every school is severely underfunded.
Pennsylvania ranks 45th out of 50 for school funding. There are only five states in the country where the state government pays less of the cost of educating students. The Commonwealth relies on local municipalities to make up the difference. That means local property taxes, so the richer an area you live in, the more money it can afford to pay to educate children. The poorer an area where you live, the less it can pay.
This is why Pennsylvania has the widest disparity between how much it spends on rich kids vs. poor ones. Wealthy children are cherished and coddled. Poor ones are left to fend for themselves.
This voucher bill would only exacerbate the situation.
It's a giveaway to those who don't need it at the expense of those who can least afford to pay.
If you live in the Commonwealth, please call and/or write your state Senator and Representative and ask them to oppose this bill.
Supreme Court Paves the Way to Taxing Churches
June 27, 2017 stevenmsinger Accountability, church and state, Civil Rights, Corporate Education "Reform", Donald Trump, Education, Judicial Reform, Politics, privatization, Republican, School Choice, School Funding, school vouchers, Schools church and state, Politics, religion, Republicans, School Choice, school vouchers, separation of church and state, Supreme Court, Taxation
Finally some good news!
A U.S. Supreme Court decision yesterday pokes a hole in the separation of church and state. But that hole goes both ways.
Justices ruled 7-2 that Missouri could not withhold tax dollars to resurface a playground at a church preschool simply on the grounds that it's a religious institution.
Therefore, one can expect any day now a ruling that the church can't be exempted from paying taxes for the same reason.
Here's the key issue.
Traditionally, the government doesn't pay for the church. But now our highest court in the land has ruled that's discriminatory!
Never mind that Missouri actually relented in this case and paid for the concrete anyway making the entire ruling moot and something that no other Supreme Court in history would have voted on because doing so would expose justices as being activists legislating from the bench.
No. Now that Republicans stole the seat of President Barack Obama's rightful nominee, Merrick Garland, with President Donald Trump's nominee, Neil Gorsuch (i.e. Scalia 2.0), the court is a decidedly fascist institution.
In other words, it's no longer a body of scholarly justices dedicated to interpreting the law. It's now a shell corporation of paid corporate lobbyists issuing justifications to support the mandates of the billionaire class.
The five wealthiest people in the country have as much money as 750 million people – each. And most of these mega-rich want to destroy our public school system so they can hoover up tax dollars into their private portfolios. (Once you've got that much money, it's just a game where you're playing against other multi-billionaires to see who can get all the money, flip over the board and proclaim themselves King.)
To do this, they need school vouchers to help destabilize the system. Chop it down, remove any pretense of accountability to taxpayers about how that money is being spent and then sweep up that sweet, sweet money.
It also has the added benefit of ensuring the next generation is dumb enough to – I don't know – continue voting for reality TV stars as President.
But that's just the most obvious implication.
Now that the state has been shown to be responsible to support the church, the reverse has also been proven: the church has responsibilities to support the state.
That's right. No more tax free status for houses of worship.
Get ready to dig deep into your pockets, parishioners. Uncle Sam needs a new pair of shoes.
Who's paying for all those needless wars of aggression? The Church Lady! That's who!
Where are we going to get the money to keep up the counterproductive war on drugs? The collection plate!
Yep. The assembled flock is about to get fleeced!
What conservatives seem to forget is that the wall of separation between church and state wasn't erected just to protect the state from influence by religion. It also was set up to protect religion from the state.
Once you have money flowing from one to the other, regulations are soon to follow.
Expect your cute little parochial school to put away the Bible and replace it with "The Origin of Species".
What? Your faith compels you to believe in the Creation of Man by God and not scientific evolution of organisms through heritable traits? I guess you'll just have to teach the controversy.
Some people in America still think that there's value in having both public and private schools. They seem to think that it's actually a benefit having school systems where people are taught differently. But this new ruling paves the way (pun intended) to breaking down the walls between each type of institution.
Yes, public schools will become more like religious schools. But religious schools will also become more like public schools.
The entire education system will become one big watered down whole. And – giggle – those pushing for it actually call the process "School Choice"!
Oh the plutocrats will do their best to cover it all up with culture war nonsense. You'll hear hours of cable news blather about poor conservative bakers fighting not to make cupcakes for gay people. But behind this high profile grist for the mill will be active efforts at homogenization, government overreach and oligarchy.
There's one way in which this is good news. Some people have always thought churches were getting off easy, that they were being allowed undue influence on politics without having to pay the entrance fee of taxation like the rest of us.
However, this was only ever true at some houses of worship. Others were dedicated to spirituality, community and charity while eschewing affairs of state altogether.
This new ruling rips away protections from those authentically beneficent congregations as it does those more politically inclined. It exposes the preacher and the partisan equally.
Moreover, anyone who doesn't want their tax dollars supporting someone else's religious beliefs can expect their cries to fall on deaf ears. Christians will fund Muslims and Jews will fund Christians and all will pay for the Church of Satan and whatever sect is formed to take advantage of this brave new source of tax revenue. Religion is now decidedly in the public domain and all that goes with it.
The results are bound to displease everyone – except the mega-rich.
In short, you can't tear down the rules that were set up to protect everyone without opening us all up to ruin.
America's religious people are about to find that out.
It's almost poetic justice.
Get ready to reap what you sow.
Betsy's Choice: School Privatization Over Kids' Civil Rights
June 7, 2017 June 8, 2017 stevenmsinger Accountability, Betsy DeVos, Budget, Campaign Donations, capitalism, Charter Schools, Civil Rights, Congress, Corporate Education "Reform", Democrat, Donald Trump, Education, Obama, Politics, Prejudice, President, privatization, Racism, Republican, School Choice, School Funding, school vouchers, Schools, Sexism, Teachers Betsy DeVos, charter schools, children, church and state, Civil Rights, Donald Trump, LGBT, Privatize, Republicans, School Choice, school vouchers
Betsy DeVos seems to be confused about her job.
As U.S. Secretary of Education, she is responsible for upholding the civil rights of all U.S. students.
She is NOT a paid lobbyist for the school privatization industry.
Yet when asked point blank by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) whether her department would ensure that private schools receiving federal school vouchers don't discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students, she refused to give a straight answer.
She said that the these schools would be required to follow all federal antidiscrimination laws but her department would not issue any clarifications or directives about exactly how they should be doing it.
"On areas where the law is unsettled, this department is not going to be issuing decrees. That is a matter for Congress and the courts to settle," DeVos said at a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education yesterday.
"I think you just said where it's unsettled, such discrimination will continue to be allowed under your program. If that's incorrect, please correct it for the record," Merkley replied.
DeVos did not correct him.
Instead she simply repeated, "Schools that receive federal funds will follow federal law, period."
Merkley said she was dodging the question.
"I think that's very important for the public to know, that today, the secretary of education, before this committee, refused to affirm that she would put forward a program that would ban discrimination based on LGBTQ status of students or would ban discrimination based on religion," he said.
"Discrimination in any form is wrong. I don't support discrimination in any form," DeVos replied.
But that doesn't mean she'll fight against it.
She held firm to her position that it is not her job as Secretary of Education to fight for students' civil rights. That is the responsibility of Congress and the courts.
But she's wrong.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is part of the Department of Education.
According to the department's own Website, the "OCR's mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights in our nation's schools."
There is nothing "unsettled" about that at all. What IS unsettled is how and if the U.S. Constitution allows federal funds to be spent on private schools in any manner whatsoever.
At very least, it has been argued that giving tax dollars to parochial schools violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment guaranteeing a separation of church and state. Moreover, the degree to which voucher schools that don't explicitly teach religion would have to abide by federal laws about what they can and should do is likewise "unsettled."
Yet DeVos has no problem advocating for the school privatization industry. In fact, it has been her lifelong calling. As a billionaire Republican mega-donor, that's exactly what she's done for years – shoving bundles of cash at candidates and lawmakers to support school vouchers and charter schools.
Someone needs to remind her that that is no longer her role. In her official capacity as Secretary of Education, her job is not to advocate for school choice. But it IS her job to protect students' civil rights – regardless of the type of school those students attend.
If a school is at all public, she is responsible for ensuring those students' rights. And receiving public funds makes a school public.
Specifically, she is responsible for ensuring no child is discriminated against on the basis of race, color and national origin, according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This includes protecting children who are being treated unfairly due to limited understanding of the English language or who are still learning to speak the language. This includes children experiencing bigotry as a result of their shared ancestry, ethnicity or religion such as Muslims, Sikhs or Jews.
It is also her job to protect children from sexual discrimination as per Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. No matter her own personal conservative views, she must protect pregnant teens or teen parents. And to speak toward Merkley's point, according to the Department's Website, this explicitly includes, "…sex stereotypes (such as treating persons differently because they do not conform to sex-role expectations or because they are attracted to or are in relationships with persons of the same sex); and gender identity or transgender status."
She is also required to be a champion of students with disabilities as per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Moreover, Title II explicitly forbids public entities – whether or not they receive federal funds – from demonstrating any partiality against students with disabilities.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. She has to protect against age discrimination per the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and enforce the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. She is responsible for investigating complaints about equal access to youth groups conducting meetings at public schools and/or that receive federal funding.
To quote the Website, one more time:
"These civil rights laws extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries and museums that receive federal financial assistance from ED [the Education Department]."
I'm not so sure DeVos understand this – at all.
Nor do I expect her to get much help from the political ideologues she's using to staff the department.
Take her choice for Assistant Secretary in the Office for Civil Rights, Candice Jackson.
She's an ANTI-Civil Rights activist. She literally doesn't believe in the office she's running.
The 39-year-old attorney is anti-women's rights, anti-distributive justice and possibly even anti-compulsory education and anti-Civil Rights Act of 1964!
She once filed a complaint against her prestigious college, Stanford University, for discriminating against her rights as a rich, white person by refusing to allow her access to free minority tutoring.
For all its faults, the Barack Obama administration took civil rights seriously. So much so that conservatives often criticized the Democratic organization as being overzealous in the execution of its duties.
The Obama era Education Department issued so many clarifications of the law that it received a record number of civil rights complaints. This required hundreds of additional lawyers and investigators and increasing the civil rights division by 30 percent.
Complaints went from more than six thousand in 2009 to almost ten thousand in 2015. Of these, the largest increase was in complaints of sex discrimination.
However, President Donald Trump has recommended the Department be downsized in his budget proposal.
The Reality TV star would cut the Department's budget by 13 percent, or $9 billion, eliminating after-school and summer programming for kids and professional development for teachers. Instead, he would invest $250 million in a school voucher incentive program and an additional $168 million for charter schools.
Also, getting a boost is personal security for DeVos, herself. She is spending an additional $1 million a month for U.S. Marshalls to guard her against protesters.
It should come as no surprise that Trump and DeVos don't support the mission of the Department of Education. Both have expressed interest in disbanding the office altogether.
In a February magazine interview, DeVos said, "It would be fine with me to have myself worked out of a job. But I'm not sure that – I'm not sure that there will be a champion movement in Congress to do that."
Likewise, Trump wrote in his 2015 book "Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America" that "if we don't eliminate [the department] completely, we certainly need to cut its power and reach."
That is exactly what DeVos is doing.
Under Presidents George W. Bush and Obama, it could be argued the Department was guilty of overreach. But Trump and DeVos are going in the opposite extreme.
Someone has to look out for students' civil rights. That someone has traditionally been the Department of Education. With DeVos abdicating her responsibilities and continuing her role as a school privatization cheerleader, it is anyone's guess who – if anyone – will step into the void.
Charter Schools and Voucher Schools are Virtually Identical
May 18, 2017 stevenmsinger Accountability, Betsy DeVos, Budget, Campaign Donations, Charter Schools, Corporate Education "Reform", Cyber Charter Schools, Democrat, Donald Trump, Education, Obama, Politics, Prejudice, President, privatization, Propaganda, Republican, School Choice, School Funding, school vouchers, Schools, Standardized Testing, Teachers Betsy DeVos, charter schools, church and state, Democrats, Donald Trump, education, neofascist, neoliberal, Politics, Privatize, rebranding, Republicans, school vouchers
The stark orange monolith that was Donald Trump is starting to crumble.
And with it so are the dreams of corporate education reformers everywhere.
Where in previous administrations they could pass off their policies as Democratic or Republican depending on whichever way the wind blows, today their brand has been so damaged by Trump's advocacy, they fear it may never recover.
Under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, they could champion both charter schools and school vouchers with impunity. But now the privatizers and profiteers hiding in progressive clothing are trying desperately to rebrand.
Not only is Trump's voucher plan deeply unpopular, but the public has already begun to associate any kind of school privatization with a doomed President.
So like cockroaches, neoliberals have begun to skitter to one type of privatization over another. Fake Democrats hide beneath unfettered charter school expansion. Bought-and-sold Republicans cling to the idea that we should spend taxpayer dollars on private and parochial schools.
But is there a real substantial difference between each of these so-called "choice" schemes? Or are they both just scams when compared with traditional public schools?
Charter Schools and Private Schools are basically the same thing.
The biggest difference between the two is funding.
Charter schools are completely funded by tax dollars. Private schools – even when school vouchers are used – often need to be subsidized by parents. For instance, many private schools charge tuition of $30,000 – $40,000 a year. Vouchers rarely provide more than $6,000. So at best they bring the cost down but still make it impossible for most students to attend private schools.
Sure they may start as an effort to allow only impoverished children to use tax dollars towards private and parochial school tuition. But they soon grow to include middle class and wealthy children, thus partially subsidizing attendance at the most exclusive schools in the country for those families who can already afford it.
Parochial schools, meanwhile, are exactly the same except for one meaningful difference. They teach religion.
Their entire curriculum comes from a distinctly religious point of view. They indoctrinate youth into a way of seeing the world that is distinctly non-secular.
Progressives complain that using tax dollars to pay for student tuition at such schools – even only partial tuition – violates a foundational principal of our nation.
Using public money to pay for religious teaching has historically been interpreted as a violation of the establishment clause of the first Amendment to the Constitution – namely, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…" Thomas Jefferson called it "a wall of separation between Church and State."
This is further exacerbated in many parochial schools where religious teaching includes a blatant political bias toward conservatism. Children at many of these schools are taught that supply side economics, voter disenfranchisement and prejudice are normative bedrock truths.
These are the main distinctions between voucher and charter schools.
In short, they're not all exactly the same. And corporate reform apologist are trying to rebuild their brand on these split hairs.
But the similarities between these types of school are much more striking.
THE SIMILARITIES
The biggest commonality between these types of educational institutions is how they're run. Unlike traditional public schools – which are governed by duly-elected school boards – charter, private and parochial schools are overseen by private interests. They are administered by independent management firms. They rarely have elected school boards. Their operators rarely make decisions in public, and their budgets and other documents are not open to review by taxpayers. This is true despite the fact that they are funded to varying degrees by public tax dollars.
So in all three cases, these schools are run privately, but taxpayers pick up the tab.
It's ironic. Sending kids to charters, private and parochial schools with public money is called school choice. However, each of these types of schools gives taxpayers much less choice about how their money is being spent.
The community funds the school, but almost all decisions are made by people outside of the community – people appointed, in fact, by bureaucrats or business managers.
To be sure, parents can express their displeasure of administrative decisions by disenrolling their children in the school. But beyond this nuclear option, they are powerless. Even more troubling, taxpayers without children or with children who do not attend these schools have no say whatsoever about how their money is spent.
And to add insult to injury, it doesn't even really allow the parents to choose which schools their children attend. They can put in a request for their kids to attend a choice school, but enrollment decisions are made by these same private equity managers. In short, administrators make the ultimate choice – not parents.
If the religious school doesn't want to accept your child for whatever reason including operators' disapproval of your religious beliefs, they don't have to accept him. If the private school doesn't want to accept your child based on race, gender or nationality, they don't have to accept him. If the charter school doesn't want to accept your child because of bad grades or troublesome behaviors, they don't have to accept him.
The traditional public school, however, cannot refuse a child who lives in district borders for any of these reasons. In effect, school choice really isn't about parental choice. It's about increasing choice for the operators of privatized schools – letting them choose their students and how to spend your money without any meaningful input from you.
And it's true at all three types of school!
Those are pretty considerable similarities. Moreover, they highlight major differences between these so-called choice schools and traditional public schools.
This is important because we don't even have to get into the academic records of individual schools. The way each type of school is structured shows the clear inferiority of choice schools compared to traditional public schools.
By their very structure, public schools give parents and taxpayers much more agency in children's education and how taxpayer money is spent.
Second, the latitude for school administrators to perpetrate fraud on the public is maximized in so-called choice schools and minimized in public schools. This doesn't mean public schools are perfect, but it is much better to have a school under public scrutiny and local control than otherwise. This is demonstrated by the huge numbers of charter school scandals popping up in the news every day, where charters close suddenly, money is misspent on luxury items for operators that have nothing to do with education, and – especially in cyber charters – the quality of education students receive is literally lower than having no formal education at all.
Finally, if public schools struggle, it is almost always due to a lack of equitable funding and a surplus of impoverished students. It is no accident that poor students receive less resources and larger class sizes than middle class or wealthy ones. Nor is it an accident that we judge the effectiveness of schools primarily on standardized tests which are so good at highlighting the results of lack of resources rather than any academic deficiency.
If we spent our education dollars ensuring equitable resources instead of funneling tax dollars to charter, private and parochial schools, we would better increase the quality of children's education. But for the last few decades that has not been the goal of education policy. It has instead been to enrich these same privatized school managers and investors – the corporate education reform industry. Nor is it a coincidence that this industry and its subsidiaries counts itself as major donors to both political parties.
Before she was elevated to Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos was exactly that – a billionaire mega-donor pushing school privatization while getting richer off investments in the same. Now that she's driving school vouchers off a cliff in the Trump train, her co-conspirators are getting nervous.
Neoliberal Democrats may try to save the movement by claiming charter schools are completely different. But they aren't. They are fundamentally the same.
The public sees the clear similarities between these kinds of schools. And much of that is thanks to the incompetent boobery of Donald J. Trump.
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Superlight SL4267 is a commercial grade LED downlight suitable for large scale projects requiring a robust and powerful downlight solution. The fitting features toughened construction and high powered LED light source with integral LED driver.
Applications include exterior lighting, airports, malls, galleries and auditoriums, marine locations, harsh environments, hazardous locations, convention centres, retail and hospitality projects, industrial projects.
Superlight SL4267 downlight features an integral phase-dimmable LED driver. The fitting is compatible with most universal style phase control dimmers.
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This is a simple process for clarifying your thinking for getting things done. It is based on the interrogative questions of Why, What, Who, How, When and Where.
The diagram speaks for itself, I hope you find it useful.
It seems to be designed for capturing ideas and turning them into reality. You can use this for creating a product, a project or anything where an idea needs some clarification of thoughts.
You will notice that there is no copyright on it. I have a piece of paper that came my way and it fitted in with my approach to IT Architecture.
If I can find the people who originally authored this (with your help), I'm happy to acknowledge the ownership rights to the correct individuals or corporations.
A full size PDF Version is available here.
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In May 2017 we were invited to meet with BMT Hi-Q Sigma to discuss developing their branding. design146 had previously worked with the client at Altus and were keen to be involved. BMT Hi-Q Sigma is a Management Consultancy, based in Bath, providing services across Government, Defence, Energy and Transport sectors to improve their portfolio, programme and project performance.
They already have a set of existing brand guidelines, but needed some help to develop them further to show how they might be adapted to more flexible layouts that are efficient on space. To kick things off, we have worked on a branding development presentation and some Case Studies and White Papers.
We're looking forward to seeing how the branding develops as we work on other marketing collateral to include infographics, branded merchandise, and internal comms pieces.
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{
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Our in-depth pieces on the people and events in and around the culture
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Stephen Silver·
"You Suck, Dick! Love, Deep Throat": 'Dick' at 20, and the Bygone Age of Strong Political Satire
This month marks the 20th anniversary of Dick, a beautifully sharp satire of the Watergate scandal. The film arrived in August of 1999 (25 years after Nixon's resignation) and was full of in-jokes aimed at boomers who had lived through the Watergate scandal and knew its details backwards and forwards, mostly from Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's books, the All The President's Men movie, and Oliver Stone's Nixon, which had arrived just four years earlier.
The genius of Dick's script, credited to director Andrew Fleming and his co-writer Sheryl Longin was that it filled what were then the mysteries of Watergate, from the identity of Deep Throat to the story behind the 18 1/2 minute gap.
The film arrived in August of 1999 (25 years after Nixon's resignation) and was full of in-jokes aimed at boomers who had lived through the Watergate scandal…
In the film, a pair of 15-year-old girls (played by Michelle Williams and Kirsten Dunst) live in the Watergate complex, and through a series of misunderstandings, are invited to become the official dog walkers for Checkers, the dog belonging to President Nixon (Dan Hedaya).
Their interactions with Nixon, Forrest Gump-like, help lead to a wide variety of world historical events between 1972 and 1974. They feed Nixon pot brownies, leading him to enter into peace talks to end the Vietnam War. They accidentally convince John Dean to resign and cooperate against Nixon. And then they become "Deep Throat," a fact that stayed a secret for decades because Woodward and Bernstein (Will Ferrell and Bruce McCulloch) were too embarrassed to tell anyone about it.
No X in Nixon
The movie is funny on its own merits, while also full of hilarious in-jokes for people who know every detail of Watergate. Dan Hedaya is one of the better movie Nixons, up there with Philip Baker Hall and Anthony Hopkins, and the cast is chockful of veterans of The Kids in the Hall in mid-'90s-era Saturday Night Live. And watch for a young Ryan Reynolds, as Haldeman's teenaged son.
It's hard to top the ending of All The President's Men, but Dick somehow matches it:
Today's Dick
As you may have noticed, there hasn't been the equivalent of a movie like Dick recently. It's not exactly a golden time for political satire, especially at the movies.
A lot of people believed that the Trump era would be a strong time for comedy, but it really hasn't worked out that way, as every once-formidable major comedy organ from Saturday Night Live to The Onion to The Daily Show has utterly failed to contend with the Trump era.
A lot of people believed that the Trump era would be a strong time for comedy, but it really hasn't worked out that way…
The major Trump-era comedy touchstones, it appears, are Alec Baldwin's weak-tea Trump impression and late-night hosts who have turned to "clapter" – liberal platitudes that may earn audience applause, but certainly not laughs.
Re-assessing 'American Beauty' On Its 20th Anniversary
Adam McKay, the longtime writing partner of Will Ferrell (who played Bob Woodward in Dick), not only has pivoted from comedy to earnest political films, but made a movie last year not about the Trump Administration but rather Dick Cheney.
There's some funny stuff at the margins, like James Adomian's impression of Sebastian Gorka, and while the Showtime cartoon Our Cartoon President does occasional decent material, its Trump character is a dud at all times. Even Sacha Baron Cohen's Who is America? drew most of its brilliant humor out of its Israeli colonel character; the more Trump-adjacent parts of the show were much less successful.
Why has comedy struggled with Trump so much? I return to Patton Oswalt's analogy:
"Imagine there's a guy out on the sidewalk, and he's just taking a dump on the pavement, and he's yelling about Hitler, and he's hanging wallpaper. So you think of the funniest joke about a guy taking a dump on the sidewalk, and you turn to tell your friend. And as you turn to tell your friend, behind you, he has scooped up his poop and made a sombrero out of it."
A 21st Century Dick?
Will we get better satire about Trump at some point in the future? It's certainly possible. Dick, after all, came out a quarter century after Nixon's fall. In the meantime, I would love to see an In the Loop-style treatment of the Trump Administration, or one that finds a strange, side-entrance into mockery of the current White House.
But a Trump satire along the lines of Dick? It's just hard to imagine it working. America is so fragmented, with "shared memory" essentially a thing of the past, that it's hard to imagine lightning striking twice in such a way.
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"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaCommonCrawl"
}
|
<?php
namespace Phalcon\Logger {
/**
* Phalcon\Logger\Item
*
* Represents each item in a logging transaction
*
*/
class Item {
protected $_type;
protected $_message;
protected $_time;
protected $_context;
/**
* \Phalcon\Logger\Item constructor
*
* @param string $message
* @param integer $type
* @param integer $time
*/
public function __construct($message, $type, $time=null){ }
/**
* Returns the message
*
* @return string
*/
public function getMessage(){ }
/**
* Returns the log type
*
* @return integer
*/
public function getType(){ }
/**
* Returns log timestamp
*
* @return integer
*/
public function getTime(){ }
public function getContext(){ }
}
}
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaGithub"
}
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How To Stop Procrastinating
"Tomorrow - A mystical land where 99% of all human productivity, motivation and achievement are stored"
Regardless of how many productivity books we've bought (and haven't read) or how many motivational videos we've watched (and never acted upon), we all struggle at some point during our lives with the productivity plague of the modern era - procrastination.
In fact, procrastination is not new. Ancient Greek philosophers developed a word for it – akrasia – meaning to act against our better judgement by doing one thing even though we know we should be doing something else. Since then, this innate affliction to act against our better judgement, delay necessary action and procrastinate over our personal tasks has evolved to such an extent that the humour of the opening quote really comes from the fact that it's so painfully true.
In this post, we'll discuss (1) Why we all procrastinate, (2)How we can stop procrastinating.
Why do we procrastinate?
Procrastination is a perfect example of present bias.
Present bias is the idea that even though we can set as many goals for our future self as we want, it's our present self that has to do the action to get there. Unfortunately, our brains aren't wired to appreciate long term benefits and our present self will always prefer short-term pleasures in the form of instant gratification which often comes at the expense of longer term outcomes.
Here's what a 2013 study called procrastination:
Procrastination is the primacy of short-term mood repair … over the longer-term pursuit of intended actions.
In other words, procrastination is about being more focused on the immediate urgency of managing negative moods and pushing the problem away than getting on with the task in the present moment.
When we put things off until some point in the future (eg: tomorrow, next week or worst of all, 'at some point'), the tension we feel disappears. The task is lifted off our shoulders. We feel happy that we've assigned a time to get the task done, even if that time is 'at some point in the future'.
The confusing thing about procrastination is that, in certain scenarios, we know we can't afford to procrastinate.
In my job as a doctor, I can't delay treating someone just because it involves doing something unpleasant, or if it means I have to stay overtime.
But when I have the space and freedom to manage my own time, suddenly that world of distraction and the ability to make excuses to myself means that I feel able to offload many tasks onto my future self.
And yet we know that procrastination isn't good for us.
Delaying tasks that we simply have to do is going to catch up with us at some point. Especially if those tasks have deadlines, or carry consequences for not doing them. Eventually we'll feel the effects of our delaying tactics.
So what can we do about procrastination?
Well, for me, understanding the truth behind two key factors - motivation and momentum - and using a couple of simple rules - the two minute rule and the ten minute rule - have all helped reduce the burden that procrastination brings to my life.
It's typical to hear people say "I just can't summon up the motivation", "I wish I had more motivation" or "I need some motivation to start".
Source: Screw Motivation What You Need is Discipline
The truth is, we've got motivation wrong.
Motivation is not the spark or the cause of action, it's the result of that action.
As Jeff Haden says in his book 'The Motivation Myth'
Motivation isn't something you have, motivation is something you get, automatically, from feeling good about achieving small successes.
