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The former Fannie Mae accountant who raised questions about the mortgage giant's bookkeeping said Wednesday that he took his concerns directly to chief executive Franklin Raines in 2002 and asked him to investigate.
The disclosure by Roger Barnes, who left Fannie Mae last November, came as Raines and chief financial officer Timothy Howard defended the company's accounting and told Congress that regulators' allegations of earnings manipulation represent an interpretation of complex rules.
The regulators have said that information provided by Barnes was important to their investigation of the government-sponsored company's accounting.
"I urged Mr. Raines and Mr. Howard to investigate the issues identified," Barnes said in written testimony submitted for a hearing by the House Financial Services subcommittee that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, its smaller rival in the multitrillion-dollar home mortgage market.
"Neither Mr. Raines nor Mr. Howard, nor anyone from their staffs, investigated these concerns or took corrective action," he said. "Thus, the practices I had identified continued, and I faced continuing reprisal for raising concerns about these issues."
Barnes, who was a manager in the Controller's Division, said that he anonymously sent the two executives a memo on Sept. 23, 2002, calling himself a Finance Division Manager. The information he provided was "easily traceable" to him because he was among only a handful of managers who had detailed data on the company's process for accounting for expenses over time, said Barnes.
At Fannie Mae, he said, "The atmosphere and culture, particularly within the Controller's Division, is one of intimidation, restraint of dissenting opinions and pressure to be part of the 'team,"' giving Raines and Howard the numbers they sought to please the markets.
Raines and Howard were making their first public appearance since news of the allegations and a Securities and Exchange Commission inquiry into government-sponsored Fannie Mae surfaced on Sept. 22.
"These accounting standards are highly complex and require determinations over which experts often disagree," Raines said in testimony prepared for his appearance before the panel.
In his written testimony, Raines noted that Fannie Mae's outside auditor, KPMG, had endorsed the company's application of accounting rules.
Some of the findings by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight "involve highly detailed issues that I would not normally focus on in my role as CEO," Raines said.
OFHEO Director Armando Falcon, testifying under oath at the hearing, asserted that Fannie Mae improperly put off booking income to a future reporting period "to create a 'cookie jar' reserve that it could dip into whenever it best served the interests of senior management." Those interests included smoothing out volatility in earnings from quarter to quarter and meeting earnings-per-share targets linked to bonuses for executives, Falcon said.
Raines disputed the regulators' allegation that in one instance in 1998, accounting rules were deliberately violated so that top executives could get full bonuses.
"This is a serious allegation, and we strongly disagree with it," said Raines.
Lawmakers have cited his assurances to investors a little over a year ago that Fannie Mae, which finances one of every five home loans in America, had not "undertaken any transactions to distort our true financial condition."
Raines and Howard have been put on the defensive by a recent government report that criticized Fannie Mae's "culture and environment" for making "these problems possible." The Washington-based company, which is the second-largest financial institution in the United States, is also facing a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
OFHEO has singled out Howard for blame in the scandal, saying in a report of the regulators' ongoing investigation that he failed to provide adequate oversight.
In his prepared testimony, Howard said, "All of my judgments regarding accounting issues were made in openness and good faith, with the goal of providing investors with the most meaningful and understandable information possible."
No specific finger has been pointed at Raines, a prominent Washington and business figure who was a White House budget director under President Clinton. Regulators have raised the possibility of a management overhaul, however.
It is "difficult to assert ... confidence" in management's ability to change the company's culture and operations, OFHEO's Falcon told the Fannie Mae board last month.
Fannie Mae shares have tumbled 17 percent in recent weeks, and some in Congress and on Wall Street have called for the removal of Raines and other senior executives.
As CEO, Raines certified in writing the accuracy of Fannie Mae's financial results, so he would have violated a law — enacted in response to the 2002 corporate scandals — had he been aware of the accounting irregularities when he signed off.
In mid-2003, after the accounting scandal erupted at Freddie Mac, Raines said his company didn't "have any of the same issues" and hadn't "undertaken any transactions to distort our true financial condition."
Freddie Mac restated some $4.5 billion in earnings last year, ousted top executives and was fined a record $125 million in a settlement with regulators.
The result of the inquiries by Congress and the government could eventually ripple out to millions of Americans if they have to pay higher rates for new home mortgages or for refinancing, some analysts say. Those could be among the consequences if Fannie Mae is required to scale back its purchases of mortgages and forced to pay higher rates on its nearly $1 trillion in debt held by investors in the United States and worldwide.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while not directly guaranteed by the government, have special privileges including the ability to borrow directly from the U.S. Treasury. In return, they are charged with enabling more low-income and minority people to buy homes.
The implicit links with the government allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to typically borrow money at lower rates than the competition. Those funds are then used to purchase and guarantee billions of dollars of mortgages from banks, many of which are then packaged into securities that are resold on Wall Street.


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I visited Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg on Easter Sunday. It was a lovely day for it; sunny but not too hot. They also had the best peach ice cream I've ever had.
|Flower-painted highways of Texas
|Old (un)covered wagon
|The Wildseed Farms windmill. Notice the Texas flag in bluebonnets?
|Windmill from the other side
|Maroon bluebonnets
|White bluebonnets! Strange...
|The central courtyard at Wildseed Farms
|courtyard again
|more courtyard
|more courtyard
|more courtyard
|fountain in corner of courtyard
|a cat in the sun
|Fiery bougainvilleas
|Lots of flowers for sale
|Pretty pansies
|Bluebonnets and poppies
|fields of flowers
|more fields of flowers
|yellow poppies
|red poppies
|LOTs of red poppies!
|me in the poppies
|fields of bluebonnets
|a rock fountain
|water lilies
|pretty flowers!

subset: commoncrawl


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The long-running ABBA musical Mamma Mia! has set dates for its previously announced move to the Broadhurst Theatre. The musical will play its final performance at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 19 and resume performances at the Broadhurst on November 2. A musical adaptation of Rocky is scheduled to begin performances at the Winter Garden in February 2014.
Featuring music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and a book by Catherine Johnson, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie Sheridan (Laurie Veldheer), who invites three possible dads to walk her down the aisle at her wedding—unbeknownst to her mother, Donna (Judy McLane). Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Mamma Mia! opened October 18, 2001, at the Winter Garden Theatre, after premiering at London's Prince Edward Theatre in 1999.
In addition to Veldheer and McLane, Mamma Mia! stars Felicia Finley as Tanya, Zak Resnick as Sky, Lauren Cohn as Rosie, Aaron Lazar as Sam Carmichael, Graham Rowat as Harry Bright, Daniel Cooney as Bill Austin, Jacob Pinion as Pepper, Thomasina E. Gross as Lisa, Traci Victoria as Ali and Albert Guerzon as Eddie. Mamma Mia! also features Deanna Aguinaga, Sydni Beaudoin, Timothy Booth, Natalie Bradshaw, Felicity Claire, Allyson Carr, Mark Dancewicz, Stacia Fernandez, Adrienne Jean Fisher, Jon-Erik Goldberg, Tony Gonzalez, John Hemphill, Bryan Scott Johnson, Paul Heesang Miller, Christopher Hudson Myers, Corinne Melancon, Jennifer Noth, Elena Ricardo, Gerard Salvador, Lauren Sambataro, Leah Zepel and Blake Whyte.


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Ecological Sanitation in Uganda: Promotion through Demonstration Facilities and Potential for Ascaris Reduction by Free Ammonia Inactivation Using Stored Urine
Graduation Year
Document Type
Degree Name
MS in Environmental Engr. (M.S.E.V.)
Environmental Engineering
Degree Granting Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Major Professor
Sarina J. Ergas, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
James R. Mihelcic, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Nancy Y. Romero-Daza, Ph.D.
Urine-Diverting Dry Toilets, pathogen reduction, A. lumbricoides, sustainability, East Africa
As Uganda works to transform itself into an industrialized, middle-income country in the coming decades, the country is faced with a number of problematic trends that could hinder this transition. High population growth and urbanization are quickly forcing small towns to deal with issues of limited space and the aesthetic conditions within sanitation systems, while declining soil fertility in surrounding rural areas calls into question the future nutritional security of the growing population. Ecological Sanitation (Eco-San) systems, which are designed to recover nutrients from human excreta, may help to address these trends.
Improved sanitation coverage in Uganda is currently estimated to be 34%, with most people using either improved or unimproved pit latrines. Eco-San systems, especially Urine-Diverting Dry Toilets (UDDTs, also referred to as composting toilets), have been promoted in the country, but uptake has been slow. Additionally, while UDDTs generally treat human feces to a greater degree than pit latrines and composting toilets (another type of Eco-San system), concerns have been raised as to the inactivation of environmentally persistent pathogens, such as Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. This research focused on two potential solutions to the issues of effective promotion and Ascaris inactivation, evaluating them in the context of Kalisizo, a small town in southern Uganda.
Demonstration facilities have been reported to effectively convince local stakeholders of the benefits and advantages of UDDTs, thereby increasing long-term uptake of the technology in the surrounding community. However, an unresolved question concerns whether these facilities should be installed in household or institutional settings. The initial effects of demonstration facilities constructed at local primary schools in Kalisizo were evaluated by assessing local knowledge and attitudes regarding UDDTs, both before installation and after several months of operation, through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. In general, this promotion strategy proved to be successful. After installation, students exhibited a marked increase in knowledge regarding these facilities and their benefits, and opinions were strongly positive. These changes were seen in users of the facilities as well as non-users, and students expressed clear acceptance of using the products of the toilets to fertilize crops. The introduction of an improved sanitation system at the schools also appears to have sparked other improvements related to sanitation and hygiene. In the future, it is likely that students will be compelling representatives for UDDTs within their households and communities.
Regarding the treatment of persistent pathogens, previous work has demonstrated that the elevation of free ammonia levels to levels that can inactivate Ascaris eggs can be achieved through the urea addition. In this research, use of stored urine as an ammonia source for treatment of fecal products from UDDTs in Uganda was investigated. Mixtures of stored urine, fecal products from UDDTs, and wood ash were prepared, and treatment conditions (pH, temperature, ammonia concentration) were compared to the results of previous Ascaris inactivation studies to determine whether this strategy would be a feasible and effective treatment alternative. Results indicated that a volumetric mixture containing two parts stored urine and one part fecal products could provide 4-log1¬0 inactivation of Ascaris eggs after five months of indoor storage or after three months of outdoor storage. This strategy could improve the safety of recovered products while maintaining their agricultural value. Social acceptance of the treatment system appears to be possible with proper education efforts, and a cost comparison showed that this system may be more economically favorable than typical double-vault UDDTs.
Scholar Commons Citation
Trimmer, John Thomas, "Ecological Sanitation in Uganda: Promotion through Demonstration Facilities and Potential for Ascaris Reduction by Free Ammonia Inactivation Using Stored Urine" (2015). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.


