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Ecovolis program has proven successful in dramatically increasing bicycle use in Tirana, which, formerly, was a city without a developed bicycle culture. Ecovolis program is the first project in Albania that provides low-income adults with commuter bicycles as well as a donating program for children bicycles. The program recently completed two major steps, opening new bike stations in the city of Durrës and integrating Tourist Information Point Service to the bicycles stations' structure.
History
The Tirana Community Bicycle Albania project won financial support from the George Soros Open Society Foundation Albania (OSFA). An even larger contribution came from the US-based Pedal for Progress organization, which donated 450 bicycles. Sixty of these were used road bikes, which were modified and painted by local technicians to serve as public bikes in the Ecovolis scheme. Another portion was set aside to donate to children and to activists and volunteers at PASS. Still another portion were diverted to the project's Eco Bicycle Shop, a social enterprise which sells bikes for USD 50-150 and reinvests profits for the service and maintenance of Ecovolis bicycles. The main objective of the program was to introduce the community to an inexpensive, environmental friendly form of transport -- the bicycle; to sell used bikes at low prices; to donate bikes to the children of needy families and to PASS volunteers; to establish a bike sharing-scheme in the city (Ecovolis); and to employ financially disadvantaged people and young students to operate the bike-sharing scheme.
System
Each Ecovolis station is staffed by two employees in two shifts and contains 30 -- 60 bicycles. In order to use the bicycles it is required to provide a personal identification document (such as passport or ID card) or by subscribing to the Ecovolis membership Card.
The first black and red bicycles, (also the colors of the Albanian flag) were donated from US-organization Pedal for Progress, (which collect and donate used bicycles). As these bicycles were of different types, converting them for safe and comfortable public use took months of work. The price per bicycle varies from 60 US$ to 90 US$ each. The bicycle is equipped with a front bicycle basket, a behind carrier, a comfortable saddle and a public fender with the Ecovolis sign.
The bicycle stations also provide touristic information to the visitors and a list of the city attractions. Moreover, being a non-profit social enterprise, during particular days the program offers free bicycle service, cycling courses, donations of bicycles and helmets for children in need, bike tours and a bicycle recycle program.
Rally for Medical Research supporting investments in medical research and NIH, Carnegie Library, Washington, DC
HISTORY:
The Leeds and Liverpool canal was built from 1772 to increase industrial transportation between West Yorkshire and the Merseyside ports. Limestone, textiles and coal were in critical demand between Yorkshire and Lancashire at this time where trains were still only beginning to happen. Committees in Bradford and Liverpool formed and for a while disputed over their different respective plans for the route Following appeasement, the route as proposed via engineers John Longbotham and James Brindley was built at a cost of nearly £260, 000 and a length of 109 miles. The first phase, from Bingley to Shipley was up and running by 1774. By this time, Brindley had passed, and Longbotham had taken over as chief engineer. The construction from the Liverpool end reached Wigan in 1781.
The canal's overall construction spanned five decades, delayed further by money and disputes and also the colonial war in the late 1700s. Trade from Yorkshire to Liverpool was already brisk by the time construction finished, including branches - significantly the ones to Bradford and Wigan. Although both steam and horse drawn railways were available by 1800, the canal continued to thrive for a century.
Horse drawn barges would last impressively until 1960 while industrial trade remaining until the 1980s, by which time the bulk of such work was being done, quite inevitably by trains and lorries.
Today, the Leeds and Liverpool canal stretches for 127 miles, crossing the Pennines between the two cities, with additional branches bringing people - and still business - to and from other towns in Yorkshire and Lancashire on its journey. 91 locks are included, notably the notorious 5 Locks at Bingley, which take an apparent 3-4 hours to negotiate.
The towpath is used heavily by both walkers and cyclists on its route, with the Leeds end being notably active especially during commuter hours. At the newly developed Granary Wharf, the canal basin area has been heavily redeveloped in recent years while the new southern entrance to Leeds station also providing additionally quick access to the canal route.
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Ecovolis program has proven successful in dramatically increasing bicycle use in Tirana, which, formerly, was a city without a developed bicycle culture. Ecovolis program is the first project in Albania that provides low-income adults with commuter bicycles as well as a donating program for children bicycles. The program recently completed two major steps, opening new bike stations in the city of Durrës and integrating Tourist Information Point Service to the bicycles stations' structure.
History
The Tirana Community Bicycle Albania project won financial support from the George Soros Open Society Foundation Albania (OSFA). An even larger contribution came from the US-based Pedal for Progress organization, which donated 450 bicycles. Sixty of these were used road bikes, which were modified and painted by local technicians to serve as public bikes in the Ecovolis scheme. Another portion was set aside to donate to children and to activists and volunteers at PASS. Still another portion were diverted to the project's Eco Bicycle Shop, a social enterprise which sells bikes for USD 50-150 and reinvests profits for the service and maintenance of Ecovolis bicycles. The main objective of the program was to introduce the community to an inexpensive, environmental friendly form of transport -- the bicycle; to sell used bikes at low prices; to donate bikes to the children of needy families and to PASS volunteers; to establish a bike sharing-scheme in the city (Ecovolis); and to employ financially disadvantaged people and young students to operate the bike-sharing scheme.
System
Each Ecovolis station is staffed by two employees in two shifts and contains 30 -- 60 bicycles. In order to use the bicycles it is required to provide a personal identification document (such as passport or ID card) or by subscribing to the Ecovolis membership Card.