If action is conditional on feelings, waiting for the right mood becomes a particularly insidious form of procrastination. Whether we like to admit it or not, motivation is basically a myth.
So, if not motivation, then what?
I've started to replace the idea of motivation with that of discipline. Discipline is like an engine that, once started, actually supplies energy to our system. It also creates habits which means that we don't have to rely on willpower alone to try to summon up some short term burst of energy.
In essence, discipline produces action which leads to a more sustainable form of motivation.
Source: Procrastination: A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating
Overcoming or getting past the idea of 'finding' motivation can help you get started. Getting started is the key factor for the other critical idea - Momentum.
The resistance we have to a task is usually at its greatest before we begin. The simple thought of starting and overcoming that resistance is where procrastination thrives.
In fact, Steven Pressfield in his book, THE WAR OF ART, describes this feeling of 'the resistance' as a universal force that has one sole mission: to keep things as they are, preventing action, creativity and progress.
In other words, resistance provides the beating heart of procrastination.
BUT as soon as we start, as soon as we cross the action line, the pain begins to subside. The problem is not doing the work but just starting the work.
Momentum can't build up by putting something off. A ball can't start rolling down a hill until you push it over the edge but once you've pushed it over the edge, it builds momentum and is difficult to stop.
James Clear calls this the "physics of productivity" because of how it relates to Newton's First Law of Motion or the Law of Inertia which states that:
Every body remains in a state of constant velocity unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.
When we're procrastinating we're in a state of rest - motivation doesn't start the ball rolling. Only action can act as the "external unbalanced force" to push us into a state of motion. Once moving, a feedback loop develops and it becomes harder to stop because the desire to complete tasks provides the drive necessary to continue moving forward.
As soon as I realised this, I began to be more mindful of developing this momentum. It reinforces the importance of starting, in whatever way possible, because any action will start the ball rolling, making subsequent actions easier and procrastination more difficult.
The Two Rules for Beating Procrastination
For many of us, procrastination usually revolves around tasks that are either:
Small and annoying OR
Large and daunting.
After learning to appreciate the importance of motivation and momentum, I've found two techniques that are particularly helpful in overcoming each of these types of task: the two-minute rule and the ten-minute rule.
The Two-Minute Rule
The two-minute rule is a concept put forward by productivity guru David Allen in his book Getting Things Done. The main idea is that, if we have a pending task that can be completed in less than two minutes then we should do it right away. No hesitation, no delay. If it'll take longer than two minutes we should write it down on a list to return to when we have more time.
It's as simple as that.
This strategy of time management eliminates unnecessary procrastination over small chores or tasks and reduces the clutter in our brain that distracts us from the bigger picture.
The 10-Minute Rule
Clearly there are some tasks that we can't just complete in two minutes. Planning, writing and filming a whole YouTube video can't be completed in two minute segments. Writing a thesis would be difficult to complete in 2 minute intervals. Creating a presentation at work is difficult to create in 2 minutes. You get the idea.
However, if we do find ourselves procrastinating over these larger, more daunting tasks, the other technique I use to get started is the 10-minute rule.
The 10-minute rule is simple. If I'm finding myself procrastinating from something I have to do, I tell myself that I'm just going to do it for 10 minutes. No more, no less. Just 10 minutes.
But the power behind this technique goes back to the idea of momentum.
Once I've got going, having done 10 minutes, I don't want to stop especially when I'm making progress. Suddenly momentum builds up, one task leads to another which leads to another. Obviously, you might be bored after 10 minutes but we don't like leaving tasks half-done and so 10 minutes quickly turns into 20, then 30 and suddenly you're making progress.
Some people call this the 30 minute rule, the 20 minute rule, the 5 minute rule - it doesn't really matter what it's called, the idea is the same: we're tricking our brain into getting started because we think we won't be doing it for long.
Fundamentally, overcoming procrastination is about maintaining discipline, generating momentum and ensuring that the tasks that you need to do on any given day are achievable and manageable.
Despite the advice that I've given in this article, I still struggle with moments of procrastination. We all do.
Procrastination is a character flaw that we all have. What matters is that we can recognise it, learn to manage it, develop strategies to overcome it and create a system that minimises the opportunity for it to emerge in the future - that's something we can all start developing today, or maybe leave it till tomorrow...
|
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|
A scarce view of Genoa naming some 56 important locations.
A scarce c. 1725-1750 panoramic view of Genoa, Italy by Martin Engelbrecht. This view follows the work of Jeremias Wolff who produced a large format view of Genoa earlier. Engelbrecht presents us with a busy harbor, with merchant ships coming and going. In the city itself he identifies some 55 specific buildings. This view was drawn by Martin Englebrecht and published in Augsburg by Friederich Bernhard Werner.
Martin Engelbrecht (1684-1756) and his brother Christian were artists, print sellers, and engravers based in Augsburg, Germany, during the first half of the 18th Century. The Engelbrecht firm was established in 1717 and produced more than 5,000 printed. Among their work are city views issued by Friedrich Bernhard Werner and others. The duo are better known for creating miniature diorama cards which, inserted into a display box offered religious scenes from a three dimensional perspective. They are the only engravers to have been granted a royal permission to produce such scenes – which at the time seemed magical. They also produced portraits of monarchs and other local dignitaries. The work of the Engelbrecht brothers has been called "beyond compare." The Engelbrecht firm launched the careers of several other artists, including Jeremias Wachsmuht and Johann David Nessenthaler.
Friedrich Bernhard Werner (1690-1778) was a German-born civil engineer, trained in Nice, who went on to become an accomplished copper-plate engraver, interested in subjects of cityscapes, monuments, churches, and public works. During the mid-18th century Werner travelled extensively in Central Europe documenting the architecture of its most prominent cities.
Good. Blank on verso. Marginal soiling.
|
{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
Q: Force page refresh and jump to a #section It seems that I must be missing something completely elementary. What I'm trying to achieve looks like quite a common case, and so it makes me wonder why there is no straightforward way.
The problem is that I would like to refresh the current page from JavaScript and simultaneously land on a #section. If I do simply:
document.location.href = document.location.href + "#section";
all browsers I tested just scroll to that #section (no reload). It makes sense in a way. Just for completeness, if I do
document.location.assign(document.location.href + "#section");
it does the same thing (not surprisingly; it boils down internally to the same function for sure). Finally, the document object seems to have also the document.reload() function which takes an optional boolean argument specifying whether I want to force the reload, but obviously, it does not allow to specify the #section. The only way I could find (using these methods) was the following combination:
document.location.assign(document.location.href + "#section");
document.location.reload();
But it is not ideal, because as you have probably guessed, it scrolls and then reloads which causes the browser to actually scroll three times in the end.
I know that there are ways around it: server side redirect or adding some unique random query string parameter, but it seems strange that there is no simple way.
A: That is the "hash" value of the location object. You need to set it like this...
location.hash = "#section";
If that does not work consistently, you might want to consider using a scrollToElement function...
function scrollToElement(elem) {
if(typeof elem == 'string') elem = document.getElementById(elemId);
var top = 0;
if(elem) {
if(elem.offsetParent) {
top = elem.offsetTop;
while(elem = elem.offsetParent) {
top += elem.offsetTop;
}
}
window.scrollTo(0, top);
}
}
If you absolutely need a page reload (not sure why you ever would), try opening a window in itself...
window.open(location.href + '#section', '_top');
Or try replace...
location.replace(location.href + '#section');
A: There is a much much simpler solution:
if (document.location.href.match(/[?]/))
document.location.href = document.location.href + '&fake_param=' + Math.random() + '#section' ;
else
document.location.href = document.location.href + '?fake_param=' + Math.random() + '#section' ;
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{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaStackExchange"
}
|
Alrighty, still getting used to the culture.
@Baavgai, so I tried testing that code out in a console app and I got this message from the debugger, what should I do?
Show your code. How did you implement the class Val?
Note, I only gave the header, the body is an exercise for you.
Well I haven't really implemented it per se, basically just copied your code to see if I could get it working in a Win32 console program as I usually test concepts in command line instead of windows forms. I think I need to do some tutorials today on implementing classes. I will be back after I get a little more familiar with classes. I added your code to a .cpp item not a header though. I'm not using a header because for this test because I usually just compile a lone .cpp file when I'm doing command line apps. Let me do some research on classes and report back. Thanks again!
Curious - how do you read that error? White on turquoise is not really conducive to reading.. like white on yellow.
I have the hue adjusted on my video adapter. There are two screens and I offset the hue on one so that on my programming screen light blue is light purple and the brightness is turned down so it's easier to read than it appears there.
That seems.. odd. Why would you want to misrepresent colors? Why not just use a different default highlight color?
He's likely running f.lux. I've started using it to keep from waking my kids up while I use the dual monitor.
OK so I'm learning about classes, I see where you're going with this. So basically you've created a class that will keep the values for the integers within the specified boundaries? I'm still going to have to figure out why it's giving that message but at least I now understand what this class thing is doing.
Please forgive me, I've only been programming in C++ in my free time (which isn't much) and the only other programming language that I know is TI Basic (which is far simpler for trigonometric functions and input/output) so I'm still getting used to the complexities and intricacies of C++.
I'm at work, we have windows 10 here, windows 10 is extremely boring looking. I use the hue to spice up the interface a bit because when I was kid we used to have gradient title bars in windows 98 and it made the OS less BORING.
Did you try playing with these settings?
Anyway other than the new flat "Metro" UI making a statement about departure from older versions of Windows, it actually also has the side effect of being much more energy efficient because a lot less CPU/GPU power is needed to render screen. This was a big boost in helping the battery life for Windows laptops and tablets. Of course, if you have a $1500 gaming video card on your desktop, it pretty much underutilized even if most of Windows 10 uses DirectDraw.
Enough offtopic from me, though.
OP: baavgai's class is such that when you instantiate an object of it, you give it a starting value, and min and max values. The object stores those values for later use. You probably should make sure that the value is in the min...max range, BUT, depending on what you want - you may even let the starting value be lesser than min, or larger than max - you'd just have to take care off appropriately setting the starting "direction" of the step.
// 1, 4, 7, 10, ...?
Xupicor, NICE!!!!! TY! I'm going to give this a shot. Be back in a second. Appreciate the help.
Skydiver, yes I changed that but the personalization options that have been in windows since 98 are all gone as of Win10. I understand what you're saying about the resource usage but that's not a good reason to remove features IMO. They should still be present, they're in Win7 you just have to switch to the classic theme but you can't do that in the latest release.
I remember being on the Win8 team when the perf team revealed the results of their testing for Aero UI vs. Metro UI. The difference was more than double in terms of watts used on Intel processors. It was even more dramatic for Atom processors. Since at the time, there was a company wide drive to be more power usage aware, the die was cast.
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{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
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The pin in the map is the location of Sri Sai Ram Medical & General Stores. Please use the arrows to scroll in upto 8 possible directions. You can also zoom out using the buttons on top.
Move from Chatri towards Fish Market, in about 75 yards, on the right side of the road, you will find the address.
Move from Fish Market towards Chatri, in about 75 yards, on the left side of the road, you will find the address.
There are no events at Sri Sai Ram Medical & General Stores scheduled currently.
fullhyd.com has 700,000+ monthly visits. Tell Hyderabad what you feel about Sri Sai Ram Medical & General Stores!
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{
"redpajama_set_name": "RedPajamaC4"
}
|
'Not duty of government to bail ADCs from financial crunch': Meghalaya Deputy CM
Stating that the Government cannot provide any kind of financial assistance to help the ADCs in the payment of the salaries, he said that it is the job of the District councils to pay the salaries from its own resources.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. (File Photo)
Meghalaya Deputy Minister, Prestone Tynsong has clarified that it is not the duty of the State Government to bail out the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) who are facing severe financial crunch.
"The ADCs are separate entities and it is not under the State Government. As per agreement, which was arrived long time back, the responsibility of the government was to release the outstanding dues of the share from royalties on the mineral sources to the three ADCs," Tynsong told reporters here today.
The Deputy CM also informed that the Government had recently released an amount of ₹ 45 crore from which was sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission under the special plan assistance.
Tynsong stated that out of the ₹ 45 crore which was released, the total amount of funds which was allocated to the three ADCs include KHADC (₹ 20.47 crore), GHADC (₹ 18.20 crore) and JHADC (₹ 6.82 crore).
Earlier, the District Council Affairs Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui had stated that the funds which were released are meant for various developmental activities as per plans and estimates proposed by the three ADCs.
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
TNT-The Northeast Today news
Northeast India
Autonomous District Councils
TNT-The Northeast Today
|
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|
University of Central Florida psychology doctoral student Julia Wright agrees, noting that we show others how we want to be treated in the way we conduct ourselves and the way we dress. As an older graduate student returning to school after a 25-year career as a product design engineer, Wright notes that dressing appropriately is more important than many students think.
"You should not look like you just rolled out of bed or that you're ready to go play volleyball at the beach," she says.
It's also about being engaged in the program. "The people I
hear complain about being treated fairly are those who, when
the professor is lecturing or they're part of a group discussion,
are sitting there surfing the web on their laptops or texting
people on their cellphones."
Gutierrez urges students to treat graduate school as their
first real entrance into the job market. "People who dress
appropriately, who interact with others appropriately, and who
carry themselves as professionals are going to get the respect
professionals ought to receive," he says.
Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your capacity because people can see that, Gutierrez says. But also understand that you don't have to know everything to feel and be competent.
"Asking someone with more experience for help is never a bad thing," he notes. "In fact, it demonstrates maturity."
Speak up. When someone implies that you're too young
or inexperienced, correct them. Point to all you've done to
get where you are in your career so far, the research you've
completed, the publications you've been involved with, even if
you weren't recognized as a co-author, and the experience you
do have with the field of psychology.
"I think if we all asserted ourselves more — in a respectful way, of course — we could really change people's views," Lima says. "Our silence endorses the status quo."
Recognize that it's not you. Kraha says it's important to keep in mind that the disrespect or unfair treatment you may experience is not really about you as a person or what you can and will accomplish. It often stems from a lack of understanding or awareness.
"It always helps me to remember that," she says. "What they're saying isn't a reflection on you, it's a reflection on who they are and where they are in their lives."
Become an advocate. Gutierrez says it's never too early to get involved in activism. As psychologists and psychology students, we know too much about human behavior not to get involved in advocating for political or social or institutional changes. It can also help you learn more about your institution — and can leave you feeling more empowered.
"I'm not saying that everyone has to go out and form a labor union, but if you don't want to feel taken advantage of as a student, get involved in the system and do something about it," he says. n
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Home Celebrities News 'Is this something that we have just realised?,' asks Sushmita Sen on...
'Is this something that we have just realised?,' asks Sushmita Sen on the existence of nepotism in Bollywood
The former Miss Universe made a career in Bollywood on her own in 2000s with movies such as Biwi No 1, Aankhen, Filhaal, Samay, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and Main Hoon Na but decided to take a break from acting to focus on her health and raising her daughters Renee and Alisah.
Her performance in Aankhen, Filhaal and Samay received critical praise but the films did not do well at the box office at the time of their release.
"I always believe I am a satellite hit because whatever work I did when it came on satellite, it became a hit and people started applauding the performance. But back then, when it was in the theatres, it didn't work," the actor told PTI in an interview.
Sushmita Sen, 44, believes what kept her strong during those years was a faith in her abilities.
"I define my success, I acknowledge my failures but I also acknowledge that I haven't failed, my attempts have. There is a big difference. When people don't know how to differentiate between the two, everybody piles on with the insecurity of being called a failure. That is a very big mistake that people allow others to make on their behalf".
The actor says she is "open to criticism" and one can review her "badly" with "some sugar and salt" but she will continue to focus on her work and try to give her best.
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Next articleMadhuri Dixit shares her "Quarantine thoughts" on Instagram; also reveals the song she is listening to right now!
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Kristen Stewart's mom shooting a transgender prison drama
by Kim Grundy
Kim Grundy
http://twitter.com/KimGrundy
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July 26, 2011 at 5:35pm PM EDT
Kristen Stewart isn't the only one in her family in the Hollywood biz. Her mother, Jules Stewart, is directing a transgender prison drama that Kristen was supposed to star in… that is, until she dropped out.
Related story Kristen Stewart's New Princess Diana Movie Is the One You've Been Waiting For
Kristen Stewart's mom, Jules Stewart, is gearing up to direct her first indie film called K-11, about a transsexual prisoner with autism. Kristen was actually going to play the lead role until the busy Twilight actress had to drop out due to sheduling conflicts. Her moms is still keeping the family involved, casting her brother Cameron (pictured below with Kristen in 2008) in small role in the film.
"It's just one of those things where you try and get a movie off the ground that's small," Kristen Stewart told MTV about the film. "I don't know [whether it will get made]. Like, right now it's harder [to get indie films made]. It just never got legs. I still really hope to do it."
Between the Twilight films and starring in Snow White and the Huntsman, Stewart apparently does not have time to make it.
In fact, Kristen is not the only Twilight star that recently backed out of the film. Nikki Reed dropped out of the film after telling MTV in November that she and Kristen have been involved with the movie since 2008. "It's about a little-known section of the men's county jail. I'm playing a man, and Kristen's playing a boy," Reed said.
Even though Kristen and Nikki are no longer involved in the film, it will be interesting to see Kristen's older brother, Cameron, making his film debut, even if his role is a small part. The film will star Goran Visnjic (ER), D.B. Sweeney (Hard Ball), Kate del Castillo and Portia Doubleday (Youth in Revolt), with supporting actors Jason Mewes and Tommy "Tiny" Lister.
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\subsection{Deligne's category $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_t)$}
From the perspective of the
Killing-Cartan-Weyl classification of simple Lie algebras
and their representation theory in terms of highest weights, root systems, Weyl groups and associated combinatorics
it is not so easy to
understand the extreme uniformity in the representation theory
that exists among different Lie groups. With possible application
to a universal Chern-Simons type knot invariant in mind, P. Vogel \cite{Vog1999}
tried to define a universal Lie algebra, $\mathfrak{g}(\alpha:\beta:\gamma)$
depending on three {\em Vogel parameters} that determine a point
$(\alpha:\beta:\gamma)$ in the {\em Vogel plane}, in which all simple
Lie algebras find their place. The dimension of the Lie algebra
$\mathfrak{g}(\alpha:\beta:\gamma)$ is given by a universal rational expression
\begin{equation*}
\dim \mathfrak{g}(\alpha:\beta:\gamma)\, = \, \frac{(\alpha-2t)(\beta-2t)(\gamma-2t)}{\alpha\beta\gamma},\qquad
t=\alpha+\beta+\gamma ,
\end{equation*} and similar universal rational formulas can be
given for the dimensions of irreducible constituents of $S^2\mathfrak{g}, S^3\mathfrak{g}$ and
$S^4\mathfrak{g}$. Although the current status of Vogel's suggestions is unclear to us,
these ideas have led to many interesting developments, such as the discovery of
$E_{7\frac{1}{2}}$ by Landsberg and Manivel,
\cite{LM2002}, \cite{LM2004}, \cite{LM2006}, \cite{LM2006a}, \cite{LM2006a}.
In order to interpolate within the classical $A,B,C,D$ series of Lie algebras,
Deligne has defined $\otimes$-categories
\[ \mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_t),\;\; \mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(O_t), \]
where $t$ is a parameter that can take on any complex value.
(The category $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(Sp_{2t})$
is usually not discussed as it can be
expressed easily in terms of the category $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(O_T)$ with $T=-2t$.)
If $n$ is an
integer, there are natural surjective functors
\[\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_n) \to \mathop{\mathrm{Rep}}(GL_n)\]
In the tannakian setup one would attempt to reconstruct a group $G$ from its
$\otimes$-category of representations $\mathop{\mathrm{Rep}}(G)$ using a fibre functor to
the $\otimes$-category $Vect$ of vector spaces, but Deligne's category has no fibre functor and is not tannakian, or, in general, even abelian. (However, when $t$ is not an integer, the category \emph{is}
abelian semisimple.)
According to the axioms, in an arbitrary rigid $\otimes$-category $\mathcal{R}$ there exist a unit object~${\bf 1}$ and
canonical evaluation and coevaluation morphisms
\[ \epsilon: V \otimes V^* \to {\bf 1},\qquad \delta: {\bf 1} \to V \otimes V^*\]
so that we can assign to any object a dimension by setting
\[ \dim V =\epsilon \circ \delta \in \mathop{\mathrm{End}}({\bf 1}) \in \mathbb{C}. \]
A simple diagrammatic description of $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_t)$ can be found in
\cite{CW2012}. One first constructs a skeletal category ${\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}\,}_0(GL_t)$,
whose objects are words in the alphabet $\{\bullet, \circ\}$. The letter
$\bullet$ corresponds to the fundamental representation $V$ of $GL_t$,
$\circ$ to its dual $V^*$. A~$\otimes$-structure is induced by concatenation
of words. The space of morphisms between two such words is the $\mathbb{C}$-span of
a set of admissible graphs, with vertices the circles and dots of the two
words. Such an admissible graph consists of edges between the letters of
the two words. Each letter is contained in one edge. Such an edge connects
different letters of the same word or the same letter if the words are
different.
$$\vcenter{ \xymatrix{
\bullet \ar@/_2ex/@{-}[rr] & \bullet \ar@{-}[ld] & \circ & \circ \ar@{-}[d] \\
\bullet \ar@{-}[rrd] & \circ \ar@/^/@{-}[r] \ar@/_/@{-}[r]& \bullet & \circ \ar@{-}[lld] \\
& \circ & \bullet & \\
} }
= t \cdot
\left( \vcenter{ \xymatrix{\bullet \ar@/_2ex/@{-}[rr] & \bullet \ar@{-}[ddr] & \circ & \circ \ar@{-}[ddll] \\
& & \\
& \circ & \bullet & \\
}} \right) $$
The composition is juxtaposition of the two graphs, followed by
the elimination of loops, which results in a factor $t$.\\
Deligne's
category is now obtained by first forming its additive hull by introducing
formally direct sums and then passing to the
Karoubian hull, i.e. forming a category of pairs $(W,e)$, consisting of
an object together with an idempotent:
\[\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}} (GL_t) =({\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}\,}_0(GL_t)^{\text{add}})^\text{Karoubi}. \]
\bf Example. \rm Consider the word $\bullet \bullet$ and
the morphisms $\mathrm{Id}$ and $\mathrm{Swap}$ with the obvious meaning.
One then can put
\[ S^2V=(\bullet \bullet, s), \;\;\wedge^2 V=(\bullet\bullet, a),\]
where
\[ s=\frac{1}{2}(\mathrm{Id}+\mathrm{Swap}),\;\;a=\frac{1}{2}(\mathrm{Id}-\mathrm{Swap})\]
so that in $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(Gl_t)$ one has:
\[ V \otimes V=(\bullet \bullet ,Id)=S^2V \oplus \wedge^2V,\]
which upon taking dimensions is the identity
\[ t^2 = \frac{t(t+1)}{2}+\frac{t(t-1)}{2} .\]
\subsection{`Spaces of sections' as objects in Deligne's category and the beta integral.}
As above, we assume that $n$ is a natural number. Write $t=N+1$ and let $V_t=V$ be the fundamental object of $\mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_t)$ so that
$\dim V_t=t$. We do not define the projective space $\P =\P^N$,
but we can pretend that, in the sense of Deligne, the space of global sections is
\[ H(\mathcal{O}_{\P}(n)) :=\mathop{\mathrm{Sym}^n}(V_t^*) \in \mathop{\underline{\smash{\mathrm{Rep}}}}(GL_t) .\]
Its dimension is then, as expected
\begin{equation}
\chi(\mathcal{O}_{\P}(n)) :=\dim H (\mathcal{O}_{\P}(n))={N+n \choose n} \label{chi-interpret},
\end{equation}
(interpreted in the obvious way as a polynomial
in $N$ if $N\not\in\mathbb{Z}$),
so that e.g.
\[\chi(\mathcal{O}_{\P^{1/2}}(2))=\frac{3}{8}.\]
The Poincar\'e series
\[P(y):=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \chi(\mathcal{O}_{\P}(n)) y^n =\frac{1}{(1-y)^{N+1}},\]
which is consistent with the idea that $\dim V_t = N+1$.
\medskip
Returning to the question posed at the beginning,
`is there a way to extend the interpolation of $\chi$
individually to the Chern and the Todd ingredients?', we reason as
follows. If $X$ is a smooth projective $n$-dimensional variety, and $E$ a vector
bundle on $X$, then the Euler characteristic
\[\chi(X,E):=\sum_{i=0}^n (-1)^i\dim H^i(X,E)\]
can be expressed in terms of characteristic numbers
\[\chi(X,E)=\int_X \mathop{\mathrm{ch}}(E) \cdot \mathop{\mathrm{td}}(X) . \]
Here the integral in the right hand side is usually
interpreted
as resulting from evaluating the cap product with the fundamental class $[X]$
on the cohomology algebra $H^*(X)$, and the Chern character and Todd class
are defined in terms of the Chern roots $x_i$ of $E$ and $y_i$ of $TX$:
\[\mathop{\mathrm{ch}}(E)=\sum_{i=1}^r e^{x_i}\,, \qquad \mathop{\mathrm{td}}(X)=\prod_{i=1}^n \frac{y_i}{1-e^{-y_i}} .\]
The cohomology ring of an $n$-dimensional projective space is
a truncated polynomial ring:
\[H^*(\P^N)=\mathbb{Z}[\xi]/(\xi^{N+1})\,, \qquad\xi=c_1(\mathcal{O}(1)),\]
and it is not directly clear how to make sense of this if $N$ is not an
integer. Our tactic will be to drop the relation
\[\xi^{N+1}=0\]
altogether, thinking instead of $\mathbb{Z}[\xi]$ as a Verma module over the $sl_2$
of the Lefschetz theory, and replacing taking the cap product
with integration.
As we will be integrating meromorphic functions in $\xi$,
the polynomial ring is too small, and we put
\[ \hat{H}(\P) :=\mathbb{Z}[[s]] \supset \mathbb{Z}[s] .\]
One has
\[ \chi(\mathcal{O}(n))=e^{n\xi}\,, \qquad \mathop{\mathrm{td}}(\P)=\left(\frac{\xi}{1-e^{-\xi}}\right)^{N+1}, \]
so Hirzebruch-Riemann-Roch reads
\[\chi(\mathcal{O}(n))=\left[e^{n\xi} \left(\frac{\xi}{1-e^{-\xi}}\right)^{N+1}\right]_N\]
where $[...]_N$ is the coefficient at $\xi^N$ in a series.
This can be expressed analytically as a residue integral
along a small circle around the origin:
\begin{equation*}
\chi(\mathcal{O}(n))=\frac{1}{2\pi i}\oint e^{n \xi}\left(\frac{\xi}{1-e^{-\xi}}\right)^{N+1}\frac{d\xi}{\xi^{N+1}} .