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Eighty-three farm & ranch families honored for a century on the land
Farm and ranch families who have owned their land for a century or more were honored this year at the South Dakota State Fair, receiving a Century or Quasquicentennial Farm award from the South Dakota Farm Bureau.
This year, 58 families were honored with the Century award for 100 years of ownership and 25 were honored with the Quasquicentennial award for 125 years of family ownership. More than 50 of the families were able to be in attendance for the awards ceremony. Each had the opportunity to say a few words about their farm or ranch and enjoy fellowship and a meal provided by Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. A few families were interviewed on camera for www.agamerica.tv, a new web-based television channel featuring the people of agriculture.
Since the program began in 1984, South Dakota Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture have recognized more than 2,700 farm and ranch families with these awards. To be recognized, at least 80 acres of the original land must still be owned by the same family, and they must be able to provide proof of the original date of purchase.
Helpful links:
View the 2013 recipients' names here
View the families' photos here
View Dept. of Ag maps showing each family's location
Visit the "Agriculture's Lasting Heritage" website to upload your family's Century Farm/Ranch location, stories & photos


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In the spiritual sequel to our Man Crushes episode, Kay from Fangirl Blog takes over the hosting duties along with an all-woman panel to talk about woman crushes. Hear Kay, Jen Usellis Mackay, Stacey Rader and new guest Kelly Knox talk about current woman crushes as well as those who have passed, those who are cartoons and an assortment of other categories.
Nerd Lunch Podcast 220: Woman Crushes
2 Comments
Hi Chad,
I'm sorry this episode disappointed you. I personally found the panel for this special episode fun to listen to and I enjoyed what they had to say. I got to learn about some really cool women, both the panelists and the ladies they talked about.
We do share this show with the public and appreciate feedback, but ultimately, we do this podcast for ourselves first. We wanted to showcase these friends of ours and let our audience get to hear a different take than what the normal Nerd Lunch crew usually offers.
I should warn you now, next week's show is a bit different, too, but it's one I'm really excited about.
Not every episode is going to be a hit with everybody. And over the course of 220 shows we've experimented from time to time with new ideas and new approaches. I think we're allowed that at this point.
I don't begrudge you turning off the episode if it wasn't your cup of tea. Though I don't know why you felt the need to come publicly let us know that in this way. You said you didn't want to be rude, but it certainly comes across that way. Especially since it's the first time that I recall you communicating with us. (I apologize if you have before and I don't remember.)
Not to be rude, but this was so boring I had to shut it off. I actually started falling asleep on the highway. It didn't have any of the fun of a normal NerdLunch episode.


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There are some essential tips which aspiring artist should know before they just try and make it professional. Just because you have creative skill to make a perception and moods of using sound, colors and light – it does not mean that you have what it makes to be an artist. The fact, being creative and talented is rarely an advantage. Become professional artists as same as the tenacity and talent.
It takes a lot of concerns, impressive commitment and skill level – with a bit of luck combination. This is not easy at all, but it is not impossible p especially if you know what to expect when you first time starting your career.
Describe your point
No matter what type of artists you are, this is always better to make a quick sketch to articulate your point visually. You are able to consider yourself as a professional first. If someone asks you to get a concept example or champagne and giving you with a paper and pen, then you have to take that notepad and start to draw your idea confidently. Even if you are a computer animator, a sculptor, a fashion designer, having a basic to make visual illustration quickly from ideas that give you the credibility that you need.
Put yourself with a hot brand
You should know that marketing is necessary, especially in this crowded environment such as art. There are millions of people who claimed as artists. They have their own big aspiration and portfolio. What they do not have is a clear brand. You have to evaluate your skill, expertise and make your own branding decision.
Make your freelance regularly
You might prefer having one steady job and high-paying job, such as designers, illustrator and so on. It would be great if get two monthly payments from your company, having health insurance and paid off your days off. Unluckily, there are more people like you and compete for that one steady job. Instead of waiting for an opportunity from the sky, then this is always better to make out your opportunity. One of the best ways is freelance as much as you can.
Show off your portfolio in online and offline platforms
Each serious artists need a good portfolio. If you consider yourself as a professional, you have to plan and design your professional portfolio in both the web and your traditional books as well. Your books should be in a good presentation.


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Injustice 2November 14th, 2017
PlatformPC (also available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
PublisherWB Games
DeveloperNetherRealm Studios, QLOC
Criminals commit crimes. That's sort of why they're criminals, it's right there in the word. But just because someone has taken a few wrong turns in their life, doesn't mean the rest of their life should be condemned. Removing someone's freedom permanently doesn't teach a lesson, it just breeds contempt - same goes for the death penalty, too. Most of the human civilization has already come to this conclusion, but one particular alien, Superman, hasn't cottoned on yet. Killing criminals is unjust, Superman. In fact, it's Injustice.
Batman knows, at least, and that's why he and Superman went to war. Batman lost his sidekick, and many members of the Justice League turned their backs on, well, justice, and turned to massacring criminals straight out of their cells. Not sure how killing a bunch of people who were already locked up would help crime rates, Superman. You didn't think this through very well. Years have passed since the Justice League fell, Superman is locked in some sort of high energy containment field, but that doesn't mean things have returned to normal - Gorilla Grodd and his society are just the first to move to disrupt peace once again, while Brainiac watches the chaos unfold from on high.
The whole story mode, while not groundbreaking, is exactly the sort of fun, entertaining romp that NetherRealm Studios are known for at this point. Cinematics look great, although playing Injustice 2 PC does highlight some compression, and the pre-rendered cutscenes look slightly less crisp than actual gameplay. Not really an issue on a 1080p screen, but if you have a high resolution TV or monitor, you might spot some signs of aging.
Story mode has a similar issue with framerate, where both pre-rendered cinematics and the flashy animations for supers are capped at 30FPS, despite the fact that gameplay runs at a solid 60FPS but not any further than that. Yes, that does mean that those of you with high refresh rate monitors are out of luck with this game as Injustice 2 PC doesn't care how many Hz your display can pump out - it's not going above 60FPS anyway. The game oddly detects high refresh rate monitors, and in the options panel you can push the Hz up to 144Hz, but the framerate won't actually go any higher no matter what you might do. A solid 60FPS is recommended for online play, and the game will even benchmark your settings before letting you online, so it might be related to how online games sync up server side. Regardless, 60FPS really is both the minimum and maximum framerate you want to see during gameplay, which is certainly a disappointment for several fans. It would have been particularly interesting to see if the combat system benefited from the extra smoothness.
Still, the good news is that the game is well optimized and won't require mighty hardware to run. It also looks great and supports a few different anti-aliasing techniques to choose from (FXAA, TAA and a mix of the two) as well as HDR10 displays.
It's been a few months since the game released on consoles and now with Injustice 2 PC, you can also pick up the latest DLC characters. Hellboy, Raiden, Sub Zero, Starfire and Black Manta are all available to grab depending on which edition of the game you pick up, and they're loads of fun. Of course Raiden and Sub Zero are making the move over from the Mortal Kombat series and the feature some mesmerizing supers - Raiden's being a particular favorite of mine. The DLC roster isn't complete yet either, with some truly exciting characters on the horizon (Turtles, anyone?).
Just as in the console releases, you'll be fighting opponents online and collecting Mother Boxes to earn new gear and customise your characters. Just as in Tekken 7 earlier this year, customising your characters is fun and feels rewarding, but unlike Tekken 7, you'll be playing the game for hours before you manage to earn a complete armor set for one of your characters. The ability to change the color scheme of everything you currently have equipped is a nice addition, but a frustration that remains from the console version of the game is having to level up characters before you're able to actually use the gear you've earned for them. Once you've got one high level character it's not a concern, but feels like a time-wasting frustration until that point.
Of course, the most important part of Injustice 2 is the combat, and it's still just as good as it was on console - Injustice 2 PC even detects both DirectInput and XInput controllers, too, so those of you with either PlayStation or Xbox arcade sticks or pads can still plug in and use them comfortably (though you might need to remap some of your buttons initially). Combat feels weighty; jumping through the air makes you feel like you'll crash down hard when you land, heavy hits which blow characters across the screen feel satisfying to connect, and those entertaining stage transitions and hazards make each stage more than just a fancy background, but actually something you can interact with.
That's not to say Injustice's combat is perfect, though. The newbie-friendly Light/Medium/Heavy buttons make it simple for new players to jump straight in and start connecting combos, while the Character button gives a specific move which requires a degree of mastery of each character in order to use properly. It's a decent system, but it's difficult for new players to truly judge what sort of attacks they're going up against. Overhead moves come out too fast and it's tough to judge what counts as a low for many characters. But ultimately, these are the sorts of things that prolonged play will adjust you to - the question is whether or not you actually want to spend such a long time adjusting.
Review code provided by the publisher. You may purchase Injustice 2 PC at a discount via Green Man Gaming.
Injustice 2 on PC is a great version of a wonderful fighter and love letter to the DC universe, but some PC players will find the capped framerate to be a disappointment. Despite that, Injustice 2 plays great and looks better thanks to the higher resolutions available on the PC version. If you're a DC or fighting game fan and have the hardware to output this on High settings, it's a worthwhile investment.
- Looks fantastic on higher resolutions
- Accepts DirectInput and Xinput pads
- Fun to play online
- Capped framerate (60 FPS during gameplay, 30 during menus and cutscenes)