The first black and red bicycles, (also the colors of the Albanian flag) were donated from US-organization Pedal for Progress, (which collect and donate used bicycles). As these bicycles were of different types, converting them for safe and comfortable public use took months of work. The price per bicycle varies from 60 US$ to 90 US$ each. The bicycle is equipped with a front bicycle basket, a behind carrier, a comfortable saddle and a public fender with the Ecovolis sign.
The bicycle stations also provide touristic information to the visitors and a list of the city attractions. Moreover, being a non-profit social enterprise, during particular days the program offers free bicycle service, cycling courses, donations of bicycles and helmets for children in need, bike tours and a bicycle recycle program.
Increasing the role of women in biofouling management. Sitara Shipping . Charting the route towards inclusive biofouling management.
U.S. Army Leaders assigned to 1st BN, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 25th Infantry Division, participate in an air assault exercise with the ROK (Republic of Korea) Army on Camp New Mexico, South Korea, March 12, 2015. The two Army's train together during joint training exercise Foal Eagle 2015 as a way to strengthen partnership and increase interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Samantha Van Winkle)
As carbon concentrations in the atmosphere increase from land use changes and emissions from fossil fuels - so do concentrations in the ocean, with resultant acidification as a natural chemical process. The skeletons of coldwater coral reefs may dissolve, perhaps already within a few decades. The impacts will be greatest at high latitudes. This will have an impact on all marine organisms with calcerous shells and body parts, in addition to coral reefs this includes shellfish and plankton.
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This photo has been graciously provided to be used in the GRID-Arendal resources library by: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal
Although increasing numbers of women in the EBRD region are earning graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, men still dominate the knowledge-intensive industries that draw on this talent pool. Gains by women entrepreneurs are even less evident in the knowledge economy in transition countries.
The panel discussion focused on impediments to female participation in the knowledge economy and ways to capitalise better on women’s potential as innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Washington School was opened in February 1901. It cost $35,000. Until 1928, Frederick Nichols, superintendent of District 76, headed Washington School. During the Depression, District 76 teachers were paid in time checks carrying interest and the schools were kept open. Two addition were built in 1935 and 1953 due to increased enrollment.
Getinet used part of his loan to purchase a truck to transport his products to larger markets. Increase transportation means more food for more people, helping make Ethiopia more food secure.
The Italian Unity Rally in Little Italy
Over the past few years tensions have increased between the upscale markets of the portion of Little Italy dubbed “Nolita” by real estate developers and the businesses and residents of traditional Little Italy. The focus of the tension is the annual San Gennaro Festival, part street fair, part religious festival part culinary extravaganza, the merchants and residents of Nolita launched an effort to contain the festival by shortening the space allotted. The Festival won this round, with the usual Canal to Houston stretch of Mulberry Street open for festival booths.
Today the Italian American community rallied and marched along the festival route to demonstrate their solidarity and cohesion of the community. Representatives from the Chinatown community turned out and marched in solidarity with the folks of Little Italy. The store owners and residents went about business as usual while what some construe as “victory lap” was taken through the neighborhood.
As far as I am concerned the merchants of “Nolita” complaining about San Gennaro makes as much sense as someone moving into Chinatown and complaining about all the signs being in Chinese. One doesn't change the history of neighborhood by changing the name to something trendier, no matter what the real estate developers say, Nolita is part of Little Italy. And Clinton is just nonsense, it's Hell's Kitchen.
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Budget allocation to the education sector has been increased by more than 150 percent. Education Minister Deng Deng says this increase to the national education budget will be used to improve standards, and cater for out-of-school children, especially girls. The Minister was speaking on October 11th, 2016, at an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl child, which was held at Juba Girls Secondary School. The event also marked National Girls Education Day and brought together students from different schools. The colourful event featured traditional dances, dramas, poems and games.
meet the newest, maisy and daisy, year old rambouillet ewes.
we met the folks we bought them from about half way between, in a grocery store parking lot, backed our two trucks up, and made the switch.
they were buddy lambs to a 14 year old girl's 4-H lamb from last year. they even WASHED them before bringing them to us. i think it was a little hard for her to see them go but she was awfully brave and we did our best to assure her that we would provide them with a good home.
they are certainly proving to be the most human-friendly of the bunch, aside from our bottle lamb and wether lamb.
i was having daymares that something like this might happen, but all went well. the woman in the video? she's from our 'neighborhood'. i really do feel for her, i do, but i can't help laugh, a little.
we did get an awful lot of funny looks, though, with baa-ing lambs in the back of the truck when we parked in the box store parking lot for a quick stop-in for burrittos and then into target, before heading back home.
Although increasing numbers of women in the EBRD region are earning graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, men still dominate the knowledge-intensive industries that draw on this talent pool. Gains by women entrepreneurs are even less evident in the knowledge economy in transition countries.
The panel discussion focused on impediments to female participation in the knowledge economy and ways to capitalise better on women’s potential as innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Tyra Banks makes millions of dollars through the show on yearly basis. The ever increasing Tyra Banks net worth is so much dependent on the TV reality show.
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Graphics for the Council Plan 2014/15 half year performance report (2 December 2014).
Find out more at www.coventry.gov.uk/performance/
Read the full Council Plan 2014/15 half-year performance report online at: smarturl.it/council-plan-report.