\end{equation*}
As it stands, it cannot be extended to non-integer
$N$ since the factor $(1- e^{-\xi})^{-N-1}$ is not univalued on the circle. The usual way to adapt it is to consider, for $n \ge 0$, the integral along the path
going from $- \infty - i \varepsilon$ to $ - i \varepsilon$, making a half--turn round the origin and going back, and choosing the standard branch of the logarithm. Because of the change in the argument this integral is equal to
\begin{equation*}
J(N,n) =
\frac{e^{2 \pi i (N+1)}-1}{2 \pi i}
\int_{-\infty}^0 \frac{e^{n \xi}}{(1-e^{-\xi})^{N+1}}
d \xi ,
\end{equation*}
or, after the substitution $s=e^{\xi}$,
\begin{equation*}
J(N,n) =
\frac{e^{2 \pi i (N+1)}-1}{2 \pi i}
\int_0^1 s^{n-1} (1-1/s)^{-N-1} ds
=
\frac{\sin \pi (N+1)}{ \pi }
\int_0^1 s^{n+N} (1-s)^{-N-1} ds .
\end{equation*}
Using Euler's formulas
\begin{equation}
\Gamma(x)\Gamma(1-x) =\frac{\pi}{\sin \pi x} \,,
\label{gamma-one-minus-argument}
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\int_0^1 s^{\alpha-1}(1-s)^{\beta-1} ds = \frac{\Gamma(\alpha)\Gamma(\beta)}{\Gamma(\alpha+\beta)} \,,
\label{beta-integral}
\end{equation}
and
\begin{equation*}
\frac{\Gamma(N+n+1)}{\Gamma(n+1) \Gamma(N+1)}
=
{N+n \choose n} \,,
\end{equation*}
we arrive at a version of RRH `with integrals':
\medskip
\noindent \bf Proposition 1. \rm Let $n \in \mathbb{N}$. Assume $\mathop{\mathrm{Re}} N < 0, \, N \notin \mathbb{Z}$. Interpret the Euler characteristic of~$\P ^N$ via formula \eqref{chi-interpret}. Then
\begin{equation*} \label{little-propo}
\chi_\P(\O (n)) = \frac{e^{2 \pi i (N+1)}-1}{2 \pi i}
\int_{-\infty}^0 \frac{e^{n \xi}}{(1-e^{-\xi})^{N+1}}
d \xi .
\end{equation*}
\qed
\bigskip
\medskip
\subsection{The grassmannian and the Selberg integral.} For $\P^N$, we ended up with the beta function, a one-dimensional integral, as the cohomology ring
is generated by a single class~$\xi$. In the cases where the cohomology ring is generated
by $k$ elements, for example the grassmannian $G(k,N+k)$,
we would like to see a $k$-dimensional integral appear in a natural way.
For $N \in \mathbb{N}$ the cohomology ring of the grassmannian $\mathbb{G}:=G(k,N+k)$
is given by
\[H^*(G(k,N+k))=\mathbb{C}[s_1,s_2,\ldots,s_k]/(q_{N+1},q_{N+2}, \dots, q_{N+k}),\]
where the $s_i$ are the Chern classes of the universal rank $k$ sub-bundle
and $q_i=c_i(Q)$ are formally the Chern classes of the universal quotient bundle $Q$ (so that the generating series of $q$'s is inverse to that of $s$'s).
In the same vein as before, we set:
\begin{equation}
\hat{H}^*(\mathbb{G}):=\mathbb{C}[[s_1,s_2,\ldots,s_k]]=\mathbb{C}[[x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_k]]^{S_k} \label{drop-rel}
\end{equation}
by dropping the relations. A $\mathbb{C}$-basis of this ring
given by the Schur polynomials
\[\sigma_{\lambda} :=\frac{\det(x_i^{\lambda_j+k-j})}{\det(x_i^{k-j})}\]
where $\lambda=(\lambda_1,\lambda_2,\ldots,\lambda_k)$
is an arbitrary Young diagram with at most $k$ rows.
There is a Satake--type map for the extended cohomology:
\[ \mathrm{Sat}: \hat{H}(\mathbb{G}) \to \wedge^k \hat{H}(\P) \]
obtained from the Young diagram by `wedging its rows':
\[\sigma_{\lambda} \mapsto s^{\lambda_1+k-1} \wedge s^{\lambda_2+k-2}\wedge \ldots \wedge s^{\lambda_k-1}. \]
We are therefore seeking an expression for the values of the Hilbert polynomial of $G(k,N)$ in terms of a $k$--dimensional integral of the beta type involving $k$--wedging.
Euler's beta integral
\eqref{beta-integral}
has several generalizations. Selberg introduced \cite{Selberg1944}
an integral \cite{FW2008} over the $k$-dimensional cube
\begin{equation*}
S(\alpha, \beta,\gamma, k):=\int_0^1\ldots\int_0^1 (s_1 s_2\ldots s_k)^{\alpha-1}((1-s_1)(1-s_2)\ldots(1-s_k))^{\beta-1}\Delta(s)^{2\gamma} ds_1ds_2\ldots ds_k
\end{equation*}
where
\[ \Delta(s)=\Delta(s_1,s_2,\ldots,s_k)=\prod_{i <j} (s_i-s_j) ,\]
and showed that it admits meromorphic continuation, which
we will also denote by $S$.
\medskip
\noindent {\bf Proposition 2.} For $k \in \mathbb{N},\, n \in \mathbb{Z}_+$, let $\chi(\mathcal{O}_{\mathbb{G}}(n))$
denote the result of interpolating the polynomial function $\chi(\mathcal{O}_{G (k,k+N)}(n))$ of the argument
$N \in \mathbb{N}$ to $\mathbb{C}$.
One has
\begin{equation*}
\chi(\mathcal{O}_{\mathbb{G}}(n))= \frac{(-1)^{k(k-1)/2}}{k!}\left( \frac{\sin \pi(N+1)}{\pi}\right)^k S(n+N+1,-N-k+1;1,k) .
\end{equation*} \rm
{\sc Proof.} The shortest (but not the most transparent) way to see this is to use the expressions for the LHS and the RHS in terms of the product of gamma factors found by Littlewood and Selberg respectively. By Selberg,
\begin{equation}
S(\alpha,\beta,\gamma,k)=\prod_{i=0}^{k-1} \frac{\Gamma(\alpha+i\gamma)\Gamma(\beta+i\gamma)\Gamma(1+(i+1)\gamma)}
{\Gamma(\alpha+\beta+(k+i-1)\gamma) \Gamma(1+\gamma)} \label{Selberg-formula}.
\end{equation}
By Littlewood \cite{Lit1942}, for $N \in \mathbb{Z}_{>0}$ one has
\begin{equation*}
\chi(\mathcal{O}_{G(k,k+N)}(n)) =\frac{{N+n \choose n} {N+n+1 \choose n+1} \ldots {N+n+(k-1) \choose n+(k-1)}}{
{N \choose 0} {N+1 \choose 1} \ldots {N+(k-1) \choose (k-1)}},
\end{equation*}
where there are $k$ factors at the top and the bottom.
Rearranging the terms in the RHS of \eqref{Selberg-formula} and using
\eqref{gamma-one-minus-argument},
we bring the $\Gamma$-factors that involve $\beta$ to the denominator in order to form the binomial coefficients at the expense of the sine factor.
\qed
\bigskip
As an example, for $k=2$ and
$N=-1/2$, we get
the Hilbert series
\[ \sum_{k=0}^\infty \chi(\mathcal{O}_{G(2,3/2)}(n)) \, y^n = 1+6\, \frac{t}{16} +60\left(\frac{t}{16}\right)^2 + 700 \left(\frac{t}{16}
\right)^3+8820 \left(\frac{t}{16}
\right)^4 +\ldots
\]
which is no longer algebraic, but can be expressed in terms of elliptic functions.
More generally, one can consider a Selberg--type integral
with an arbitrary symmetric function rather than the discriminant in the numerator and use separation of variables together with the Jacobi--Trudi formula in order to obtain similar expressions in terms of the gamma function in order to interpolate between the Euler characteristics of more general vector bundle on grassmannians (or the dimensions of highest weight
representations of $GL_{N+k}$).
\subsection{Towards a gamma conjecture in
non--integral dimensions.} \label{gamma-phenomena} The by now standard
predictions of mirror symmetry relate the RRH formalism
on a Fano variety $F$ to the monodromy of its regularized
quantum differential equation. It is expected that this
differential equation arises from the Gauss--Manin
connection
in the middle cohomology of level hypersurfaces of a
regular function $f$ defined on some quasiprojective
variety (typically a Laurent
polynomial on $\mathbb{G}_\mathrm{m}^{\, d}$),
called in this case a Landau--Ginzburg model of
$F$. By stationary phase,
the monodromy of the Gauss--Manin connection in a pencil
translates
into the asymptotic behavior of oscillatory
integrals of the generic form
$I (z) = \int \exp (izf)\, d\mu (\mathbb{G}_\mathrm{m}^{\, d})$,
which satisfy the quantum differential equation of $F$,
this time without the word `regularized'.
The asymptotics
are given by Laplace integrals computed at the critical points,
and the critical values of $f$ are the exponents occurring
in the oscillatory integrals $I_i(z)$ that have `pure'
asymptotic behavior in sectors.
One wants to express these pure asymptotics in terms of the Frobenius
basis of solutions $\{ \Psi_i (z) \}$ around $z = 0$.
The gamma conjecture \cite{GGI2016}
predicts that such an expression
for the highest--growth asymptotic (arising from the critical
value next to infinity) will give the `gamma--half' of the Todd
genus and therefore effectively encode the Hilbert
polynomial of $F$ with respect to the anticanonical bundle.
At first sight, none of this seems capable of surviving in non--integer dimensions.
Yet, to return to the example of $G(2,N+2)$, define the numbers $c_j$ and $d_j$ by the expansions
\begin{equation*}
\Gamma_\P^{(0)} (\varepsilon) = \Gamma (1+\varepsilon)^{N+2} = \sum_{j=0}^\infty d_j \varepsilon^j ,
\end{equation*}
\begin{equation*}
\Gamma_\P^{(1)} (\varepsilon) = \Gamma (1+\varepsilon)^{N+2} e^{2 \pi i \varepsilon} = \sum_{j=0}^\infty c_j \varepsilon^j.
\end{equation*}
Put
\begin{equation*}
F(\varepsilon,z) = \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^{l+\varepsilon}}{\Gamma(1+l+\varepsilon)^{N+2}}
\end{equation*}
and
\begin{equation*}
\Psi (\varepsilon,z) = \Gamma_\P (\varepsilon) F (\varepsilon, z) = \sum_{k=0}^\infty \Psi_k (z) \varepsilon^k.
\end{equation*}
\medskip
\noindent \bf Claim \rm (rudimentary gamma conjecture). For fixed $N > 2$ and $i, \, j$ in a box of at least some moderate size,
one should have
\begin{equation*}
\label{claim-grass}
\lim_{z \to - \infty} \frac{\Psi_i (z) \Psi'_j (z) - \Psi_j (z) \Psi'_i (z)}{\Psi_1 (z) \Psi'_0 (z) - \Psi_0 (z) \Psi'_1 (z)}
= \frac{c_i d_j - c_j d_i}{c_1 d_0 - c_0 d_1} .
\end{equation*}
\bigskip
\bigskip
\noindent The LHS and RHS mimic, in the setup of formula \eqref{drop-rel}, the $\sigma_{[j-1,i]}$-coefficients in the expansion of the `principal asymptotic class' and the gamma class of the usual grassmannian: in the case when $N \in \mathbb{N}$ and $0 \le i,j \le N$ one would use the identification of $2$--Wronskians of a fundamental matrix of solutions to a higher Bessel equation with homology classes of $G(2,N+2)$. Preliminary considerations together with numerical evidence suggest that the claim has a good chance to be true, as well as its versions for $G(k,N+k)$ with $k > 2$.
\bigskip
\bigskip
\bigskip
The first--named author is grateful to Yuri Manin and Vasily Pestun for stimulating discussions. We thank Hartmut Monien for pointing us to \cite{FW2008}.
\bigskip
\nocite{MV2017}
\nocite{GM2014}
\nocite{Bra2013}
\nocite{BS2013}
\nocite{Etingof1999}
\nocite{Etingof2014}
\nocite{Etingof2016}
\nocite{EGNO2015}
\nocite{FW2008}
\nocite{Man2006}
\nocite{Opd1999}
\nocite{Man1985}
\nocite{Lit1942}
\nocite{Lit1943}
\nocite{BD2016}
\nocite{LM2002}
\nocite{LM2004}
\nocite{LM2006}
\nocite{LM2006a}
\nocite{GW2011}
\nocite{Del2002}
\nocite{}
\nocite{}
\nocite{}
\nocite{}
\nocite{}
\nocite{}
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Filter set kit + 5w30 engine oil for volkswagen vw audi a6 before 4g5 c7 4gd. This product page has been automatically translated. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. 1 x original mann oil filter. 1 x air filter filter origin man. 1 x original man filter cabin air pollen filter air filter.
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Longlife 3 generation engine oil fire based on synthesis technology. Ensures excellent engine cleanliness Reduces the formation of disturbing absence montages. Provides the functionality of the die-selpartikelfilters (dpf) and ensures maximum service life. For vehicles with long ölwechselin- tervallen wiv, etc. Delivery of oil -fast low temperature verhindert - the formation of deposits protection against wear - high stability of optimum aging safety lubrication - hervorragende cleanliness - excellent engine saves fuel and reduces emissions - turbo - and cat tested. How to use the vehicle and follow the engine manufacturer. Note: full efficiency precision and protection of the diesel particulate filter will only be guaranteed dunvermischtem state. Workshop reference: the rest can in tank systems standard oil amount to not more than 5%. Specially designed for vehicles of the Volkswagen Group - and Volkswagen.
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Ducey Lies to Expand Vouchers with Covid-Relief Funds
2021, Arizona Schools, Education Funding, Teacher / January 4, 2022 January 3, 2022 / 2021, Arizona, Arizona Schools, Education, Mandates, Resources, teacher
Governor Ducey has long prioritized expanding private school vouchers over funding public schools, so it comes as no surprise that he is misusing federal Covid relief dollars to create yet another form of voucher. Arizona public schools have already lost billions in education funding over the past decade as lawmakers have expanded private school vouchers again and again.
Ducey Lies to Push Anti-Mask Voucher Programs
Ducey's newest voucher program encourages parents "unhappy with their public school district's COVID-19 mitigation efforts" (as in, mask mandates) to apply for $7,000 in federal dollars to take to private schools even if they have mask mandates! Three months after Ducey's anti-mask voucher program was first announced, the Governor's office claimed they'd received more than 2000 applications which exceeded the $10 million in allocated funding. However, these claims about the popularity of the program don't hold up.
According to AZ Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger in "The Gaggle" podcast, public records requests revealed that only 1400 voucher applications were started, only 650 were completed and submitted, and only 93 were approved. In short, Gov. Ducey lied about the popularity of these programs. And if history tells us anything, he will double down on this lie in order to sell expansion of the program this upcoming legislative session.
The Governor's office claimed they'd received more than 2000 applications which exceeded the $10 million in allocated funding. However, these claims about the popularity of the program don't hold up… In short, Gov. Ducey lied about the popularity of these programs.
Unused Voucher Funds Could Help 1.1 Million Students
In the interview, Barchenger points out that less than $50,000 has been spent of the $10 million set aside by Ducey for this purpose. The remaining $9.9 million remains unused. As Save Our Schools Arizona Director Beth Lewis recently pointed out in the AZ Republic, "The governor's claims are absolutely misleading. The governor's office is holding $10 million dollars hostage saying they're receiving all these applications, and that money is not in the classroom helping kids right now." Federal dollars that could be used for aides, academic support, counselors, and PPE to keep students, teachers, and staff healthy and in the classroom are sitting in the state's coffers.
While touted by the governor to be vastly successful and popular, the program has proven to be the opposite. Barchenger reported that when confronted with the data, Ducey responded that "helping any number of families through what he called 'good policy' was worth it in his mind." For the governor, it's preferable that millions of dollars sit unused in order to justify expanding vouchers at all costs.
Voucher Fraud & Abuse
Like Arizona's ESA voucher program, the Governor's latest private school voucher plan is rife with misspending. The program was billed as a way to "get kids back into classrooms," yet a full third of approved vouchers are being used to send kids to online school. And despite an income cap meant to prioritize low-income kids, several awarded vouchers went to wealthy families.
Barchenger says that her research uncovered several inconsistencies with what the governor said the purpose of the voucher program was and the actual outcomes. "[Ducey] said the programs were to keep kids in classrooms, but a third of the people who have been approved for the vouchers were approved to send their kids to online school so they're not in classrooms at all," she noted.
"The language coming from [Ducey's] office was, 'We want to support districts and parents that are following the law," Barchenger reported, referring to the law prohibiting districts from imposing mask mandates that was recently ruled unconstitutional. "But that law doesn't exist anymore, so [Ducey's] shifted a little bit to the latest defense that anything we can do to keep kids in classrooms helps stem the digital divide that has emerged after COVID." And yet many families are using the funds to attend online school.
The US Treasury has said federal Covid relief dollars were intended to help with economic recovery and slow down the spread of the virus, and that Ducey's programs do the opposite. "These programs were unveiled just after the CDC recommended universal masking in schools, and they do the opposite of that. They put financial incentive to districts that don't follow those guidelines," said Barchenger.
"[Ducey] said the programs were to keep kids in classrooms, but a third of the people who have been approved for the vouchers were approved to send their kids to online school so they're not in classrooms at all."
Stacey Barchenger, AZ Republic Tweet
AZ Parents Choose Public Schools
The program's failures underscore the well-known fact that private school vouchers are not an effective or efficient way to help Arizona kids in need. Despite this, as well as the ongoing struggle between AZ and the federal government on whether voucher expansion is an appropriate use of federal dollars, Gov. Ducey insists that there will be a need to expand the program. Once again, his office is using lies and exaggerations to expand eligibility, which is extremely concerning when $9.9 million in Covid relief dollars sits unused.
Gov. Ducey continues to prioritize unpopular and inefficient voucher programs while Arizona public schools remain last in the nation in education funding. Arizona families overwhelmingly choose public schools, and voters rejected private school voucher expansion by a 2-1 margin in 2018.
AZ voters have spoken: Governor Ducey and the legislature must prioritize public education and support the 1.1 million students attending Arizona's public schools.
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The Ensco 8503 semi drilled the Zama-1 discovery well for Talos Energy in the Salinas-Sureste Basin offshore southeast Mexico. The Zama-1 discovery, which was announced last year, yielded one of the world's largest shallow-water finds in the past 20 years and is estimated to hold 600 million bbl of commercial reserves. Ensco is now in discussions with operators for more drilling work offshore Mexico and is participating in rig tenders for exploration and appraisal work in 2019 and beyond.
Mexico's newly elected president Andrés Manuel López Obrador – who has been an outspoken opponent of the country's 2013 energy reform that ended PEMEX's oil sector monopoly – made a statement at a press conference in early August that he will ban hydraulic fracturing in Mexico.
"If such a ban was implemented and includes natural gas production, unconventional gas exploration will go by the wayside, and Mexico will either be forced to import more American gas or seek gas offshore," said David Goldwyn, Chairman of the Energy Advisory Group and Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. It remains to be seen, however, whether the president-elect's statement is just politics or if he will follow through.
Since he picked up more than 50% of the vote to win Mexico's 1 July presidential election, Mr López Obrador has promised to respect existing contracts, and analysts believe he is unlikely to reverse ongoing reforms in a major way.
Currently, only incremental changes are expected once the new president takes office on 1 December. One change that has already come to pass is a delay in additional licensing rounds in order to give the new administration more time to review license terms.
On 18 July, Mexico's National Hydro-carbons Commission (CNH) announced it had moved bidding rounds 3.2 and 3.3 and seven farm-outs with PEMEX from the original date of 5 September this year to 14 February 2019. The change came at the request of Mexico's Ministry of Finance, which was seeking more time to finalize contract terms and to give companies more time to analyze the associated data, according to Óscar Roldán, Head of CNH's National Data Repository. "It also gives CNH a chance to work hand-in-hand with the federal government's transition team to review current contracts and adjust future contract terms," he added.
In 2013, energy reforms approved in Mexico opened the country to investments from private and foreign companies by creating a framework for acreage licensing rounds and by allowing new E&P contract models. These include licenses, production-sharing, profit-sharing and service contracts. Prior to the constitutional reforms, foreign companies could only participate in service contracts where companies were paid for services. They were not allowed shares or profits associated with oil and gas production, according to a 2017 report by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
With the populist president soon taking office, however, changes to these reforms are anticipated. In addition to delays in new licensing rounds, local content requirements could also be revised and hinder investments in the process, Mr Goldwyn said.
It's also been speculated that the new president might end the PEMEX joint venture (JV) program, which was established in 2014 to provide the NOC with the technology and capital needed to reverse its production declines. The program's ultimate goal is to increase profits for both the NOC and the national government. "JVs play a central role in mitigating PEMEX's production decline, but Mr López Obrador has publicly voiced opposition to the JV program. His Mexico-first ideology is likely to take the form of a stronger PEMEX capable of leveraging more advantageous terms in the JV process," said Maria Cortez, Senior Research Manager with consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.
While there is a chance the JV program could be pulled, she believes the new administration will show pragmatism once it considers the additional production and revenues that could be generated under the ongoing reforms. In particular, she pointed to pressures that will be exerted on the new government to fund education, youth job training and pensions – all programs that Mr López Obrador proposed during his campaign.
Even if the JV program is left in place, changes to how it's run may be made, such as allowing PEMEX to choose its own partners. The government currently appoints partners for the NOC after going through a bidding round, but this lack of control for PEMEX has led to its reluctance to participate in farm-outs. As a result, almost no farm-outs were conducted during the first four years of the Peña Nieto administration, Mr Goldwyn said, noting the negative impact this had on PEMEX's production.
It's also uncertain how big a role the new government will want PEMEX to play in the country's oil and gas sector going forward. For example, it might require the NOC to participate in every consortium, or perhaps it will allocate new acreage solely for PEMEX, similar to what was done with Round Zero in August 2014, Mr Goldwyn said. During that licensing round, PEMEX was given the right of first refusal on all acreage offered. PEMEX ended up being awarded the right to develop 83% of Mexico's proved and probable reserves and 21% of total prospective resources.
Still, Mr López Obrador will face significant constraints in terms of what he can do with PEMEX, regardless of his ambitions. "The factors that drove the energy reform, which were a lack of capital and technological expertise in PEMEX for both deepwater and unconventional production, are unchanged," Mr Goldwyn said. Moreover, PEMEX's finances remain under the control of Mexico's Ministry of Finance, and significant change is unlikely unless PEMEX gets financial autonomy and is able to raise funds on the stock market.
The new president recently announced that he will move ahead with his plan to build a new refinery in the Tabasco region, at a reported cost of $8.6 billion. He is also planning to inject $4 billion into PEMEX for exploration, and additional money for proposed refinery renovations in Mexico's six existing facilities.
Since the 2013 energy reforms, nine licensing rounds have been held, from Round Zero in 2014 to the shallow-water Round 3.1 in March this year. More than 100 onshore and offshore blocks – including 46 onshore blocks and 58 shallow- and deepwater blocks – have been awarded for E&P.
So far, 16 exploration wells that were committed to under the licensing rounds have been drilled, four are drilling and six are planned for drilling. Companies that have participated have been diverse, from supermajors such as Shell and foreign national oil companies such as Qatar Petroleum to regional independents like BHP Billiton and new Mexican operators like Sierra Oil & Gas. These companies are bringing not only additional capital to fund new E&P projects but also a wide range of technical expertise that Mexico sorely needs.
Wood Mackenzie attributed the success of Mexico's recent licensing rounds to the creation of a fiscal regime with reasonable minimum bids. These have allowed the country to compete internationally.
At the same time, the government has been able to establish progressive factors in the contracts, such as with the contractual oil price, R-factors for statistical modeling, and internal rate of return adjustment mechanisms, that will maximize value for the country. Further, the country has smartly set lower minimums for less prospective acreage; this has facilitated the award of marginal blocks that could yield important discoveries, according to a May 2018 report from Wood Mackenzie.
Over the next four years, 63 exploration and appraisal wells – evenly split between deepwater and shallow water – have been committed for drilling as part of the licensing rounds. If all of these wells are drilled, they would represent a total spend of $5 billion for deepwater and $2.5 billion for shallow water. Wood Mackenzie estimates the 63 wells could yield up to 20 discoveries, assuming they are primarily exploration wells and have a success rate of approximately 30%, the global average for frontier plays.
Wood Mackenzie also estimates that, by 2024, investment from Round One, which includes several shallow-water projects and one deepwater project, will contribute approximately 500,000 BOE to Mexico's overall production. That growth will be driven partly by Eni's Amoca-2 and Talos Energy's Zama-1 discoveries. Both are located in the Salinas-Sureste Basin in southeast Mexico, which includes several sub-basins from onshore to ultra-deepwater.
The Amoca-2 exploration well, drilled in March 2017, was the first well drilled following the energy reform's passage. It was drilled to a total depth of 3,500 m and encountered approximately 110 m of net oil pay from several Pliocene reservoir sandstones. Amoca-2 is located in Contractual Area 1, 1,200 km west of Ciudad del Carmen, in Campeche Bay in 25 m of water.
Eni currently is drilling the Amoca-3 appraisal well on the Amoca field, where production is expected to begin in the second half of 2019. Wholly owned and operated by Eni, Amoca is likely to be the first greenfield project to come on-stream following passage of Mexico's energy reform.
Talos' Zama-1 discovery is also expected to contribute significantly to Mexico's production growth in the coming years. Drilled by the ENSCO 8503 semisubmersible in 546 ft of water, Zama-1 struck a contiguous gross oil-bearing interval of more than 1,100 ft – with up to 650 ft of net oil-bearing reservoir in the Upper Miocene sandstone reservoirs. It yielded one of the world's largest shallow-water finds in the past 20 years, estimated to hold 600 million bbl of commercial reserves.
In Q4 2018, Talos plans to start appraising the Zama field using the Ensco 8503. During the appraisal campaign – in which Talos must drill at least three boreholes and conduct a drill stem test and extensive coring and reservoir fluid sampling – the company plans to deepen one wellbore to test the Marte prospect. Once a front-end engineering design study is completed and a unitization agreement is reached, Talos expects to announce the final investment decision in Q4 2019 or Q1 2020.
The company has been in discussions with Mexico's Energy Ministry to unitize efforts to develop Zama, whose reserves extend into another block held by PEMEX. Production is expected to begin in 2022 and increase through 2024 as additional field facilities are added, Talos announced in May. Ensco is in discussions with operators for more drilling work offshore Mexico and is participating in rig tenders with PEMEX and IOCs for midwater floaters and jackups for exploration and appraisal work in 2019 and beyond, said Gilles Luca, Senior VP Western Hemisphere for Ensco. "Right now it's mostly exploration programs and a bit of appraisal work, but because of the high success rate we've seen in the new acreage, you would expect some development programs to commence down the road," he said.
Mexico's energy reform is generating a new wave of exploration and development activity, including Talos Energy's Zama-1 discovery. The energy reform also resulted in the Amoca-2 discovery, expected to be Mexico's first project to come on stream under the country's energy reform. Wood Mackenzie also estimates that, by 2024, investment from Round One, which includes several shallow-water projects and one deepwater project, will contribute approximately 500,000 BOE to Mexico's overall production. Both Amoca-2 and Zama-1 are located in the Salinas-Sureste Basin in southeast Mexico.