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Dina Parise – 2015 IHRA Pro Mod Champion!
Congratulations to longtime SCE Gaskets customer Dina Parise who was recently crowned 2015 IHRA Pro Mod Champion. Dina debuted her all new Cadillac bodied Pro Mod — affectionately named "Stella" — at the April 2015 Nitro-Jam in Bradenton, FL and promptly swept up the field of competitors notching wins and runner-up finishes along the way. We're pleased to have been on-board for Dina's 2015 Championship run!


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The Latest: US shipping 488,000 vaccine doses to Rwanda
WASHINGTON — The United States this week is shipping the first vaccine doses of the 500 million COVID-19 global sharing commitment it made at the Group of Seven summit in June.
The U.S. is sending 488,370 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Rwanda, of which 188,370 come as the first batch of the half-billion dose order placed by the U.S. to share with lower and moderate-income countries.
The White House says the balance of the doses will come from existing U.S. surplus of shots.
The U.S. has already shared more than 110 million surplus doses this summer. The Pfizer order is expected to make available at least 200 million doses through the end of this year to be donated around the world, with 300 million more delivered in the first half of 2022.
The announcement comes as the U.S. is expected to recommend a third dose of the mRNA vaccines for all ages, approximately 8 months after the second dose, to boost protection against the coronavirus.
— Sources: U.S. to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters at 8 months
— New Zealand to enter lockdown after single virus case found
— Among France's poorest, once-lagging vaccine rates jump
— Mask disputes, outbreaks make for rocky start of U.S. school year
— Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida's largest school district will likely require students to wear face masks when classrooms open next week, following the recommendation of a task force of medical experts and defying Gov. Ron DeSantis's ban on mandatory face mask rules.
The Miami-Dade County School Board is expected to approve the measure on Wednesday. "My mind is pretty made up on the way to move forward," Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.
Students in neighboring Broward County will be wearing masks when they return for the fall semester on Wednesday. People in both districts have been keeping an eye on the Tampa area, where classes started last week. The Hillsborough County School Board, which has not required masks in classrooms, scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday to discuss additional protections against COVID-19.
NEW YORK — Americans cut back on spending last month as a surge in COVID-19 cases kept people away from stores.
Retail sales fell a seasonal adjusted 1.1% in July from the month before, the U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was a much larger drop than the 0.3% decline Wall Street analysts had expected.
The report is the first glimpse into whether a surge in COVID-19 cases in July has kept people from heading out to shop. According to Tuesday's report, spending fell at stores that sell clothing, furniture and sporting goods.
The Commerce Department reported even online sales have started to stall, falling 3.1% from the month before. Companies have reported a slowdown after astronomical growth last year as people stayed home and shopped more online during the pandemic.
Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, said online sales grew 13% in its most recent quarter, the company's smallest quarterly online sales growth in two years.
AMSTERDAM — The European Medicines Agency says it is deciding whether a third dose of coronavirus vaccines will be needed, in light of U.S. regulators considering booster shots.
The EU drug regulator says it's "engaging with vaccine developers" to coordinate submission of the necessary data and says it is aware numerous European countries are considering giving booster shots to their already immunized populations.
"At this stage, EMA has not yet determined if and when a booster dose for COVID-19 vaccines will be needed," the agency said in an email. "Further data from companies marketing the vaccines are expected in the coming weeks and EMA will be reviewing the product information on that basis."
The regulator says it was already working with other European health officials, including national immunization groups "in case booster doses may become necessary." It said it was waiting to assess real-world effectiveness data from Europe and other regions. Countries, including Israel and France, have recently begun giving third doses to some people whose immunity may have faded.
The World Health Organization has urged rich countries to hold off administering third doses so unvaccinated populations can get immunized.
TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has officially expanded and extended the nation's coronavirus state of emergency as government advisers recommend legal changes that would allow penalties for violations.
The measures, approved by a government task force, add seven prefectures to the six areas already under a state of emergency and extend it to Sept. 12.
Ten other prefectures were put under a "quasi-emergency," bringing about two-thirds of the nation under some form of emergency. Hospitals have been stretched thin and some seriously sick people have been turned away. The government has taken pride in avoiding compulsory measures or a lockdown, but some experts and critics are wondering if voluntary measures are enough.
The emergency measures center around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. and not serve alcohol. Under the latest measures, department stores and shopping malls will be asked to restrict the number of customers to reduce crowding.
Requests remain in place for people to work from home, but some bosses require staff to work in the office. Commuter trains and Tokyo streets remain crowded, although most people wears masks.
Tokyo has been the worst hit, with 4,377 new cases recorded on Tuesday.
PRAGUE — The schools in the Czech Republic will open the school year with a series of testing for the coronavirus.
Health Minister Adam Vojtech says the schoolchildren will undergo three tests on Sept. 1, which starts the school year, and again on Sept. 6 and Sept. 9.
Those who refuse testing will be required to wear face coverings in classes.
In one of the hardest-hit European countries, the Czech schools were closed most of the last school year. They fully reopened on May 24, just week before the summer break began on July 1.
WASHINGTON — U.S. health experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot.
The goal is to ensure protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country. That's according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
An announcement was expected as soon as this week, with doses beginning to be administered widely once the Food and Drug Administration formally approves the vaccines. That action is expected for the Pfizer shot in the coming weeks.
Among the first to receive them could be health care workers, nursing home residents and other older Americans, who were some of the first Americans to be vaccinated last December.
Global health officials, including the World Health Organization, have called on wealthier and more-vaccinated countries to hold off on booster shots to ensure the supply of first doses for people in the developing world.
— By Zeke Miller
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand has detected its first community transmission of the coronavirus in months, triggering urgent meetings among top lawmakers.
Health officials say the positive case was found in Auckland on Tuesday afternoon and has no known link to outside the country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has promised a tough approach, including possible lockdowns, for any outbreaks of the delta variant as New Zealand continues to pursue a zero-tolerance approach toward the virus.
The last community outbreak was in February and New Zealand has reported just 26 virus deaths since the start of the pandemic.
HONG KONG — Hong Kong will tighten entry restrictions for travelers arriving from the United States and 14 other countries beginning Friday, increasing the quarantine period to 21 days.
Previously, the 15 countries, which also includes Malaysia, Thailand, France and the Netherlands, were classified as medium risk, and travelers served only seven days of quarantine if they were fully vaccinated.
A resurgence of coronavirus cases in these countries due to the delta variant has led to Hong Kong's about-face. The change comes after a domestic worker who returned to Hong Kong from the U.S. this month tested positive for the coronavirus despite receiving two shots of vaccine.
SYDNEY — Australia's most populous state has reported its third-highest daily count of coronavirus infections in the pandemic, and the government leader says the spread of the delta variant in Sydney has not yet peaked.
There were 452 new infections reported in New South Wales on Tuesday, down from 475 on Monday and 466 on Saturday.
An unvaccinated woman in her 70s had died in a Sydney hospital Monday, bringing the death from the outbreak discovered in mid-June to 53.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she expects daily infections counts to remain high. She adds "our challenge is to make sure that we keep vaccination rates up."
About half New South Wales's population has had at least one injection of the two-shot Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. The government wants 80% of the population fully vaccinated before it eases Sydney's lockdown, which began on June 26.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama's intensive care units are near capacity amid the state's surge in COVID-19 cases.
The head of the Alabama Hospital Association says the state has 1,562 intensive care unit beds and 1,560 patients needing intensive care Monday. Dr. Don Williamson says that "this is the greatest demand on the ICU system we've ever had."
Alabama has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus and the state's low vaccination rate. Infections and hospitalization numbers are quickly approaching what they were at the winter peak of the pandemic.
Williamson says COVID-19 patients accounted for 48% of Alabama's ICU patients Monday. He says the overwhelming majority are unvaccinated.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Another local government in South Carolina is joining the state capital in requiring masks in schools despite a state budget proviso that bans districts from doing so without risking funding.
The Richland County Council voted Monday evening to mandate masks for students and for educators who work with children ages 2 through 14 in public and private schools and at day care centers. The ordinance says schools aren't required to use public funds to provide face coverings.
Columbia's city government already made masks mandatory for schoolchildren too young to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Columbia's mayor has said the measure relies on local funds, not state appropriations.
Education groups are pushing for state lawmakers to repeal the state budget provision that went into effect July 1 and prohibits South Carolina educational institutions from using appropriated funds to mandate masks.
ATLANTA — At least 10 Georgia school districts or charter schools have sent all students home because of exposure to the coronavirus, including Screven County.
Those districts have more than 26,000 students combined, about 1.5% of the statewide public school enrollment.
Some other districts have sent students home from individual schools, and thousands of students and teachers have been quarantined after two weeks of school for many Georgia districts.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming's governor says the state will not return to a statewide mask order or mandate vaccination against the coronavirus despite a resurgence of the virus.
Gov. Mark Gordon imposed a statewide mask mandate in December and lifted it in March. He says mandates can cause some people to resist wearing masks.
Gordon also says he doesn't expect any shutdowns like the public health orders that forced many Wyoming businesses and public places to close or limit occupancy through much of 2020 and into 2021.
Coronavirus infections are back up to levels not seen in Wyoming since January. Becker's Hospital Review says Wyoming has one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates of about 37%.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas health officials say they asked for five mortuary trailers from the federal government as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations for COVID-19 reach the highest levels since January.
But the Texas Department of State Health Services also says no local officials so far have reached out with needs for extra mortuary space.
Texas reported more than 11,700 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, a 17% increase from a week ago. The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 deaths is also back above 50 for the first time since spring.
There have been 52,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths in Texas.
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina health officials say medically vulnerable residents with certain health conditions can get an additional dose of coronavirus vaccine, though some have already had a third shot after the FDA approved that last week.
The FDA signed off on the additional dose after emerging data suggested people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems do not necessarily build the same level of immunity as others.
Data from the state Department of Health and Human Services shows that coronavirus infections and hospitalizations for COVID-19 are at their worst levels in more than six months.
HONOLULU — Some private schools in Hawaii are mandating coronavirus vaccination for students, faculty and staff.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser says Parker School in Waimea on the Big Island will require all employees and eligible students to be vaccinated by Oct. 1. The coeducational day school will test all students and employees for the virus before the school year. It plans to provide weekly testing while infection rates remain high on the Big Island.
In Honolulu, the 'Iolani School is requiring all eligible students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated or seek a health or religious exemption. A spokeswoman says the school's faculty and staff already have a 99% vaccination rate, while eligible students in grades 7 to 12 are at 95%. Younger students aren't eligible for the shots.
JERUSALEM — Israel says more than 1 million people over age 50 have received a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Israel began offering the boosters to its older population two weeks ago, becoming the first country in the world using a Western vaccine to do so.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Monday that more than half of the target population has now received a booster shot.
Israel was one of the world's leaders in vaccinating its population early this year, using the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. But it has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks spread largely by the delta variant of the coronavirus.
Tthe World Health Organization has said it would be better to provide vaccines to poorer countries that have not yet inoculated their people.


