The evaluation report three years after Double Up Food Bucks started giving incentives to SNAP (formerly food stamp) recipients
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided by Ace News
Sunday 6 May 2012
Federal Food Aid Recipients Double Their Money at Local Farmers' Markets
Federal Food Aid Recipients Double Their Money at Local Farmers' Markets:
The evaluation report three years after Double Up Food Bucks started giving incentives to SNAP (formerly food stamp) recipients
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided by Ace News
The evaluation report three years after Double Up Food Bucks started giving incentives to SNAP (formerly food stamp) recipients
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided by Ace News
TED: Michael Norton: How to buy happiness - Michael Norton (2011)
TED: Michael Norton: How to buy happiness - Michael Norton (2011): At TEDxCambridge, Michael Norton shares fascinating research on how money can, indeed buy happiness -- when you don't spend it on yourself. Listen for surprising data on the many ways pro-social spending can benefit you, your work, and (of course) other people.
My Feedback on this Video -
In part l agree with a lot of what Michael says in this video and the fact that by giving of ones self is a way of making other peoples lives better, but personally it is the feeling we get of love that makes us a a person feel happier. Then as long as we expect nothing back in return for what we give our happiness stays with us and we continue without being promoted to continue to give of ourselves more and more.
A saying l would like to share with you is that is it not what we give that matters,be it a thought or a penny.It is the reason why you give that will show you how you feel. If you give only to receive you receive nothing more than the feeling,you should have given more.If you give what you can afford you will receive more from within yourself and find the true meaning of happiness forevermore. ED
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through Ace News Service
My Feedback on this Video -
In part l agree with a lot of what Michael says in this video and the fact that by giving of ones self is a way of making other peoples lives better, but personally it is the feeling we get of love that makes us a a person feel happier. Then as long as we expect nothing back in return for what we give our happiness stays with us and we continue without being promoted to continue to give of ourselves more and more.
A saying l would like to share with you is that is it not what we give that matters,be it a thought or a penny.It is the reason why you give that will show you how you feel. If you give only to receive you receive nothing more than the feeling,you should have given more.If you give what you can afford you will receive more from within yourself and find the true meaning of happiness forevermore. ED
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through Ace News Service
Saturday 5 May 2012
How do you count the world's hungry people?
How do you count the world's hungry people?: Calculating hungry people around the world, let alone predicting how that number is likely to change in the future, is no easy task.With the increase of the population growing at an alarming rate there will eventually become an uncontrollable number of starving people, in need.
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through #Ace News Service
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through #Ace News Service
About our Organisation and What we Believe
Hello To ALL Visitors who have visited our blog to day may l personally welcome you.
Firstly may l say that without you visiting us we could not continue to expand so a great big thank you from all at ACE{UK}.
I or maybe now l should say we established this blog for one reason and one reason only, simply to help and guide people in need, who are "Poor in Heart" by providing goods and services. This is where if like me you say to yourself another money making racket and you leave the blog or website? Well if it is not too much trouble read on, if at the end you believe that is what or who we are then never re-visit us again.
We are not a fanatical religious group, or follow any type of religious organisation or creed we quite simply maybe like you, need help. We have a problem and nobody can help, that is unless there is something in it for them. We are different, l myself have experienced many problems and it has guided me to build this blog and write this post to provide a way to help and guide anyway who has a financial, business or property problem. All through the last 30 years l have gained experience in the areas of helping people get out of debt and provided good financial management advice.
So if you have a debt problem of some sort related to a loan, credit card, mortgage or just need a listening ear, leave a contact or email us and l will personally reply to everyone.
Should you prefer to look at websites that are our favorites then click a link and have a browse for free, also like so many have visit del.icio.us or twitter and see what we share. Or our shop on e-bay see what he has for sale.
At the present we are new on the blogging scene so not a lot of posts yet, but give us time and from " Little Acorns Big Oaks Grow " come back and visit us regularly by bookmarking us in your favorites and if you have something to sell or need something in for your the home at the right price, let us know? We will be adding more links to goods and services over the next 12 months, stay with us and watch us grow or register your name and email in comments and join us?
Maybe you also have a small business, website or are a blogger that supports ethical selling of goods and services. We call it telling the truth to our customers, clients and business contacts. We support goods that are good for the environment but also support other people in other countries of the world. If you want to share our network let us know and we will provide a link.
Remember our ethos is to grow by helping and guiding people like you, who are still reading this post. For that and that alone may l thank you for your time and due consideration.
Kindest regards, Ed
Cameron Praises Johnson After Election Win
Cameron Praises Johnson After Election Win:
David Cameron said he was "delighted" by Boris Johnson's mayoral victory and vowed the pair would work together for the good of London.
The Prime Minister praised Mr Johnson for running a "very strong" campaign and said he had enjoyed backing his bid for re-election.
Speaking at City Hall, Cameron said "I think it was a very strong campaign by Boris. It was based on his record, on the excellent things he has done out there and I am delighted to congratulate him.
"It was a campaign the whole Conservative party got behind.
"I enjoyed campaigning for Boris but now what matters is working together for the good of London, as PM, as Mayor, and that is exactly what we are going to do."
Standing by the PM's side today, the mayor said he hopes "very much" to continue working with the Government to secure investment for London.
He added: "I think people were listening to what we had to say about taxes, getting rid of all sorts of unnecessary expenditure, putting it where people want to see it.
"It was a very hard-fought long campaign.
"I am grateful to the Conservative Party. They did turn out in large numbers to help me but I think we were able to reach people across the city with a message that resonated with them in tough times."
He added: "I hope very much to continue working with the Government to get the investment that London needs."
Despite Cameron's praise, the Mayor's victory could not mask a disappointing day for the Tory Party, which suffered a significant drubbing nationally at the polls.
On Friday, some Tory right-wingers accused Cameron of betraying true conservatism, with MP Douglas Carswell blaming the poor electoral results on "wind turbine Toryism".
Johnson's victory will increase speculation that the mayor will set his sights on Downing Street after his four-year tenure at City Hall is completed. Tensions between the mayor and the prime minister have been rumoured, with Johnson a possible challenger to Cameron for leadership of the party.
However, when asked if he would attempt to be re-elected to parliament in two or three year's time, allowing him to position himself as a future Tory leader, Johnson told Nick Ferrari on LBC 97.3: "I'm going to say this categorically that the answer to that is no, I don't want to do that. I want to discharge my mandate and my duty."
"London has an amazing future and I’d be crazy not to focus on that."
Johnson's father Stanley refused to rule out the possibility of his son as future leader saying: "Who knows?."
Asked by the BBC why Boris bucked the national trend he said: "Because he had the charisma and because people believe he is a man that says what he means and he does what he says and that's something that counts."
To enthusiastic applause from party members Johnson signed the declaration of office on Saturday afternoon.
He told the group the election had given him a mandate to go forward with the controversial automation of the Tube.
Watched by Scotland Yard boss Bernard Hogan-Howe he added the result also gave him a mandate to keep police numbers high.
He promised to "work his socks off" and stand up for London in Whitehall.