The drilling contractor had operated jackups in Mexico nearly continuously from 2008 to 2016, which provided valuable experience as Ensco navigated regulations in the country's reformed energy sector since 2013. "Our knowledge in starting operations in the region is proving extremely beneficial and allows international operators who may not have had experience working in Mexico the ability to leverage our experience," Mr Luca said.
He added that staying agile when dealing with new regulations and new regulatory bodies in the country has also helped to keep the process manageable. "The reform, from the standpoint of local content, was very realistic and didn't pose constraints that slowed our work down," he noted.
Lessons have also been learned around the management of logistical support for materials, boats and helicopters. Mexico's offshore support logistics industry is undergoing a transition as they are now partners with new entrants into the market, Mr Luca said.
Although efforts to develop Mexico's unconventional resources have remained scarce so far, this sector of the market could shift into higher gear under the new administration. There is worry in Mexico that US President Donald Trump could disrupt US natural gas exports to Mexico to try and influence NAFTA negotiations, Mr Goldwyn with the Atlantic Council said. This could lead the Mexican president to push PEMEX or other Mexican-based operators to invest in shale developments in order to boost natural gas production. In 2017, the US exported 4.6 billion cu ft/day of natural gas to Mexico via pipeline or liquefied natural gas cargoes, according to the EIA.
It's difficult to say whether Mr López Obrador will follow through with his vow to ban hydraulic fracturing, said Samantha Gross, Fellow in Foreign Policy focused on energy and climate issues with the Brookings Institution. Once the president-elect sees the "cold hard reality" of what a fracking ban and other changes to Mexico's energy regulations could mean, he could change his mind. Ms Gross believes the energy reform is good for Mexico and Mexicans but is scratching her head over the president-elect's statements on energy reform and what they could ultimately mean for the country.
Two bidding rounds – 3.2 and 3.3 – are currently scheduled for early 2019. The former offers 37 onshore conventional blocks and the latter offers nine onshore unconventional blocks. Round 3.3 will offer companies a chance to bid on nine licenses that touch the Pimienta formation of the Upper Jurassic unconventional play, which CNH considers one of the most attractive areas of Mexico for future gas, wet gas and oil production. Companies also will be able to bid on seven farm-out opportunities with PEMEX, covering 4,500 sq km of acreage with 2P and 3P reserves and a mix of historical production and newer, unexplored fields.
Wood Mackenzie sees challenges to the development of Mexico's onshore unconventional oil and gas, however. Mexico does have spare onshore drilling capacity, but developing Mexico's shale resources will require the import of higher-spec rigs to drill and complete wells 3,000 m deep, as well as hydraulic fracturing equipment. "We expect this will be a difficult undertaking for two reasons. First, service companies will need to sort out logistical challenges of operating in Mexico, likely a process which will dampen interest for smaller companies," Ms Cortez explained.
Second, the 2018 uptick in activity in the Permian Basin has depleted some of the excess capacity of rigs from the downturn. Rig rates in North America – estimated at $20,000/day to $25,000/day – and demand for pressure-pumping equipment also have tightened. "We would expect early Mexico shale developers to compete head to head with US market share, while also paying the premium for crossing the border. They will need to sort out the logistical challenges associated with importing equipment, staging it and storing it. We believe service companies will not be incentivized to do this without seeing a significant uptick in activity," Ms Cortez explained.
Ensuring safety and security in the region against gang-related crime and violence will likely be the biggest challenge these companies face for unconventional and conventional plays and will likely narrow the playing field of E&P and service companies. "Locally incentivizing governments to improve security in oilfields will greatly increase the odds of development, as will demonstrating tangible local benefits," Ms Cortez said.
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Photo voltaic solar energy is a clean source of energy with much lower carbon footprint than other sources. However, the vast land requirements of solar energy arrays may make installation impractical when available land is better suited for other purposes. The goal of this research was to investigate changes to the environmental physics, grass production, and grass species diversification under solar panels in an active pasture. To this end, different land characteristics were studied observationally including the length of the growing season, the greenness, the production per acre), and the environmental physical processes.
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Are you ready to gather all the revenue you're leaving on the table? I'm Juliana Stachurski, and I work with entrepreneurs to create strategic marketing roadmaps, optimize systems, and leverage classic direct response to blow past sales goals and set you up to scale. If you'd like to see how this might work with your business, enter your contact information below and answer the questions on the next screen.
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Farber > Articles > You Like Them But Can They Do the Job?
You Like Them But Can They Do the Job?
Much has been made in the last few years of a creeping "confirmation bias" when it comes to job interviews. In some cases, a slice of as little as the first 10 seconds of an interview can predict the outcome. It seems that if we like applicants at the start, we spend the interview subconsciously looking for reasons to like them more. If we dislike the candidate, we will use the time finding reasons to support that judgment.
The problem is that these judgments are incredibly unreliable when it comes to figuring out whether or not a person can do the job. For any hire, your reputation is on the line, so you should carefully scrutinize the process.
One of the best predictors of how a person will perform is previous performance. You can use behavioral interview questions to gain insight into how a candidate has solve problems in the past. This won't be a perfect predictor of traits like collaboration or ability to learn, but it could give you a like-for-like assessment.
Questions like "Tell me about a time you…" require candidates to tie past experiences to new scenarios. It's become conventional wisdom that extroverts will tend to do better in an interview than introverts, but that isn't always the case. Extroverts are not always aggressive and introverts are not always meek. Moreover, the idea that these personality tendencies fit certain jobs better than others has been debunked.
Behavioral interview questions help you see past the personality to assess whether or not the candidate will be capable of doing the job.
Conducting effective interviews does take a good deal of preparation. You need to detail the abilities you're looking for ahead of time and carefully construct the questions so that the responses you get will be measurable. The questions you ask should be carefully correlated to the competencies you're looking for.
It's a good idea to create a rubric or scorecard in advance as well. This will give you a reference point as to what you're looking for and allow you to make notes during the interview. It helps you look past the personality. Once all of the interviews are over, you can enter the information into a spreadsheet and calculate the results. The spreadsheet will let you grade and rank the candidates, and will enable a more reliable, fact-based decision.
When you like a particular candidate, you have to be careful that the halo effect isn't clouding your judgment. Having a hiring committee of objective individuals is a good way protect against that bias. At the very least, having a second opinion who doesn't just default to what you want to hear will help you let you check your assessment.
No one element of an interview gives you a perfect prediction of a candidate's success. Effective interviews will blend a number of the strategies such as assessing past work experiences and measuring cognitive ability to get a fuller picture of a candidate's abilities. Matching those abilities to the competencies you need in your team is the key to determining whether or not they will be able to do their job.
It's a difficult task, and you're not going to be right 100% of the time, but your professional reputation, maybe even your career, require that you get it right as often as possible.
Charlene Bergman is the Managing Director of the Interim Management & Executive Search practice at Farber. Her expertise lies in building long term relationships by supporting clients and candidates to meet their corporate and career aspirations. Charlene can be reached at 416.496.3752 and [email protected].
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Joseph O Regan teaches English, History near Dubai, Dubai.
Firstly, I being with a diagnostic test and I will then continue on a student needs basis with the aim of getting the student to the next level. I am a very easy person to work with and I enjoy very positive relationships with the students who I tutor. I believe the most important factor of a good tutor is the capacity to motivate the student through encouragement. I aim to do this for every student who I help, no matter what their level.
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Plan ahead! Take a look at our full 2018-2019 Calendar.
10:15 Welcoming Circle The project of the day will be introduced and materials will be provided (this project/lesson will reflect the curriculum given to families in the beginning of the school year).
10:30am Exploration We believe in the power of nature to provide the environment for deep place-based exploration. Children will build relationships with their peers, mentors, and environment. Project ideas organically surface through unencumbered play and experimenting with new tools and materials. Mentors observe and document strong group interests while providing supporting questions, materials, and tools to encourage deeper learning.
12pm Lunch/Snack EverWild will provide a snack for the group to share.
1pm Sacred Project Time The group will revisit and begin the Project/Lesson of the day.
2pm Nature Journaling Students find a quiet space in nature for reflection and creative expression. This can be in the form of written word, sketches, paintings, videography, photography, or group discussions.
2:30pm Gratitude Circle The group honors the work done for the day and gives gratitude and thanks to the Earth, animals, and one another.
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IBM Laptop AC Adapter online store: High quality replacement ibm laptop ac adapter, cheap ibm laptop ac adapter with factory price. Full 1 year warranty and 30 days money back.
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mesmixmusic.com - Gymnastics Mats For Home Walmart Shop for Exercise Mats in Yoga & Pilates. Buy products such as Gold's Gym 24 Sq Ft High Impact EVA Foam 6-Piece Interlocking Puzzle Exercise Mat at Walmart and save. Buy products such as Gold's Gym 24 Sq Ft High Impact EVA Foam 6-Piece Interlocking Puzzle Exercise Mat at Walmart and save.Gym mats for exercise & equipment support. Workout in comfort and protect your flooring with Walmart Canada's wide selection of gym mats, including equipment and exercise mats. Find them at Walmart.ca!Gymnastics mats for home walmart. kevinkevincarey.com - Gymnastics Mats For Home Walmart Shop for Exercise Mats in Yoga & Pilates. Buy products such as Gold's Gym 24 Sq Ft High Impact EVA Foam 6-Piece Interlocking Puzzle Exercise Mat at Walmart and save.27+ gymnastics mats for home walmart. daniellelighthouse.com - Gymnastics Mats For Home Walmart Shop for Exercise Mats in Yoga & Pilates. Buy products such as Gold's Gym 24 Sq Ft High Impact EVA Foam 6-Piece Interlocking Puzzle Exercise Mat at Walmart and save.
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Olinger, Papineau Join WVU Golf
November 12, 2015 by The Original Golf Blogger
Duo to Join WVU Golf
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (November 11, 2015) – West Virginia University golf coach Sean Covich announced Wednesday that Ty Olinger (Blacksburg, Va.,/North Cross HS) and Etienne Papineau (St-Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec/Champlain St-Lawrence) have committed to joining the Mountaineers starting in the fall of 2016.
"We are really excited to be adding these two young men to our program," said Covich, who is currently guiding the Mountaineers through their first varsity season in over 30 years. "This will be our third recruiting class and we are in a great spot. Luckily we have balance on our roster with each class and are able to bring in two strong players for next year trying to replace our seniors, Easton Renwick and Mason Short."
Olinger, who hails from Blacksburg, Virginia, currently competes for Richard Cook at North Cross School. He ranks as the No. 2 senior and the No. 4 player in the state of Virginia, ranking No. 155 nationally for the class of 2016. Olinger earned VISAA First Team All-State accolades from 2012-15 and was the Roanoke Metro Player of the Year in 2014. He has earned mention on the All-Metro Team on five occasions. Olinger finished as the runner-up at the VISAA State Tournament in 2013 and 2014 and was the VISAA State Tournament runner-up in 2015. He boasts a pair of titles at the Roanoke Valley Golf Hall of Fame Junior Championship and boasts top-20 finishes at the 2012 Scott Robertson Memorial (6th), 2013 Virginia Junior Stroke Play Championship (8th), 2015 AJGA Junior at Owensboro (9th), 2014 Virginia Junior Stroke Play Championship (10th), 2015 AJGA Philadelphia Junior (13th), 63rd Virginia Junior Stroke Play Championship (14th) and the 25th Virginia Junior Match Play Championship (20th).
"I look forward to getting Ty around our guys and having him compete," said Covich. "He's a talented player who's continued to improve the past few years. I'm excited about his potential."
The son of Danny and April Olinger, Olinger intends to major in business management. He chose West Virginia over Elon, Radford and Seton Hall.
Papineau, a native of St-Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada; plays for Champlain St-Lawrence. He played in three National Collegiate Championships, posting a scoring average of 70.5. Papineau won the title at the 2015 event, scoring 10 under par for the win and also earned medalist honors at the conference championship. He earned All-Canadian honors in 2015 and was named to the all-star team in 2014 and 2015. Papineau helped the Lions to the runner-up spot at the conference championship in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and was a member of the squad that set an all-time low round score of 284. In addition, Papineau was the winner of the 2014 Quebec Junior Provincial Match Play tournament an also won the 2014 Quebec Junior Boys Championship. He finished in the top 10 of the 2014 Graham Cooke Jr. Invitational, the 2014 Quebec Men's Provincial Championship and the 2014 Vertdure Junior Spring Open.
"Etienne brings with him a ton of international tournament experience," said Covich. "He's played on the Canadian National Team and competed in some of the top junior and amateur events around the world. The competitive mindset that he brings will greatly benefit our program."
The son of Luc and Francine Papineau, he will major in sports management at WVU after selecting West Virginia over Washington State and Charlotte.
WVU recently wrapped up its first fall season since 1982. The Mountaineers will hit the links once again February 15 when they travel to Houston for the President's Day Challenge.
Follow @WVUSports and @WVU_Golf on Twitter
Categories West Virginia University - WVU Tags West Virginia Unviersity, WVU Golf Post navigation
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White Bears bounced back from their disappointment at IMKA to record a solid four set win against Onyx that leaves all four teams that have played twice so far this season tied in top spot in the league table with one win and one loss each. The two unbeaten sides, Rebels and Inter don't meet until early in New Year so the division looks like enthralling London volleyball for months to come.
The first set of their match against Onyx was an exciting one, a tiny lead changing hands several times until the score reached 9:all when Onyx opened up a two point lead and looked to have the set safe at 18:20 However, a good move saved set point and accurate serving from J Forester and a front line of H Ridge, Rosie Kirk and Annie Tinker combining well stunned all watching.
From 5:all in the second, Bears were able to raise their game but, after looking comfortable at 14:10 were hit by an Onyx revival in which they closed to 14:12 before, very slowly in an excellent passage of play, tied the score at 17:all. Hannah Robinson, who had come on as a sub two-thirds through the first set, rotated to serve and saved the moment. Earlier in the set she had served just once. this time she put in the three accurate blows that were needed.
Onyx's Joana Silva who had come on at 7:10 in the second set and served well, started the third in Position One and, with Jana Parmova, Kara Conway and Daisy Moya impressive at the net, raced to a 0:5 lead that set them up for the set. Bears settled and the remainder of the play was close and exciting but the visitors kept themselves in front. At 13:17 they secured side out and it was Joana's turn to serve again. That opening line up proved decisive and the match was saved.
Play was close to 6:all in the fourth after which Bears raced to 5:12 and 6:14. A time-out was called at each score and the second once settled Onyx. However, the damage had been done and the scoreboard ticked over remorselessly until William Perugini's final whistle.
Starting Six: J Forester, Rebecca Jones, Rosie Kirk, Rebecca Rankin, H Ridge, Annie Tinker.
Libero: Monika Czesna, P Simonte.
Other players: Hannah Robinson, L Tanita.
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Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of retinoic acid receptor-α and promyelocytic leukemia rearrangements: Detection of the t(15;17) translocation in the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia Academic Article
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
Gene Rearrangement
Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute
Receptors, Retinoic Acid
Translocation, Genetic
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized cytogenetically by a balanced reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(15;17) (q22;q21). This translocation involves the retinoic acid receptor-alpha (RAR-alpha) on chromosome 17 and the promyelocytic leukemia locus (PML) on chromosome 15 and results in the transcription of novel fusion messenger RNAs. In this study, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was applied to the detection of the t(15;17) translocation in twenty-six clinical specimens cytologically diagnosed by French-American-British criteria as APL. This technique could readily be applied to both fresh and nonviably frozen tumor samples. In 24 of 26 samples, rearrangements of the PML and RAR-alpha, loci could be detected by Southern blotting after digestion with MluI and BssHII. Furthermore, co-migration of the rearranged fragments, detected by hybridization to probes for the PML and RAR-alpha genes, demonstrated that these loci were juxtaposed. The translocation was detected in specimens at the time of initial diagnosis, on differentiation therapy with retinoic acid and at the time of relapse. The diagnostic accuracy was compared to cytogenetics and the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for the novel PML-RAR-alpha fusion transcript. The samples from two patients were negative by all three diagnostic methods, and both of these patients failed to respond to all-trans retinoic acid. In the other 24 APL samples, cytogenetics was positive in only 76.9% of the cases, whereas both reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and PFGE methods detected the translocation in 100% of the cases. Thus, PFGE can readily detect the t(15;17) translocation in both viable and nonviable clinical specimens and can improve the diagnostic accuracy of morphology and cytogenetics in APL. In contrast to conventional electrophoresis based on rearrangement of RAR-alpha, the ability to demonstrate directly co-migration of the PML and RAR-alpha loci enables this method to distinguish the t(15;17) translocation from variant translocations such as the t(11;15). Because PFGE can be performed on nonviable, frozen tumor samples, it could be diagnostically useful in APL when the RNA-based reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction cannot be performed.
Xiao, Yong Hong
Miller, Wilson H.
Warrell, Raymond P.
Dmitrovsky, Ethan
Zelenetz, Andrew
American Journal of Pathology Journal
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Here's some photos of the makeshift street memorial for Juan Jerez, a 15-year-old Bedford Park resident gunned down last Friday night on the corner of Minerva Place and Creston Avenue.
Yesterday more than 20 of Jerez's friends gathered around the memorial, which they placed at the site of his death. They all said that the shooting was accidental and that Jerez was an innocent victim. He was shot while playing basketball, they said.
An unidentified 15-year-old companion of Jerez was also shot once in the right leg, but will survive.
The police arrested Daikwan Giles, 17, a suspect, in connection with the shootings. According to police, Giles also lived in the neighborhood.
Hope giles get life in prison !
why would you hope he gets life in prison, if youre not sure if he even did it shutup.
RIP JUAN GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTON!
THEY KILLED AN INNOCENT KID. MAY GOD FORGIVE THE KIDS WHO KILLED YOU CUZ I JUST CAN'T YOU MEANT SO MUCH TO ME THAT LIFE IN PRISON WON'T BE ENOUGH PUNISHMENT FOR THE CRUEL KIDS WHO TOOK OUR LIFE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED JUAN!!!!!!!!
RIP Juan you will always live within each and everyone of us you touched. Man its gonna be hard not having you around you were the sunshine in many of our lives.
juan i love u nd i miss u so much.. we had so much fun toqether.. omg.. whoever did this to u doesnt deserve to even live..
R.I.P. John French(Frenchy)! You too deserved better!
YYOOOOO fDaikwan ree my boi Daikwan i kno he aint do it so all ya'll talkin dat hot sh!t need ta calm that down. Yo Daikwan i aint locked up in there wit you nomore but i still got ya back hold ya head!!
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The High Qualification Commission of Judges continues holding interviews with candidates for the new Supreme Court until May 26, 2017.
As of May 11th, panels of the HQCJ interviewed 55 candidates with negative opinions from the Public Integrity Council, of which 42 negative opinions were neglected.
Decision on recommendation of these candidates for appointment as judges will be adopted by HQCJ: 11 of 16 votes of members of the Commission are required to adopt positive decision.
Decision of HQCJ on final list of candidates to the Supreme Court shall be taken behind closed doors by secret voting. This gives HQCJ members an opportunity to approve notorious candidates and hide behind collective irresponsibility. The Commission also failed to provide for publication of personalized results of voting for adoption/disregarding of conclusion of the Public Integrity Council. Without this the public have limited information to access whether decisions were fair.
Amendments to the Rules of procedure of the Commission need to be adopted to provide for publication of both individual scores that each member gave to each candidate and personalized results of votes on consideration of opinions of Public Integrity Council.
Please see the statement of the Reanimation Package of Reforms for more details.
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New to Anna M. Evans
Dreaming in Iambic Pentameter
Thoughts on the Primary and June Meeting
The Hainesport Happening Page
I didn't think anything could be more divisive for Hainesport than the General Election last year…until we went through the Republican Primary.
Sure, I had an anonymous smear campaign directed at me last fall, but the accusations were toothless. This June, an individual associated with the "Reform" Republican campaign (who doesn't even live in Hainesport) created an anonymous smear Facebook page called Hainesport Happening, which spent 3 weeks decimating the reputations of their opponents.
I'm not going to get into the details of whether or not the accusations leveled against Tony Porto and Mick Dickinson by the page were true (some were, others were twisted) or fair (are anonymous slurs ever truly 'fair'?). I'm more interested in two other questions: 1) should we hold candidates accountable for extremely negative campaigning? and 2) Is there any way to move Hainesport into a kinder, calmer mode of local election?
A Stock Photo from the Smear Page
The Darnold & Evans campaign issued a statement condemning the smear page on May 18th. The Costa & Schneider campaign issued a statement at some point disclaiming the page (which is not the same thing) and that statement has since been deleted. There is also evidence linking the smear page to the person who has been proven to be an Administrator of their actual Campaign page. I hope that, when Hainesport chooses its representatives in November, its residents will take into account the complicity of the Republican candidates in the smear page, and judge any claims those candidates make on ethical leadership and dignity accordingly.
At the June Township meeting last night, I observed during public comment that Moorestown and Mt Holly DO have a kinder, calmer mode of local election. They elect committee members as a block of 2 or 3, to serve for 4 year terms, which means they only have local elections every 2 years. Hainesport could use that breathing space for recovery! Plus, it would probably save money as personnel would be constant for two years. No need to change name plaques, stationery, business cards etc. every year.
Solicitor Gillespie responded by explaining that Hainesport operates under a different form of government, the traditional 'Township' mode, whereas the other two towns have adopted the modern 'Council-Manager' mode under the Faulkner Act, and that it would require complicated measures like a Referendum for a Charter Study Commission to change now.
So I did some research on this.
In addition to the benefits of an election-free year and cost-savings described above, I found that:
In each Faulkner Act municipality, individual citizens also have the right of initiative to propose and place ordinances on a ballot for citizens of that municipality to vote on, thus bypassing their elected representatives' legislative authority. This right is intended to "arous[e] public interest and plac[e] in the hands of the voters … direct means of controlling proposed … municipal legislation." [James M. McCreedy and Brian Rans, New Jersey Law Journal October 29, 2015]
In other words, residents in a township whose government operates under the Faulkner Act have MORE power (and officials have less) than those in a traditionally governed town. It seems to me that the idea of changing Hainesport's form of government might deserve at least an exploratory committee, and definitely more than Solicitor Gillespie's cursory dismissal.
Meanwhile, I hope that, with the incumbents dispatched in the Primary, we can anticipate a gentler, more policy-based campaign this fall. Hainesport does not need the divisiveness of fake smear pages run by outsiders.
Posted in: Local Politics
BurlCo GOP Behind Super PAC: Evidence Mounts
A couple of recent articles by Dave Levinsky of the Burlington County Times have added to the mounting evidence that the Burlington County Republican Committee were behind the Super PAC, "Preserving Our Community for Tomorrow." The group mailed "glossy campaign ads attacking Democratic candidates or supporting Republicans…to voters in Chesterfield, Eastampton, Hainesport, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Palmyra and Westampton" in the run up to last November's election.
The Evidence
The PAC's Treasurer is Joseph Lisnak, of Riverton, who is employed as the Tax Administrator for Burlington County
The PAC's expenditure filing contains several connections with BurlCo GOP:
Political Consultant Douglas Donoris of Mount Laurel, who received $37,100, is friends with Bill Layton, BurlCo GOP Chair.
Harper Polling, who got $2,342, lists the Republican Committee of BurlCo as a client
Jim Logue, paid $5,500 for Research, is "a legislative staffer for 8th District Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego and Assembly members Maria Rodriguez-Gregg and Joe Howarth, [who] has performed research for the Burlington County Republican Committee and Republican candidates."
Business Entity reports filed at ELEC showed that at least two companies with Burlington County contracts gave money:
Acacia Financial Group of Evesham contributed $5,000
This group also filed evidence of contracts with Burlington County and Moorestown (one of the townships targeted.)
Carroll Engineering of Hillsborough gave $3,000
This group also filed evidence of contracts with Burlington County and Mansfield (where Hainesport GOP Committeeman Mike Fitzpatrick is Administrator.)
By filing as a bi-partisan, state-wide super PAC, the group is allowed not to disclose its contributors. As the group spent $108,000 in total, that leaves $100,000 unaccounted for. There are strict rules limiting contributions that can be made by individuals in direct support of candidates, but the same rules do not apply to PACs. Put simply, the PAC allowed interested individuals to spend as much money as they liked to try to prevent the targeted Democrats from winning GOP seats, which is a perversion of election law.
Similarly, the BurlCo GOP were able to "pretend" that their township candidates were running clean campaigns, safe in the knowledge that an anonymous super PAC would do the dirty work.
It matters to me, even more simply, because of the lies that were told about me. (You can read a rebuttal of all those lies here.)
Running for Hainesport Township Committee Again!
I'm delighted to announce that I'm running for Hainesport Township Committee again. This November, my running mate will be Edie Darnold, a 16-year Hainesport resident and youthful grandmother who has experience working in industry and municipa l government. It's going to be a great campaign, and you can read our bios here.
Thoughts on Running for Hainesport Again
When I reread my announcement from last April, I am actually thrilled at how much Natalie and I managed to accomplish, even though we didn't win the seats. We kept the Health Benefits issue ($30,000 packages taken by our part time elected officials) in the spotlight to the extent that the Committee had to give up this taxpayer-funded perk to be competitive in this year's election. We exposed their agenda, which was to force the resignation of Bill Boettcher, and to replace Township Administrator Leo Selb. Furthermore, Natalie came within 50 votes of beating Frank Masciocchi.
I also hope that I have demonstrated my commitment to the people of Hainesport. I never gave up. Not when I was the victim of a smear campaign conducted through a Burlington County Super PAC. Nor when Mayor Tony Porto filed baseless criminal charges against me in an attempt to stop me from running for Hainesport Committee again. I kept going to the meetings and reporting on them for YOU, so you could understand what was going on in our town.
Unlike the Republican candidates, Edie and I aren't beholden to some highly political Burlington County machine. Our campaign won't be paid for by corporate donors who think they can control committee votes. In contrast, we are only about Hainesport, and are accountable solely to the people of Hainesport.
I'm looking forward to getting out and meeting even more people than I did last year during the campaign season. Please let me try to earn your vote.
Posted in: Citizens at last!, Local Politics
How What West Chester Did to Kim Bridgford Got Me into Politics
Posted on February 3, 2017 29 Comments
The Poetry Center, West Chester University
Over the course of my campaign and its aftermath, particularly in the light of what my Republican opponents did (and continue to do) to me, many people have asked me why I decided to run for office. I typically answer that I am a crusader for truth, transparency, and justice, which begs the question of what turned me into that crusader. The answer to this question is, I became a crusader because of what West Chester did to Kim Bridgford.
After Kim became director of the West Chester Poetry Center and Conference in 2010, she asked me to take over the daily running of the Mezzo Cammin Women Poets Timeline Project. This put us into frequent correspondence, and we became friends. Hence I was among the first to learn when, on September 15th 2014, she was removed from her position, asked to collect her things and leave the Poetry Center (which she was thereafter barred from entering) and reassigned to full time teaching.
I became one of Kim's most vocal defenders as the West Chester administration and its advocates conspired to give the impression that her reassignment was her fault for being a poor fundraiser (she wasn't), or perhaps for moving the Poetry Conference too far from its original mission (She was employed to increase diversity and broaden the conference's appeal.)