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Florida's floodwater is full of bacteria.
In the wake of hurricane Irma, more than 28 million gallons of treated and untreated sewage spilled into 22 counties across the state, according to pollution reports filed with the state's Department of Environmental Protection.
To put it simply, "the sewage conveyance systems aren't working the way they were designed to work," Rachel Noble, a professor of marine biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Business Insider.
Bacteria from poop can cause diarrhea once they enter the stomach. As disgusting as that sounds, it isn't the biggest health threat facing Floridians after the storm, Noble said.
"As long as people are not eating and drinking items that have been in floodwater and they're following any boil advisories for municipal water sources, they should be okay with washing hands and regular hygiene," she said.
Instead, she is worried about another microbe that poses more serious risks called Vibrio.
Unlike fecal bacteria that make you sick only when ingested, Vibrio bacteria pose a rare but potentially deadly risk to anyone with an open wound. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, five people died and 22 lost limbs as a result of Vibrio infections. The microbes thrive in the open ocean, but storms and floods sweep them into urban areas where they can pose unforeseen risks to people.
"For Vibrio, open wounds and scrapes are a major concern. If people with those are exposed to floodwaters and things that came in contact with flood waters, they need to be vigilant about red infection wounds with cellulitis, they need to be seen, and they need to not sleep on the wounds," Noble said. "These things can progress over a 10 hour period to a point of no return requiring amputation."
Noble recommended that anyone who came into direct contact with floodwater and is experiencing infection-like symptoms keep a close eye on any open wounds. She advises looking out for any areas that get "hot and angry," or red and raised. Symptoms like fever and chills can also be a warning sign for Vibrio infection, she said.
Other floodwater contamination risks include industrial chemicals and solvents, as well as tetanus, an infection caused by bacteria in soil, dust, and manure that can enter the body via a cut or puncture wound.
Richard Bradley, the chief of emergency medical services and disaster medicine at the University of Texas' McGovern Medical School, told Time that because the bacterial count in floodwater gets so high, the chance of getting a skin infection is serious.
"Floodwater mixes with everything below it," he said. "If it covers a field with pesticides, it picks up the pesticides. It can also carry animal waste from fields and forests."
Yet another problem in flooded areas is unexpected wildlife, since snakes, insects, and other wild animals can be drawn to the water or swept up in it.
"Storm activity definitely increases the potential for snakebite as the snakes get flooded out and seek higher ground," Bryan Fry, an expert on venomous snakes at the University of Queensland in Australia, told The Washington Post.
Other dangers persist even after floodwaters recede, since wet environments in houses and buildings are ideal for mold. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, close to half of all inspected homes had visible mold, according to the CDC. Mosquitoes and other pests are also attracted to standing water.
Regardless of where you are, the ways to keep yourself safe are the same: ensure you've gotten your vaccinations, wash your hands frequently, and let your doctor know if you have any cuts or open wounds that have come into contact with potentially dangerous water.


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Hey, just look at the following definitions:
Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is an enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the world.
Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions.
I would say Organic Synthesis is both Science and Art! Agree?


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The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians' Four Winds® Casinos are pleased to announce Chicago will perform at Four Winds New Buffalo's® Silver Creek® Event Center on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 9 p.m. Hotel and dinner packages are available on the night of the concert. Tickets can be purchased beginning Friday, July 27 at 11 a.m. ET exclusively through Ticketmaster®, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices for the show start at $99 plus applicable fees.
Four Winds New Buffalo is offering hotel and dinner packages along with tickets to the Chicago concert. The Hard Rock option is available for $572 and includes two concert tickets, a one-night hotel stay on Saturday, November 10 and a $50 gift card to Hard Rock Cafe® Four Winds. The Copper Rock option is available for $672 and includes two tickets to the performance, a one-night hotel stay on Saturday, November 10 and a $150 gift card to Copper Rock Steak House®. All hotel and dinner packages must be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Chicago, the legendary rock and roll band with horns ranked No. 9 in Billboard Magazine's list of Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists and the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades, kicked off their 2018 summer tour in June. This is the band's 51st consecutive year of touring. At each show, the band will play Chicago II in its entirety, along with their other greatest hits.
Chicago's lifetime achievements include two Grammy Awards, multiple American Music Awards, Founding Artists of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and keys to and proclamations from an impressive list of U.S. cities. Record sales top one million, and include 21 Top 10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, 11 No. 1 singles and five Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 36 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards.
Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was their first nomination. They've been eligible since 1994. Their first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2014. And Robert Lamm and James Pankow have become the latest inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. These legendary songwriters wrote mega-hits such as, "25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday In The Park," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day," "Make Me Smile," and many others.
To access high-resolution images of Chicago, click here.
About Four Winds New Buffalo's Silver Creek Event Center
Four Winds New Buffalo's Silver Creek Event Center is a 1,500 seat, modern, multi-use facility that is located adjacent to the casino floor, at 11111 Wilson Road. In addition to hosting concerts, the 17,000-sq. ft. event center is often reconfigured to host large meetings, special events, conferences and banquets. Details on concerts and other performances at Silver Creek Event Center are available at http://www.fourwindscasino.com/newbuffalo/silvercreek_ent.php.
Reservations and Information
To make a hotel reservation at Four Winds New Buffalo or for more information on Four Winds New Buffalo, Four Winds Hartford®, Four Winds Dowagiac® or Four Winds South Bend®, please call 1 (866)-4WINDS1, (866) 494-6371 or visit www.fourwindscasino.com. Additionally, be sure to like Four Winds on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/fourwindscasino and follow on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/fourwindscasino for information on the latest offers and promotions.
Media Contacts:
Melinda Pierce, Big Idea Company, (574) 257-4332, email@example.com
Jill Klinedinst, Big Idea Company, (574) 257-4332, firstname.lastname@example.com