Johnson signed the declaration of office at City Hall
Johnson was re-elected as Mayor of London in a surprisingly narrow victory that saw him beat rival Ken Livingstone in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Conservative polled 1,054,811 to the Labour candidate's 992,273 following a deeply personal and bitter campaign battle that saw the two men clash furiously in public and in private.
Johnson vowed to continue "fighting for a good deal for Londoners" from government as he thanked voters for giving him a "new chance".
Early results in the contest also suggested the incumbent was significantly in the lead and even senior Labour figures conceded the Tory was poised to win. But later count declarations saw the gap reduce, fuelling speculation Mr Johnson's victory was not the done deal that had been tipped.
No candidate won enough votes in the first round to secure victory, meaning second preferences had to be counted.
Labour secured eight of the London Assembly's 14 first-past-the-post constituencies, gaining two from the Tories, which left them with six.
Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick was pushed into a humiliating fourth place after polling 91,774 votes, compared to the 98,913 secured by the Greens' Jenny Jones.
Political newcomer, Independent Siobhan Benita, took fifth with 83,914.
Ukip's Lawrence James Webb polled 43,274 while the British National Party's Carlos Cortiglia came last with 28,751.
Counting, which is carried out electronically, was dogged by delays, pushing back the result back significantly on original predictions that it would be announced in the early evening.
They included a power cut at Alexandra Palace as well as the reprocessing of two mislaid batches of ballot papers in the Brent and Harrow constituency.
In his victory speech Johnson admitted it had been a "long and gruelling" campaign.
The Conservative went on to take a swipe at his Labour rival - during the campaign he had rowed with him in a lift and called him a f****** liar - saying last time round he had said complimentary things about Mr Livingstone adding: "Fat lot of good it did me."
He added sarcastically: "Of all the left-wing politicians I can think of your long period in office... you have been the most creative and the most original.
OPINION: Scroll down to leave your comments
"And, if only you will promise not to stand again, I much look forward to having that non-taxpayer funded drink that we have so far not managed to fit into our diaries."
He pledged to make sure Londoners, especially young people in the city, were "ready to take the jobs" that are being created.
Johnson said he wanted to thank those who voted for him, those who did not and those who thought about it.
"I want to thank all of you for giving me a new chance and a new mandate to take us forward."
Livingstone dramatically announced his retirement from electoral politics in his speech accepting defeat immediately after the result was declared.
"This is my last election," he told fellow-candidates and supporters at City Hall. "Forty-one years ago almost to the day, I won my first election on a manifesto promising to build good council housing and introduce a free bus pass for pensioners.
"Now I've lived long enough to get one myself. I didn't think I necessarily would at the time.
"And since then, I've won 11 more elections and lost three. But the one I most regret losing is this. This is the defeat I most regret, because these are the worst times for 80 years, and Londoners needed a mayor to get them through this very difficult period by cutting fares, by cutting energy prices and putting people back to work building good council homes.
"I am sincerely sorry to those Londoners who desperately wanted us to win that I failed to do that and they will continue to bear the pain of this recession without any help from here in City Hall."
Livingstone suggested that Johnson may have sealed the succession as next Conservative leader with his victory today.
Joking that the mayoral result might have spoiled David Cameron's supper, the veteran Labour candidate said: "The real story tonight is that under Ed Miliband we have won in every part of the country.
Ken Livingstone announced his retirement from electoral politics
"I want to congratulate Boris on his personal victory. Whilst Cameron and Osborne are dragging the Tory Party down to defeat in the rest of Britain, not only have you won another term, but I suspect this result has settled the question of the next Tory leadership election."
Livingstone hailed Jenny Jones' third place as a "huge breakthrough for the Green Party", and said that Lib Dem Brian Paddick's fourth place was not his fault, adding: "I suspect that nice Mr Clegg."
Thanking supporters, activists and Miliband for their help with a "gruelling" campaign, he said: "I am truly sorry I couldn't pull this victory off, but I am incredibly proud of our team and its incredibly hard work."
Livingstone said he wondered whether the "negativity and smears" of the London campaign had influenced cities around England which rejected directly-elected mayors in referendums.
And he gave a warning for the future unless Labour wins back power in 2015: "Today's teenagers are the first generation of English men and women who face a worse prospect than their parents.
"This is because the aggressive free-market agenda set by the Tory Party 30 years ago has failed to deliver the sound economy they promised. Osborne pushing us back into a double-dip recession merely confirms it."
He added: "London is the most amazing city but our children must be able to find homes and jobs in it, as they must in the rest of Britain.
"The gains that Labour has made today are a big stride towards achieving that under Ed Miliband at the next general election."
Len Duvall, the leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, said he was "disappointed" at Mr Livingstone's defeat.
He added: "However, Labour has made significant gains on the London Assembly, unseating some of Boris' key lieutenants and came close to removing two more.
"The Labour group on the London Assembly will scrutinise the Mayor and highlight his failing policies and his total lack of vision for our great city. If he thinks he can coast along for the next four years he is in for a rude awakening."
Conservative Party co-chairman Baroness Warsi said: "This is an historic result. The greatest city in the world has re-elected a Conservative mayor.
"Boris Johnson's re-election is a testament to the way he has connected with Londoners; to his modern, inclusive approach; and his clear vision for a safer, greener, more prosperous London.
"In the coming weeks and months the eyes of the world will be upon the capital, as we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are at the centre of celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In Boris, London has a mayor with the authority, presence and charisma to represent this great city on the world stage.
"Boris, and the countless volunteers who gave their time and support to this campaign, can be immensely proud of what has been achieved.
"This is a victory for the Conservatives, a victory for a mayor who has devoted the last four years of his life to this city and, above all, a victory for London."
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided by #Ace News Services
David Cameron said he was "delighted" by Boris Johnson's mayoral victory and vowed the pair would work together for the good of London.
The Prime Minister praised Mr Johnson for running a "very strong" campaign and said he had enjoyed backing his bid for re-election.
Speaking at City Hall, Cameron said "I think it was a very strong campaign by Boris. It was based on his record, on the excellent things he has done out there and I am delighted to congratulate him.
"It was a campaign the whole Conservative party got behind.
"I enjoyed campaigning for Boris but now what matters is working together for the good of London, as PM, as Mayor, and that is exactly what we are going to do."
Standing by the PM's side today, the mayor said he hopes "very much" to continue working with the Government to secure investment for London.
He added: "I think people were listening to what we had to say about taxes, getting rid of all sorts of unnecessary expenditure, putting it where people want to see it.
"It was a very hard-fought long campaign.
"I am grateful to the Conservative Party. They did turn out in large numbers to help me but I think we were able to reach people across the city with a message that resonated with them in tough times."
He added: "I hope very much to continue working with the Government to get the investment that London needs."
Despite Cameron's praise, the Mayor's victory could not mask a disappointing day for the Tory Party, which suffered a significant drubbing nationally at the polls.
On Friday, some Tory right-wingers accused Cameron of betraying true conservatism, with MP Douglas Carswell blaming the poor electoral results on "wind turbine Toryism".