During my defense of Kim, my arguments were dismissed as lies, and I was not only regularly told to be quiet, but also frequently belittled and insulted online, mostly by men. It was great practice for facing down the three male incumbent Republican members of Hainesport Township Committee!
The real reason for Kim's reassignment was that she had discovered financial irregularities under her predecessor as Director, Mike Peich, and when she brought those to the attention of the administrators, they chose to remove her and stage a cover up instead of investigating. Every time I suggested this, however, I was castigated for sullying the reputation of Mike Peich without being able to verify my claims. Unfortunately, Kim was at that time unable to speak publicly about the issues.
Kim and I went on (along with original Executive Board Members Natalie Gerber, Cherise Pollard, and Kat Gilbert) to create and run Poetry by the Sea: A Global Conference, now in its third successful year. The West Chester Poetry Conference came back under the Directorship of Sam Gwynn after taking a year's hiatus in 2015, and an uneasy truce has prevailed at West Chester.
But recently West Chester added insult to injury by engaging Baker Tilly, a firm of accountants, to conduct a financial assessment of the Poetry Center (which Kim's supporters had demanded), but only covering the years of Kim's tenure as Director. This financial review, while finding no fault, contains damaging and untrue allegations which Kim has now been forced to refute legally and publicly. The letter from Kim's lawyer states this:
For 16 years, Prof. Peich directed the center with no accountability, no reporting, and no institutional oversight whatsoever. During that time he drained the six-figure Ahmanson Fund, without notifying any authority, and without being called upon to report his activities.
It concludes:
Prof. Peich's 16-year wasting spree had been enabled by a passive university and foundation. Dr. Bridgford stepped into a situation not of her own making and did her best to rectify it….The report is unfair to her and protective of those who should be held accountable.
This letter has today been circulated among the faculty of the English department at West Chester University, and finally I am in a position to support what I have been saying all along about the events of September 2014. Truth, transparency and justice are served.
Meanwhile my fight against West Chester exposed many truths I had been ignoring for too long: that many men still attempt to dominate and belittle women, that power corrupts, that those in power will do anything to conceal inconvenient truths, and that it is always the little guy who is exploited. With my social conscience newly awoken, I looked around and I saw examples of this happening very close to home.
And that is why I ran for Hainesport Township Committee.
Posted in: Citizens at last!, Local Politics, Poetry
Hainesport Township Government 101
Posted on January 18, 2017 3 Comments
The Hainesport Township Website has this to say about our form of government:
Hainesport is governed by the Township Committee form of government. This is comprised of five officials elected by the residents to serve three year staggered terms. The elected members will select a chairperson who will be known as the "Mayor of the Township."
With no mention of Republican or Democrat anywhere on the website, Hainesport residents could be forgiven for believing, as Committeeman Fitzpatrick is fond of saying, that party politics is irrelevant at a local level. However, he is mistaken.
Current Hainesport Township Committee
The three-year staggered terms currently expire as follows:
Mayor Porto (R) & Committeeman Dickinson (R): 12/31/2017
Committeeman Fitzpatrick (R): 12/31/2018
Deputy Mayor Masciocchi (R) & Committeewoman Gilmore (R): 12/31/2019
There are no term limits (although the Democrats would like to introduce a three term limit). Dickinson & Fitzpatrick are currently serving their third terms. Porto is on his third full term having also served a partial term prior to that.
How Do the Committee Govern?
It's important to note that being an elected official on Hainesport Township Committee is a part time job. Indeed, Fitzpatrick and Porto both have full time jobs in local government elsewhere (Township Administrator, Mansfield, and Tax Administrator, Hunterdon County, respectively.)
Therefore, the day to day administration of Hainesport is carried out by a hardworking and well-respected paid staff (full and part-time), led by the Township Adminstrator. Until January 12th 2017 the Hainesport Township Administrator was Leo Selb. As of April, the role has been taken by Paula Kosko.
The most visible role of the Committee is at the monthly Township Meetings, during which the business of the Township is conducted by means of Resolutions and Ordinances on which the committee vote. The material for the meetings is prepared by the Municipal Clerk. Until December 14th 2016 the Hainesport Municipal Clerk was Leo Selb (He was a joint Administrator/Clerk), but at the township meeting on December 13th he was removed from that position and the role was given part-time to Amy Cosnoski, the full time Clerk in Pemberton. Once Paula Kosko has qualified as Clerk, the roles of Administrator and Clerk will be recombined.
As explained on USlegal.com, "a resolution deals with matters of a special or temporary character and an ordinance prescribes some permanent rule of conduct or government to continue in force until the ordinance is repealed." For example, at the January meeting, Mayor Tony Porto was appointed by resolution (effective for 1 year) whereas it took an Ordinance in December 2014, (Ordinance 2014-10-11) to increase the cost of a Dog License in Hainesport to $15 for the foreseeable future.
Perhaps the most influential role of the Committee is in the selection of the individuals who either work as paid staff for the township, or are appointed by resolution as the Township Professionals on an annual basis. And this is where Party Politics comes in.
The Hainesport Democrat & Republican Committees
When Hainesport voted in the last township election, they had a choice between 4 candidates: Schneider & Evans (D) and Gilmore & Masciocchi (R). (You could of course vote for 1 R and 1 D, but most people don't.) Schneider & Evans were supported by the Hainesport Democrat Committee, while Gilmore & Masciocchi were supported by the Hainesport Republican Committee.
Hainesport Democrat Committee
Current Chairwoman Pat Macken
Consists of a male and female representative from each of the 5 Hainesport Voting Districts 1-5
Note: I am not the D3 Rep. My current affiliation with the Committee is as a non-voting attendee
Loose ties to the Burlington County Democrats (The Burlco Dems have little money or manpower to provide support to township candidates, although this is changing somewhat with the Burlington County Young Democrats.)
Hainesport Republican Committee
Current Chairman Mayor Tony Porto
You may remember there was actually a contested election for the District 3 Rep back in the Primaries, when Bruce MacLachlan stood against Ted Costa, losing narrowly
Strong ties to the powerful and wealthy Burlington County Republicans
In my experience of the Democrat side of things, the chair of the Township party committee is expected to attend the County committee meetings, which would mean that Mayor Porto would be an active member of the Burlington County Republican Committee, whose Chairman is Bill Layton.
What Do the Burlington County Republicans Have to Do With Hainesport?
They funded the smear campaign against me, Anna Evans, which some experts have estimated cost ~$8000
They provided campaign literature supporting Gilmore & Masciocchi along with the Burlington County GOP candidates
They pushed the Hainesport Committee to get rid of Administrator/Clerk Leo Selb, who was seen as too friendly to Hainesport Democrats and not sufficiently supportive of the Republican agenda
How Else Do Party Politics Influence Hainesport Township Government?
Hainesport township professionals are typically Republican and/or campaign donors
Appointees to e.g. the Joint Use Planning Board are expected to support preferred Republican candidates
Recently the Chair of the JUPB was not reappointed without warning (despite 6 years exemplary service) due to his support of non-preferred candidates.
Democrats and their supporters are seen as 'troublemakers' and less deserving of participation in community activities
Mayor Porto recently 'purged' his Hainesport Community Page on Facebook of all members known to be associates of mine.
So, party politics is more important than you thought, isn't it? Please bear this in mind next November when you are deciding whether to vote Porto (R) & Dickinson (R) in for their FOURTH full terms, or whether to vote for the as of yet unannounced Democrat candidates.
July Hainesport Township Meeting
Posted on July 13, 2016 18 Comments
This summary of the July Hainesport Township Meeting will restrict itself to controversial topics, namely the Public Hearing and Final Adoption of Ordinance 2016-9-6, and Public Comment. Ordinary township business, including an excellent NJSP report by Trooper Storm Colleton, proceeded as normal.
Ordinance 2016-9-6
This ordinance was given its first reading and introduction at the June Township meeting. The townspeople widely objected to it in June's Public Comment. However it was nevertheless passed to the second stage 3-2.
The Ordinance is disguised as a cost saving measure and a "step in the right direction" towards the elimination of Health Benefits for the current Committee, as it eliminates "Healthcare Benefits for Members of the Governing Body Retiring or Ending Service." In practice, what it means is that Bill Boettcher, who has served Hainesport faithfully for over 25 years and is in his 80s, will be forced to retire before the end of his term (within the next 20 days) in order to keep his and his wife's healthcare benefits. It will not save Hainesport any money if he retires within the next 20 days. What it will do, is vacate his position on the committee so the Republican Committee Chairman (Deputy Mayor Porto) can appoint someone more likely to agree with the three incumbents.
As this was the Public Hearing, township residents were entitled to comment. Comments were plentiful and vigorously negative. Many wanted to understand the Committee's motivation for introducing this Ordinance, given the likely result of Boettcher's resignation/ no money saved. Others asked who had introduced the Ordinance. The Committee gave no answers. As usual, many residents questioned the Healthcare Benefits of all Committee Members and said they would be happy if everyone lost benefits at the same time. A Hainesport lawyer also questioned the legality of the Ordinance with respect to the State. It was observed that a super-majority of 4-1 is needed to fire township personnel.
Once the Public Hearing had ended, Committeeman Bruce MacLachlan also spoke for his permitted 10 minutes. He tried to introduce a motion to amend the agenda to present his own Ordinance (which removes Healthcare Benefits for all Committee Members) but was voted down 3-2. Ordinance 1016-9-6 was proposed, seconded, and passed 3-2.
Here is a link to a video of these two motions on YouTube.
If you agree with me, and the vast majority of township people present at the meeting, that this Ordinance is suspect, cruel to Bill Boettcher, and likely represents a hidden agenda on the part of the three incumbents, I encourage you to contact the township.
Showing the Kermit Meme to the Audience
During public comment many residents made additional observations relevant to Ordinance 2016-9-6, especially the lawyer who was not permitted by Ted Costa to fully explore her questioning of the legality of the Ordinance during its Public Hearing. The issue of the Employment Lawyer consulted privately by just two of the Committeemen at an unauthorized cost which has now reached $6000+ also came up again. Bill Boettcher was repeatedly praised for his service to Hainesport.
I then spoke about my Citizen's Complaint against Deputy Mayor Porto for the sexist & misogynistic Kermit the Frog meme that he posted briefly on Hainesport Happenings, and then deleted but posted instead on both his own and Committeeman Fitzpatrick's page. I read some key sections from the complaint. I should add that those present who wanted to were given poster-size copies of the meme to hold up in silent protest whenever Deputy Mayor Porto spoke. The NJSP were made aware of this protest and approved it. I was told that my complaint is still under review by the township's labor attorney.
After I spoke many people who came up to make other comments also expressed their disgust at the meme and dissatisfaction with Deputy Mayor Porto. When pressed by Mark Murdy (who confirmed that he, his wife Deanna, and their son had all seen the original post on Hainesport Happenings) Deputy Mayor Porto said that he regretted posting the meme, although he denied that it was directed at anyone personally or that he had put it on Hainesport Happenings. Murdy encouraged him to apologize to me after he, Murdy, was finished speaking. This did not happen.
The new turn arrow at the junction of Hainesport Mt. Laurel and 38 was praised, and Rebecca Porto commended her husband for taking 3 hours out of her birthday celebrations on July 4th to save a township dog.
Towards the end of Public Comment people who came up often shared their disappointment that both Committeeman Fitzpatrick and Deputy Mayor Porto had displayed arrogance and contempt in dealing with township people during the session. Porto was described as "smirking" more than once. Several residents said they were ashamed of Porto and/or Fitzpatrick.
Meeting Conclusion
Bruce MacLachlan chose to make a speech during Comments from the Committee. He explained that he had hated coming to the meetings for the last few years and had only continued because of the benefits. He criticized Mayor Dickinson, Deputy Mayor Porto and Committeeman Fitzpatrick for being self-serving. He added that now, not even the benefits made it worthwhile, and walked out. It was unclear whether this constitutes resignation.
Bill Boettcher thanked Hainesport for being allowed to serve the town and was given a standing ovation.
Mike Fitzpatrick chose to make a speech also. In a remarkable display of what my teenage daughters call "sub-tweeting," he implied without naming me that I was a rumor-monger and a hate-spreader, citing the admitted misconception I voiced yesterday that the Committee had been asked to move the meeting to a venue with a greater capacity, along with my theory that the 4-1 super-majority was required to fire township administrator Leo Selb, possibly replacing him with Fitzpatrick. He also reminded us all that everyone knew about his Healthcare Benefits when we voted him in last November. He did not mention that he told people I know that once he was re-elected, he would fix this.
So, there you have it. Feel free to comment here or on Facebook.
Hainesport Township Election Altercation Video
Posted on June 23, 2016 5 Comments
Tony Porto's Version
Scott Cooper's Version
After the Hainesport Township election altercation, I gave my version, Scott Cooper gave his (see bottom left), and Deputy Mayor Tony Porto gave his (see top left), calling me a complete liar.
I like being called a liar even less than I enjoy being smeared with vulgar, sexist Kermit the Frog memes.
But what our esteemed township committee had forgotten is that the township building lobby has security cameras. And that the footage is subject to the Open Public Records Act. So we were able to submit an OPRA request and get hold of the footage.
Which speaks for itself. So again, I won't editorialize much. I don't need to. Except perhaps to say that Tony Porto doesn't appear on the footage at all, does he?
This is the view from Camera 1.
And this is the view from Camera 2.
I rest my case.
My Mild Case of Covid 19
Under Dark Waters — the Self-Interview
Photo Gallery from Poetry by the Sea Conference 2017
Ian MacConachie on How What West Chester Did to Kim Bridgford Got Me into Politics
Anna_Evans on How What West Chester Did to Kim Bridgford Got Me into Politics
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Figure-lyricism–dream
COSTAS Joachim has an exhibition at the Alpha Gallery, Nicosia.
Joachim was born in 1936 in Bellapais, Kyrenia. He studied painting at the Bath Academy of Art at the Unversity of Bristol in England and the Athens School of Fine Arts.
His works can be found at the Cyprus Museum of Modern Art and at the National Gallery of Greece, in the collections of the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Archbishopric in Cyprus, at the office of UNESCO in Paris, and in many private collections including that of Takis Ioannou.
He is one of the seven founding members of the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts (EKATE) in 1966.
In 2003, 2004 and 2006 his lifetime achievements and contributions to the culture of Cyprus were recognised with awards from the President of the Republic.
He says that in his latest work of paintings he is concerned with themes that he created before 1974. They developed into paintings from drawings and studies in colour.
They date from a period of intense creativity inspired at Bellapais Studio by the idyllic countryside of Bellapais.
Colourful compositions in-clude figures, which have been characterised as swirling flowing free studies of movement in forms and colours, giving wonderful poetic dreamlike statements.
Figure compositions in a more sensitive, lucid approach, blending associated colours, thus luring the spectator into the aesthetic interaction.
The combination of the experiences into a non-representational context with graphic symbols is a gift. Although the study of the artist may have been done on a different level he may select and digest the experience to his own terms and his personally created forms.
Costas says: "In my artistic explorations, I study the numerous analogies that refer to space within the picture, to the line and to the form, as they exist as we see them, as they themselves as shapes have an impact on us.
"And then, while they are translated and transferred to the canvas, they are transformed, condensed and abstracted towards the basic concepts. This is a continuous 'dialogue' with the white surface of the canvas."
Dance master class
A master class - 'ECHOES of SPIRIT DANCE ' - will be taught by Aziza, of the US and Arianna Economou, of Cyprus, with George Koulas and Moreno on the drums.
It will incorporate release, improvisation, storytelling, chanting, contemporary and African based movement
The workshop takes place on Friday , October 19, from 7pm– 10pm, at the old American Center, in Homer Street, Nicosia, next to the Cyprus Museum.
The event is addressed to all interested , choreographers, dancers, musicians, artists, theatre people, men and women, and all who love to dance.
Aziza is a native of Harlem, New York and long-time community activist, as well as a choreographer, performer and teacher, whose work focuses on the development of community-based art.
As a professional dancer she toured with Stevie Wonder, Dianne McIntyre's Sounds In Motions and David Rousseve and was assistant choreographer for the Broadway productions of Rent and Mule Bone.
Aziza is the Founder/Artistic Director of the Def Dance Jam Workshop, an inter-generational performing arts troupe and programme serving youth and adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, and physically or developmentally challenged.
Arianna Economou is an interactive artist/ performer, dance artist and dance- activist in the community.
A pioneer innovative artist giving dance a place for the last 25 years in the Cyprus contemporary arts scene and organiser and founding member and director of ECHO ARTS Living Arts Centre (www.echo-arts.info) for research and development of dance as a contemporary performance art.
A pioneer in organising bicommunal performance projects the last four years, also the initiator and founding member of the first professional registered dance groups association in Cyprus.
For further information call Arianna: 0357 22 777 046 or 00 357 99 685 662.
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Joyce Taylor
Joyce Jattu Taylor was born in Monrovia, Liberia. Due to civil war, Joyce was forced to leave her homeland at a young age for a refugee camp in neighbouring Guinean before leaving to find safety in Australia with her mother and brothers in June of 2002.
Joyce is now an Australian Citizen, a proud Queenslander, and a Broncos fan — Go Broncos!
For more than twelve years Joyce has been a Community Development Worker for MDA Ltd and has volunteered as the Liberian United Women chairperson for more than eleven years. Joyce is the mother of two sons both born in Australia of Aboriginal descent.
"My life and experiences have taught me or given me the opportunity to Love more and be Grateful — very grateful for the little things in life like freedom and choices."
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Voice acting is the art of doing voice overs or providing voice to represent a character. Your favourite cartoons get all their voices from voice actors. The Mickey Mouse, Naruto, Goku, all are voices of actual people working behind the scenes.
Must a compelling voice to make the listeners feel the moments.
Earnings are extremely flexible in this industry and there is no exact earning that can be listed. The more valuable the projects you are assigned to, the more money you will earn.
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Online Dream Dictionary
What is the meaning and symbol of marrying an old man in the dream?
The meaning of marrying an old man's dream, marrying an old man's dream has realistic effects and reactions, as well as the subjective imagination of the dreamer. Please see the detailed explanation of the marrying old man's dream for you.
In real life, very few women are willing to marry an old man, because the age difference will cause various differences. But in dreams, if you want to know what such dreams indicate, you must analyze them according to the different conditions of the dreamer.
If a young unmarried woman dreams of marrying an old man, it indicates that there will be noble people everywhere in the life of the dreamer, and her life will be very smooth.
A married business woman dreams that she is married to an old man, which indicates that there will be many opportunities to make money in business in the future. Dreamers should be good at seizing the opportunity.
If a girl who has not completed his studies dreams of marrying an elderly person, it means that the dreamer has wasted too much time and energy on many indifferent things. The youth is slipping away quietly. It is best to wake up now and take good care of what is in front of you. I married an old man in my dream of studying.
A case study of an old man married in a dream
Dream description: In the dream, my dad booked me a kiss at home, and I knew that I wanted to wait a few days to tell my current boyfriend (we broke up in the middle of the year because his family opposed it) and then forgot to tell He waited until the day I got married. I didn't know that I had to go to work. After that, I still put on the wedding dress. I went to my sister's house to find out that he wanted me to marry an older person. I thought it was about 40 years old. Forget it, I should go to their house and say that I don't want to marry him, but when I walked halfway, I felt wronged and I should tell my boyfriend, so I called him and he came over and we were chatting. He was also reluctant to chat. When I came, I saw that the man I was going to marry was in his seventies, I turned around and ran away. My boyfriend woke up with me all the time. What does this mean?
Dream analysis: a girl marrying an old man in a dream indicates that a noble person will help, but unfortunately, in your dream, you will not be able to marry an old man in the end.
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Dreaming of Zhou Gong
We are conducting research and communication on dream judgment and dream fortune-telling, including Chinese fortune-telling (fortune-telling) and Zhou Gongyuan.
In Chinese legends, if an important thing is going to happen to someone, the Duke of Zhou will let the person know through dreams: hence the Chinese expression "Dreaming of Zhou Gong".
Copyright © 2021 Online Dream Dictionary.
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»Bolton receives second round of funding from National Geographic Society
Submitted by Debra J. Bolton
Debra Bolton, National Geographic Society Explorer and director of intercultural learning and academic success in the Department of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs, has earned a second round of funding from the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.
Bolton focuses on promoting STEM subjects, targeting females of color, by teaching introductory classes to high school students living in Garden City. Initial funding enabled the four-week courses that she calls "Girl Power GIS." The 2017 funding also helped a school teacher create an after-school Geography Club at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center and the high school's physics teacher to present a course on wind power. All of these activities were in the Garden City School District.
The current award from National Geographic Society funded "Creating a Pathway to STEM for Females of Color." New funding paves the way for Bolton to "take her show on the road" by presenting her strategies, learning/teaching techniques, and long-term outcomes of the project at two national meetings later this calendar year. The current funding also helps Bolton continue a popular public radio program called, "Silver Rails: Music of the World in the Folk Tradition." During Geography Awareness Week in mid-November, the two-hour program features music that matches the annual theme for the week. Geography Awareness Week-related programming on High Plains Public Radio in western Kansas and the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles began eight years ago and features daily modules with geography tidbits, called, "Did You Know?"
Recently, an additional cohort of funding for "Girl Power GIS" came from a K-State Center for Engagement and Community Development Engagement Incentive Grant. The next Girl Power GIS class takes place in April 2019 in Garden City.
Bolton began her relationship with the iconic National Geographic Society, first, as a policy point person and Grosvenor Scholar of the Kansas Geographic Alliance, based at Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. A policy point person advocates, legislatively, for raising classroom standards in geography that go beyond the simple "embedding" the subject in other courses.
Bolton worked for K-State Research and Extension as a specialist based at the Southwest Research Extension Center in Garden City for 13 years before becoming director of intercultural learning on campus.
Strengths workshops offered for faculty during Strengths Week 2019
Celebrate Union Station by JP's first anniversary today
Retirement reception for Gloria Holcombe today
The Library and Your Research: Discover-Use-Manage offered March 4
K-State Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony to present concert March 4
Gregory Finnigan to present Anatomy and Physiology Seminar
Second NACADA webinar offered March 5
The Earl Project is partnering with Beach Museum of Art
Veterinary students chosen for American Veterinary Medical Foundation scholarships
Geology department head publishes article in Nature Geoscience
Wyatt Thompson to receive K-State Alumni Association's 2019 Flinchbaugh Family Wildcat Pride Award
Campus construction and maintenance
Service interruption: All campus steam
Newsletters, magazines and blogs
Human Capital Services March 2019 Connect e-newsletter now available
Campus deadline approaching for Marshall, Mitchell and Rhodes scholarships
Nominate an extraordinary student by March 8
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Well done to Matt England and Dan Hiscock for winning their level doubles match against Wiltshire's no 2's , to Ellie Slawin and Ellie Gardener for also winning their level doubles game against Wiltshire's third pair and to Will Perry and Ellie Gardener for winning their mixed match in two straight games.
Somerset was unlucky not to win more with another 11 matches played between the two counties going to three games. There were many excellent rallies played between the two counties with good attacking play from Somerset, good use of tactics to provide opportunities to attack opponents, and moving opponents out of position to create openings for winning shots.
We play our last match of the season next weekend when we host Jersey at Westlands Sports Centre on the Saturday and Sunday and will be celebrating with a social event on the Saturday after the match. The match on Saturday is 3-5pm with skittles and food from 5-7pm and Sunday is 10-1pm; we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
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Am I Maximizing all Available Tax Deductions for my Family?
In Canada if your income exceeds $200,000 you have graduated to the highest federal tax bracket. Congratulations! In many provinces this brings your marginal tax rate close to or over 50%. That means for every dollar earned in excess of $200,000 you will be paying a substantial portion to the Canada Revenue Agency. With this in mind it is important to ensure that you are minimizing your family's personal tax bill.
How can your family reduce their taxes? It can be as simple as stepping back and thinking about which credits, and deductions may be applicable to you.
Do I have employment income? Did I incur any significant medical expenses this year? Did I relocate for employment? Did I contribute to my RRSP? Did I have any investment income? Did I donate to charity? Did I get tuition credits? Did I buy a house this year? Are my spouse and I in significantly different tax brackets? Do I use public transit? Am I maximizing my deductions from self-employment income?
All of these questions can pin point additional tax savings for your family. Below we have outlined some commonly missed deductions and planning opportunities which can save your family money come tax time.
Does your insurance company only pay for a portion of your medical expenses? If so the part that you pay out of pocket is likely tax-deductible. Examples of frequently missed medical expenses are prescription eye glasses & contacts, prescriptions not reimbursed, and employee paid premiums to a private health services plan.
Are you taking public transit to work? This can be a tax deductible expense. To be eligible you need to demonstrate that your transit pass meets the criteria set out by the CRA.
Did you contribute to your RRSP? You may want to think about using the deduction in the current year or deferring it to higher income years. If you direct the refund from your deduction contribution to your TFSA this could be a great form of forced savings. On the other hand, deferring the deduction to higher tax years may also be a good strategy for you.
If I am self-employed am I keeping proper track of my expenses? As a self-employed individual you are eligible to write-off many of your business expenses. Often times additional tax dollars are paid as a result of poor record keeping. Start a system this year to organize your business receipts making it easier and more efficient come tax time.
Would a spousal loan strategy help? If you and your spouse are in vastly different tax brackets this strategy could benefit you depending on your level of investment assets. With a spousal loan any income earned on the loan would be taxed in the hands of the lower income spouse.
Does an inter-vivos trust make sense for my family? At a certain level of assets an inter-vivos trust could provide your family tax savings. This is done by allocating income out to beneficiaries who are in a lower tax bracket. Inter-vivos trusts are especially useful to fund a child's education once the RESP has been maximized.
Could an IPP benefit you? For individuals over 40 with their own businesses, consider setting up an individual pension plan could offer pre-tax business savings, higher contribution room for individuals vs RRSP's, not to mention the deductibility of fees and set-up costs.
Tax legislation evolves in our dynamic political environment, and eligible deductions and credits are subject to change. A qualified tax professional can help you identify which are applicable to you and also provide guidance and planning suggestions to make the most of the strategies available to reduce your future tax bill. By paying fewer taxes, your family will benefit from having more money to achieve their financial goals.
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Our Toronto-based client is one of Canada's leading infrastructure suppliers. In business for over 50 years, the firm provides services to the oil, gas and municipal sectors across North America. With revenues in excess of $300mm and over 1000 employees the firm continues to grow.
Supporting and enabling continued growth will be the mandate of the Director/VP of Finance.
Reporting to the company President, the Director/VP of Finance is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial function for the company and reporting on those matters in a timely and accurate fashion. In addition the Director Finance will have responsibility for evaluating and impacting the effectiveness of company systems and controls on a wide range of processes supporting the company's tactical and strategic initiatives and planning.
Lead overall financial activities including banking, financing, joint ventures, M&A etc.
Specific measure of performance will be discussed with and agreed upon with the successful candidate.
keeps up-to-date in own area of expertise.
milestones and controls in order to ensure that desired results are realized.
the organization's total expenses and revenues.
Helps to create a sense of team spirit and harmonious relations through cooperation and support.
Balances personal goals with those of the team. Fosters collaboration among team members.
others to own point of view. Directly and indirectly impacts the decisions/opinions of others.