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1 – Egyptians used honey a lot. We know that because honey is listed as an ingredient in around 900 Egyptian medical recipes. Many Egyptian medicines contained a mix of honey, wine and milk. Egyptians also offered honey as a sacrifice to the gods. In addition, honey played a major role in embalming the dead.
2 – Everybody knows Gregor Mendel for his studies on the rules of heredity. We cannot say the same about his work as a beekeeper. Unfortunately, there is not much left of his research in this field. What we do know is that the bees of his hives were of a particularly aggressive kind. Eventually, monks of the monastery he lived in asked him to deal with them permanently.
3 – The lifespan of a worker bee depends on many variables – temperature, species, nutrition, etc. – the most important being the time of the year. The majority of the workload of a worker bee happens during the summer. That is why in this season a worker bee will not last more than two months, whereas a worker bee born in September or October will make it to the end of the winter. Queen bees, on the contrary, can live up to 5 years.
4 – Once the queen bee grows old, the same worker bees she brought to the world – the very same bees that provided her with food for all her life – kill her. They accomplish this task by clustering around her so tightly that her body temperature raises. Finally, she dies for lack of air and a new queen takes her place.
5 – There was a time when most believed the queen bee to be a king. Fortunately, research work by XVII-century Dutch biologist and entomologist Jam Swammerdam proved such belief to be wrong. He explained this through a series of anatomical descriptions. The king had ovaries, and he was the only one in the colony laying eggs too.
6 – Many cultures in different time periods share the concept of "honeymoon". For example, Nordic people celebrating weddings, among other things, used to perform the sumbel, a rite during which guests made speeches and drank ale and mead. After the wedding, husband and wife would spend the next month alone together drinking mead every day. Mead would be part of wedding celebrations in ancient Rome and in the Middle Ages too. In such times people would give it to the newlyweds as a present.
7 – High sugar content in honey prevents it from spoiling in a natural way, so it takes a very long time for it not to be good to eat anymore.
8 – It is not just honeybees eating pollen and nectar. In fact, there are around 20,000 species doing so and they constitute the superfamily apoidea. Insects' classification changed considerably over time and there is still a degree of uncertainty regarding links among families.
9 – A colony usually has between 50,000 and 60,000 bees. We must take into account this number varies a lot from one season to the next though. The queen bee stops laying eggs in winter, so during this season bees' number drops, whereas a colony can surpass 100,000 units between spring and summer.
10 – Bees have an extraordinary sense of smell. Los Alamos National Laboratory's scientists know this all too well. That is why they trained bees to recognize the smell of a number of explosives used recently in terroristic attacks. Training bees to perform this task takes only a couple of hours. Scientists got bees accustomed to extend their proboscis whenever they smell the given substance, which is first introduced to them in a mixture with sugary water.


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Weekly Wrap-Up #27 : Xiaomi Mi 6, Galaxy S8, Micromax Dual 5, Moto G5, Gionee A1 & More…..
Happy Monday everybody! If you have missed the tech happenings for the last one week, here is out latest weekly wrap-up that gives you a glimpse of the major news and the new launches. Also, check out the list of upcoming smartphones to know about the new smartphone launches that are scheduled for the next few weeks.
- After launching the Gionee A1 and A1 Plus at the MWC 2017 event held in February, the company launched the Gionee A1 smartphone in India on March 21st. The device is priced at Rs. 19,999, and it is now available for pre-booking. This is the company's first smartphone to run on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. It sports a 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) display and is powered by MediaTek Helio P10 octa-core processor. There is also 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage on the Gionee A1. Much like other Chinese smartphones, the company is also targeting the selfie lovers with the 16MP front facing camera. On the rear is a 13MP Sony IMX258 sensor with dual tone LED flash.
- Google unveiled the new Pixel lineup of smartphones in 2016 by launching the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Unlike the Nexus series, the Pixel smartphones lack the logo of the manufacturer since the everything except manufacturing is taken care by Google. The first-gen Pixel smartphones are manufactured by the Taiwanese company, HTC. Now, the second-gen Pixel smartphones will also be manufactured by HTC. Now, the information suggests HTC to complete its contract to manufacturer Pixel smartphones, and other OEM's are already in talks with the Google to manufacturer the Pixel 3 devices that will be launched in 2018. Along with HTC and LG, the China-based OEM likes TCL and Coolpad are reportedly trying to get the contract. Among all these brands, LG might be the likely choice to manufacturer next year's Pixel smartphones. Earlier both Google and LG partnered to launch few Nexus smartphones.
- Andy Rubin, the co-founder of Android now has a new smartphone company called Essential. He recently tweeted the teaser image of his first smartphone. From the image, we can see the display of the device comes with almost no bezels on the side and top edges, just like the Xiaomi Mi MIX. Even the battery and time icons on the top right corner od the device look similar to that of Android OS. There is no confirmation about the OS of this particular smartphone. Later, Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Alphabet, confirmed the device to run on Android by tweeting "Phenomenal new choices for Android users coming very soon. An example!" Apart from the above image, there is no other information available about the Essential's first smartphone.
- An employee of OPPO from China was reported to tear and thrown the Indian national flag in the dust bin in the premises of the OPPO's office in Noida. Just after the incident, a massive protest was seen outside of the office. The Police are investigating the case filed by the employees. Just after this incident, the spokesperson from Chinese government said Talking to reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said the Chinese government expects the rights of the Chinese companies, as well as the employees, would be protected in India. While that particular office is shut down after the incident, as said earlier, it reopened today. Recently, the company also launched the OPPO F3 Plus smartphone in India with dual selfie cameras.
- After launching the Moto G5 Plus last month in India, the company is now getting ready to unveil the affordable Moto G5 smartphone. Though the Moto G5 shares the same design as its elder sibling, the internals of the device are completely changed. The device will be official launching tomorrow and will be exclusively sold through Amazon India. It sports 5-inch Full HD display and packs Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor. The company might launch the device in 2GB and 3GB RAM variants. It comes with a 13MP rear camera which is better than the 12MP sensor on the Mot G5 Plus, at least on paper. For selfies, there is a 5MP front camera. It runs on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box and is backed by a 2,800mAh battery. While the Moto G4 lacked the fingerprint sensor, this year, Lenovo included it on both the Moto G5 and G5 Plus smartphones.
- Xiaomi will be launching the new flagship smartphone Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus in the next couple of weeks. The device comes with glass back body, and there will also be a special edition device with the ceramic body. Though the initial leaks suggested the devices to come with Snapdragon 821 SoC, we will most probably see the Snapdragon 835 SoC powering these devices. The high-end variant will come with Quad HD displays while the basic variant will stick to the Full HD display. It also comes with Qualcomm's Quick Charge 4.0 fast charging technology. The Mi 6 Plus is said to come with a 4,000mAh battery. The devices will be running on the Android 7.0 Nougat with the customized MIUI 8 on top. The base variant of the Mi 6 with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage is said to cost 1999 Yuan, and there will also be a 4GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB variants.
- Micromax recently launched its high-end smartphone called Dual 5. As the name suggests, the device comes with the dual camera setup on the rear. It is priced at Rs. 24,999 and comes with unibody metal design. The Dual 5 sports a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD resolution and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Under the hood is the Snapdragon 652 octa-core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. In the camera department, there is a 13MP RGB sensor and a 13MP Monochrome sensor on the rear. There is another 13MP sensor on the front for selfies. While the company said to work on this smartphone for quite a few months, it is actually a rebranded 360 Q5 smartphone that is retailing at a much cheaper price in China.
- The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are officially launched at the Galaxy Unpacked event held in New York. Both the devices come with massive displays that fit into the bodies that almost measures same as their predecessors. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ come with a 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch Infinite display with Quad HD+ resolution. The company continues to use the glass back body and comes with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on front and back of the device. They come powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC or the Exynos 8895 SoC based on the markets. There is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage that can be expanded up to 256GB. The devices are IP68 certified, and they are both water and dust resistant. It comes with a new virtual assistant from Samsung called as Bixby. The fingerprint sensor in now shifted to the rear. Both the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are world first devices to come with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
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Avenged Sevenfold have premiered a new video for their song "God Damn" via Billboard. This song is from the band's latest album "The Stage," which is available now.
M. Shadows said the following:
"There's a bunch of ideas that were thrown into the mixing bowl there, but the main idea was to get fans involved and make sure the kids knew this is a song full of energy first and foremost — 'hey, this is a record we can wrap our heads around. It's cool live stuff. It's a rockin' song' — but at the same time, we wanted the technological hint in there, so as the video progresses you start seeing things glitching out and all of a sudden the world turns digital.
And by the end, there's a little nod to the lyrics; you see an eyeball kind of in there as an Easter egg, which is kind of big brother watching what we do the whole time as the humans turn into a digital world."