Johnson's victory will increase speculation that the mayor will set his sights on Downing Street after his four-year tenure at City Hall is completed. Tensions between the mayor and the prime minister have been rumoured, with Johnson a possible challenger to Cameron for leadership of the party.
However, when asked if he would attempt to be re-elected to parliament in two or three year's time, allowing him to position himself as a future Tory leader, Johnson told Nick Ferrari on LBC 97.3: "I'm going to say this categorically that the answer to that is no, I don't want to do that. I want to discharge my mandate and my duty."
"London has an amazing future and I’d be crazy not to focus on that."
Johnson's father Stanley refused to rule out the possibility of his son as future leader saying: "Who knows?."
Asked by the BBC why Boris bucked the national trend he said: "Because he had the charisma and because people believe he is a man that says what he means and he does what he says and that's something that counts."
To enthusiastic applause from party members Johnson signed the declaration of office on Saturday afternoon.
He told the group the election had given him a mandate to go forward with the controversial automation of the Tube.
Watched by Scotland Yard boss Bernard Hogan-Howe he added the result also gave him a mandate to keep police numbers high.
He promised to "work his socks off" and stand up for London in Whitehall.
Johnson signed the declaration of office at City Hall
Johnson was re-elected as Mayor of London in a surprisingly narrow victory that saw him beat rival Ken Livingstone in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Conservative polled 1,054,811 to the Labour candidate's 992,273 following a deeply personal and bitter campaign battle that saw the two men clash furiously in public and in private.
Johnson vowed to continue "fighting for a good deal for Londoners" from government as he thanked voters for giving him a "new chance".
Early results in the contest also suggested the incumbent was significantly in the lead and even senior Labour figures conceded the Tory was poised to win. But later count declarations saw the gap reduce, fuelling speculation Mr Johnson's victory was not the done deal that had been tipped.
No candidate won enough votes in the first round to secure victory, meaning second preferences had to be counted.
Labour secured eight of the London Assembly's 14 first-past-the-post constituencies, gaining two from the Tories, which left them with six.
Full coverage of Friday's local and mayoral elections:
Coalition Parties Take A Pounding As Labour Gain More Than 800 Council Seats
Tories Urge David Cameron To Change Course
Voters Reject Cameron's Offer For Directly-Elected Mayors
A Lib Dem Is Beaten By A Penguin
Liberal Democrat Brian Paddick was pushed into a humiliating fourth place after polling 91,774 votes, compared to the 98,913 secured by the Greens' Jenny Jones.
Political newcomer, Independent Siobhan Benita, took fifth with 83,914.
Ukip's Lawrence James Webb polled 43,274 while the British National Party's Carlos Cortiglia came last with 28,751.
Counting, which is carried out electronically, was dogged by delays, pushing back the result back significantly on original predictions that it would be announced in the early evening.
They included a power cut at Alexandra Palace as well as the reprocessing of two mislaid batches of ballot papers in the Brent and Harrow constituency.
In his victory speech Johnson admitted it had been a "long and gruelling" campaign.
The Conservative went on to take a swipe at his Labour rival - during the campaign he had rowed with him in a lift and called him a f****** liar - saying last time round he had said complimentary things about Mr Livingstone adding: "Fat lot of good it did me."
He added sarcastically: "Of all the left-wing politicians I can think of your long period in office... you have been the most creative and the most original.
OPINION: Scroll down to leave your comments
"And, if only you will promise not to stand again, I much look forward to having that non-taxpayer funded drink that we have so far not managed to fit into our diaries."
He pledged to make sure Londoners, especially young people in the city, were "ready to take the jobs" that are being created.
Johnson said he wanted to thank those who voted for him, those who did not and those who thought about it.
"I want to thank all of you for giving me a new chance and a new mandate to take us forward."
Livingstone dramatically announced his retirement from electoral politics in his speech accepting defeat immediately after the result was declared.
"This is my last election," he told fellow-candidates and supporters at City Hall. "Forty-one years ago almost to the day, I won my first election on a manifesto promising to build good council housing and introduce a free bus pass for pensioners.
"Now I've lived long enough to get one myself. I didn't think I necessarily would at the time.
"And since then, I've won 11 more elections and lost three. But the one I most regret losing is this. This is the defeat I most regret, because these are the worst times for 80 years, and Londoners needed a mayor to get them through this very difficult period by cutting fares, by cutting energy prices and putting people back to work building good council homes.
"I am sincerely sorry to those Londoners who desperately wanted us to win that I failed to do that and they will continue to bear the pain of this recession without any help from here in City Hall."
Livingstone suggested that Johnson may have sealed the succession as next Conservative leader with his victory today.
Joking that the mayoral result might have spoiled David Cameron's supper, the veteran Labour candidate said: "The real story tonight is that under Ed Miliband we have won in every part of the country.
Ken Livingstone announced his retirement from electoral politics
"I want to congratulate Boris on his personal victory. Whilst Cameron and Osborne are dragging the Tory Party down to defeat in the rest of Britain, not only have you won another term, but I suspect this result has settled the question of the next Tory leadership election."
Livingstone hailed Jenny Jones' third place as a "huge breakthrough for the Green Party", and said that Lib Dem Brian Paddick's fourth place was not his fault, adding: "I suspect that nice Mr Clegg."
Thanking supporters, activists and Miliband for their help with a "gruelling" campaign, he said: "I am truly sorry I couldn't pull this victory off, but I am incredibly proud of our team and its incredibly hard work."
Livingstone said he wondered whether the "negativity and smears" of the London campaign had influenced cities around England which rejected directly-elected mayors in referendums.
And he gave a warning for the future unless Labour wins back power in 2015: "Today's teenagers are the first generation of English men and women who face a worse prospect than their parents.
"This is because the aggressive free-market agenda set by the Tory Party 30 years ago has failed to deliver the sound economy they promised. Osborne pushing us back into a double-dip recession merely confirms it."
He added: "London is the most amazing city but our children must be able to find homes and jobs in it, as they must in the rest of Britain.
"The gains that Labour has made today are a big stride towards achieving that under Ed Miliband at the next general election."
Len Duvall, the leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly, said he was "disappointed" at Mr Livingstone's defeat.
He added: "However, Labour has made significant gains on the London Assembly, unseating some of Boris' key lieutenants and came close to removing two more.
"The Labour group on the London Assembly will scrutinise the Mayor and highlight his failing policies and his total lack of vision for our great city. If he thinks he can coast along for the next four years he is in for a rude awakening."
Conservative Party co-chairman Baroness Warsi said: "This is an historic result. The greatest city in the world has re-elected a Conservative mayor.
"Boris Johnson's re-election is a testament to the way he has connected with Londoners; to his modern, inclusive approach; and his clear vision for a safer, greener, more prosperous London.
"In the coming weeks and months the eyes of the world will be upon the capital, as we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games and we are at the centre of celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. In Boris, London has a mayor with the authority, presence and charisma to represent this great city on the world stage.
"Boris, and the countless volunteers who gave their time and support to this campaign, can be immensely proud of what has been achieved.