Develops a strategic plan to realize the vision. Revises strategy in light of changing circumstances.
Takes a long-term view of organizational success. Works to clarify long term organizational goals.
Able to stand back from immediate problems in order to focus on more far reaching ideas.
Inspires trust and supports others through own authenticity and following up on commitments.
Highly competitive base salary and variable package.
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Living with a chronic illness is hard all year round. During the holiday season it causes unique extra challenges. I knew nothing about this before I became chronically ill myself. I have had many years now living with ME/CFS, some holiday seasons moderately affected and some ruined.
ME stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. CFS stands for the ludicrous name of chronic fatigue syndrome. But that's another story.
Chances are someone you love is saddled with a chronic illness. There are lots of these illnesses. Arthritis, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, many cancers, fibromyalgia, diabetes, IBS, celiac disease, heart conditions, lupus, neurological disorders, are just a few.
Many of these are invisible illnesses, that is, the person may look fine. They may look downright great. But the person who is chronically ill deals with many struggles in ways you may not be able to imagine. Sometimes a lack of energy can be like a lead balloon that hampers everything you can think of, and plenty that never occurred to you.
Would this person you care for like to do some gift shopping? Maybe. But maybe they can't manage the crowds, stores and lists on their own. Or maybe they can't make it out of the house — possibly out of their beds — at all.
Pain can leave a nasty boot print on all activities.
Does the person you care about need help with buttons or tying their shoes? If you can offer before they have to ask, or before they struggle through the ordeal, life is easier.
Does it hurt them to open a car door? Get to that door first, and open the way.
Try to think ahead and be prepared to bridge the gap to protect their fragility. And always feel free to ask if something is hard for them, your concern will be appreciated.
For some, mental fog, which makes it difficult to think or remember things, is a crippling symptom. Some may find it hard at times to talk, or to understand what is being said.
If you can do the talking and take charge at the store counter, you could make the difference between them being able to go out or not.
This is such a lovely way of expressing just how hard it is for someone who is chronically sick. I just gave up years ago of trying to explain to my family [I don't have friends any more] how difficult it can be for me to make arrangements in advance to go anywhere only to have to cancel because I'm just not up to it. They don't understand how stress can upset my whole body- and mind. When things get too much and I burst into tears they can't understand that it's not because I'm weak it's because I've taken too much on. Emotional Lability can just overcome me and I cry. They lose their temper which just makes things worse. I hate being sick and am tired of it. If you have a strong body it's impossible to imagine how hard it is when you're so ill and yet look OK. Thanks for this- I might just try and bring it to their attention.
I do indeed know how that can be when you're so exhausted everything falls apart and nothing is possible. I'm sorry your family doesn't understand. Perhaps the day will come when they will.
I'm glad you liked my article, it is a difficult topic to present in a way that people can receive it.
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form10_k.htm
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2009
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______ TO _______
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
The Proscenium
1170 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 900
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON
Carter's, Inc.'s common stock
WHICH REGISTERED:
par value $0.01 per share
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form
10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
The approximate aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 28, 2008 (the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter) was $776,016,341.
There were 56,352,111 shares of Carter's, Inc.'s common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share outstanding as of the close of business on February 27, 2009.
Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Carter's, Inc., to be held on May 14, 2009, will be incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. Carter's, Inc. intends to file such proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after its fiscal year ended January 3, 2009.
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Item 1:
Item 1A:
Item 1B:
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 10:
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Our market share data is based on information provided by the NPD Group, Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, references to market share in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressed as a percentage of total retail sales of a market. NPD has restated historical data, therefore, the market data reported prior to 2008 is not directly comparable to the data reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The baby and young children's apparel market includes apparel products from sizes newborn to seven.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, in this filing on Form 10-K, "Carter's," the "Company," "we," "us," "its," and "our" refers to Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
We are the largest branded marketer in the United States of apparel exclusively for babies and young children. We own two of the most highly recognized and most trusted brand names in the children's apparel industry, Carter's and OshKosh. Established in 1865, our Carter's brand is recognized and trusted by consumers for high-quality apparel for children sizes newborn to seven. In fiscal 2005, we acquired OshKosh B'Gosh, Inc. Established in 1895, OshKosh is recognized as a well-known brand that is trusted by consumers for its line of apparel for children sizes newborn to 12. We have extensive experience in the young children's apparel market and focus on delivering products that satisfy our consumers' needs. We market high-quality, essential core products at prices that deliver an attractive value proposition for consumers.
We have developed a business model that we believe has multiple platforms for growth and is focused on high volume and productivity. Our Carter's, OshKosh, and related sub-brands are sold to national department stores, chain and specialty stores, discount retailers, and, as of January 3, 2009, through 253 Carter's and 165 OshKosh outlet and brand retail stores. We believe each of our brands has its own unique positioning in the marketplace. Our brands compete in the $24 billion children's apparel market, for children sizes newborn to seven, with our Carter's brand achieving the #1 branded position with a 10.9% market share. Our OshKosh brand has a 3.2% market share. We offer multiple product categories, including baby, sleepwear, playclothes, and other accessories. Our distribution strategy enables us to reach a broad range of consumers through channel, price point, and region.
Since fiscal 2004, including OshKosh, we have increased consolidated net sales at a compound annual growth rate of 16.0%. Since fiscal 2006, our first full year of sales from OshKosh, we have increased consolidated net sales at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.3%. Our pre-tax results have ranged from income of $82.5 million in fiscal 2004 to $117.4 million in fiscal 2008, with the exception of fiscal 2007 in which we had a pre-tax loss of $29.1 million. In fiscal 2007, our pre-tax results were impacted by OshKosh related intangible asset impairment charges of $154.9 million and distribution facility closure costs of $7.4 million related to further integrating OshKosh. In fiscal 2008, our pre-tax results were decreased by executive retirement charges of $5.3 million and a write-down of $2.6 million on our OshKosh distribution facility, which is held for sale.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at The Proscenium, 1170 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 900, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, and our telephone number is (404) 745-2700.
OUR BRANDS, PRODUCTS, AND DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
CARTER'S BRANDS
Under our Carter's brand, we design, source, and market a broad array of products, primarily for sizes newborn to seven. Our Carter's brand is sold in department stores, national chains, specialty stores, off-price sales channels, and through our Carter's retail stores. Additionally, we sell our Just One Year and Child of Mine brands through the mass channel at Target and Wal-Mart, respectively. In fiscal 2008, we sold over 223 million units of Carter's, Child of Mine, and Just One Year products to our wholesale customers, mass channel customers, and through our Carter's retail stores, an increase of approximately 9% from fiscal 2007. Under our Carter's, Child of Mine, and Just One Year brands, sales growth has been driven by our focus on essential, high-volume, core apparel products for babies and young children. Such products include bodysuits, pajamas, blanket sleepers, gowns, bibs, towels, washcloths, and receiving blankets. Our top ten baby and sleepwear core products accounted for approximately 67% of our baby and sleepwear net sales in fiscal 2008, including the mass channel. We believe these core products are essential consumer staples, insulated from changes in fashion trends, and supported by a strong birth rate and other favorable demographic trends.
We have four cross-functional product teams focused on the development of our Carter's baby, sleepwear, playclothes, and mass channel products. These teams are skilled in identifying and developing high-volume, core products. Each team includes members from merchandising, design, sourcing, product development, forecasting, and supply chain logistics. These teams follow a disciplined approach to fabric usage, color rationalization, and productivity and are supported by a dedicated art department and state-of-the-art design systems. We also license our brand names to other companies to create a complete collection of lifestyle products, including bedding, hosiery, underwear, shoes, room décor, furniture, and toys. The licensing team directs the use of our designs, art, and selling strategies to all licensees.
We believe this disciplined approach to core product design reduces our susceptibility to fashion risk and supports efficient operations. We conduct consumer research as part of our product development process and engage in product testing in our own stores. We analyze quantitative measurements such as pre-season bookings, weekly over-the-counter selling results, and daily re-order rates in order to assess productivity.
CARTER'S BRAND POSITIONING
Our strategy is to drive our brand image as the leader in baby and young children's apparel and to consistently provide high-quality products at a great value to consumers. We employ a disciplined marketing strategy that identifies and focuses on core products. We believe that we have strengthened our brand image with the consumer by differentiating our core products through fabric improvements, new artistic applications, and new packaging and presentation strategies. We also attempt to differentiate our products through store-in-store shops and advertising with our wholesale and mass channel customers. We have invested in display units for our major wholesale customers that clearly present our core products on their floors to enhance brand and product presentation. We also strive to provide our wholesale and mass channel customers with a consistent, high-level of service, including delivering and replenishing products on time to fulfill customer needs.
CARTER'S PRODUCTS
Carter's brand baby products include bodysuits, undershirts, towels, washcloths, receiving blankets, layette gowns, bibs, caps, and booties. In fiscal 2008, excluding mass channel sales, we generated $362.7 million in net sales of these products, representing 24.3% of our consolidated net sales.
Our Carter's brand is the leading brand in the baby category. In fiscal 2008, in the department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels, our aggregate Carter's brand market share was approximately 29.6% for baby, which represents greater than five times the market share of the next largest brand. We sell a complete range of baby products for newborns, primarily made of cotton. We attribute our leading market position to our brand strength, distinctive print designs, artistic applications, reputation for quality, and ability to manage our dedicated floor space for our retail customers. We tier our products through marketing programs targeted toward gift-givers, experienced mothers, and first-time mothers. Our Carter's Starters product line, the largest component of our baby business, provides mothers with essential core products and accessories, including value-focused multi-packs. Our Little Collections product line consists of coordinated baby programs designed for first-time mothers and gift-givers.
Playclothes
Carter's brand playclothes products include knit and woven cotton apparel for everyday use in size three months to size seven. In fiscal 2008, we generated $324.8 million in net sales of these products, excluding the mass channel, or 21.8%, of our consolidated net sales.
We have focused on building our Carter's brand in the playclothes market by developing a base of essential, high-volume, core products that utilize original print designs and innovative artistic applications. Our aggregate 2008 Carter's brand playclothes market share was 11.7% in the $10.0 billion department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels.
Carter's brand sleepwear products include pajamas, cotton long underwear, and blanket sleepers in size 12 months to size seven. In fiscal 2008, we generated $164.6 million in net sales of these products, excluding the mass channel, or 11.0%, of our consolidated net sales.
Our Carter's brand is the leading brand of sleepwear for babies and young children within the department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels in the United States. In fiscal 2008, in these channels, our Carter's brand market share was approximately 32.7%, which represents greater than two times the market share of the next largest brand. As in our baby product line, we differentiate our sleepwear products by offering high-volume, core products with creative artwork and soft fabrications.
Mass Channel Products
Our mass channel product team focuses on baby, sleepwear, and playclothes products produced specifically for the mass channel. Such products are differentiated through fabrications, artwork, and packaging. Our 2008 market share was 7.9% in the $9.8 billion mass channel children's apparel market. Our Child of Mine product line, which is sold in substantially all Wal-Mart stores nationwide, includes layette, sleepwear, and playclothes along with a range of licensed products, such as hosiery, bedding, toys, and gifts. We also sell our Just One Year brand to Target, which includes baby, sleepwear, and baby playclothes along with a range of licensed products, such as hosiery, bedding, toys, and gifts. In fiscal 2008, we generated $254.4 million in net sales of our Child of Mine and Just One Year products, or 17.1%, of our consolidated net sales.
Our other product offerings include bedding, outerwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, room décor, and hair accessories. In fiscal 2008, we generated $60.1 million in net sales of these other products in our Carter's retail stores, or 4.0%, of our consolidated net sales.
Royalty Income
We currently extend our Carter's, Child of Mine, and Just One Year product offerings by licensing our brands to 17 domestic marketers in the United States. These licensing partners develop and sell products through our multiple sales channels while leveraging our brand strength, customer relationships, and designs. Licensed products provide our customers and consumers with a range of lifestyle products that complement and expand upon our core baby and young children's apparel offerings. Our license agreements require strict adherence to our quality and compliance standards and provide for a multi-step product approval process. We work in conjunction with our licensing partners in the development of their products and ensure that they fit within our brand vision of high-quality, core products at attractive values to the consumer. In addition, we work closely with our wholesale and mass channel customers and our licensees to gain dedicated floor space for licensed product categories. In fiscal 2008, our Carter's brand and mass channel licensees generated wholesale and mass channel net sales of $188.4 million on which we earned $16.8 million in royalty income.
In fiscal 2008, we extended the Carter's brand licensing arrangements internationally with two licensees who currently license the OshKosh brand. In connection with these arrangements, the Carter's brand generated international licensing sales of $3.2 million on which we earned $0.3 million in royalty income.
CARTER'S DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
As described above, we sell our Carter's brand products to leading retailers throughout the United States in the wholesale and mass channels and through our own Carter's retail outlet and brand stores. In fiscal 2008, sales of our Carter's brand products through the wholesale channel, including off-price sales, accounted for 32.9% of our consolidated net sales (34.2% in fiscal 2007), sales through our retail stores accounted for 28.3% of our consolidated net sales (25.9% in fiscal 2007), and sales through the mass channel accounted for 17.1% of our consolidated net sales (17.2% in fiscal 2007).
Business segment financial information for our Carter's brand wholesale, Carter's brand retail, and Carter's brand mass channel segments is contained in ITEM 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," Note 14 -- "Segment Information" to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
Our Carter's brand wholesale customers include major retailers, such as Kohl's, Toys "R" Us, Costco, JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears. Our mass channel customers are Wal-Mart and Target. Our sales professionals work with their department or specialty store accounts to establish annual plans for our baby products, which we refer to as core basics. Once we establish an annual plan with an account, we place the majority of our accounts on our automatic reorder plan for core basics. This allows us to plan our sourcing requirements and benefits both us and our wholesale and mass channel customers by maximizing our customers' in-stock positions, thereby improving sales and profitability. We intend to drive continued growth with our wholesale and mass channel customers through our focus on managing our key accounts' business through product mix, fixturing, brand presentation, and advertising. We believe that we maintain strong account relationships and drive brand growth through frequent meetings with the senior management of our major wholesale and mass channel customers.
As of January 3, 2009, we operated 253 Carter's retail stores, of which 170 were outlet stores and 83 were brand stores. These stores carry a complete assortment of first-quality baby and young children's apparel, accessories, and gift items. Our stores average approximately 4,700 square feet per location and are distinguished by an easy, consumer-friendly shopping environment. We believe our brand strength and our assortment of core products has made our stores a destination location within many outlet and strip centers. Our outlet stores are generally located within 20 to 30 minutes of densely-populated areas. Our brand stores are generally located in high-traffic, strip centers located in or near major cities.
We have established a real estate selection process whereby we fully assess all new locations based on demographic factors, retail adjacencies, and population density. We believe that we are located in many of the premier outlet centers in the United States and we continue to add new strip center locations to our real estate portfolio.
OSHKOSH BRANDS
Under our OshKosh brand, we design, source, and market a broad array of young children's apparel, primarily for children in sizes newborn to 12. Our OshKosh brand is currently sold in our OshKosh retail stores, department stores, national chains, specialty stores, and through off-price sales channels. In fiscal 2008, we sold over 45 million units of OshKosh products through our retail stores and to our wholesale customers, an increase of approximately 7% over fiscal 2007. We also have a licensing agreement with Target through which Target sells products under our Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand. Given its long history of durability, quality, and style, we believe our OshKosh brand continues to be a market leader in the children's branded apparel industry and represents a significant long-term growth opportunity for us, especially in the $17.0 billion young children's playclothes market. While we have made significant progress integrating the OshKosh business, our plans to grow the OshKosh brand in the wholesale and retail store channels have not met our expectations to date. We continue to focus on our core product development and marketing disciplines, improving the productivity of our OshKosh retail stores, leveraging our relationships with major wholesale accounts, and leveraging our infrastructure and supply chain.
OSHKOSH BRAND POSITIONING
We believe our OshKosh brand stands for high-quality, authentic playclothes products for children sizes newborn to 12. Our core OshKosh brand products include denim, overalls, t-shirts, fleece, and other playclothes for children. Our OshKosh brand is generally positioned towards an older segment (sizes two to seven) and at slightly higher average prices than our Carter's brand. We believe our OshKosh brand has significant brand name recognition, which consumers associate with rugged, durable, and active playclothes for young children.
OSHKOSH PRODUCTS
Our OshKosh brand is best known for its playclothes products. In fiscal 2008, we generated $228.4 million in net sales of OshKosh brand playclothes products, which accounted for approximately 15.3% of our consolidated net sales. OshKosh brand playclothes products include denim apparel products with multiple wash treatments and coordinating garments, overalls, woven bottoms, knit tops, and playclothes products for everyday use in sizes newborn to 12. We plan to grow this business by continuing to reduce product complexity, expanding our core product offerings, improving product value, and leveraging our strong customer relationships and global supply chain expertise.
We believe our OshKosh brand represents a significant opportunity for us to increase our share as the $17.0 billion young children's playclothes market, including the mass channel, is highly fragmented. In fiscal 2008, this market was more than five times the size of the baby and sleepwear markets combined.
Our OshKosh brand's playclothes market share in the department store, national chain, outlet, specialty store, and off-price sales channels in fiscal 2008, exclusive of the mass channel, was approximately 4.8% in the $10.0 billion market in these channels. We are continuing to develop a base of high-volume, core playclothes products for our OshKosh brand.
The remainder of our OshKosh brand product offering includes baby, sleepwear, outerwear, shoes, hosiery, and accessories. In fiscal 2008, we generated $95.0 million in net sales of these other products in our OshKosh retail stores, which accounted for 6.4% of our consolidated net sales.
We partner with a number of domestic and international licensees to extend the reach of our OshKosh brand. We currently have eight domestic licensees, as well as 23 international licensees selling apparel and accessories in approximately 36 countries. Our largest licensing agreement is with Target. All Genuine Kids from OshKosh products sold by Target are sold pursuant to this licensing agreement. Our licensed products provide our customers and consumers with a range of OshKosh products including outerwear, underwear, swimwear, socks, shoes, bedding, and accessories. In fiscal 2008, our domestic licensees generated wholesale and mass channel net sales of approximately $187.7 million on which we earned approximately $9.5 million in royalty income. In fiscal 2008, our international licensees generated retail sales of approximately $112.3 million on which we earned approximately $7.1 million in royalty income.
OSHKOSH DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
In fiscal 2008, sales of our OshKosh brand products through our OshKosh retail stores accounted for 16.7% of our consolidated net sales (16.6% in fiscal 2007) and sales through the wholesale channel, including off-price sales, accounted for 5.0% of our consolidated net sales (6.1% in fiscal 2007).
Business segment financial information for our OshKosh brand wholesale and OshKosh brand retail segments is contained in ITEM 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," Note 14 -- "Segment Information" to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
As of January 3, 2009, we operated 165 OshKosh retail stores, of which 156 were outlet stores and nine were brand stores. These stores carry a wide assortment of young children's apparel, accessories, and gift items and average approximately 4,800 square feet per location.
Our OshKosh brand wholesale customers include major retailers, such as Kohl's, Bon Ton, Costco, Fred Meyer, and JCPenney. We continue to work with our department and specialty store accounts to establish seasonal plans for playclothes products. The majority of our OshKosh brand playclothes products will be planned and ordered seasonally as we introduce new products.
We have significant experience in sourcing products from Asia, with expertise that includes the ability to evaluate vendors, familiarity with foreign supply sources, and experience with sourcing logistics particular to Asia. We also have relationships with both leading and certain specialized sourcing agents in Asia.
Our sourcing network consists of approximately 140 vendors located in approximately 13 countries. We believe that our sourcing arrangements are sufficient to meet our current operating requirements and provide capacity for growth.
The baby and young children's apparel market is highly competitive. Competition is generally based upon product quality, brand name recognition, price, selection, service, and convenience. Both branded and private label manufacturers compete in the baby and young children's apparel market. Our primary competitors in the wholesale and mass channels include Disney, Gerber, and private label product offerings. Our primary competitors in the retail store channel include Old Navy, The Gap, The Children's Place, Gymboree, and Disney. Most retailers, including our customers, have significant private label product offerings that compete with us. Because of the highly-fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with many small manufacturers and retailers. We believe that the strength of our Carter's and OshKosh brand names combined with our breadth of product offerings and operational expertise position us well against these competitors.
We are subject to various federal, state, and local laws that govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects. Noncompliance with these laws and regulations can result in significant liabilities, penalties, and costs. Generally, compliance with environmental laws has not had a material impact on our operations, but there can be no assurance that future compliance with such laws will not have a material adverse effect on our operations.
TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS, AND LICENSES
We own many copyrights and trademarks, including Carter's®, Carter's® Classics, Celebrating Childhood™, Child of Mine®, Just One Year®, OshKosh®, OshKosh B'Gosh®, At Play Since 1895™, OshKosh Est. 1895®, Genuine Kids®, The Genuine Article®, and The Genuine Deal™ many of which are registered in the United States and in more than 120 foreign countries.
We license various Company trademarks, including Carter's, Just One Year, Child of Mine, OshKosh, OshKosh B'Gosh, OshKosh Est. 1895, and Genuine Kids to third parties to produce and distribute children's apparel and related products such as hosiery, outerwear, swimwear, underwear, shoes, boots, slippers, diaper bags, furniture, room décor, bedding, giftwrap, baby books, party goods, and toys.
Our Internet address is www.carters.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, proxy statements, director and officer reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, and amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Our SEC reports can be accessed through the investor relations section of our website. The information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC. We also make available on our website, the Carter's Code of Business Ethics and Professional Conduct, our Corporate Governance Principles, and the charters for the Compensation, Audit, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. Our SEC filings are also available for reading and copying at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
As of January 3, 2009, we had 6,548 employees, 2,675 of whom were employed on a full-time basis and 3,873 of whom were employed on a part-time basis. We have no unionized employees. We have had no labor-related work stoppages and believe that our labor relations are good.
You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission in evaluating our business. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impact our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our operating results may be affected.
The loss of one or more of our major customers could result in a material loss of revenues.
In fiscal 2008, we derived approximately 42% of our consolidated net sales from our top eight customers, including mass channel customers. Kohl's and Wal-Mart each accounted for approximately 10% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2008. We do not enter into long-term sales contracts with our major customers, relying instead on long-standing relationships and on our position in the marketplace. As a result, we face the risk that one or more of our major customers may significantly decrease its or their business with us or terminate its or their relationships with us. Any such decrease or termination of our major customers' business could result in a material decrease in our sales and operating results.
The acceptance of our products in the marketplace is affected by consumers' tastes and preferences, along with fashion trends.
We believe that continued success depends on our ability to provide a unique and compelling value proposition for our consumers in the Company's distribution channels. There can be no assurance that the demand for our products will not decline, or that we will be able to successfully evaluate and adapt our product to be aware of consumers' tastes and preferences and fashion trends. If consumers' tastes and preferences are not aligned with our product offerings, promotional pricing may be required to move seasonal merchandise. Increased use of promotional pricing would have a material adverse affect on our sales, gross margin, and results of operations.
The value of our brand, and our sales, could be diminished if we are associated with negative publicity.
Although our employees, agents, and third-party compliance auditors periodically visit and monitor the operations of our vendors, independent manufacturers, and licensees, we do not control these vendors, independent manufacturers, licensees, or their labor practices. A violation of our vendor policies, licensee agreements, labor laws, or other laws by these vendors, independent manufacturers, or licensees could interrupt or otherwise disrupt our supply chain or damage our brand image. As a result, negative publicity regarding our Company, brands, or products, including licensed products, could adversely affect our reputation and sales.
The security of the Company's databases that contain personal information of our retail customers could be breached, which could subject us to adverse publicity, litigation, and expenses. In addition, if we are unable to comply with security standards created by the credit card industry, our operations could be adversely affected.
Database privacy, network security, and identity theft are matters of growing public concern. In an attempt to prevent unauthorized access to our network and databases containing confidential, third-party information, we have installed privacy protection systems, devices, and activity monitoring on our network. Nevertheless, if unauthorized parties gain access to our networks or databases, they may be able to steal, publish, delete, or modify our private and sensitive third-party information. In such circumstances, we could be held liable to our customers or other parties or be subject to regulatory or other actions for breaching privacy rules. This could result in costly investigations and litigation, civil or criminal penalties, and adverse publicity that could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Further, if we are unable to comply with the security standards, established by banks and the credit card industry, we may be subject to fines, restrictions, and expulsion from card acceptance programs, which could adversely affect our retail operations.
The Company's royalty income is greatly impacted by the Company's brand reputation.
The Company's brand image, which is associated with providing a consumer product with outstanding quality and name recognition, makes it valuable as a royalty source. The Company is able to generate royalty income from the sale of licensed products that bear its Carter's, Child of Mine, Just One Year, OshKosh, Genuine Kids from OshKosh, and related trademarks. The Company also generates foreign royalty income as our OshKosh B'Gosh label carries an international reputation for quality and American style. While the Company takes significant steps to ensure the reputation of its brand is maintained through its license agreements, there can be no guarantee that the Company's brand image will not be negatively impacted through its association with products outside of the Company's core apparel products.
There are deflationary pressures on the selling price of apparel products.
In part due to the actions of discount retailers, and in part due to the worldwide supply of low cost garment sourcing, the average selling price of children's apparel continues to decrease. To the extent these deflationary pressures are not offset by reductions in manufacturing costs, there would be an affect on the Company's gross margin. Additionally, the inability to leverage certain fixed costs of the Company's design, sourcing, distribution, and support costs over its gross sales base could have an adverse impact on the Company's operating results.
Our business is sensitive to overall levels of consumer spending, particularly in the young children's apparel segment.
Consumers' demand for young children's apparel, specifically brand name apparel products, is impacted by the overall level of consumer spending. Discretionary consumer spending is impacted by employment levels, gasoline and utility costs, business conditions, availability of consumer credit, tax rates, interest rates, levels of consumer indebtedness, and overall levels of consumer confidence. Recent and further reductions in the level of discretionary spending may have a material adverse affect on the Company's sales and results of operations.
We face risks associated with the current global credit crisis and related economic downturn.
The continuing volatility in the financial markets and the related economic downturn in markets throughout the world could have a material adverse effect on our business. While we currently generate significant cash flows from our ongoing operations and have access to credit through amounts available under our revolving credit facility (the "Revolver"), credit markets have recently experienced significant disruptions and certain leading financial institutions have either declared bankruptcy or have shown significant deterioration in their financial stability. Further deterioration in the financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive. If any of the financial institutions that are parties to our Revolver were to declare bankruptcy or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us. This could leave us with reduced borrowing capacity. In addition, tighter credit markets may lead to business disruptions for certain of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or trade customers and consequently, could disrupt our business.
We source substantially all of our products through foreign production arrangements. Our dependence on foreign supply sources could result in disruptions to our operations in the event of political instability, unfavorable economic conditions, international events, or new foreign regulations and such disruptions may increase our cost of goods sold and decrease gross profit.