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Ferries from 3035 routes and 658 ports worldwide
Trusted by over 2.5 million customers
We arrange over 1.2 million crossings / year
We check up to 1 million prices for our customers daily
Up to 25 sailings a week
Crossings from 8 hours
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E-tickets available on this route
Once your booking is confirmed you'll receive your e-ticket on your smartphone or tablet.
Simply show your e-ticket at the ferry port and you're good to go. No need to print anything!
Find out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.Ship guides, videos & reviews
The Durres Bari ferry route connects Albania with Italy and is currently operated by 3 ferry companies. Grandi Navi Veloci operate their crossing up to 12 times per week, Adria Ferries 3 times per week & the Ventouris Ferries service is available up to 10 times per week.
There are a combined 25 sailings available per week on the Durres Bari crossing between Albania and Italy and with 3 ferry companies on offer it is advisable to compare all to make sure you get the best fare at the time that you want to travel.
Prices shown represent the average one way price paid by our customers. The most common booking on the Durres Bari route is a car and 2 passengers.
Located on the Albanian coast, Durres is a city that is around 33 km to the west of the Albanian capital, Tirana. It is Albania's second largest city, its main port and is one of the most ancient and economically significant in the country. Lying on the coast at one of the narrowest points in the Adriatic Sea, the Italian port of Bari is around 300 km away and Brindisi is 200 km away.
Popular attractions in the city include its main library, its cultural centre with the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre, the Estrada Theatre, the puppet theatre and the philharmonic orchestra. For visitors who enjoy a bit of history, there are a number of museums in the city including the Durres Archaeological Museum, the Royal Villa of Durres and the Museum of History.
The city is also home to the Durres Ancient City Wall, Durres Cathedral and the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans which is located close to the harbour. This first-century construction is currently under consideration for being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ferry destinations available from the port include Bari, Ancona, Trieste and Brindisi.
The Italian city and port of Bari lies on the Adriatic Sea coasty and is the capital of the Italian region of Puglia. The city is not particularly well known as a tourist destination although there are a few sights of interest and is conveniently located for visitors to use it as a base from which to explore the surrounding area. The city's historic centre is located on a headland that protrudes into the Adriatic Sea. Most of the archaeology in the city lies beneath the maze of narrow lanes in the Vecchia Bari quarter of the city which is famous for being confusing to visitors who frequently find themselves lost. Bari's most famous church is located between the sea and the Old Town, and is the 11th century Romanesque Basilica di San Nicola. The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas and was built in order to house his remains, which still lie in the crypt. In the main part of the church there are several interesting sights including an elaborate stone canopy over the altar and an 11th century marble bishop's throne, known as the Cattedra di Elia.
From the port of Bari, ferries depart towards Durres, Igoumenista, Cephalonia, Corfu, Patras, Kotor and Dubrovnik.


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Some Old Ford
A story about a man and his car. Produced by Ben Pender-Cudlip & Unrendered Films. http://unrendered.org Music by Jenee Halstead, used with permission. http://jeneehalstead.com Specs: • 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 XL • Factory "Z" code car, originally with a 390 cubic inch engine and factory 4-speed • '63 "R" code 427 engine with a big input Toploader 4-speed • Factory cast iron long tube headers with 2" exhaust and stock mufflers • 427 rebuilt to stock specs in '78 or '79 by Leifert Automotive • 3.91 Traction-Lok rear • 15" steel rims and radial tires


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The title of this post is a quote from Sherry Turkle's presentation on YouTube – Alone Together – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtLVCpZIiNs
But I could equally have given this post the title – People lose their identities in cybermush – which is an idea expressed (if not in those exact words) by Jaron Lanier in a conversation that he has with Aleks Krotoski about the failure of Web 2.0 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIwikI7IVYs .
Turkle and Lanier's work has come into focus for me this week for two reasons.
First – they both focus on the same concerns that I have been discussing with Carmen Tschofen for quite a few months now – i.e. what is the impact of connectivity on the individual. The paper we are writing is almost ready for submission now.
Second – they were pointed to by Martin Weller as part of his work in Week 3 of ChangeMooc – http://change.mooc.ca/week03.htm
Martin Weller has been sharing his work on Digital Scholarship and in particular 'open scholarship'. In the changemooc website he writes…..
Although I have tried to avoid some of the more rabid evangelism one often encounters with new technology, it is fair to say that in general I regard digital scholarship as an improving force in scholarly practice, and that it provides ways of working that are often an improvement on existing methods. But it is not without its drawbacks and areas of concerns. In this section we will look at some of these, and consider which ones have the greatest significance and validity.
…. and asks
- It is worth considering the nature and tone of some of these criticisms (criticism of Digital Scholarship), often based on anecdotes and lacking in evidence. Is this simply a case of the evidence not existing yet, or does it reveal something about the nature of the discussion?
- Of the criticisms listed which ones do you feel are most significant?
- Beyond the ones I've listed do you think there are other areas of serious concern which should give us pause to reflect in the adoption of digital scholarship approaches?
Weller – in Chapter 13 of his book – summarises these criticisms as follows:
- Moving beyond the superficial – many successful Web 2.0 services essentially allow a very simple function, for example, sharing a photograph. Can we use the same techniques for deeper, more difficult tasks?
- Understanding quality – this is not just about maintaining current quality, as this may not be appropriate in many forms, but appreciating when different levels of quality can be used.
- Managing online identity – there is a tension for scholars and their students in gaining the benefits of a social network, which thrives on personal interactions, while not compromising professional identity.
- Ownership of scholarly functions – there is also a dilemma regarding how much of scholarly discourse and activity we give over to cloud computing services and whether the benefits in terms of widespread use and (often) superior tools outweigh the potential risks.
In the work that I am doing with Carmen, we focus on issues relating to identity, but identity in relation to the learning of individuals rather than professional identity – although there is clearly some overlap. What concerns us is that connectivity, as Sherry Turkle states, can become addictive, can make us too busy to think and can lead to simply sharing what is easy to share (superficiality), rather than ideas that are more deeply considered. Turkle tells us that 'solitude energises and restores' and that 'alone' is OK and is not the same thing as lonely. These are some of the ideas that Carmen and I have been discussing in more depth and have included in our paper.
I can't speak for Carmen, but in terms of Digital Scholarship – I have been having difficulties in relation to this work I have been doing with Carmen. I work really slowly. It takes me a long time to read, digest ideas and sort out my thinking. None of it ever comes easily. So, I have been working on these ideas since February of this year. Originally our discussions were about autonomy, but gradually our thinking shifted to a deeper levels of enquiry and understanding and after one submission of the paper which was returned, our focus shifted again. Clarifying and articulating the essence of our ideas and concerns has been a lengthy process. In the meantime, because we both follow conversations on the Web, we know that if we don't get a move on our ideas will be out of date before we can publish – the conversation will have moved on. So there is this tension between seeking depth and understanding, and keeping up. Of course I appreciate that some (maybe many) people are clever enough to get to depth and understanding quickly, but I am not one of them 🙂
And then there has been the whole question of whether we should go down the publication/peer review route. Both of us work independently so we are not subject to the pressures to publish research exacted by many institutions, but having spent quite a few months on this work, it seems like a lot of effort if it is not going to be read by anyone. We could publish on our blogs, but I know that I don't get what I would consider enough visitors to my blog (certainly not the daily hundreds that Martin Weller talked about), and blogs are not cited as much as papers. So the best option for me is an open peer reviewed journal – but even with these there is a delay between submission and publication. Whilst this might not be as great as for traditional journals it might still be too slow to keep up with current web conversations.
So for me there is a great tension between avoiding the superficial, seeking quality and depth, and the demands of open digital scholarship.
And of course I am aware that even after all this our paper may not be accepted 🙂


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Read what your sign's 2018 horoscope predictions have in store for you, or check out the Aquarius personality profile.
Let's be honest, Aquarius darling: You're a bit of an eccentric, and that's a good thing. In fact, your glow is defined by your offbeat style and radical perspectives. But while you may be perfectly content mixing and matching cheetah prints while plotting the revolution, not everyone can keep up with your unconventional approach to life. Sometimes it's hard to find like-minded friends who really understand your spirit. During the next few weeks, however, the sun in Aries illuminates the area of your chart associated with your local community.
Under the sun's comforting warmth, you'll reconnect with your friends and colleagues, discovering new ways to build meaningful bonds. On April 15, the moon joins the sun in Aries, and you realize the emotional power of community. April's new moon encourages you to broaden your horizons by focusing on your immediate surroundings. You love to expand your perspectives, and on this day, you learn that your peers can also inspire growth. This is an exciting time, filled with lots of late-night chatter and multi-hour brunches. Lean into it.
On April 19, the sun moves into the Taurus constellation, activating the area of your chart associated with your domestic zone. If you've been avoiding some big decisions regarding your dwellings, it's time to face reality. Things may need to change. But don't worry, Aquarius babe. Whether you need to discuss boundaries with your roommate or scour the Internet for new apartment listings, a few aesthetic additions to your environment can also be completely transformative. Head to your local thrift store to salvage some quirky decorative accents as you figure out answers to the larger questions. When you invest in your surroundings, you cultivate a solid foundation that serves as a platform for progress.
Outside the home, get ready to revel in your own powers of flirtation. On April 24, Venus cruises into like-minded air sign Gemini, stimulating your passionate sensibilities. Go ahead, Aquarius babe, take center stage. When sensual Venus cruises through this enchanted zone, attached Aquarians will enjoy reinvigorated romances. Single? Celebrate your freedom. Slide into your crush's DMs, send a few playful texts, or simply practice the art of the hair flip. This is your moment to be extra, so embrace the vibes.


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SCENE BY SUZY: Luxury out of Africa
Hanneli Rupert of Okapi which was created with a view to being one of Africa's first true luxury brands
The mythical African unicorns – known in South Africa as 'Okapi' – have magic about them. So it was not so surprising to see that designer Hanneli Rupert had waved her wand over an art gallery in London's Percy Street – to turn it into a pop up weekend shop.
/> Okapi's London Pop-up shop
For just four days the handbags will be on display until 6pm on Monday: totes in the African continent's blesbok leather or ostrich, each with the brand's signature hardware – Springbok horns dangling from a gold- plated chain.
'It's about exotic skins – but keeping them sustainable,' says Hanneli, who says that every element of an Okapi bag is traceable, sustainable and ethically sourced.
100% of the chains, horns, labels, leathers, linings and packaging are made and sourced in South Africa
The designer's passion for her native South Africa led her to open a Cape Town store called Merchants on Long. But her plan is to expand, with a permanent store in London as the first of a discreet retail roll out.
Hanneli's bag brand mixes the unique and exotic with details such as Springbok horns to make them stand out
Bringing Africa to the UK means introducing signature rich colours from bark brown, through burning sun yellow to Limpopo river green for sturdy bags and sleek wallets.
For those who miss the pop up, Okapi is for sale on line at www.okapi.com.