Although increasing numbers of women in the EBRD region are earning graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, men still dominate the knowledge-intensive industries that draw on this talent pool. Gains by women entrepreneurs are even less evident in the knowledge economy in transition countries.
The panel discussion focused on impediments to female participation in the knowledge economy and ways to capitalise better on women’s potential as innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Even though some couples have engaged in frequent sexual activity without contraception, it can be challenging to become a parent. Male reproductive issues cause infertility in around one-third of all cases. However, there are ways to increase male fertility. Male fertility typically depends on the quantity and quality of sperm generated; getting your partner pregnant might be difficult when these factors are low. The main causes of male infertility include stress, worry, and depression. Most males cannot establish sexual sensations because of mental stress. According to the study, stress is bad for one's physical and mental health. Men should practice certain stress-releasing activities like yoga and meditation. If this information is helpful, to know more one can refer to outlookhealth.org.
MAPIC FOOD AND BEVERAGE 2018 - CONFERENCES - FOOD AS A KEY DRIVER: HOW TO USE FOOD TO INCREASE TRAFFIC & REVENUES IN SHOPPING DESTINATIONS ?
More than 285,000 families throughout B.C. will see bigger payments in their bank accounts starting this month, thanks to the permanently increased BC Family Benefit. Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/29226
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Elevator shoes (or height increase shoes)
Those will make you 2 to 4" taller without anyone knowing it!
only on www.bugarrishoes.com
Singapore (Listeni/ˈsɪŋɡəpɔːr/), officially the Republic of Singapore, and often referred to as the Lion City, the Garden City, and the Red Dot, is a global city and sovereign state in Southeast Asia and the world's only island city-state. It lies one degree (137 km) north of the equator, at the southernmost tip of continental Asia and peninsular Malaysia, with Indonesia's Riau Islands to the south. Singapore's territory consists of the diamond-shaped main island and 62 islets. Since independence, extensive land reclamation has increased its total size by 23% (130 km2), and its greening policy has covered the densely populated island with tropical flora, parks and gardens.
The islands were settled from the second century AD by a series of local empires. In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles founded modern Singapore as a trading post of the East India Company; after the company collapsed, the islands were ceded to Britain and became part of its Straits Settlements in 1826. During World War II, Singapore was occupied by Japan. It gained independence from Britain in 1963, by uniting with other former British territories to form Malaysia, but was expelled two years later over ideological differences. After early years of turbulence, and despite lacking natural resources and a hinterland, the nation developed rapidly as an Asian Tiger economy, based on external trade and its human capital.
Singapore is a global commerce, finance and transport hub. Its standings include: "easiest place to do business" (World Bank) for ten consecutive years, most "technology-ready" nation (WEF), top International-meetings city (UIA), city with "best investment potential" (BERI), 2nd-most competitive country (WEF), 3rd-largest foreign exchange centre, 3rd-largest financial centre, 3rd-largest oil refining and trading centre and one of the top two busiest container ports since the 1990s. Singapore's best known global brands include Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport, both amongst the most-awarded in their industry; SIA is also rated by Fortune surveys as Asia's "most admired company". For the past decade, it has been the only Asian country with the top AAA sovereign rating from all major credit rating agencies, including S&P, Moody's and Fitch.
Singapore ranks high on its national social policies, leading Asia and 11th globally, on the Human Development Index (UN), notably on key measures of education, healthcare, life expectancy, quality of life, personal safety, housing. Although income inequality is high, 90% of citizens own their homes, and the country has one of the highest per capita incomes, with low taxes. The cosmopolitan nation is home to 5.5 million residents, 38% of whom are permanent residents and other foreign nationals. Singaporeans are mostly bilingual in a mother-tongue language and English as their common language. Its cultural diversity is reflected in its extensive ethnic "hawker" cuisine and major festivals - Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western - which are all national holidays. In 2015, Lonely Planet and The New York Times listed Singapore as their top and 6th best world destination to visit respectively.
The nation's core principles are meritocracy, multiculturalism and secularism. It is noted for its effective, pragmatic and incorrupt governance and civil service, which together with its rapid development policies, is widely cited as the "Singapore model". Gallup polls shows 84% of its residents expressed confidence in the national government, and 85% in its judicial systems - one of the highest ratings recorded. Singapore has significant influence on global affairs relative to its size, leading some analysts to classify it as a middle power. It is ranked as Asia's most influential city and 4th in the world by Forbes.
Singapore is a unitary, multiparty, parliamentary republic, with a Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary government. The People's Action Party has won every election since self-government in 1959. One of the five founding members of the ASEAN, Singapore is also the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat, and a member of the East Asia Summit, Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
ETYMOLOGY
The English name of Singapore is derived from the Malay word, Singapura, which was in turn derived from Sanskrit (Singa is "lion", Pura "city"; Sanskrit: सिंहपुर, IAST: Siṃhápura), hence the customary reference to the nation as the Lion City, and its inclusion in many of the nation's symbols (e.g., its coat of arms, Merlion emblem). However, it is unlikely that lions ever lived on the island; Sang Nila Utama, who founded and named the island Singapura, most likely saw a Malayan tiger. It is also known as Pulau Ujong, as far back as the 3rd century, literally 'island at the end' (of the Malay Peninsula) in Malay.