We source substantially all of our products through a network of vendors primarily in Asia, coordinated by our Asia agents. The following could disrupt our foreign supply chain, increase our cost of goods sold, decrease our gross profit, or impact our ability to get products to our customers:
financial instability of one of our major vendors;
political instability or other international events resulting in the disruption of trade in foreign countries from which we source our products;
increases in transportation costs as a result of increased fuel prices;
the imposition of new regulations relating to imports, duties, taxes, and other charges on imports including the China safeguards;
the occurrence of a natural disaster, unusual weather conditions, or an epidemic, the spread of which may impact our ability to obtain products on a timely basis;
changes in the United States customs procedures concerning the importation of apparel products;
unforeseen delays in customs clearance of any goods;
disruption in the global transportation network such as a port strike, world trade restrictions, or war;
the application of foreign intellectual property laws;
the ability of our vendors to secure sufficient credit to finance the manufacturing process including the acquisition of raw materials; and
exchange rate fluctuations between the United States dollar and the local currencies of foreign contractors.
These and other events beyond our control could interrupt our supply chain and delay receipt of our products into the United States.
We source all of our products through a network of vendors. We have limited control over these vendors and we may experience delays, product recalls or loss of revenues if our products do not meet our quality standards or regulatory requirements.
Our vendors, independent manufacturers and licensees may not continue to provide products that are consistent with our standards. We have occasionally received, and may in the future continue to receive, shipments of product that fail to conform to our quality control standards. A failure in our quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, because we do not control our vendors, notwithstanding our strict quality control procedures, products that fail to meet our standards, or other unauthorized products, could end up in the marketplace without our knowledge, which could harm our brand and our reputation in the marketplace.
Our products are subject to regulation of and regulatory standards set by various governmental authorities with respect to quality and safety. Regulations and standards in this area are currently in place. These regulations and standards may change from time to time. Our inability to comply on a timely basis with regulatory requirements could result in significant fines or penalties, which could adversely affect our reputation and sales. Issues with the quality and safety of merchandise we sell in our stores, regardless of our culpability, or customer concerns about such issues, could result in damage to our reputation, lost sales, uninsured product liability claims or losses, merchandise recalls, and increased costs.
We operate in a highly competitive market and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of market share and, as a result, a decrease in revenue and gross profit.
The baby and young children's apparel market is highly competitive. Both branded and private label manufacturers compete in the baby and young children's apparel market. Our primary competitors in our wholesale and mass channel businesses include Disney, Gerber, and private label product offerings. Our primary competitors in the retail store channel include Old Navy, The Gap, The Children's Place, Gymboree, and Disney. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with many other manufacturers and retailers. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources and larger customer bases than we have and are less financially leveraged than we are. As a result, these competitors may be able to:
adapt to changes in customer requirements more quickly;
take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily;
devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products; and
adopt more aggressive pricing strategies than we can.
The Company's retail success and future growth is dependent upon identifying locations and negotiating appropriate lease terms for retail stores.
The Company's retail stores are located in leased retail locations across the country. Successful operation of a retail store depends, in part, on the overall ability of the retail location to attract a consumer base sufficient to make store sales volume profitable. If the Company is unable to identify new retail locations with consumer traffic sufficient to support a profitable sales level, retail growth may consequently be limited. Further, if existing outlet and strip centers do not maintain a sufficient customer base that provides a reasonable sales volume, there could be a material adverse impact on the Company's sales, gross margin, and results of operations.
Our leverage could adversely affect our financial condition.
On January 3, 2009, we had total debt of approximately $338.0 million.
Our indebtedness could have negative consequences. For example, it could:
increase our vulnerability to interest rate risk;
limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate requirements, or to carry out other aspects of our business plan;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of that cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, or other general corporate purposes, or to carry out other aspects of our business plan;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
In addition, our senior credit facility contains financial and other restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests such as selling assets, strategic acquisitions, paying dividends, and borrowing additional funds. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt which could leave us unable to meet some or all of our obligations.
Profitability could be negatively impacted if we do not adequately forecast the demand for our products and, as a result, create significant levels of excess inventory or insufficient levels of inventory.
If the Company does not adequately forecast demand for its products and purchases inventory to support an inaccurate forecast, the Company could experience increased costs due to the need to dispose of excess inventory or lower profitability due to insufficient levels of inventory.
We may not achieve sales growth plans, cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of our intangible assets.
As of January 3, 2009, the Company had Carter's cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired of $136.6 million, a $220.2 million Carter's brand tradename asset, and an $85.5 million OshKosh brand tradename asset on its consolidated balance sheet. The carrying value of these assets is subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year or more frequently, if deemed necessary, due to any significant events or changes in circumstances. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company performed an interim impairment review of the OshKosh intangible assets due to continued negative trends in sales and profitability of the Company's OshKosh wholesale and retail segments. As a result of this review, the Company wrote off our OshKosh cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired asset of $142.9 million and wrote down the OshKosh tradename by $12.0 million.
Estimated future cash flows used in these impairment reviews could be negatively impacted if we do not achieve our sales plans, planned cost savings, and other assumptions that support the carrying value of these intangible assets, which could result in potential impairment of the remaining asset value.
The Company's success is dependent upon retaining key individuals within the organization to execute the Company's strategic plan.
The Company's ability to attract and retain qualified executive management, marketing, merchandising, design, sourcing, operations, and support function staffing is key to the Company's success. If the Company were unable to attract and retain qualified individuals in these areas, an adverse impact on the Company's growth and results of operations may result.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Approximate floor space in square feet
Principal use
Distribution/warehousing
Hogansville, Georgia
Barnesville, Georgia
White House, Tennessee
Distribution/warehousing *
Finance/information technology/benefits administration/rework
Carter's customer service
Executive offices/Carter's design and merchandising
OshKosh's operating offices
Finance and retail store administration office
Sales office/showroom
OshKosh's design center
* As of January 3, 2009, this property is classified as an asset held for sale included in prepaid and other current assets on the accompanying audited consolidated balance sheets.
As of January 3, 2009, we operated 418 leased retail stores located primarily in outlet and strip centers across the United States, having an average size of approximately 4,800 square feet. Generally, the majority of our leases have an average term of approximately five years with additional five-year renewal options.
Aggregate lease commitments as of January 3, 2009 for the above leased properties are as follows: fiscal 2009—$51.8 million; fiscal 2010—$45.8 million; fiscal 2011—$35.4 million; fiscal 2012—$26.4 million; fiscal 2013—$21.2 million, and $51.7 million for the balance of these commitments beyond fiscal 2013.
A class action lawsuit was filed on September 16, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia asserting claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the federal securities laws. The complaint alleges that between February 21, 2006 and July 21, 2007, the Company made misrepresentations regarding the successful integration of OshKosh into the Company's business, and that the share price of the Company's stock later fell when the market learned that the integration had not been as successful as represented. Plaintiff Plymouth County Retirement System filed an unopposed motion to be appointed lead counsel on November 18, 2008, and that motion was fully submitted as of December 8, 2008. Plaintiff is now waiting for a decision from the court. By stipulation of the parties, no motion to dismiss or other response to the complaint will be due until 60 days after an amended complaint is filed subsequent to lead plaintiff appointment. The Company intends to vigorously defend this claim. Following appointment of lead plaintiff and lead counsel, the Company intends to file a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim under the federal securities laws.
A class action lawsuit was filed on September 29, 2008 in United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Company claiming breach of contract arising from certain advertising and pricing practices with respect to Carter's brand products purchased by consumers at Carter's retail stores nationally. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief. Plaintiff has since filed an amended complaint, alleging breach of contract on behalf of a nationwide class and Illinois Consumer Fraud Act claims on behalf of Illinois consumers. The Company has moved to dismiss the entire amended complaint. On February 3, 2009 the same plaintiff's attorney filed a second, nearly identical action against the Company in the same court but in the name of a different plaintiff. The parties filed an agreed upon motion to consolidate this second action with the first case and to stay the need for response in the second case until after the court has ruled upon the pending motion to dismiss. The Company intends to vigorously defend these claims.
The Company is subject to various other claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of our business. We are not currently party to any other legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CRI. The last reported sale price per share of our common stock on February 13, 2009 was $15.70. On that date there were approximately 43,548 holders of record of our common stock.
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange:
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
The following table provides information about purchases by the Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 of equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
September 28, 2008 through October 25, 2008
228,178 $ 16.93 228,178 $ 8,895,948
October 26, 2008 through November 29, 2008
-- -- -- $ 8,895,948
November 30, 2008 through January 3, 2009
Represents repurchased shares which were retired.
On February 16, 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to $100 million of its outstanding common shares. Such repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. This program has no time limit. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. This program was announced in the Company's report on Form 8-K, which was filed on February 21, 2007. The total remaining authorization under the repurchase program was $8,895,948 as of January 3, 2009.
Provisions in our senior credit facility currently restrict the ability of our operating subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), from paying cash dividends to our parent company, Carter's, Inc., in excess of $15.0 million, which materially restricts Carter's, Inc. from paying cash dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future but intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the future operation and expansion of our business and related development activities. Any future decision to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, terms of financing arrangements, capital requirements, and any other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
The following table sets forth selected financial and other data as of and for the five fiscal years ended January 3, 2009 (fiscal 2008).
On July 14, 2005, Carter's, Inc., through TWCC, acquired all of the outstanding common stock of OshKosh for a purchase price of $312.1 million, which included payment for vested stock options (the "Acquisition"). As part of financing the Acquisition, the Company refinanced its existing debt (the "Refinancing"), comprised of its former senior credit facility and its outstanding 10.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (the "Notes") (the Refinancing, together with the Acquisition, the "Transaction").
Financing for the Transaction was provided by a new $500 million Term Loan (the "Term Loan") and a $125 million revolving credit facility (including a sub-limit for letters of credit of $80 million, the "Revolver") entered into by TWCC with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions (the "Senior Credit Facility").
The proceeds from the Refinancing were used to purchase the outstanding common stock and vested stock options of OshKosh ($312.1 million), pay Transaction expenses ($6.2 million), refinance the Company's former senior credit facility ($36.2 million), repurchase the Company's Notes ($113.8 million), pay a redemption premium on the Company's Notes ($14.0 million), along with accrued and unpaid interest ($5.1 million), and pay debt issuance costs ($10.6 million). Other Transaction expenses paid prior and subsequent to the closing of the Transaction totaled $1.4 million, including $0.2 million in debt issuance costs.
On June 6, 2006, the Company effected a two-for-one stock split (the "stock split") through a stock dividend to stockholders of record as of May 23, 2006 of one share of our common stock for each share of common stock outstanding. Earnings per share for all prior periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the stock split.
The selected financial data for the five fiscal years ended January 3, 2009 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December. Consistent with this policy, fiscal 2008 ended on January 3, 2009, fiscal 2007 ended on December 29, 2007, fiscal 2006 ended on December 30, 2006, fiscal 2005 ended on December 31, 2005, and fiscal 2004 ended on January 1, 2005. Fiscal 2008 contained 53 weeks of financial results. Fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006, fiscal 2005, and fiscal 2004 each contained 52 weeks of financial results.
The following table should be read in conjunction with ITEM 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and ITEM 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING DATA:
Wholesale sales – Carter's
Wholesale sales – OshKosh
74,270 86,555 96,351 59,707 --
Retail sales – Carter's
Retail sales – OshKosh
249,130 233,776 229,103 140,104 --
Mass Channel sales – Carter's
1,490,016 1,412,246 1,343,467 1,121,358 823,121
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Intangible asset impairment (a)
-- 154,886 -- -- --
Executive retirement charges (b)
5,325 -- -- -- --
Facility write-down and closure costs (c)
2,609 5,285 91 6,828 620
(33,685 ) (30,738 ) (29,164 ) (20,426 ) (12,362 )
135,494 (6,009 ) 165,111 121,246 101,025
(1,491 ) (1,386 ) (1,914 ) (1,322 ) (335 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt (d)
-- -- -- 20,137 --
117,407 (29,088 ) 138,188 77,867 82,508
$ 75,058 $ (70,618 ) $ 87,220 $ 47,202 $ 49,658
PER COMMON SHARE DATA:
Basic net income (loss)
$ 1.33 $ (1.22 ) $ 1.50 $ 0.82 $ 0.88
Diluted net income (loss)
Basic weighted-average shares
56,309,454 57,871,235 57,996,241 57,280,504 56,251,168
Diluted weighted-average shares
BALANCE SHEET DATA (end of period):
Working capital (e)
1,051,057 974,668 1,123,191 1,116,727 672,965
Total debt, including current maturities
CASH FLOW DATA:
$ 183,623 $ 51,987 $ 88,224 $ 137,267 $ 42,676
(37,529 ) (21,819 ) (30,500 ) (308,403 ) (18,577 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(32,757 ) (49,701 ) (73,455 ) 222,147 (26,895 )
34.5 % 34.2 % 36.4 % 35.3 % 36.2 %
See Notes to Selected Financial Data.
NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(a) Intangible asset impairment charges of $154.9 million in fiscal 2007 reflect the impairment of the OshKosh cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired asset (OshKosh wholesale segment of $36.0 million and OshKosh retail segment of $106.9 million) and the impairment of the value ascribed to the OshKosh tradename of $12.0 million.
(b) Executive retirement charges of $5.3 million consist of $3.1 million related to the present value of severance and benefit obligations and $2.2 million of which related to the accelerated vesting of certain stock options.
(c) The $0.6 million in closure costs in fiscal 2004 relate to costs associated with the closure of our Costa Rican facilities and our distribution facility in Leola, Pennsylvania. The $6.8 million and $0.1 million in closure costs in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006 relate to the closure of our Mexican sewing facilities. The $5.3 million in closure costs in fiscal 2007 relate to the closure of our OshKosh distribution facility. The $2.6 million charge in fiscal 2008 relates to the write-down of the carrying value of our OshKosh distribution facility held for sale.
(d) Debt extinguishment charges in fiscal 2005 reflect the payment of a $14.0 million redemption premium on our Notes, the write-off of $4.5 million in unamortized debt issuance costs related to the former senior credit facility and Notes, and the write-off of $0.5 million of the related Note discount. Additionally, we expensed approximately $1.1 million of debt issuance costs associated with our Senior Credit Facility in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 96-19, "Debtor's Accounting for a Modification or Exchange of Debt Instruments."
(e) Represents total current assets less total current liabilities.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of our results of operations and current financial condition. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated historical financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our discussion of our results of operations and financial condition includes various forward-looking statements about our markets, the demand for our products and services, and our future results. We based these statements on assumptions that we consider reasonable. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements for various reasons including those discussed in the "Risk Factors" in ITEM 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Those risk factors expressly qualify all subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf. Except for any ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by the federal securities laws, we do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For more than 140 years, Carter's has become one of the most highly recognized and most trusted brand names in the children's apparel industry and with the Acquisition of OshKosh on July 14, 2005, we now own the highly recognized and trusted OshKosh B'Gosh brand which also earned the position of a highly trusted and well-known brand for over 110 years.
We sell our products under our Carter's and OshKosh brands in the wholesale channel, which includes over 260 department store, national chain, and specialty store accounts. We also sell our products in the mass channel under our Child of Mine brand to over 3,500 Wal-Mart stores nationwide and under our Just One Year brand to over 1,600 Target stores. Additionally, as of January 3, 2009, we operated 253 Carter's and 165 OshKosh retail stores located primarily in outlet and strip centers throughout the United States. We also extend our brand reach by licensing our Carter's, Child of Mine, Just One Year, OshKosh, and related brand names through domestic licensing arrangements, including licensing of our Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand to Target stores nationwide. Our OshKosh B'Gosh brand name is also licensed through international licensing arrangements. During fiscal 2008, we earned approximately $33.7 million in royalty income from these arrangements, including $16.6 million from our OshKosh and Genuine Kids from OshKosh brands.
In connection with the Acquisition of OshKosh, we recorded cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired of $142.9 million and an OshKosh brand tradename asset of $102.0 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, as a result of the continued negative trends in sales and profitability of the Company's OshKosh B'Gosh wholesale and retail segments and re-forecasted projections for such segments for the balance of fiscal 2007, the Company conducted an interim impairment assessment on the value of the intangible assets that the Company recorded in connection with the Acquisition. Based on this assessment, charges of approximately $36.0 million for the OshKosh wholesale segment and $106.9 million for the OshKosh retail segment were recorded for the impairment of the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired asset. In addition, an impairment charge of $12.0 million was recorded to reflect the impairment of the value ascribed to the OshKosh tradename. The carrying value of the OshKosh tradename asset is subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year or more frequently if deemed necessary due to any significant events or changes in circumstances. Estimated future cash flows used in such impairment reviews could be negatively impacted if we do not achieve our sales plans and other assumptions that support the carrying value of these intangible assets, which could result in potential impairment of such assets.
We have also acquired certain definite-lived intangible assets in connection with the Acquisition of OshKosh comprised of licensing agreements and leasehold interests which resulted in annual amortization expense of $4.7 million in fiscal 2006; $4.5 million in fiscal 2007; and $4.1 million in fiscal 2008. Amortization expense related to these intangible assets will be $3.7 million in fiscal 2009 and $1.8 million in fiscal 2010.
During fiscal 2007, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to $100 million of its outstanding common shares. Such repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. This program has no time limit. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by management, based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. During fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 2,126,361 shares, or approximately $33.6 million, of its common stock at an average price of $15.82 per share. Since inception of the program and through fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 4,599,580 shares, or approximately $91.1 million, of its common stock at an average price of $19.81 per share.
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday, in December or January, nearest the last day of December. Consistent with this policy, fiscal 2008 ended on January 3, 2009, fiscal 2007 ended on December 29, 2007, and fiscal 2006 ended on December 30, 2006. Fiscal 2008 contained 53 weeks of financial results while fiscal 2007 and 2006 each contained 52 weeks.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated (i) selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and (ii) the number of retail stores open at the end of each period:
Wholesale sales:
Total wholesale sales
Retail store sales:
Total retail store sales
Mass channel sales
Consolidated net sales
Intangible asset impairment
-- 11.0 --
Executive retirement charges
0.4 -- --
Facility write-down and closure costs
0.2 0.3 --
(2.3 ) (2.2 ) (2.1 )
9.1 (0.4 ) 12.3
5.0 % (5.0 )% 6.5 %
Number of retail stores at end of period:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 2009 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007
Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2008 were $1.5 billion, an increase of $77.8 million, or 5.5%, compared to $1.4 billion in fiscal 2007. This increase reflects growth in all three of our Carter's brand segments and our OshKosh brand retail store segment.
For the fiscal years ended
Wholesale-Carter's
$ 489,744 32.9 % $ 482,350 34.2 %
Wholesale-OshKosh
74,270 5.0 % 86,555 6.1 %
Retail-Carter's
422,436 28.3 % 366,296 25.9 %
Retail-OshKosh
Mass Channel-Carter's
$ 1,490,016 100.0 % $ 1,412,246 100.0 %
CARTER'S WHOLESALE SALES
Carter's brand wholesale sales increased $7.4 million, or 1.5%, in fiscal 2008, to $489.7 million. The increase in Carter's brand wholesale sales was driven by a 6% increase in units shipped, partially offset by a 4% decrease in average price per unit, as compared to fiscal 2007. The growth in units shipped was driven primarily by growth in all product categories due to increased demand and higher levels of off-price units shipped. The decrease in average price per unit was due to more competitive pricing in certain product categories, particularly to our off-price customers.
OSHKOSH WHOLESALE SALES
OshKosh brand wholesale sales decreased $12.3 million, or 14.2%, in fiscal 2008 to $74.3 million. The decrease in OshKosh brand wholesale sales reflects a 16% decline in average price per unit, partially offset by a 2% increase in units shipped, as compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in average prices reflects a change in strategy to reposition the OshKosh brand to appeal to a broader consumer population. We believe our new product offerings and price repositioning drove the increase in units shipped.
CARTER'S RETAIL STORES
Carter's retail stores sales increased $56.1 million, or 15.3%, in fiscal 2008 to $422.4 million. The increase was driven by a comparable store sales increase of $38.5 million, or 9.0% (based on 225 locations), incremental sales of $18.5 million generated by new store openings, partially offset by the impact of store closures of $0.9 million. During fiscal 2008, on a comparable store basis, transactions increased 4.0%, units per transaction increased 3.5%, and average prices increased 1.3% as compared to fiscal 2007. The increases in transactions and units per transaction were driven by strong product performance in all product categories, improved in-store product presentation, and a focus on merchandising and marketing efforts. The increase in average prices was driven by our baby, sleepwear, and other product categories, partially offset by decreased playwear product category pricing.
The Company's comparable store sales calculations include sales for all stores that were open during the comparable fiscal period, including remodeled stores and certain relocated stores. If a store relocates within the same center with no business interruption or material change in square footage, the sales for such store will continue to be included in the comparable store calculation. If a store relocates to another center or there is a material change in square footage, such store is treated as a new store. Stores that are closed during the period are included in the comparable store sales calculation up to the date of closing.
There were a total of 253 Carter's retail stores open as of January 3, 2009. During fiscal 2008, we opened 25 stores. We plan to open approximately 20 and close five Carter's retail stores during fiscal 2009.
OSHKOSH RETAIL STORES
OshKosh retail store sales increased $15.4 million, or 6.6%, in fiscal 2008 to $249.1 million. The increase was due to incremental sales of $7.1 million generated by new store openings, and a comparable store sales increase of $10.3 million, or 3.2% (based on 160 locations), partially offset by the impact of store closings of $2.0 million. On a comparable store basis, transactions increased 2.0%, units per transaction increased 4.3%, and average prices decreased 3.0%. The increases in transactions and units per transaction and decrease in average prices were driven by heavy promotional pricing on excess products during the first half of fiscal 2008.
There were a total of 165 OshKosh retail stores open as of January 3, 2009. During fiscal 2008, we opened three stores and closed one store. We plan to close three OshKosh retail stores during fiscal 2009.
Mass channel sales increased $11.2 million, or 4.6%, in fiscal 2008 to $254.4 million. The increase was driven by sales of $14.9 million, or 15.5%, of our Just One Year brand to Target partially offset by a $3.7 million, or 2.5%, decrease in sales of our Child of Mine brand to Wal-Mart. The increase in Just One Year sales was driven primarily from new door growth and new floor space, particularly in playwear and baby. The decrease in Child of Mine sales was due to product performance in certain categories, particularly certain Spring 2008 products and certain fall hanging products. We anticipate our mass channel sales could decline approximately 15% in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008.
Our gross profit increased $30.8 million, or 6.4%, to $514.0 million in fiscal 2008. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 34.5% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 34.2% in fiscal 2007.
The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales reflects a higher relative percentage of sales from our Carter's and OshKosh retail store segments, which generate higher gross profit margins than our other business segments. In fiscal 2008, our retail segments sales increased $71.5 million, or 11.9%.
Partially offsetting these increases were:
higher provisions for excess inventory of approximately $6.0 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007 due to declining market conditions;
lower margins on 2008 Child of Mine products due to disappointing over-the-counter performance; and
a decline in Carter's and OshKosh brand wholesale margins due to price reductions.
The Company includes distribution costs in its selling, general, and administrative expenses. Accordingly, the Company's gross profit may not be comparable to other companies that include such distribution costs in their cost of goods sold.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses in fiscal 2008 increased $44.4 million, or 12.4%, to $404.3 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in fiscal 2008 were 27.1% as compared to 25.5% in fiscal 2007.
The increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales reflects:
increase in our consolidated retail expenses from 30.7% of retail store sales in fiscal 2007 to 31.6% in fiscal 2008, related primarily to new store openings and investments in our retail management team; and
a provision for incentive compensation of $6.3 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to no provision in fiscal 2007.
a decline in distribution costs as a percentage of sales from 4.1% in fiscal 2007 to 3.7% in fiscal 2008 resulting from supply chain efficiencies; and
accelerated depreciation of $2.1 million recorded in fiscal 2007 related to the closure of our OshKosh distribution facility.
The Company is currently in the process of evaluating its overall cost structure in order to identify areas where costs can be reduced and operations can be run more efficiently. While the timing of and charges associated with any restructuring have not yet been determined, it is likely that some level of restructuring charges will be incurred during the first quarter and balance of fiscal 2009.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, as a result of negative trends in sales and profitability of the OshKosh wholesale and retail segments and revised projections for such segments, the Company conducted an interim impairment assessment of the value of the intangible assets that the Company recorded in connection with the Acquisition of OshKosh. This assessment was performed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets." Based on this assessment, charges of approximately $36.0 million and $106.9 million were recorded for the impairment of the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired for the wholesale and retail segments, respectively. In addition, an impairment charge of $12.0 million was recorded to reflect the impairment of the value ascribed to the OshKosh tradename.
On June 11, 2008, the Company announced the retirement of an executive officer. In connection with this retirement, the Company recorded charges of $5.3 million, $3.1 million of which related to the present value of severance and benefit obligations, and $2.2 million of which related to the accelerated vesting of stock options.
On February 15, 2007, the Board of Directors approved management's plan to close the Company's OshKosh distribution facility, which was utilized to distribute the Company's OshKosh brand products. In connection with this closure we recorded costs of $7.4 million, consisting of asset impairment charges of $2.4 million related to a write-down of the related land, building, and equipment, $2.0 million of severance charges, $2.1 million of accelerated depreciation (included in selling, general, and administrative expenses), and $0.9 million in other closure costs during fiscal 2007.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company wrote down the carrying value of the OshKosh distribution facility by $2.6 million to reflect a reduction of the anticipated selling price of the property as a result of the deterioration in the commercial real estate market.
Our royalty income increased $2.9 million, or 9.6%, to $33.7 million in fiscal 2008.
We license the use of our Carter's, Just One Year, and Child of Mine brands. Royalty income from these brands was approximately $16.8 million, an increase of 9.1%, or $1.4 million, as compared to fiscal 2007 due to increased sales by our Carter's brand and Child of Mine brand licensees. In addition, in fiscal 2008, the Company began to license the Carter's brand internationally generating $0.3 million in royalty income.
We also license the use of our OshKosh B'Gosh, OshKosh, and Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand names. Royalty income from these brands increased approximately $1.3 million, or 8.2%, to $16.6 million in fiscal 2008 and includes $7.1 million of international royalties. This increase was driven by increased sales by our OshKosh brand domestic and international licensees.
Our operating income was $135.5 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to an operating loss of $6.0 million in fiscal 2007. This change in our operating results is due largely to the charges in fiscal 2007 related to the impairment of OshKosh's intangible assets and the closure of our OshKosh distribution facility in addition to the other factors described above.
Interest expense, net, in fiscal 2008 decreased $5.0 million, or 21.6%, to $18.1 million. This decrease is attributable to a lower effective interest rate on lower weighted-average borrowings. In fiscal 2008, weighted-average borrowings were $340.1 million at an effective interest rate of 5.76% as compared to weighted-average borrowings of $349.2 million at an effective interest rate of 7.01% in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, we recorded $1.1 million in interest expense related to our interest rate swap agreement and $1.2 million in interest expense related to our interest rate collar agreement. In fiscal 2007, we recorded interest income of approximately $1.6 million related to our interest rate swap agreement, which effectively reduced our interest expense under the term loan.
Our effective tax rate was approximately 36.1% in fiscal 2008 as compared to approximately (142.8%) in fiscal 2007. This change is a result of the impairment of our OshKosh cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired asset in fiscal 2007, which was not deductible for income tax purposes. See Note 8 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of the statutory rate to our effective tax rate.