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Goodness. It has definitely been a while.
A quiet Saturday afternoon trying to understand our new computer and checking in on some of my favorite, long missed friends.
As for my absence, thankfully no serious physical illness, but in looking back over the past several months -- all of the following idioms are appropriate: dropped my basket; went loco, dippy and gaga; was not playing with a full deck; fell completely out of my tree; nuttier than a pecan pie; has straight jacket in every color; a sandwich short of a picnic; as crazy as a Betsey bug?; the lift doesn't go to the top floor; around the bend; psychologically challenged, and "quite simply mad darling."
I thank my family and all of you for your continued patience and understanding.


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These lightweight, durable bowling shoes provide excellent traction and supreme comfort.
Equipped with an extra-plush insole and sock lining to help you bowl comfortably. Microfiber sliding sole ensures you can easily take the shoes off or put them on. Rubber outsole will continue to provide a consistent grip game after game. Black shoes help minimize the appearance of dust and debris.
Shoes tend to run big. Don't slide as well as many comparable men's bowling shoes.
These versatile bowling shoes won't break your budget and may help you take your bowling skills to new heights.
Classic design is sure to complement any bowler's style perfectly. Padded tongue and collar are masterfully crafted for outstanding quality. Equipped with a microfiber slide pad that will help you deliver a steady and smooth release any time you bowl.
Very heavy in comparison to similar men's bowling shoes.
These premium bowling shoes deliver a terrific blend of style and function.
Feature a fabric lining and padded tongue to reduce the risk of foot soreness and blisters. Microfiber soles make it easier to slide. Wide width ensures bowlers with wide feet can wear these shoes comfortably. Khaki trim further enhances the shoe's sleek, contemporary appearance.
May be too slick or too narrow for some bowlers.
These canvas bowling shoes blend modern comfort and style with amazing support.
Feature a blucher upper pattern that gives the shoes a timeless look and feel. Canvas construction guarantees the shoes will keep your feet cool and comfortable. Shoes often help bowlers maintain a smooth, short slide. Available in multiple colors.
Provide limited cushioning in contrast to comparable men's bowling shoes.
These bowling shoes won't wear down quickly and provide great options for right- and left-handed bowlers.
Feature contouring arches to ensure you are fully supported whenever you bowl. Distinct style gives the shoes a one-of-a-kind appearance. Ultra-light shoes won't weigh you down. Sold in a wide range of eye-catching colors.
Shoes tend to run small. Tongue may dig into the ankle during games.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Renting men's bowling shoes works fine for the occasional bowler. But if you want a higher quality shoe and the peace of mind of knowing who wore the shoes last, you can buy bowling shoes. Men's bowling shoes are available in a couple of different designs. Performance bowling shoes are made for experienced bowlers. These shoes are custom designed to fit certain bowling styles. They're also made to fit right- or left-handed bowlers, as one shoe slides and the other provides traction. Bowlers who need a less expensive shoe can work with an athletic style of men's bowling shoes. These shoes look like sneakers, but they have a design so you can glide as you release the ball. They're comfortable and stylish enough to wear anywhere.


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Posts Tagged "bagehot"
The Economist: 'Grassroots Lib Dems are much keener on coalition than Tories'
by Stephen Tall on November 19, 2012
The Economist's political commentator 'Bagehot' this week surveys the attitudes of Lib Dems towards the Coalition at the mid-term point — I particularly like its opening: THE Somerset village of Chew Magna, with its sleepy pub and Georgian houses, seems an odd setting for prognostications about Britain's political future. But prognosticate the local Liberal Democrats […]
The state of Britain: cause for some optimistic pessimism
by Stephen Tall on July 1, 2012
David Rennie has been the pen behind the pseudonymous Bagehot column, which appears weekly in The Economist, since 2010. During that time he has been deservedly recognised as the most acute commentator, bar none, writing on British politics. Not that I've always agreed with him, not least his indulgence of hoary old cliches with which […]
"A shitty time to be a liberal": The Economist's must-read piece on the Clegg paradox (and 2 reasons why it's wrong)
by Stephen Tall on February 19, 2012
There's a must-read column by The Economist's Bagehot this week focusing on the Lib Dems' dilemmas, titled The Clegg paradox. It's a serious and weighty analysis, which asks some uncomfortable questions of the party's strategy. Here's it's conclusion: At a recent meeting of the Lib Dem parliamentary party, Tim Farron, an ambitious left-winger and party […]
Why was this Lib Dem conference cheerful? Simple: because it mattered.
by Stephen Tall on September 22, 2011
The Economist's pseudonymous political commentator Bagehot devotes his column this week to the Liberal Democrats, analysing the mood of serenity which prevailed at this year's party conference to the surprise (and chagrin) of the media. He notes that activists were cheered by the anti-Tory rhetoric that pervaded speeches by Tim Farron, Chris Huhne and Vince […]
The Saturday Debate: Local government is to the Lib Dems what the unions are to Labour and big business is to the Tories
by Stephen Tall on October 2, 2010
Here's your starter for ten in our Saturday slot where we throw up an idea or thought for debate… I was struck by this recent article by the Economist's political columnist Bagehot, headlined When progressive actually means misanthropic, reflecting on the Lib Dem conference, and specifically the debate on free schools. Highlighting that, while the […]
Of future coalitions and political alignments
by Stephen Tall on September 17, 2010
Three quick links to must-read articles this past week, all with compelling arguments to make: The Cameroons already thinking the unthinkable (Bagehot, The Economist) Tory MP Nick Boles' naively sincere suggestion the Tories and Lib Dems will band together at (…)
Was 6th October the day it started going awry for the Tories?
by Stephen Tall on March 16, 2010
The opinion polls are up-and-down day-in-day-out at the moment, making it almost impossible to say with any confidence whether we are firmly in hung parliament territory, or whether the most likely result is still a Tory victory at the coming general election. But one thing is beyond doubt: the last six months has seen a […]
Top Lib Dem asks: was Ashcroft's peerage given under false pretences?
by Stephen Tall on March 7, 2010
Today's Telegraph reports that Lib Dem peer Lord (Matthew) Oakeshott has called for all documents relating to Tory donor Lord (Michael) Ashcroft's peerage to be made public to establish whether the Queen conferred the honour under false pretences:
Lord Oakeshott, Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, wrote to Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, urging him to publish all […]
If Gordon's a "glum optimist" and Dave's a "perky doom-monger", can Nick be the "honest optimist"?
by Stephen Tall on January 28, 2010
Here's how The Economist's Bagehot characterised the performances of Gordon Brown and David Cameron at their respective press conferences this week:
On Gordon Brown: "… [he] was his usual funereal self (even if he did manage a decent joke about the date of the general election). I thought he looked exhausted. But what he had to […]
The Kaminski row: 2 must-read articles
by Stephen Tall on October 30, 2009
The row over David Cameron's decision to pull the Tories out of the main centre-right European grouping, the European People's Party (EPP), and set up a new group of "extreme and rag-bag" assorted right-wingers, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), has been simmering for months.
It's burst into the political mainstream this week, courtesy of […]


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Getting started with Beauty Cast Network is easy. Simply create your account, fill out a brief questionnaire, and start applying. It's that simple!
Your Beauty Cast Network profile serves as your resume for the industry. Tell us about your education and background, upload pictures of yourself & your work (even a resume!) and that's it. We do the rest. Use the job search and when you find a job you like click apply and your information will be sent straight to the hiring manager.
Why Beauty Cast Network (Employment Advantage graphic from professional page)
You have skills. But we want you to be savvy, too. So we've partnered with some of the leading experts in the Beauty and Wellness Industry to provide you with content to help you advance in your career, Whether you're in school or thinking about stepping out on your own. You can explore our blog and stay up to date with our newsletter. And you can connect with us on social media (see the top of this page for the links).
Beauty Cast Network is a placement company that helps students and professionals find the right employment that meets their goals and personality. Our goal is to help you find a career you love.
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Month: January 2020
Today You, Tomorrow Me
Very well done.
[Via MetaFilter]
I realise that it's hardly news that the iPhone turned out to be a once-in-a-generation/once-in-a-lifetime hit for Apple, but Jason Snell's chart of a decade of Apple growth really drives home the point.
That last chart, in the context of all the ones leading up to it. "Wow!" really is the word.
[Via MacSparky]
Not at all worrying
Jason Kottke saw a school of juvenile striped eel catfish (Plotosus Lineatus) and thought it evoked a creature from a Miyazaki film:
It was only on following the link to the source that I found that those creatures, for all that they're enchanting to watch, are also venomous. Makes me think that they'd be a better fit for the Alien franchise, really.1
[Via Kottke.org]
- But then again, thinking back to some of the boathouse customers in Spirited Away, maybe Miyazaki really does work. Some of those folks required careful handling by the staff, and I can easily imagine Yubaba telling Chihiro and her colleagues something to the effect of "The young ones can only produce a mild version of the venom, tingling the fingers of the people putting their hands in the school (which we don't recommend you do!)" ↩