"This is a victory for the Conservatives, a victory for a mayor who has devoted the last four years of his life to this city and, above all, a victory for London."
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided by #Ace News Services
Friday 17 February 2012
FB:Purity that allows you to have your Facebook page your way has had their pages blocked with no reason why? http://see.sc/Dvc8n4
Wednesday 8 February 2012
My Personal Overview Of The Economic Outlook
My Personal Overview Of The Economic Outlook:
My Personal Overview Of The Economic Outlook - Part One
As more of the global down turn in peoples expectations take their toll on the economic forecasts that are being prof ligated on a daily basis, peoples hope is turning to doubt. The reasons seem simple on the surface but dig deeper and a more ingrained purpose is high lighted.
Firstly we are told that by recapitalization of our banks we can provide an even keel for our global economies but when have you heard anyone let alone a banker say l will provide money to bailout another person, company or country and not want anything back in return. Is that " NEVER " l hear you say well greed will not enable any bank to help to bail out another too many hidden agendas too much l am alright Jack and dam the rest, not on the surface of course but deeply ingrained within our way of living our everyday lives.
We hear the saying " A Leopard Cannot Change Their Spots " well it was and is the ideal saying for all the bankers whether big or small and this leopard is not willing to change even to save itself and its spots one day will engulf the whole world.
My words of comfort are few - listen not to the bankers or too the governments rhetoric as they tell us they care about our futures, as they do not know how to care about themselves, witness the UK fuel crisis of rising bills over profits for themselves and their cronies.
The only person who cares is the one who says here take this l do not need it and when asked if they want payment say l have enough and you had less than me. You will find these people are very few and they are well hidden as they want no reward.
Ian Draper [Editor]
https://twitter.com/AceFinanceNews
My Personal Overview Of The Economic Outlook - Part One
As more of the global down turn in peoples expectations take their toll on the economic forecasts that are being prof ligated on a daily basis, peoples hope is turning to doubt. The reasons seem simple on the surface but dig deeper and a more ingrained purpose is high lighted.
Firstly we are told that by recapitalization of our banks we can provide an even keel for our global economies but when have you heard anyone let alone a banker say l will provide money to bailout another person, company or country and not want anything back in return. Is that " NEVER " l hear you say well greed will not enable any bank to help to bail out another too many hidden agendas too much l am alright Jack and dam the rest, not on the surface of course but deeply ingrained within our way of living our everyday lives.
We hear the saying " A Leopard Cannot Change Their Spots " well it was and is the ideal saying for all the bankers whether big or small and this leopard is not willing to change even to save itself and its spots one day will engulf the whole world.
My words of comfort are few - listen not to the bankers or too the governments rhetoric as they tell us they care about our futures, as they do not know how to care about themselves, witness the UK fuel crisis of rising bills over profits for themselves and their cronies.
The only person who cares is the one who says here take this l do not need it and when asked if they want payment say l have enough and you had less than me. You will find these people are very few and they are well hidden as they want no reward.
Ian Draper [Editor]
All the posts are provided by me and any comments l provide are my own view of the markets and are not the views of the article writer and or news provider.
https://twitter.com/AceFinanceNews
Thursday 15 December 2011
Christmas 2011 – Merry Christmas, Christmas Wishes – Times of India
Christmas 2011 – Merry Christmas, Christmas Wishes – Times of India:
'via Blog this'
The Goods and Services offered on this blog are in our opinion good value for money and are offered as seen and where possible we value your comments or opinions. Like to feature your goods and services leave a comment and share with our comments system and share your details on google, twitter, facebook or yahoo and please follow our shop news at http://twitter.com/AceiShop Thank you, Ian
'via Blog this'
The Goods and Services offered on this blog are in our opinion good value for money and are offered as seen and where possible we value your comments or opinions. Like to feature your goods and services leave a comment and share with our comments system and share your details on google, twitter, facebook or yahoo and please follow our shop news at http://twitter.com/AceiShop Thank you, Ian
Monday 24 October 2011
Ramey on Stimulus and Multipliers
Ramey on Stimulus and Multipliers:
Valerie Ramey of the University of California, San Diego talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the effect of government spending on output and employment. Ramey's own work exploits the exogenous nature of wartime spending. She finds a multiplier between .8 and 1.2. (A multiplier of 1 means that GDP goes up by the amount of spending--there is neither stimulus nor crowding out.) She also discusses a survey looking at a wide range of estimates by others and finds that the estimates range from .5 to 2.0.
Along the way, she discusses the effects of taxes as well. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the imprecision of multiplier estimates and the contributions of recent Nobel Laureates Thomas Sargent and Christopher Sims.
This is our opinion and feelings about the the posts added to this blog by ourselves and writers who have asked to write on our blog network and does not necessarily represent our agreement or disagreement with the writers concerned.Please tweet @AceFinanceNews to your tweets and follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/AceFinanceNews and thank you. Ian
This is our opinion and feelings about the the posts added to this blog by ourselves and writers who have asked to write on our blog network and does not necessarily represent our agreement or disagreement with the writers concerned.Please tweet @AceFinanceNews to your tweets and follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/AceFinanceNews and thank you. Ian
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Too Much Information
Too Much Information:
There was a time when the phrase "too much information" referred to a friend's unusual propensity to reveal a superabundance of intimate detail regarding recent amorous encounters. However, at the beginning of the second decade of the third millennium the cliché has been restored to its primary meaning. But the mere act of expressing the fact that there is too much information now puts us all in something of a fix. In order to make the point that there is too much information we only add to the information. It is surely time to return the words 'knowledge' and 'wisdom' to a central place in our culture. And time is what both of those words require.
#AceNewsServices
Norbert Wiener
The father of modern cybernetics, Norbert Wiener, whose work on the study of feedback helped popularise the idea of the information loop, and hence that most fashionable of notions of being 'in the loop', believed, in the way that only a scientist truly can, in the improvement of the species. This story, as told in James Harkin's compelling book Cyburbia, needs to be read. We would adjust and adapt in response to a continuing stream of information Wiener suggested, improve our direction, evade capture or destruction, move ever onwards with an improved sense of momentum and purpose.
However, in our age of global information witness, when we are all looking at, commenting upon and sharing the same information, the space for the radical, the surprise that refashions a conception of where we are going, unsettles our conviction as to why we are going there and challenges our assumptions as to what we will find if ever we are to arrive at our destination, is shrinking. Perhaps it is now only to be found offline.
According to the OED 'cybernetics' comes from the Greek word kubernetes meaning 'steersman,' 'helmsman' or 'pilot'. The internet, in its current form, encourages us to pilot ourselves in the same direction, towards one another, in a carnival of communality. In the glorious rush of digital feedback, the automatic input and output, who is keeping a look out to check that we are not steering ourselves into an abyss? '
#AceNewsServices
Clearing the mist at Foggy Bottom
Clearing the mist at Foggy Bottom: In a speech this week at George Washington University in Foggy Bottom, Washington, the World Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined her plan for internet freedom and the US government's commitment to tackling oppressive regimes.