Since the 1970s, Singapore has also been widely known as the Garden City, owing to its extensive greening policy covering the whole island, a priority of its first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, dubbed the nation's "Chief Gardener". The nation's conservation and greening efforts contributed to Singapore Botanic Gardens being the only tropical garden to be inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The nickname, Red Dot, is a reference to its size on the map, contrasting with its achievements. In 2015, Singapore's Golden Jubilee year, the celebratory "SG50" branding is depicted inside a red dot.
HISTORY
Temasek ('Sea Town' in the Malay language), an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire, is the earliest written record relating to the area now called Singapore. In the 13th century, the Kingdom of Singapura was established on the island and it became a trading port city. However, there were two major foreign invasions before it was destroyed by the Majapahit in 1398. In 1613, Portuguese raiders burned down the settlement, which by then was nominally part of the Johor Sultanate and the island sank into obscurity for the next two centuries, while the wider maritime region and much trade was under Dutch control.
BRITISH COLONISATION 1819-1942
In 1819, Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived and signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor, on behalf of the British East India Company, to develop the southern part of Singapore as a British trading post. In 1824, the entire island, as well as the Temenggong, became a British possession after a further treaty with the Sultan. In 1826, Singapore became part of the Straits Settlements, under the jurisdiction of British India, becoming the regional capital in 1836.
Prior to Raffles' arrival, there were only about a thousand people living on the island, mostly indigenous Malays along with a handful of Chinese. By 1860, the population had swelled to more than 80,000 and more than half were Chinese. Many immigrants came to work at rubber plantations and, after the 1870s, the island became a global centre for rubber exports.
After the First World War, the British built the large Singapore Naval Base. Lieutenant General Sir William George Shedden Dobbie was appointed General Officer Commanding of the Malaya Command on 8 November 1935, holding the post until 1939;
WORLD WAR II AND JAPANESE OCCUPATION 1942-45
in May 1938, the General Officer Commanding of the Malaya Command warned how Singapore could be conquered by the Japanese via an attack from northern Malaya, but his warnings went unheeded. The Imperial Japanese Army invaded British Malaya, culminating in the Battle of Singapore. When the British surrendered on 15 February 1942, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the defeat "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history". Between 5,000 and 25,000 ethnic Chinese people were killed in the subsequent Sook Ching massacre.
From November 1944 to May 1945, the Allies conducted an intensive bombing of Singapore.
RETURN OF BRITISH 1945-59
After the surrender of Japan was announced in the Jewel Voice Broadcast by the Japanese Emperor on 15 August 1945 there was a breakdown of order and looting and revenge-killing were widespread. The formal Japanese Occupation of Singapore was only ended by Operation Tiderace and the formal surrender on 12 September 1945 at Singapore City Hall when Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of Southeast Asia Command, accepted the capitulation of Japanese forces in Southeast Asia from General Itagaki Seishiro.
A British Military Administration was then formed to govern the island. On 1 April 1946, the Straits Settlements were dissolved and Singapore became a separate Crown Colony with a civil administration headed by a Governor. Much of the infrastructure had been destroyed during the war, including the harbour, electricity, telephone and water supply systems. There was also a shortage of food leading to malnutrition, disease, and rampant crime and violence. High food prices, unemployment, and workers' discontent culminated into a series of strikes in 1947 causing massive stoppages in public transport and other services. In July 1947, separate Executive and Legislative Councils were established and the election of six members of the Legislative Council was scheduled for the following year. By late 1947, the economy began to recover, facilitated by a growing demand for tin and rubber around the world, but it would take several more years before the economy returned to pre-war levels.
The failure of Britain to defend Singapore had destroyed its credibility as an infallible ruler in the eyes of Singaporeans. The decades after the war saw a political awakening amongst the local populace and the rise of anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments, epitomized by the slogan Merdeka, or "independence" in the Malay language.
During the 1950s, Chinese Communists with strong ties to the trade unions and Chinese schools carried out armed uprising against the government, leading to the Malayan Emergency and later, the Communist Insurgency War. The 1954 National Service Riots, Chinese middle schools riots, and Hock Lee bus riots in Singapore were all linked to these events.
David Marshall, pro-independence leader of the Labour Front, won Singapore's first general election in 1955. He led a delegation to London, but Britain rejected his demand for complete self-rule. He resigned and was replaced by Lim Yew Hock, whose policies convinced Britain to grant Singapore full internal self-government for all matters except defence and foreign affairs.
SELF-GOVERNMENT 1959-1963
During the May 1959 elections, the People's Action Party won a landslide victory. Singapore became an internally self-governing state within the Commonwealth, with Lee Kuan Yew as its first Prime Minister. Governor Sir William Allmond Codrington Goode served as the first Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Head of State), and was succeeded by Yusof bin Ishak, who became the first President of Singapore in 1965.
MERGER WITH MALAYSIA 1963-65
As a result of the 1962 Merger Referendum, on 31 August 1963 Singapore joined with the Federation of Malaya, the Crown Colony of Sarawak and the Crown Colony of North Borneo to form the new federation of Malaysia under the terms of the Malaysia Agreement. Singaporean leaders chose to join Malaysia primarily due to concerns over its limited land size, scarcity of water, markets and natural resources. Some Singaporean and Malaysian politicians were also concerned that the communists might form the government on the island, a possibility perceived as an external threat to the Federation of Malaya.However, shortly after the merger, the Singapore state government and the Malaysian central government disagreed on many political and economic issues, and communal strife culminated in the 1964 race riots in Singapore. After many heated ideological conflicts between the two governments, on 9 August 1965, the Malaysian Parliament voted 126 to 0 to expel Singapore from Malaysia with Singaporean delegates not present.