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It has become obvious that the impact of Covid-19 will continue for some time, either contracting the virus or the significant impact on everyone' way of life – months if not years.
Yesterday Jacinda Ardern said we should accept there would be a "significant disruption" to daily life from now on – "this will not leave in weeks. It will be here for some time". Some time is obviously going to be quite a bit more than a few weeks.
As of Saturday afternoon there were 52 confirmed cases in New Zealand, with the possibility that two of the latest my have been community spread. This is significant, because if community spread is confirmed then communities (probably local at first, for example towns, cities or schools) are going to be locked down – that is, we will be asked if not compelled to stay at home.
So far 279,000 people have been confirmed infected across the world and 12.755 have died.
Italy and Europe continues to bear the brunt of the pandemic.
Reuters: Italy coronavirus deaths surge by 793 in a day, lifting total death toll to 4,825
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has leapt by 793 to 4,825, officials said on Saturday, an increase of 19.6% — by far the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the contagion emerged a month ago.
The total number of cases in Italy rose to 53,578 from a previous 47,021, an increase of 13.9%
Italy is in lockdown and their health system is under severe strain, currently having to try to care for 2,857 people in intensive care.
Spain, France and Germany also have a large number of cases, but the death rates are markedly different, suggesting that access to good healthcare is imperative – Germany has started to take patients from France. The worst affected countries:
The full table, map and other information from Reuters here.
Good data summaries from John Hopkins University including this map:
That shows the virus spread around the world, with China, Iran, Europe and the US prominent. It seems odd to see so little in Russia but these are reported cases.
Russia has reported few coronavirus cases but a sharp spike in pneumonia
Despite its large population and hefty border with China, Russia has reported just 306 confirmed coronavirus cases. Pneumonia, however, is booming, according to official statistics.
As of March 18, only one lab, located near the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, has been able to carry out tests—and had found only 114 positive results from 116,000 tests, according to the Moscow Times. That is the lowest ratio of tests to positive cases in the world, the paper reports. A deputy in the health committee of the Duma, Russia's parliament, acknowledged the "figures are likely a lot higher."
As the US and EU accuse the Kremlin of sowing disinformation about Covid-19 at Americans and Europeans, some Russians are looking back at Chernobyl and accusing their government of again lying to its own people about a public health crisis.
International power playing and propaganda haven't been halted by Covid-19.
More from Reuters: Latest on the spread of the coronavirus around the world
- Spain said it would turn a Madrid conference center into a giant military hospital, as Europe's second-worst outbreak claimed another 235 lives.
- France reported 78 new deaths on Friday, taking the total to 450, an increase of 21%.
- Germany may enforce a nationwide curfew if the country's 83 million people fail to keep their distance from each other this weekend.
- New Jersey's governor was expected on Saturday to follow four other states – California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut – demanding that millions of Americans close up shop and stay home to slow the spread of coronavirus infections. The total number of known U.S. cases has climbed past 19,000 in a surge that health officials attributed in large part to an increase in diagnostic testing. More than 270 Americans have died.
- China reported a record rise in imported coronavirus cases as students and expatriates returned home from the United States and Europe, sparking fears of a second wave of infections just as the country recovers from the initial outbreak.
All 41 of the new confirmed cases in China were imported from overseas.
- Indonesia's total of cases rose to 450, with 38 deaths, a health ministry official said on Saturday. This comes a day after the governor of Jakarta declared a state of emergency in the Indonesian capital for the next two weeks.
- Malaysia's cases jumped to 1,183 on Saturday with four deaths.
- Iran's death toll from the outbreak rose on Saturday by more than 100 to 1,556, and the total number of people infected now exceeds 20,000, a health ministry official said.
- Angola on Saturday confirmed its first two cases of coronavirus, while Mauritius recorded its first death as the virus spreads across Africa.
The news may not all be bad.
One reason for measured optimism is the prospect that antiviral medicines will beat the coronavirus; some are already in clinical trials. Scientists have hopes for remdesivir, originally developed for Ebola; chloroquine, an old anti-malaria drug; and some anti-H.I.V. and immune-boosting drugs. Many other drugs are also lined up for trials.
Even without proven treatment, the coronavirus may be less lethal than was originally feared, so long as health care systems are not overwhelmed. In South Korea and in China outside Hubei Province, about 0.8 percent of those known to be infected died, and the rate was 0.6 percent on a cruise ship.
By some counts, the United States is just eight days behind Italy on a similar trajectory, and it's difficult to see how America can pirouette from the path of Italy to that of South Korea. The United States may already have 100,000 infected citizens — nobody knows. That's too many to trace. Indeed, one can argue that the U.S. is not only on the same path as Italy but is also less prepared, for America has fewer doctors and hospital beds per capita than Italy does — and a shorter life expectancy even in the best of times.
Sounds a bit ominous. And I hate to think what may happen when Covid-19 gets going in Africa.
eNCA: Africa coronavirus cases to rise as some undetected
Africa will likely see higher numbers of coronavirus cases in coming weeks because of the likelihood some are slipping through the net, the head of a regional disease control body said.
"We are picking (up) some people but we are also missing some people," said John Nkengasong, head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which is a branch of the African Union bloc.
"The situation will get worse before it gets better because the chances are clear that people have slipped through."
That's a worry around the world, including here in New Zealand. Even if we manage to contain it and prevent community spread we will have a problem as soon as we re-open our borders. Our lives for the rest of the year are going to be markedly different to anything we could have imagined.
Just one town: Wanaka on the brink
Businesses are shuttering in the picturesque South Island town as the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll.
"The mood is pretty sombre. Businesses are laying off staff and some are closing even if just to avoid the risks posed by tourists who have not self isolated."
Domestic tourism made up about 40 per cent of visitors to Wanaka and Helmore said they were pinning their hopes on the ski season going ahead.
The ski season won't start for three months, if there's enough snow and Covid border restrictions are lifted (and if we are allowed to travel internally by then).
And there's a real chance it could be worse here already than we know – Man who tested positive for Covid-19 could not get through to helpline for four days
Tūwharetoa Trust Board has confirmed one of its staff members, Te Mahau Kingi, tested positive for the virus after returning to Auckland from London via Dubai on 12 March.
He then flew to Taupō on 14 March, self-isolated and was tested on Tuesday. His results came back positive on Friday evening.
That's a flight into the country and an internal flight before self-isolating. And then four days wait, then another two days before tested positive before contact tracking would have begun.
I know a nurse who works in an elderly care hospital who was off work last week with flu-like symptoms. She tried to get tested but they said it wasn't required as she had not had contact with anyone who had been travelling recently. She was allowed to go back to work.


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Back to Services
OneDrive is online file storage that is included in your Office 365 account. The features of OneDrive include:
- Each user gets 1 TB (terabyte) of data storage
- Documents and data can be stored securely (see CCSU Data Storage Standards below)
- Documents can also be shared with coworkers (or students and professors) and can be easily created, edited, and reviewed simultaneously with other users. You can also ensure that everyone is working on the most recent document and can view or revert to previous versions as needed.
- Documents can also be accessed from anywhere and anytime
- High security frameworks based on ISO 27001 standards
- By January 2020, all Personal Network Drives (M drives) will be migrated to OneDrive.
How to Access:
Campus computers are configured for OneDrive. Windows computers are configured for your account automatically, files are synched with the "OneDrive - CCSU" on your computer. On a Mac computer, open the OneDrive app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up for the first time, using your CCSU email address.
To access OneDrive online, log in to https://office.ccsu.edu with your CCSU email address and password. Click on the OneDrive icon from the main page, or click on the Tile button in the upper-left and select OneDrive from there. To sync OneDrive with your personally-owned computer (Windows or Mac), click on the Sync button and follow the on-screen prompts.
How to Request:
All CCSU faculty, staff, and students are automatically set up with an Office 365 account, which includes OneDrive.
Service Availability:
Additional Information:
OneDrive Rename - instructions to unlink and relink with new name
Information about File Names and Files Types in OneDrive
Information about Files OnDemand in OneDrive
Using OneDrive with Remote Application Server
Sync OneDrive to local computer (personal or CCSU) - will be visible in File Explorer
PST (Archive) Files are not supported in OneDrive - click here for instructions on how to import them into Outlook client
OneDrive Training and Instructions (Microsoft site)
Windows - Back Up Documents, Desktop, Pictures Folders
Microsoft does not currently provide an automatic way to back up the Mac Desktop or Documents folders located on the Mac hard drive. Any files stored on the hard drive are at risk for data loss should the hard drive crash. It is recommended that you store all important files in your OneDrive and create desktop shortcuts to the OneDrive folders for easier access.


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In mid-1918, staff of the Railways Maintenance Workshop in Christchurch unveiled a roll of honour board listing colleagues serving in the First World War. The board was designed and made by members of the workshop. Made of rimu, it included the New Zealand coat of arms and depicted the names in gold paint. Two of the 12 names listed were marked as having been killed.
In 1920 the Railways Department considered erecting a board at Christchurch as part of its post-war plans to honour all railwaymen who died on 15 boards around the country, commemorating men from each rail district, the five main railway workshops and head office. It appears a board was erected in Christchurch, as there was discussion about restoring it in 1934. This board would have included the names of those from the workshops alongside those of other Christchurch district staff. The Railways Department commemorated all railwaymen who died in a roll of honour board unveiled at the department's head office in 1922.
It is not known what became of the 1918 board or the post-war board.