At the beginning of her speech, Mrs Clinton stated the following:
"Perhaps today in my remarks we can begin a much more vigorous debate that will respond to the needs that we have been watching in real time on our television sets."
She then turned to those real time needs:
"A few minutes after midnight, on January 28th, the internet went dark across Egypt. During the previous four days, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians had marched to demand a new government. And the world on TVs, laptops, cellphones and smartphones, had followed every single step. Pictures and videos from Egypt flooded the web. On Facebook and Twitter journalists posted on-the-spot reports, protesters coordinated their next moves, and citizens of all stripes, shared their hopes and fears about this pivotal moment in the history of their country. Millions worldwide answered in real time: you are not alone and we are with you. Then the government pulled the plug. Cellphone service was cut off, TV satellite signals were jammed, and internet access was blocked for nearly the entire population."
At this point a noise was heard. A man shouted out: "So this is America?" Mrs Clinton, her eyes moving this way and that, raised her voice, forced her mouth into a defiant aperture of positivity, and, in the attempt to disguise her obvious discomfort, continued:
"The government did not want the people to communicate with each other. And it did not want the press to communicate with the public."
The voice was silenced. The World Secretary of State could once more relax:
"It certainly did not want the world to watch."
You can watch the ejection of the protester here:
You can watch a full video of Mrs Clinton's speech here:
You can read an article on the protester here.
#AceNewsServices
At the beginning of her speech, Mrs Clinton stated the following:
"Perhaps today in my remarks we can begin a much more vigorous debate that will respond to the needs that we have been watching in real time on our television sets."
She then turned to those real time needs:
"A few minutes after midnight, on January 28th, the internet went dark across Egypt. During the previous four days, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians had marched to demand a new government. And the world on TVs, laptops, cellphones and smartphones, had followed every single step. Pictures and videos from Egypt flooded the web. On Facebook and Twitter journalists posted on-the-spot reports, protesters coordinated their next moves, and citizens of all stripes, shared their hopes and fears about this pivotal moment in the history of their country. Millions worldwide answered in real time: you are not alone and we are with you. Then the government pulled the plug. Cellphone service was cut off, TV satellite signals were jammed, and internet access was blocked for nearly the entire population."
At this point a noise was heard. A man shouted out: "So this is America?" Mrs Clinton, her eyes moving this way and that, raised her voice, forced her mouth into a defiant aperture of positivity, and, in the attempt to disguise her obvious discomfort, continued:
"The government did not want the people to communicate with each other. And it did not want the press to communicate with the public."
The voice was silenced. The World Secretary of State could once more relax:
"It certainly did not want the world to watch."
You can watch the ejection of the protester here:
You can watch a full video of Mrs Clinton's speech here:
You can read an article on the protester here.
#AceNewsServices
Manufacturing Content
Manufacturing Content: 
#AceNewsServices
Aaron Sorkin, the creator of The West Wing and the screenwriter of The Social Network, doesn’t like the internet. “There’s just too much bad information getting out there,” he told the Dairy Goat Journal, “and I have to believe that’s mostly the fault of the internet, which isn’t held to any standards of accuracy.”
Mr. Sorkin’s view is that the internet has undermined the role of newspapers. Surely, that perspective is a correct one. After all, didn’t the print rags once contain all the information we needed to help us make sense of the world around us? I too remember that glorious time when the Daily This or the Morning That would arrive through the letterbox each day. Oh, how we were once enlightened by the informed objectivity of the great columnists! Oh, how we gobbled up the accurate truth like a plateful of nutritious and healthy info-food!
Here in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland commentators such as the Daily Mail's Peter Hitchens and The Guardian's Polly Toynbee, must be allowed to continue to run the information in our lives. There can be no other way. The media class to which the aforementioned duo pertain are interested in nothing other than the purest truth. They are untainted by personal interest, prejudice and subjective political conviction. They wish only to inform. Need it even be said that their work is based on the purest accuracy. Of course it is. That is self-evident. Let us thank Mr. Sorkin then for reminding us bloggering souls of our place in the information order. Ours is not to question. We must simply receive.
#AceNewsServices
Say Hello, Green Wave Goodbye
Say Hello, Green Wave Goodbye: Can social media change the world? Evgeny Morozov doesn't think so, and perhaps he has a point. A tweet might enable one protester to link up with another with a fashionable rapidity, but try throwing one of those micro e-missives at a tank and you'll begin to see the limits of the digital telegraph.
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share.
The Green Movement in Iran in 2009 sought to bring down Mahmoud Ahmadinejad following a disputed presidential election. In that fervid hour, when internet evangelists like Jared Cohen rushed to proclaim the protest "the one that social media built," the cliché of choice was that Twitter would transform Iran, 140 characters at a time.
The failed attempt to unseat Ahmadinejad is the subject of Iranian-German filmmaker Ali Samadi Ahadi's film, The Green Wave, which receives its UK premiere on March 25th. Drawing upon techniques seen in Ari Folman's Waltz with Bashir, Ahadi animates the work of Iranian bloggers, thus imaginatively recreating moments from the 2009 protest not recorded by TV cameras.
It is clear that the internet offers a novel locus for dissent; it also allows governments, both authoritarian and democratic, a new means of tracking down citizens who are resistant to established authority. Can social media change the world? Why don't you write a blog post about it?
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share.
Thank you, Ian Draper [Editor]
Monday 17 October 2011
Belated Tributes To Hillsborough Victims In Commons
Belated Tributes To Hillsborough Victims In Commons:
The House Of Commons has debated the controversy surrounding the government's delay in releasing confidential Cabinet papers relating to the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster.
The debate was watched by many of the relatives of the 96 Liverpool fans crushed to death at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium.
Triggered by a government e-petition that has attracted more than 130,000 signatures since it was set up over the summer, the debate was led by Steve Rotheram, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton.
Rotheram said the Thatcher government at the time of the disaster had briefed against the fans. Describing the alleged briefings as "a convenient excuse to aggregate responsibility," Rotheram then proceeded to read out the names of every person killed in the disaster.
He said he was doing this because the names had never been officially entered into the Parliamentary register before. Around 20 people in the public gallery had travelled to the commons to watch the debate. Many of them were clearly emotional as the names and their ages were slowly read out by Rotheram over the course of five minutes.
"Rest in peace, Justice for the 96," he said before sitting down to unconventional applause from several MPs in the chamber and virtually everyone sitting in the public gallery.
Responding for the government, Home Secretary Theresa may paid tribute to Steve Rotheram, and to the support that people on Merseyside have given to the campaign over more than 20 years. "I will do everything in my power to ensure the families and the public get the truth," she said, promising that no government papers would be withheld from the Hillsborough Panel.
However May didn't give a timescale for the release of the Hillsborough files to the relatives of the victims, saying "It is difficult sensitive and lengthly work and it cannot be rushed."
But the Home Secretary apologised to the families for the way the government had responded to their requests for the files to be released. The government had appealed against a decision by the Information Commissioner to release them earlier this year, creating a common impression that ministers were trying to suppress the files.
The government insists it always planned to release the files to the families, but only once they had gone through the Hillsborough Panel currently investigating all aspects of the disaster.