As a result of the factors above, we recorded net income of $75.1 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to a net loss of $70.6 million in fiscal 2007.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2007 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2006
Consolidated net sales for fiscal 2007 were $1.4 billion, an increase of $68.8 million, or 5.1%, compared to $1.3 billion in fiscal 2006. This increase reflects growth in all three of our Carter's brand distribution channels and our OshKosh brand retail store segment.
Carter's brand wholesale sales increased $17.7 million, or 3.8%, in fiscal 2007, to $482.4 million. The increase in Carter's brand wholesale sales was driven by a 4% increase in units shipped. Average price per unit was comparable to fiscal 2006.
The growth in units shipped was driven primarily by our baby and playwear product categories, which accounted for approximately 47% and 33% of total Carter's brand wholesale sales, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in sleepwear units shipped. The growth in baby and playwear units shipped was driven by increased demand.
OshKosh brand wholesale sales decreased $9.8 million, or 10.2%, in fiscal 2007 to $86.6 million. The decrease in OshKosh brand wholesale sales was impacted by a 19% decrease in average price per unit, partially offset by an 11% increase in units shipped as compared to fiscal 2006. The decrease in average prices reflects changes in product mix and higher levels of customer accommodations as compared to the prior year.
Carter's retail stores sales increased $33.2 million, or 10.0%, in fiscal 2007 to $366.3 million. The increase was driven by incremental sales of $22.8 million generated by new store openings and a comparable store sales increase of $13.3 million, or 4.1% (based on 206 locations), partially offset by the impact of store closures of $2.8 million. During fiscal 2007, units per transaction increased 5.3% and average prices decreased 3.0% as compared to fiscal 2006. Average prices decreased due to increased promotional pricing on spring sleepwear and fall playclothes products. We believe increased promotional pricing drove the increase in unit volume. Average inventory levels, on a comparable store basis, were up 10.9% as compared to fiscal 2006. We believe these higher average inventory levels helped drive our comparable store sales increases.
There were a total of 228 Carter's retail stores as of December 29, 2007. During fiscal 2007, we opened ten stores and closed one store.
OshKosh retail store sales increased $4.7 million, or 2.0%, in fiscal 2007 to $233.8 million. The increase was due to incremental sales of $15.2 million generated by new store openings, partially offset by a comparable store sales decrease of $9.8 million, or 4.3% (based on 146 locations), and the impact of store closings of $0.8 million. Average prices decreased 6.0% and units per transaction increased 4.4%. Average prices decreased due to increased promotional activity across all major product categories. Average inventory levels, on a comparable store basis, were up 22.5% as compared to fiscal 2006.
There were a total of 163 OshKosh retail stores as of December 29, 2007. During fiscal 2007, we opened nine stores and closed three stores.
Mass channel sales increased $22.9 million, or 10.4%, in fiscal 2007 to $243.3 million. The increase was driven by increased sales of $11.9 million, or 8.8%, of our Child of Mine brand to Wal-Mart and increased sales of $11.0 million, or 12.9%, of our Just One Year brand to Target. The growth in sales of our Child of Mine brand was driven by gaining additional floor space for fall sleepwear and fall playwear products. Growth in sales of our Just One Year brand was driven by new door growth and better product performance.
Our gross profit decreased $5.2 million, or 1.1%, to $483.3 million in fiscal 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 34.2% in fiscal 2007 as compared to 36.4% in fiscal 2006.
The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales reflects:
a decrease in gross profit in our consolidated retail segments, primarily OshKosh, due to increased promotional pricing (consolidated retail gross margin decreased from 51.1% in fiscal 2006 to 47.8% in fiscal 2007 despite an increase in consolidated retail net sales of 6.7% in fiscal 2007);
the impact of OshKosh brand wholesale product performance, which led to higher levels of customer accommodations in fiscal 2007; and
the impact of $4.9 million in higher losses associated with excess inventory.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses in fiscal 2007 increased $7.4 million, or 2.1%, to $359.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general, and administrative expenses in fiscal 2007 were 25.5% as compared to 26.2% in fiscal 2006.
The decrease in selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales reflects:
a reduction in incentive compensation expense of $10.2 million as compared to fiscal 2006;
controlling growth in spending to a rate lower than the growth in net sales for fiscal 2007; and
the reversal in fiscal 2007 of approximately $1.5 million of previously recorded stock-based compensation expense and the reduction in fiscal 2007 of $1.2 million of stock-based compensation expense on performance-based stock awards (see Note 6).
Partially offsetting these decreases were:
accelerated depreciation charges of $2.1 million in fiscal 2007 related to the closure of our OshKosh distribution facility; and
increased severance, recruiting, and relocation expenses of $1.9 million as compared to fiscal 2006. The increase was driven primarily by restructuring our retail store management team.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, as a result of negative trends in sales and profitability of the OshKosh wholesale and retail segments and revised projections for such segments, the Company conducted an interim impairment assessment on the value of the intangible assets that the Company recorded in connection with the Acquisition of OshKosh. This assessment was performed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets." Based on this assessment, charges of approximately $36.0 million and $106.9 million were recorded for the impairment of the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired for the wholesale and retail segments, respectively. In addition, an impairment charge of $12.0 million was recorded to reflect the impairment of the value ascribed to the OshKosh tradename.
CLOSURE COSTS
In May 2005, we decided to exit two Carter's sewing facilities in Mexico. During fiscal 2006, in connection with these closures, we recorded costs of $91,000, including $74,000 of severance and $17,000 of other exit costs.
We license the use of our Carter's, Just One Year, and Child of Mine brands. Royalty income from these brands was approximately $15.3 million, an increase of 2.1%, or $0.3 million, as compared to fiscal 2006 due to increased sales by our Carter's brand and Child of Mine brand licensees.
We license the use of our OshKosh and Genuine Kids from OshKosh brand names. Royalty income from these brands increased approximately $1.3 million, or 8.9%, to $15.4 million in fiscal 2007 and includes $6.5 million of international royalty. This increase was driven primarily by increased sales by our OshKosh brand domestic licensees.
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
Our operating loss was $6.0 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to operating income of $165.1 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in operating results was due to the factors described above including the charges incurred in fiscal 2007 related to the impairment of OshKosh's intangible assets and the closure of our OshKosh distribution facility, partially offset by the reversal of stock-based compensation expense associated with performance stock awards.
Interest expense in fiscal 2007 decreased $3.8 million, or 14.3%, to $23.1 million. This decrease is attributable to accelerated debt reduction in fiscal 2006 and a lower effective interest rate. In fiscal 2007, weighted-average borrowings were $349.2 million at an effective interest rate of 7.01% as compared to weighted-average borrowings of $397.9 million at an effective interest rate of 7.25% in fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007 and 2006, our interest rate swap agreement reduced our interest expense under the Term Loan by approximately $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Our effective tax rate was approximately (142.8%) in fiscal 2007 as compared to approximately 36.9% in fiscal 2006. This change in our effective tax rate is a result of the impairment of our OshKosh cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired asset, which is not deductible for income tax purposes. See Note 8 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for a reconciliation of the statutory rate to our effective tax rate.
As a result of the factors above, we recorded a net loss for fiscal 2007 of $70.6 million as compared to net income of $87.2 million in fiscal 2006.
Our primary cash needs are working capital and capital expenditures. Our primary source of liquidity will continue to be cash flow from operations and borrowings under our Revolver, and we expect that these sources will fund our ongoing requirements for working capital and capital expenditures. These sources of liquidity may be impacted by continued demand for our products and our ability to meet debt covenants under our Senior Credit Facility, described below.
Net accounts receivable at January 3, 2009 were $106.1 million compared to $119.7 million at December 29, 2007. This decrease reflects lower levels of wholesale revenue in the latter part of fiscal 2008 as compared to the latter part of fiscal 2007.
Net inventories at January 3, 2009 were $203.5 million compared to $225.5 million at December 29, 2007. This decrease was due primarily to improved inventory management across all business segments.
Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2008 was $183.6 million compared to $52.0 million in fiscal 2007. This change is primarily attributable to improved working capital management. We expect operating cash flow in fiscal 2009 to return to levels more consistent with those achieved in the previous two years. Net cash provided by our operating activities in fiscal 2006 was approximately $88.2 million.
We invested $37.5 million in capital expenditures during fiscal 2008 compared to $21.9 million in fiscal 2007. Major investments included retail store openings and remodelings (including retail store fixtures), a new point of sale system for our retail stores, fixtures for our wholesale customers, and a new finance and retail store administration office in Shelton, Connecticut. We plan to invest approximately $40 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2009 primarily for retail store openings and remodelings (including retail store fixtures), fixtures for our wholesale customers, and investments in information technology.
On February 16, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to purchase up to $100 million of its outstanding common shares. Such repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. This program has no time limit. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by management, based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. During fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 2,126,361 shares, or approximately $33.6 million, of its common stock at an average price of $15.82 per share. Since inception of the program and through fiscal 2008, the Company repurchased and retired 4,599,580 shares, or approximately $91.1 million, of its common stock at an average price of $19.81 per share.
At January 3, 2009, we had approximately $338.0 million in Term Loan borrowings and no borrowings under our Revolver, exclusive of $8.6 million of outstanding letters of credit. At December 29, 2007, we had approximately $341.5 million in Term Loan borrowings and no borrowings under our Revolver, exclusive of approximately $16.3 million of outstanding letters of credit. Weighted-average borrowings for fiscal 2008 were $340.1 million at an effective rate of 5.76% as compared to weighted-average borrowings of $349.2 million at an effective rate of 7.01% in fiscal 2007.
The term of the Revolver expires July 14, 2011 and the term of the Term Loan expires July 14, 2012. Principal borrowings under the Term Loan are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.9 million from March 31, 2009 through June 30, 2012 with the remaining balance of $325.8 million due on July 14, 2012. In fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, we made scheduled amortization payments of $3.5 million in each year. The Term Loan has an applicable rate of LIBOR + 1.50%, regardless of the Company's overall leverage level. Interest is payable at the end of interest rate reset periods, which vary in length, but in no case exceed 12 months for LIBOR rate loans and quarterly for prime rate loans. The effective interest rate on Term Loan borrowings as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 was 3.3% and 6.4%.
The Senior Credit Facility contains and defines financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio, and a fixed charge coverage ratio. As of January 3, 2009, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. The Senior Credit Facility also sets forth mandatory and optional prepayment conditions, including an annual excess cash flow requirement, as defined, that may result in our use of cash to reduce our debt obligations. There was no excess cash flow payment required for fiscal 2008 or 2007. Our obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets, including the assets of our domestic subsidiaries.
Our Senior Credit Facility requires us to hedge at least 25% of our variable rate debt under the term loan. On September 22, 2005, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to receive floating interest and pay fixed interest. This interest rate swap agreement is designated as a cash flow hedge of the variable interest payments on a portion of our variable rate term loan debt. The interest rate swap agreement matures on July 30, 2010. As of January 3, 2009, approximately $55.3 million of our outstanding term loan debt was hedged under this agreement.
On May 25, 2006, we entered into an interest rate collar agreement with a floor of 4.3% and a ceiling of 5.5%. The interest rate collar agreement covers $100 million of our variable rate term loan debt and is designated as a cash flow hedge of the variable interest payments on such debt. The interest rate collar agreement matures on January 31, 2009.
On January 30, 2009, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements, each covering $50.0 million of our variable rate Term Loan debt, to receive floating rate interest and pay fixed interest. These swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges of the variable interest payments on a portion of our variable rate Term Loan debt. These swap agreements mature in January 2010.
Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on our Senior Credit Facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of January 3, 2009, our outstanding debt aggregated approximately $338.0 million, of which $182.7 million bore interest at a variable rate. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate would increase or decrease our annual interest cost by $1.8 million, exclusive of variable rate debt subject to our swap and collar agreements, and could have an adverse effect on our net income (loss) and cash flow.
The following table summarizes as of January 3, 2009, the maturity or expiration dates of mandatory contractual obligations and commitments for the following fiscal years:
$ 3,503 $ 3,503 $ 3,503 $ 327,517 $ -- $ -- $ 338,026
Interest on debt:
Variable rate (a)
11,007 11,007 11,007 5,503 -- -- 38,524
Operating leases (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
52,888 46,278 35,502 26,407 21,240 51,692 234,007
Total financial obligations
67,398 60,788 50,012 359,427 21,240 51,692 610,557
8,571 -- -- -- -- -- 8,571
Purchase obligations (b)
210,648 -- -- -- -- -- 210,648
Total financial obligations and commitments
$ 286,617 $ 60,788 $ 50,012 $ 359,427 $ 21,240 $ 51,692 $ 829,776
Reflects estimated variable rate interest on obligations outstanding on our Term Loan as of January 3, 2009 using an interest rate of 3.3% (rate in effect at January 3, 2009).
Unconditional purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The purchase obligations category above relates to commitments for inventory purchases. Amounts reflected on the accompanying audited consolidated balance sheets in accounts payable or other current liabilities are excluded from the table above.
In addition to the total contractual obligations and commitments in the table above, we have post-retirement benefit obligations and reserves for uncertain tax positions, included in other current and other long-term liabilities as further described in Note 7 and Note 8, respectively, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
Based on our current level of operations, we believe that cash generated from operations and available cash, together with amounts available under our Revolver, will be adequate to meet our debt service requirements, capital expenditures, and working capital needs for the foreseeable future, although no assurance can be given in this regard. We may, however, need to refinance all or a portion of the principal amount of amounts outstanding under our Revolver on or before July 14, 2011 and amounts outstanding under our Term Loan on or before July 14, 2012.
The continuing volatility in the financial markets and the related economic downturn in markets throughout the world could have a material adverse effect on our business. While we currently generate significant cash flows from our ongoing operations and have access to credit through amounts available under our Revolver, credit markets have recently experienced significant disruptions and certain leading financial institutions have either declared bankruptcy or have shown significant deterioration in their financial stability. Further deterioration in the financial markets could make future financing difficult or more expensive. If any of the financial institutions that are parties to our Revolver were to declare bankruptcy or become insolvent, they may be unable to perform under their agreements with us. This could leave us with reduced borrowing capacity. In addition, tighter credit markets may lead to business disruptions for certain of our suppliers, contract manufacturers or trade customers and consequently, could disrupt our business.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND DEFLATION
We are affected by inflation and changing prices primarily through purchasing product from our global suppliers, increased operating costs and expenses, and fluctuations in interest rates. The effects of inflation on our net sales and operations have not been material in recent years. In recent years, there has been deflationary pressure on selling prices. If deflationary price trends outpace our ability to obtain price reductions from our global suppliers, our profitability may be affected.
We experience seasonal fluctuations in our sales and profitability, with generally lower sales and gross profit in the first and second quarters of our fiscal year. Over the past five fiscal years, excluding the impact of the OshKosh acquisition in fiscal 2005, approximately 57% of our consolidated net sales were generated in the second half of our fiscal year. Accordingly, our results of operations for the first and second quarters of any year are not indicative of the results we expect for the full year.
As a result of this seasonality, our inventory levels and other working capital requirements generally begin to increase during the second quarter and into the third quarter of each fiscal year. During these peak periods, we had historically borrowed under our Revolver. In fiscal 2008, we had no borrowings under our Revolver. In fiscal 2007, we had $41.6 million in peak borrowings under our Revolver.
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies and estimates, which are those policies that require management's most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Revenue recognition: We recognize wholesale and mass channel revenue after shipment of products to customers, when title passes, when all risks and rewards of ownership have transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In certain cases, in which we retain the risk of loss during shipment, revenue recognition does not occur until the goods have reached the specified customer. In the normal course of business, we grant certain accommodations and allowances to our wholesale and mass channel customers in order to assist these customers with inventory clearance or promotions. Such amounts are reflected as a reduction of net sales and are recorded based upon historical trends and annual forecasts. Retail store revenues are recognized at the point of sale. We reduce revenue for customer returns and deductions. We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments and other actual and estimated deductions. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectibility. Our credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we believe it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
We contract with a third-party service to provide us with the fair value of cooperative advertising arrangements entered into with certain of our major wholesale and mass channel customers. Such fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-09, "Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer/Reseller," we have included the fair value of these arrangements of approximately $2.1 million in fiscal 2008, $2.5 million in fiscal 2007, and $3.3 million in fiscal 2006 as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses on the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations rather than as a reduction of revenue. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
Inventory: We provide reserves for slow-moving inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those we project, additional write-downs may be required.
Cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired and tradename: As of January 3, 2009, we had approximately $136.6 million in Carter's cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired and $305.7 million of aggregate value related to the Carter's and OshKosh tradename assets. The fair value of the Carter's tradename was estimated at the acquisition of Carter's, Inc. by Berkshire Partners LLC which was consummated on August 15, 2001, using a discounted cash flow analysis, which examined the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of our ownership of the tradename. The fair value of the OshKosh tradename was also estimated at its acquisition date using an identical discounted cash flow analysis. The tradenames were determined to have indefinite lives.
The carrying values of these assets are subject to annual impairment reviews in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and other Intangible Assets," as of the last day of each fiscal year. Factors affecting such impairment reviews include the continued market acceptance of our offered products and the development of new products. Impairment reviews may also be triggered by any significant events or changes in circumstances.
Accrued expenses: Accrued expenses for workers' compensation, incentive compensation, health insurance, and other outstanding obligations are assessed based on actual commitments, statistical trends, and estimates based on projections and current expectations, and these estimates are updated periodically as additional information becomes available.
Loss contingencies: We record accruals for various contingencies including legal exposures as they arise in the normal course of business. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," we determine whether to disclose and accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable. Our assessment is developed in consultation with our internal and external counsel and other advisors and is based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies. Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by its nature is unpredictable. We believe that our assessment of the probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect, which could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for income taxes: As part of the process of preparing the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our actual current tax exposure (state, federal, and foreign). We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those uncertain tax positions where it is "more likely than not" that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not "more likely than not" that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest is also recognized. We also assess permanent and temporary differences resulting from differing bases and treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes, such as the carrying value of intangibles, deductibility of expenses, depreciation of property, plant, and equipment, stock-based compensation expense, and valuation of inventories. Temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. Actual results could differ from this assessment if sufficient taxable income is not generated in future periods. To the extent we determine the need to establish a valuation allowance or increase such allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations.
Employee benefit plans: We sponsor a defined benefit pension, defined contribution and other post-retirement plans. Major assumptions used in the accounting for these employee benefit plans include the discount rate, expected return on the pension fund assets, and health care cost increase projections. See Note 7, "Employee Benefits Plans," to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for further details on rates and assumptions.
Stock-based compensation arrangements: The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123R"). The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective application method of transition. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions. These assumptions include the following:
Volatility – This is a measure of the amount by which a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual monthly historical changes in the market value of our stock since the Company's initial public offering on October 29, 2003, supplemented by peer company data for periods prior to our initial public offering covering the expected life of stock options being valued. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.
Risk-free interest rate – This is the U.S. Treasury rate as of the grant date having a term equal to the expected term of the stock option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
Expected term – This is the period of time over which the stock options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience and estimated future exercise behavior. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. An increase in the expected term will increase compensation expense.
Dividend yield – The Company does not have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.
Forfeitures – The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.
Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the accompanying audited consolidated statement of operations.
The Company accounts for its performance-based awards in accordance with SFAS 123R and records stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards that are expected to vest based on whether it is probable that the performance criteria will be achieved. The Company reassesses the probability of vesting at each reporting period for awards with performance criteria and adjusts stock-based compensation expense based on its probability assessment.
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141(R)"), which replaces SFAS 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141"). SFAS 141(R) retains the underlying concepts of SFAS 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting, but SFAS 141(R) changed the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects. Acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; noncontrolling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date; restructuring costs associated with a business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense. SFAS 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008. SFAS 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS 141(R) would also apply the provisions of SFAS 141(R). Early adoption is not permitted. We have evaluated the impact that SFAS 141(R) will have on our consolidated financial statements and have determined that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. FAS 157-2 ("FSP 157-2"), which delays the effective date of SFAS 157, "Fair Value Measurements," for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities would include all assets and liabilities other than those meeting the definition of a financial asset or financial liability as defined in paragraph 6 of SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." This FSP defers the effective date of Statement 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within the scope of FSP 157-2. We have evaluated the impact that FSP 157-2 will have on our consolidated financial statements and have determined that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133," which requires enhanced disclosures on the effect of derivatives on a Company's financial statements. These disclosures will be required for the Company beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2009 consolidated financial statements. We will include such required disclosures beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ending April 4, 2009.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, "Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets" ("FSP 142-3"). The FSP amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and adds certain disclosures for an entity's accounting policy of the treatment of the costs, period of extension, and total costs incurred. The FSP must be applied prospectively to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009. We have evaluated the impact that FSP 142-3 will have on our consolidated financial statements and have determined that it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1, "Employers' Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets" ("FSP FAS 132(R)-1"), to provide guidance on an employers' disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This FSP is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We are currently evaluating the impact that FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
Statements contained herein that relate to our future performance, including, without limitation, statements with respect to our anticipated results of operations or level of business for fiscal 2009 or any other future period, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations only and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. These risks are described herein under the heading "Risk Factors" on page 7. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
CURRENCY AND INTEREST RATE RISKS
In the operation of our business, we have market risk exposures including those related to foreign currency risk and interest rates. These risks and our strategies to manage our exposure to them are discussed below.
We contract for production with third parties primarily in Asia and South and Central America. While these contracts are stated in United States dollars, there can be no assurance that the cost for the future production of our products will not be affected by exchange rate fluctuations between the United States dollar and the local currencies of these contractors. Due to the number of currencies involved, we cannot quantify the potential impact of future currency fluctuations on net income (loss) in future years. In order to manage this risk, we source products from approximately 140 vendors worldwide, providing us with flexibility in our production should significant fluctuations occur between the United States dollar and various local currencies. To date, such exchange fluctuations have not had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We do not hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk.
Our operating results are subject to risk from interest rate fluctuations on our Senior Credit Facility, which carries variable interest rates. As of January 3, 2009, our outstanding debt aggregated approximately $338.0 million, of which $182.7 million bore interest at a variable rate. An increase or decrease of 1% in the applicable rate would increase or decrease our annual interest cost by $1.8 million, exclusive of variable rate debt subject to our interest rate swap and collar agreements, and could have an adverse effect on our net income (loss) and cash flow.
We enter into various purchase order commitments with full-package suppliers. We can cancel these arrangements, although in some instances, we may be subject to a termination charge reflecting a percentage of work performed prior to cancellation. As we rely exclusively on our full-package global sourcing network, we could incur more of these termination charges, which could increase our cost of goods sold and have a material impact on our business.
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007, and December 30, 2006
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Carter's, Inc.:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Carter's, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(dollars in thousands, except for share data)
Accounts receivable, net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $5,167 in fiscal 2008 and $4,743 in fiscal 2007
Finished goods inventories, net
Property, plant, and equipment, net
Tradenames
Cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired
Licensing agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $13,840 in fiscal 2008 and $10,185 in fiscal 2007
Deferred debt issuance costs, net
$ 1,051,057 $ 974,668
Current maturities of long-term debt
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 56,352,111 and 57,663,315 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively
(7,318 ) 2,671
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
Intangible asset impairment (Note 2)
-- 154,886 --
Executive retirement charges (Note 16)
5,325 -- --
Facility write-down and closure costs (Note 15)
2,609 5,285 91
135,494 (6,009 ) 165,111
117,407 (29,088 ) 138,188
$ 75,058 $ (70,618 ) $ 87,220
Basic net income (loss) per common share
$ 1.33 $ (1.22 ) $ 1.50
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Non-cash intangible asset impairment charges
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash facility write-down and closure costs
2,609 2,450 --
Loss on disposal/sale of property, plant, and equipment
Income tax benefit from exercised stock options
(1,979 ) (9,630 ) 502
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
13,647 (9,092 ) (14,471 )
22,008 (31,906 ) (5,134 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(2,043 ) (1,404 ) (886 )
22,422 (13,721 ) 7,181
15,154 3,882 (11,936 )
183,623 51,987 88,224
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
-- 57 348
Payments on term loan
(3,503 ) (3,503 ) (85,000 )
Proceeds from revolving loan facility
-- 121,400 5,000
Payments on revolving loan facility
-- (121,400 ) (5,000 )
(33,637 ) (57,467 ) --
852 3,039 2,390
113,337 (19,533 ) (15,731 )
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
paid-in
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)
Total stockholders'
$ 289 $ 260,414 $ (2,749 ) $ 1,354 $ 127,336 $ 386,644
Exercise of stock options (994,250 shares)
9 2,381 2,390
Stock-based compensation expense
Issuance of common stock (17,172 shares)
Reversal of deferred compensation (Note 6)
|
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We provide a 24x7 airport transfer service covering all major London airports and seaports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City and Luton airports and seaports including Dover, Tilbury and Harwich. Our meet and greet service means your mini cab driver will be waiting for you in the airport when you arrive in London.
We offers a wide range of Saloon, Estate and MPV minicabs and maintains regular and rigorous check of all its minicabs and drivers. Our mini cab drivers are very professional and polite, and will do their outmost to combine our prompt cab service with the most comfortable and safe journey.
|
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Twitter merger and acquisition rumours rampant
10 Feb 201161 Views
Companies such as Facebook and Google are showing a growing interest in purchasing Twitter with an estimated valuation of $8bn to $10bn.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Google Inc, Facebook Inc and other companies have held meetings with Twitter, discussing the possible acquisition of the company. The company had estimated revenue of $100m and $110m in 2011. Twitter only made revenue of $45m in 2010 due to expenditure on hiring and data centre.
Co-founder of Twitter, Evan Williams, and Dick Costolo, the chief executive, have both previously sold companies to Google.
A Twitter spokesman however, refused to discuss its finances or the valuations and interest by other companies. Google and Facebook also remained quiet on the subject.
Twitter, which was created in 2006, has 200m users and only introduced advertising last year. Promoted Trends, a new Twitter ad service, has been selling out its inventory every day.
Ethan Kurzweil of venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners stated, "Are these prices justifiable based on financial multiples? No."
He also added, "But these start-ups are building social services and have lots of data about their users" and "the market is valuing that mightily right now."
Public offering has become increasing popular, with the internet music service Pandora Media Inc planning a $100m public offering. These high valuations have sparked other start-ups to explore public offerings.
The recent offering of $315m by AOL to purchase The Huffington Post, along with the previous successes of online start-ups such as Facebook and Groupon Inc, have given hope to Twitter, with hopes of transforming into a $100bn company.
Debra Aho Williamson, an eMarketer analyst, commented on Twitter's success with advertising.
"The company is having great ad-sales momentum right now, but we still think they need to do something big to increase usage and get more people seeing and interacting with tweets.
"Most of their advertisers are just experimenting at this point; the challenge will be to get those advertisers to come back and buy more," she said.
Related: Twitter, advertising, Groupon, internet, Facebook, LinkedIn, Dick Costolo, M&As, social media
How on Earth did 540m Facebook users' details end up on public servers?
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Informing, entertaining and connecting the world
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Keeps files safe, synced and easy to share
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Facebook to prevent ad targeting based on race, sex and age
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