INDEPENDENCE 1965 TO PRESENT
Singapore gained independence as the Republic of Singapore (remaining within the Commonwealth of Nations) on 9 August 1965. Race riots broke out once more in 1969. In 1967, the country co-founded ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and in 1970 it joined the Non-Aligned Movement. Lee Kuan Yew became Prime Minister, leading its Third World economy to First World affluence in a single generation. His emphasis on rapid economic growth, support for business entrepreneurship, limitations on internal democracy, and close relationships with China set the new nation's policies for the next half-century.
In 1990, Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee as Prime Minister, while the latter continued serving in the Cabinet as Senior Minister until 2004, and then Minister Mentor until May 2011. During Goh's tenure, the country faced the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 2003 SARS outbreak and terrorist threats posed by Jemaah Islamiyah.
In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong, the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the country's third Prime Minister. Goh Chok Tong remained in Cabinet as the Senior Minister until May 2011, when he was named Emeritus Senior Minister despite his retirement. He steered the nation through the 2008 global financial crisis, resolved the disputed 79-year old Malayan railways land, and introduced integrated resorts. Despite the economy's exceptional growth, PAP suffered its worst election results in 2011, winning 60% of votes, amidst hot-button issues of high influx of foreign workers and cost of living. Lee initiated a major re-structuring of the economy to raise productivity, improved universal healthcare and grants, especially for the pioneer generation of citizens, amongst many new inclusive measures.
On 23 March 2015, its founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who had 'personified Singapore to the world' for nearly half a century died. In a week of national mourning, 1.7 million residents and guests paid tribute to him at his lying-in-state at Parliament House and at community sites around the island.
Singapore celebrated its Golden jubilee in 2015 – its 50th year of independence, with a year-long series of events branded SG50. The PAP maintained its dominance in Parliament at the September general elections, receiving 69.9% of the popular vote, its second-highest polling result behind the 2001 tally of 75.3%.
GEOGRAPHY
Singapore consists of 63 islands, including the main island, Pulau Ujong. There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia: the Johor–Singapore Causeway in the north and the Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's smaller islands. The highest natural point is Bukit Timah Hill at 163.63 m. April and May are the hottest months, with the wetter monsoon season from November to January.
From July to October, there is often haze caused by bush fires in neighbouring Indonesia, usually from the island of Sumatra. Although Singapore does not observe daylight saving time (DST), it follows the GMT+8 time zone, one hour ahead of the typical zone for its geographical location.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary government representing constituencies. The country's constitution establishes a representative democracy as the political system. Executive power rests with the Cabinet of Singapore, led by the Prime Minister and, to a much lesser extent, the President. The President is elected through a popular vote, and has veto powers over a specific set of executive decisions, such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of judges, but otherwise occupies a largely ceremonial post.
The Parliament serves as the legislative branch of the government. Members of Parliament (MPs) consist of elected, non-constituency and nominated members. Elected MPs are voted into the Parliament on a "first-past-the-post" (plurality) basis and represent either single-member or group representation constituencies. The People's Action Party has won control of Parliament with large majorities in every election since self-governance was secured in 1959.
Although the elections are clean, there is no independent electoral authority and the government has strong influence on the media. Freedom House ranks Singapore as "partly free" in its Freedom in the World report, and The Economist ranks Singapore as a "flawed democracy", the second best rank of four, in its "Democracy Index". Despite this, in the 2011 Parliamentary elections, the opposition, led by the Workers' Party, increased its representation to seven elected MPs. In the 2015 elections, PAP scored a landslide victory, winning 83 of 89 seats contested, with 70% of popular votes. Gallup polls reported 84% of residents in Singapore expressed confidence in the government, and 85% in its judicial systems and courts – one of the highest ratings in the world.
Singapore's governance model eschews populist politics, focusing on the nation's long-term interest, and is known to be clean, effective and pragmatic. As a small nation highly dependent on external trade, it is vulnerable to geo-politics and global economics. It places great emphasis on security and stability of the region in its foreign policies, and applies global best practices to ensure the nation's attractiveness as an investment destination and business hub.
The legal system of Singapore is based on English common law, but with substantial local differences. Trial by jury was abolished in 1970 so that judicial decisions would rest entirely in the hands of appointed judges. Singapore has penalties that include judicial corporal punishment in the form of caning, which may be imposed for such offences as rape, rioting, vandalism, and certain immigration offences.There is a mandatory death penalty for murder, as well as for certain aggravated drug-trafficking and firearms offences.
Amnesty International has said that some legal provisions of the Singapore system conflict with the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that Singapore has "... possibly the highest execution rate in the world relative to its population". The government has disputed Amnesty's claims. In a 2008 survey of international business executives, Singapore received the top ranking with regard to judicial system quality in Asia. Singapore has been consistently rated among the least corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International.
In 2011, the World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index ranked Singapore among the top countries surveyed with regard to "order and security", "absence of corruption", and "effective criminal justice". However, the country received a much lower ranking for "freedom of speech" and "freedom of assembly". All public gatherings of five or more people require police permits, and protests may legally be held only at the Speakers' Corner.