Theresa May promised that once the files were released - to the relatives first, then the media - there would be "only minimal redaction" to protect junior government officials and the details of family members.
Responding for the Labour front bench, Andy Burnham told MPs that there had been an "orchestrated campaign at Westminster to set the public against the supporters" shortly after the tragedy, which he described as one of the biggest injustices of the 20th century.
He also referred to a story run by The Sun newspaper shortly after Hillsborough, where the paper claimed Liverpool fans had pick-pocketed from the victims - a story the paper has since accepted was untrue.
Andy Burnham suggested that the Hillsborough Panel should consider asking News International to divulge how it came to publish its story, adding that people's views of this story may well have changed in the light of the phone hacking scandal.
MPs are due to debate the Hillsborough files until late on Monday evening, when a motion to release the files is expected to be carried unopposed.
Steve Rotheram MP's speech in the debate can be found on here on the Liverpool Echo website
This is our opinion and feelings about the the posts added to this blog by ourselves and writers who have asked to write on our blog network and does not necessarily represent our agreement or disagreement with the writers concerned.
Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/ad144000hoe
The House Of Commons has debated the controversy surrounding the government's delay in releasing confidential Cabinet papers relating to the 1989 Hillsborough Stadium disaster.
The debate was watched by many of the relatives of the 96 Liverpool fans crushed to death at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium.
Triggered by a government e-petition that has attracted more than 130,000 signatures since it was set up over the summer, the debate was led by Steve Rotheram, Labour MP for Liverpool Walton.
Rotheram said the Thatcher government at the time of the disaster had briefed against the fans. Describing the alleged briefings as "a convenient excuse to aggregate responsibility," Rotheram then proceeded to read out the names of every person killed in the disaster.
He said he was doing this because the names had never been officially entered into the Parliamentary register before. Around 20 people in the public gallery had travelled to the commons to watch the debate. Many of them were clearly emotional as the names and their ages were slowly read out by Rotheram over the course of five minutes.
"Rest in peace, Justice for the 96," he said before sitting down to unconventional applause from several MPs in the chamber and virtually everyone sitting in the public gallery.
Responding for the government, Home Secretary Theresa may paid tribute to Steve Rotheram, and to the support that people on Merseyside have given to the campaign over more than 20 years. "I will do everything in my power to ensure the families and the public get the truth," she said, promising that no government papers would be withheld from the Hillsborough Panel.
However May didn't give a timescale for the release of the Hillsborough files to the relatives of the victims, saying "It is difficult sensitive and lengthly work and it cannot be rushed."
But the Home Secretary apologised to the families for the way the government had responded to their requests for the files to be released. The government had appealed against a decision by the Information Commissioner to release them earlier this year, creating a common impression that ministers were trying to suppress the files.
The government insists it always planned to release the files to the families, but only once they had gone through the Hillsborough Panel currently investigating all aspects of the disaster.
Theresa May promised that once the files were released - to the relatives first, then the media - there would be "only minimal redaction" to protect junior government officials and the details of family members.
Responding for the Labour front bench, Andy Burnham told MPs that there had been an "orchestrated campaign at Westminster to set the public against the supporters" shortly after the tragedy, which he described as one of the biggest injustices of the 20th century.
He also referred to a story run by The Sun newspaper shortly after Hillsborough, where the paper claimed Liverpool fans had pick-pocketed from the victims - a story the paper has since accepted was untrue.
Andy Burnham suggested that the Hillsborough Panel should consider asking News International to divulge how it came to publish its story, adding that people's views of this story may well have changed in the light of the phone hacking scandal.
MPs are due to debate the Hillsborough files until late on Monday evening, when a motion to release the files is expected to be carried unopposed.
Steve Rotheram MP's speech in the debate can be found on here on the Liverpool Echo website
This is our opinion and feelings about the the posts added to this blog by ourselves and writers who have asked to write on our blog network and does not necessarily represent our agreement or disagreement with the writers concerned.
Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/ad144000hoe
Thank you,
Ian
BlackBerry Outage Made Roads Safer for Everybody
BlackBerry Outage Made Roads Safer for Everybody: 
Flickr/CC BY 3.0
Don't Text and Drive!
For years I've been saying that to make cities greener, we need to encourage more people to walk, bike, and take mass transit. There are many things to do to achieve that goal, and one of them is m...Read the full story on TreeHugger
#AceNewsServices
Flickr/CC BY 3.0
Don't Text and Drive!
For years I've been saying that to make cities greener, we need to encourage more people to walk, bike, and take mass transit. There are many things to do to achieve that goal, and one of them is m...Read the full story on TreeHugger
#AceNewsServices
Australian Company Will Kill Camels for Cash, Carbon Credits
Australian Company Will Kill Camels for Cash, Carbon Credits: 
Photo credit: Harclade via Flickr/CC BY
As you've likely heard, Australia is en route to pass legislation ensuring that its largest polluters pay for their carbon emissions. The new law will allow companies to reduce at least part of their emissions by buying carbon credits that sponsor projects proven to reduce greenhouse gase generation. And enterprising companies are already stepping up to the plate with ideas on how to turn a profit reducing emissions -- like, for instance, Northwest Carbon. The company has alre...Read the full story on TreeHugger
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share. Thank you, Ian Draper [Editor]
Photo credit: Harclade via Flickr/CC BY
As you've likely heard, Australia is en route to pass legislation ensuring that its largest polluters pay for their carbon emissions. The new law will allow companies to reduce at least part of their emissions by buying carbon credits that sponsor projects proven to reduce greenhouse gase generation. And enterprising companies are already stepping up to the plate with ideas on how to turn a profit reducing emissions -- like, for instance, Northwest Carbon. The company has alre...Read the full story on TreeHugger
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share. Thank you, Ian Draper [Editor]
Tribute – Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs Passes Away
Tribute – Apple Co-founder Steve Jobs Passes Away:
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share. Thank you, Ian Draper [Editor]
“No one wants to die, ”And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.” These are the words of Steve Jobs at 2005 commencement address at Stanford as he felt closer to death after being diagnosed with a rare type of Pancreatic Cancer, now on the day of his death, “Pancreatic Cancer” is the most Googled term according to CNN.
I am not a big fan of Apple, but I am writing this tribute as I have a great respect for the former Apple leader as Steve Jobs was the man who made my wildest of dreams come true. Ever since I bought an i-mate Jam (aka HTC Magician) I wondered why do I need a stylus to use the phone & wanted a device which could be operated with touch of a thumb and had an intuitive interface instead of a primitive UI which was the hallmark of Windows Mobile 2003. And the man who beat all the others and produced such device in 2007 around 3-4 years ahead of competition’s plans was Steve Jobs.
Jobs announces that he’ll be introducing three “revolutionary products of this class.”
“The first one: a widescreen iPod with touch controls.”
“Second, a revolutionary mobile phone.”
“The third, a breakthrough Internet communications device.”
Then, he grins as the icons for the three devices beginning spinning on the giant screen behind him until they nearly blur into one.
“Are you getting it?” Jobs said. “These are not three separate devices. This is one device. And we are calling it iPhone.”
This is how Jobs introduced Apple iPhone to the awe-struck crowd in 2007, he was considered a showman of the business due to his presentation skills & motivational abilities. The legendary Apple leader had successes in his life from Apple II to iPad and made Apple the most most valuable publicly-traded company in the world, surpassing ExxonMobil’s market capitalization in August.
Steve Job’s leadership and his knack of producing the devices which really addressed user needs will be missed for a long time. Tributes from some prominent people are as follows:
President Obama said that “the world has lost a visionary,” noting that “there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”
Microsoft’s Bill Gates – a fierce rival – hailed the “profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.”
IEEE President Moshe Kam issued the following statement; “Steve Jobs was an inspiring inventor and entrepreneur, toward whom technical professionals worldwide, as well as consumers and the general public, felt unusual admiration and affinity. He was as exceptional, original and influential as the most revered figures in the history of innovation, including legendary individuals like Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi, David Sarnoff, Hewlett and Packard, Walt Disney and Henry Ford. He will be sorely missed.”
Google co-founder Sergey Brin: From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry and I sought inspiration or vision and leadership, we need to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in Preston the few times we have met. On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much.
Jobs’ Apple announcement quotation taken from Steve Jobs’ top 5 showman moments
Other quotations courtesy: Yahoo
Photo courtesy: Apple & Andrew Burton, Getty Images
The positions and jobs offered on this blog are provided by us obtaining details from other news sources and we always suggest you check out all posts and companies for further details. We will of course advise when a position is available within our organisation with our associates. Need to email me leave a comment and use our new Disqus box and share. Thank you, Ian Draper [Editor]
Saturday 3 September 2011
Big Society Overview & Opinions
Big Society, Anarchist Style:
Anna is the model citizen. The 31-year-old self-described professional volunteer spends Mondays running a free bike workshop, Wednesdays counselling others in the community, and in her spare time is helping to build a community garden in Camberwell, South London.
For her it's about taking responsibility for where she lives. "If I didn't believe that what I spent most of my time doing made people's lives more pleasant, I'd be pretty lost. I'm hoping that I make life easier for others."
Among her projects: Free computing workshops, a shop set up to help young mothers who cannot afford their kids' back-to-school clothes, free skill-share workshops.
People like Anna are helping to make David Cameron's Big Society "vision" a reality. From free judo lessons to building adventure playgrounds or residents uniting to protect their libraries from the threat of closure, across London communities are uniting to help one another.
Just one thing… all these programmes are run by anarchist groups.
In a speech in February 2011 about the Big Society, David Cameron described the Big Society in a nutshell: "What this is all about is giving people more power and control to improve their lives and their communities."
But when he set out his vision he probably didn't have anarchists in mind. Dr Jo Haynes, a sociologist from Bristol University says the comparison is telling. "It's interesting that theoretically, a smaller state - or no state - chimes with anarchist principles as well, but the power taken by the people through anarchist community activity and political mobilisation would be at odds with the kind of 'soft power' envisaged within David Cameron's Big Society idea".
Jesse Norman disagrees. The Conservative MP, who has written a book on the Big Society, says while anarchists would be "absolutely appalled" to be considered at the vanguard of an idea which originated from the Conservative party, the two are are not so dissimilar.
"If you reach past the labels, it may be that as a matter of labels, anarchists are deeply uncomfortable with being concerned with any government programme... if you get away from the labels, an awful lot of what the Big Society is about is about restoring meaning and energy to people's lives. I think this is built into the idea that David Cameron’s talking about."
Dr David Chapman, a research analyst at the consultancy Monitor Group currently researching social entrepreneurs, believes Conservative advocates of the Big Society should look to anarchist groups.
"They have a pretty essential role to play within the Big Society agenda. Certainly within the middle-class Tory consciousness the word anarchist conjures up people in masks rioting. But that’s not what these people are doing, they are building communities. The point of social entrepreneurs, they are innovators, they don't do things in a normal way."
"To my mind an anarchist group in Dalston creating a community garden is exactly the same as some middle class parents in Oxfordshire trying to provide a free school. It's the community coming together.
"The only thing that differentiates an anarchist group from the kind of traditional Big Society perspective is the cultural perspective of who is an acceptable person."
But Dr Chapman says for the Big Society to work, everyone has to feel empowered.
"The Big Society is a very, very powerful idea but it does raise lots of questions about who, in a broad cultural sense, society deems as a valid individual."
And what do the anarchists think? Andy Meinke, Secretary of London-wide anarchist collective ALARM is scathing about the Big Society but recognises the comparison: "Obviously we regard Cameron's Big Society as an attempt to do social services on the cheap.
The reality of the big society is creating a society that's not run for profit but for human need.
"That’s what we do in a very small way, we help people self-organise to help themselves in a way that the state won't do."
The prime minister has recognised the idea of the Big Society is not new. Many of these groups have been running for years. And they don’t want to talk to journalists. Volunteer-run anarchist bookshop 56a, who also help organise workshops and support fellow "community collectives” write: "we don't care about exposure, publicity or putting our side of the story etc… not interested",
Some are slightly more forthcoming: A community scheme for the unemployed in deal with the government all the time: "We are looking at people being moved from DSA [Disability Support Allowance] to JSA [Job Seekers' Allowance]", says trade union activist Marie "we want to help people".
As for Anna, she runs most of the skills workshops from the communal squat she lives in - an activity the government is currently consulting on making illegal.
"We're organising over 30 workshops and it's all free skill share. Welding, plumbing, electricity.
"The reason I came to London was to volunteer. There’s a severe lack of support for a lot of different people here –London has a really apparent rich-poor gap, and the people who are living below the poverty line are suffering. The Free Shop meant we could give kids' clothes to people who did not have enough."
So, what's the Big Society to her? "It sounds like a really right-wing concept."
Some names and places have been changed to protect identities
#ad144000hoe
Anna is the model citizen. The 31-year-old self-described professional volunteer spends Mondays running a free bike workshop, Wednesdays counselling others in the community, and in her spare time is helping to build a community garden in Camberwell, South London.
For her it's about taking responsibility for where she lives. "If I didn't believe that what I spent most of my time doing made people's lives more pleasant, I'd be pretty lost. I'm hoping that I make life easier for others."
Among her projects: Free computing workshops, a shop set up to help young mothers who cannot afford their kids' back-to-school clothes, free skill-share workshops.
People like Anna are helping to make David Cameron's Big Society "vision" a reality. From free judo lessons to building adventure playgrounds or residents uniting to protect their libraries from the threat of closure, across London communities are uniting to help one another.
Just one thing… all these programmes are run by anarchist groups.
In a speech in February 2011 about the Big Society, David Cameron described the Big Society in a nutshell: "What this is all about is giving people more power and control to improve their lives and their communities."
But when he set out his vision he probably didn't have anarchists in mind. Dr Jo Haynes, a sociologist from Bristol University says the comparison is telling. "It's interesting that theoretically, a smaller state - or no state - chimes with anarchist principles as well, but the power taken by the people through anarchist community activity and political mobilisation would be at odds with the kind of 'soft power' envisaged within David Cameron's Big Society idea".