EDUCATION
Education for primary, secondary, and tertiary levels is mostly supported by the state. All institutions, private and public, must be registered with the Ministry of Education. English is the language of instruction in all public schools, and all subjects are taught and examined in English except for the "mother tongue" language paper. While the term "mother tongue" in general refers to the first language internationally, in Singapore's education system, it is used to refer to the second language, as English is the first language. Students who have been abroad for a while, or who struggle with their "Mother Tongue" language, are allowed to take a simpler syllabus or drop the subject.
Education takes place in three stages: primary, secondary, and pre-university education. Only the primary level is compulsory. Students begin with six years of primary school, which is made up of a four-year foundation course and a two-year orientation stage. The curriculum is focused on the development of English, the mother tongue, mathematics, and science. Secondary school lasts from four to five years, and is divided between Special, Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical) streams in each school, depending on a student's ability level. The basic coursework breakdown is the same as in the primary level, although classes are much more specialised. Pre-university education takes place over two to three years at senior schools, mostly called Junior Colleges.
Some schools have a degree of freedom in their curriculum and are known as autonomous schools. These exist from the secondary education level and up.
National examinations are standardised across all schools, with a test taken after each stage. After the first six years of education, students take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), which determines their placement at secondary school. At the end of the secondary stage, GCE "O"-Level exams are taken; at the end of the following pre-university stage, the GCE "A"-Level exams are taken. Of all non-student Singaporeans aged 15 and above, 18% have no education qualifications at all while 45% have the PSLE as their highest qualification; 15% have the GCE 'O' Level as their highest qualification and 14% have a degree.
Singaporean students consistently rank at or near the top of international education assessments:
- In 2015, Singapore topped the OECD's global school performance rankings, based on 15-year-old students' average scores in mathematics and science across 76 countries.
- Singaporean students were ranked first in the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, and have been ranked in the top three every year since 1995.
- Singapore fared best in the 2015 International Baccalaureate exams, taken in 107 countries, with more than half of the world's 81 perfect scorers and 98% passing rate.
The country's two main public universities - the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University - are ranked among the top 13 in the world.
HEALTH
Singapore has a generally efficient healthcare system, even though their health expenditures are relatively low for developed countries. The World Health Organisation ranks Singapore's healthcare system as 6th overall in the world in its World Health Report. In general, Singapore has had the lowest infant mortality rate in the world for the past two decades.
Life expectancy in Singapore is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country 4th in the world for life expectancy. Almost the whole population has access to improved water and sanitation facilities. There are fewer than 10 annual deaths from HIV per 100,000 people. There is a high level of immunisation. Adult obesity is below 10%
The government's healthcare system is based upon the "3M" framework. This has three components: Medifund, which provides a safety net for those not able to otherwise afford healthcare, Medisave, a compulsory health savings scheme covering about 85% of the population, and Medishield, a government-funded health insurance program. Public hospitals in Singapore have autonomy in their management decisions, and compete for patients. A subsidy scheme exists for those on low income. In 2008, 32% of healthcare was funded by the government. It accounts for approximately 3.5% of Singapore's GDP.
RELIGION
Buddhism is the most widely practised religion in Singapore, with 33% of the resident population declaring themselves adherents at the most recent census. The next-most practised religion is Christianity, followed by Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. 17% of the population did not have a religious affiliation. The proportion of Christians, Taoists, and non-religious people increased between 2000 and 2010 by about 3% each, whilst the proportion of Buddhists decreased. Other faiths remained largely stable in their share of the population. An analysis by the Pew Research Center found Singapore to be the world's most religiously diverse nation.
There are monasteries and Dharma centres from all three major traditions of Buddhism in Singapore: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Most Buddhists in Singapore are Chinese and are of the Mahayana tradition, with missionaries having come into the country from Taiwan and China for several decades. However, Thailand's Theravada Buddhism has seen growing popularity among the populace (not only the Chinese) during the past decade. Soka Gakkai International, a Japanese Buddhist organisation, is practised by many people in Singapore, but mostly by those of Chinese descent. Tibetan Buddhism has also made slow inroads into the country in recent years.
CULTURE
Singapore has one of the lowest rates of drug use in the world. Culturally, the use of illicit drugs is viewed as highly undesirable by Singaporeans, unlike many European societies. Singaporeans' disapproval towards drug use has resulted in laws that impose the mandatory death sentence for certain serious drug trafficking offences. Singapore also has a low rate of alcohol consumption per capita and low levels of violent crime, and one of the lowest intentional homicide rate globally. The average alcohol consumption rate is only 2 litres annually per adult, one of the lowest in the world.
Foreigners make up 42% of the population, and have a strong influence on Singaporean culture. The Economist Intelligence Unit, in its 2013 "Where-to-be-born Index", ranks Singapore as having the best quality of life in Asia and sixth overall in the world.
LANGUAGES; RELIGIONS AND CULTURES
Singapore is a very diverse and young country. It has many languages, religions, and cultures for a country its size.
When Singapore became independent from the United Kingdom in 1963, most of the newly minted Singaporean citizens were uneducated labourers from Malaysia, China and India. Many of them were transient labourers who were seeking to make some money in Singapore and they had no intention of staying permanently. A sizeable minority of middle-class, local-born people, known as the Peranakans, also existed. With the exception of the Peranakans (descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants) who pledged their loyalties to Singapore, most of the labourers' loyalties lay with their respective homelands of Malaysia, China and India. After independence, the process of crafting a Singaporean identity and culture began.
Former Prime Ministers of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong, have stated that Singapore does not fit the traditional description of a nation, calling it a society-in-transition, pointing out the fact that Singaporeans do not all speak the same language, share the same religion, or have the same customs. Even though English is the first language of the nation, according to the government's 2010 census 20% of Singaporeans, or one in five, are illiterate in English. This is a marked improvement from 1990 where 40% of Singaporeans were illiterate in English.
Languages, religions and cultures among Singaporeans are not delineated according to skin colour or ancestry, unlike many other countries. Among Chinese Singaporeans, one in five is Christian, another one in five is atheist, and the rest are mostly Buddhists or Taoists. One-third speak English as their home language, while half speak Mandarin Chinese. The rest speak other Chinese varieties at home. Most Malays in Singapore speak Malay as their home language with some speaking English. Singaporean Indians are much more religious. Only 1% of them are atheists. Six in ten are Hindu, two in ten Muslim, and the rest mostly Christian. Four in ten speak English as their home language, three in ten Tamil, one in ten Malay, and the rest other Indian languages as their home language.
Each Singaporean's behaviours and attitudes would therefore be influenced by, among many other things, his or her home language and his religion. Singaporeans who speak English as their native language tend to lean toward Western culture, while those who speak Chinese as their native language tend to lean toward Chinese culture and Confucianism. Malay speaking Singaporeans tend to lean toward the Malay culture, which itself is closely linked to the Islamic culture.
ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS
At the national level in Singapore, meritocracy, where one is judged based on one's ability, is heavily emphasised.
Racial and religious harmony is regarded by Singaporeans as a crucial part of Singapore's success, and played a part in building a Singaporean identity. Singapore has a reputation as a nanny state. The national flower of Singapore is the hybrid orchid, Vanda 'Miss Joaquim', named in memory of a Singapore-born Armenian woman, who crossbred the flower in her garden at Tanjong Pagar in 1893. Many national symbols such as the Coat of arms of Singapore and the Lion head symbol of Singapore make use of the lion, as Singapore is known as the Lion City. Other monikers by which Singapore is widely known is the Garden City and the Red Dot. Public holidays in Singapore cover major Chinese, Western, Malay and Indian festivals.
Singaporean employees work an average of around 45 hours weekly, relatively long compared to many other nations. Three in four Singaporean employees surveyed stated that they take pride in doing their work well, and that doing so helps their self-confidence.
CUISINE
Dining, along with shopping, is said to be the country's national pastime. The focus on food has led countries like Australia to attract Singaporean tourists with food-based itineraries. The diversity of food is touted as a reason to visit the country, and the variety of food representing different ethnicities is seen by the government as a symbol of its multiculturalism. The "national fruit" of Singapore is the durian.
In popular culture, food items belong to a particular ethnicity, with Chinese, Malay, and Indian food clearly defined. However, the diversity of cuisine has been increased further by the "hybridisation" of different styles (e.g., the Peranakan cuisine, a mix of Chinese and Malay cuisine).
WIKIPEDIA
The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
Lighting Booms come in many different types. Increasing weight of light/modifier as well as offset of the light from the stand (ie increased counterbalance weight) both incur significantly higher costs in terms of £/$, complexity and required stand/boom weight and capacity. IMO, and I see MSE agrees with me, all of them should be counter-weighted to balance perfectly, (I know many people don't counter-weight Extension arms . . )
My lightweight , aluminium, Speedlite capable Interfit COR757 boom was greatly enhanced by swapping out the original pivot mechanism, shown top left, for the Manfrotto item (SKU 123), top right. It needed two plastic 8 X 1 cm radiused shims, placed at 1 & 5 o'clock, to make the diameters match (32 to 35 mm) - but with these, it works perfectly. The 5/8 in receiver on the SKU 123 is, thankfully, of an orthodox depth. This boom could handle a Godox 360 and small modifier but that would be its limit, IMO. Even at this weight, and assuming correct balance, don't skimp on the stand - IMO the stand needs to be topped off with a full length welded-in Baby Pin (5/8th in.) and not just the more usual stud/spigot.
(If you have to use the design with the three or four circular meshed discs, either support it on a Baby Pin top (you may have to fill-in the 'neck' of the Baby Pin) - or - place a mini clamp (shown above but not deployed) immediately underneath the device on the stand riser. Either option at least prevents inadvertent loss of height when loosening the device.)
Lower left is Kupo's Grip-head and 40 in (solid) Extension Arm. WYSIWYG - it's strong, but still best when counter-balanced. Critically, 'Righty-Tighty, Lefty-Loosey' must be applied. At the time of writing, Kupo's Hex version remains slightly over-priced. If say 25 in of offset is sufficient, this is a great option. With a heavy light fixture, either use a Drop down Pin - see below - or use the Griphead at the 'far' end with a Baby Pin held exactly vertically. Trick, it's a gem, here @ 18.51:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrLYdIxg1Q0
Under a Drop Down pin, you may or may not want a captive swivel involved, a la:
www.flickr.com/photos/layeroption/16743306749/in/photostream
Kupo's Steel Baby Boom (chrome) KG601612 (they make a lighter, lower capacity, Aluminium, black alternative) is shown lower right and is rated to support a 5 Kg light. Currently (2016) I think it represents the best value available at this strength/capacity level - and that's before they added, gratis, the machined anti-rotation hex flats at the boom's Baby Pin termination. Again a full length welded in Baby Pin top stand is required and make sure that the stand's rated capacity is sufficient for the light/modifier, boom, grip, (?)Drop down pin (+/-)captive swivel and counterweight combined. My primary choice was either the Kupo Baby Roller stand (KS300712) - there is a triple riser 'High Baby' (KS101112) non roller version - or - MSE's (Steel) Digital Baby stand (387032). Unofficially, some might argue that if you don't extend the uppermost stand riser, you might be safe with c 15% over the nominal capacity. I actually weighed my loaded up Kupo boom and it came in slightly over specification weight and consequently, with one of the stands I use, I'm relying on this 'forgo-the-upper-riser' notion. It, an aluminium MSE B387490 (108 cm footprint diameter), looks to be coping very easily - in fact, proven on a very breezy day recently. 'Righty-Tighty', always.
With a Rovelight/JinbeiHD600 attached, even if you limit the counterweight to 4 Kg, you are still looking at a c 13-14 Kg (29 lb.) lift, possibly with your left arm only, to raise the stand risers for the whole shebang.
Braked wheels are very highly desirable indoors. Outside, some leveling leg option becomes the priority - I would strongly advise having the stand perfectly vertical as well as the boom balanced. If a stand doesn't have a leveling leg then Reuben Krabbe's mod works very well indeed, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/layeroption/23875601924/in/photostream
I've also used a stepped car wheel ramp under the lower leg - that can work well too.
Concerning twisting loads . . .
'Drop down Pins', with or without a captive swivel, remove most of the torque about the boom axis from twisting loads - making them a preference for me - really useful for heavier loads - say 2.5 Kg for Light/modifier and above.
Or, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/layeroption/34663766802/in/photostream
If, for simplicity, you don't go that route, then a flat or Hex flats machined into the boom's terminal 5/8 in neck is essential and having a separate control on the boom pivot mechanism for each freedom of movement becomes more important and can be an argument against some of the 'Combi' boom/stands. Also check the generally very modest specified load capacities of aluminium/aluminum 'Combi' boom/stands.
Finally, a tip, maybe two: when either loading or unloading items onto a boom (& assuming that the stand is perfectly vertical), first have the boom clamped as nearly five degrees off vertical as possible - hook/counterweight down. At a stroke, this minimizes the moment produced by any added load. (The five degrees also ensures that the free-to-twist hook stays in the correct orientation.) When loading, start with the counterweight and then add the light. Even though it will be initially out of balance, the reduced moments will avoid any drama. Extend the boom as needed. Subsequently, with a good strong hand grip on the boom near the counterweight and having loosened both the balance and pivot controls, it's easy to deploy the boom at the desired angle and achieve perfect balance, all in one movement and with the boom under full control. Re-tighten both controls.
Sandbags for the stand base, while deployed, should not be in contact with the floor. Ankle weights deployed on the primary column just above the tripod apex are good but note they seem to be routinely under spec weight! Or see the 'Fatmax 240' option:
www.flickr.com/photos/layeroption/23789558600/in/photostream
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The Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) held the conference, “Increasing Productivity and Unleashing Growth” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad on May 26-27th, 2012. This conference also marked the final round of the Competitive Grants Program that was launched by PSSP in January 2012 for Pakistani PhD and graduate students studying locally and abroad on economic development issues of Pakistan. The finalists presented in front of the Research Advisory Committee, donor heads, professors and students from local universities. The event also consisted of plenary sessions on Pakistan’s various economic growth issues by renowned academics from all over the world, such as Dr. Jock Anderson, Dr. Regina Birner and Dr. David Spielman.
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These plants in the foyer of the Biology Building are cleaning the air indoors as well as increasing the entrance appeal and creating a people-friendly area.
Africa features prominently in China's increasing role as an actor in global development, attaining new salience at the 6th Forum on China Africa Cooperation, Johannesburg, in December 2015. The changing Chinese role in the continent is a vitally important and increasingly consequential engagement today, but follows a longer history of meaningful connections.
This unique panel will bring together different perspectives on China's relations with Africa, and African relations with China, with particular focus on questions about the politics of development over time. It features different generations of leading analysts: a pioneer of the study of China-Africa relations, a foremost authority on current China Africa relations, and a leading emerging analyst and scholar on Africa-China today.
Panelists:
Professor George T. Yu is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A pioneer in studying China's relations with Africa, he has been a leading analyst of China's relations with Africa and the Third World since the 1960s. His books include China and Tanzania: A Study in Cooperative Interaction (1970) and China's African Policy: A Study of Tanzania (1975), as well as more recent chapters and commentary about China's relations with Africa.
Professor Chris Alden teaches international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is a research associate at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. He previously taught at the University of the Witwatersrand from 1990-2000 and established the East Asia Project in 1992. He has contributed to the South African Institute of International Affairs and published extensively on China-Africa relations including China in Africa (2007), and China and Mozambique: from Comrades to Capitalists (Auckland Park: Fanele, 2014), co-edited with Sergio Chichava.
Zainab Usman is a co-convener of the Oxford University China-Africa Network (OUCAN). She is completing her doctorate in International Development at the University of Oxford. Her research assesses the political economy of reform in resource-rich countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Zainab has worked at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Crisis Group and has consulted for the World Economic Forum on Africa, Department for International Development (DfID) and Office of the Nigerian National Security Adviser (ONSA).