Jesse Norman disagrees. The Conservative MP, who has written a book on the Big Society, says while anarchists would be "absolutely appalled" to be considered at the vanguard of an idea which originated from the Conservative party, the two are are not so dissimilar.
"If you reach past the labels, it may be that as a matter of labels, anarchists are deeply uncomfortable with being concerned with any government programme... if you get away from the labels, an awful lot of what the Big Society is about is about restoring meaning and energy to people's lives. I think this is built into the idea that David Cameron’s talking about."
Dr David Chapman, a research analyst at the consultancy Monitor Group currently researching social entrepreneurs, believes Conservative advocates of the Big Society should look to anarchist groups.
"They have a pretty essential role to play within the Big Society agenda. Certainly within the middle-class Tory consciousness the word anarchist conjures up people in masks rioting. But that’s not what these people are doing, they are building communities. The point of social entrepreneurs, they are innovators, they don't do things in a normal way."
"To my mind an anarchist group in Dalston creating a community garden is exactly the same as some middle class parents in Oxfordshire trying to provide a free school. It's the community coming together.
"The only thing that differentiates an anarchist group from the kind of traditional Big Society perspective is the cultural perspective of who is an acceptable person."
But Dr Chapman says for the Big Society to work, everyone has to feel empowered.
"The Big Society is a very, very powerful idea but it does raise lots of questions about who, in a broad cultural sense, society deems as a valid individual."
And what do the anarchists think? Andy Meinke, Secretary of London-wide anarchist collective ALARM is scathing about the Big Society but recognises the comparison: "Obviously we regard Cameron's Big Society as an attempt to do social services on the cheap.
The reality of the big society is creating a society that's not run for profit but for human need.
"That’s what we do in a very small way, we help people self-organise to help themselves in a way that the state won't do."
The prime minister has recognised the idea of the Big Society is not new. Many of these groups have been running for years. And they don’t want to talk to journalists. Volunteer-run anarchist bookshop 56a, who also help organise workshops and support fellow "community collectives” write: "we don't care about exposure, publicity or putting our side of the story etc… not interested",
Some are slightly more forthcoming: A community scheme for the unemployed in deal with the government all the time: "We are looking at people being moved from DSA [Disability Support Allowance] to JSA [Job Seekers' Allowance]", says trade union activist Marie "we want to help people".
As for Anna, she runs most of the skills workshops from the communal squat she lives in - an activity the government is currently consulting on making illegal.
"We're organising over 30 workshops and it's all free skill share. Welding, plumbing, electricity.
"The reason I came to London was to volunteer. There’s a severe lack of support for a lot of different people here –London has a really apparent rich-poor gap, and the people who are living below the poverty line are suffering. The Free Shop meant we could give kids' clothes to people who did not have enough."
So, what's the Big Society to her? "It sounds like a really right-wing concept."
Some names and places have been changed to protect identities
#ad144000hoe
Ministers To Open Talks With Opponents Of Planning Reforms
My Overview -
So is this the future that when we are in a position of a global downturn then we start to look evermore towards taking green belt land and allowing developers to build more homes, on the basis that we have to keep up the numbers to be in line with government guidelines and utilizing the fact that they have to keep the electorate happy.
PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Ministers are ready to hold talks with opponents of their planning reforms, it emerged today.
Planning minister Greg Clark told The Times that he was prepared to sit down and discuss the demands of the National Trust and other groups.
The draft National Planning Policy Framework was published in July, with a presumption in favour of sustainable growth, but critics have raised concerns that it will lead to a return to damaging development.
Mr Clark told the newspaper that he was ready to discuss opponents' views with them but warned there would be no backing down on the overall thrust of the proposals to simplify English planning laws in an attempt to trigger growth.
Any change would be to the "wording" of the document to express more clearly protections for the countryside.
Mr Clark said that opponents had got the "wrong end of the stick".
He said sustainability of developments meant that the impact on the community and the environment would be taken into account.
If anything in the consultation paper had failed to stress the importance of protecting the environment, he would think again.
However failure to see the reforms through would be devastating for future generations.
"The consequences would be to continue the position we are in where we are not building enough homes for the people needing them for the first time. We are contributing to homelessness, to overcrowding, to poverty."
The National Trust welcomed the move, the newspaper said.
Peter Nixon, its director of conservation, told it that the National Trust was not anti-development but had "acute concerns" about the plans, which they believe prevent a balanced approach to planning.
#AceNewsServices
Century of strong faith
Century of strong faith: 
The Goods and Services offered on this blog are in our opinion good value for money and are offered as seen and where possible we value your comments or opinions. Like to feature your goods and services leave a comment and share with our comments system and share your details on google, twitter, facebook or yahoo and please follow our shop news at http://twitter.com/AceiShop Thank you, Ian
The Huat Tian Keong temple in Bercham is a unique place of worship with 88 types of Taoist, Buddhist and Hindu deities in its cave.
Among them are statues of the ‘Laughing Buddha’, Lord Ganesha, Thailand’s monk Lombok Khoon, a Siamese God ‘Lusi’ (King of Bomoh) and the temple’s main deity Huat Tian Keong (Datuk Hitam).
The Huat Tian Keong cave temple in Bercham is 100-years old.
There are also the figurines of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Temple treasurer Sunny Mangal Singh said the temple had been in existence for over 100 years.
He said he had sourced the statues from all over the world to be placed at the temple located on a 3.2ha site.
A 60-feet tall dragon statue is neatly placed on the outside of the cave making it look like it is descending from the top of the cave.
Sunny posing with the statue of the Siamese God 'Lusi' at the temple grounds.
To fulfill a vow for his business to flourish, Mangal Singh also constructed a feng shui mountain in 2004.
He added that in 2008, the state government had declared the area as a temple reserve land.
“People of all races from all over the country and even tourists have been visiting this cave temple. The temple committee had also set up a restaurant for the devotees to get refreshments. We rely on donations and the profits from the restaurant is used to pay for utility bills,” he said. – By MANJIT KAUR, Photos by LEW YONG KAN
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Monday 29 August 2011
How Global Warming Will Make Hurricanes Like Irene Worse
Does global warming cause an impact on the worlds weather, this is the crux of the stories on the web following yesterday`s Hurricane Irene the answer is no body really knows or do we?
We can cite examples over history of massive earthquakes of x and y on the richer scale and also hurricanes like the ones seen over many years gone by, but one thing is certain each time we have another one we say that was different it never did what we thought it would do, or it was not like that before.
So my question is simple are we seeing changes that are so different that we cannot believe it is possible or are we so brain washed with knowledge provided by the so-called scientists that we continue to believe what they tell us, this story from my news stories is just one take on global warming and hurricanes like Irene.
Maybe it is about time to just say alright l will not disbelieve what l am told until it is proved in my heart that l am wrong.
Climate science suggests that global warming may lead to more and more extreme weather events like Hurricane Irene.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Thursday 2 June 2011
Monday 23 May 2011
Black Lung Disease On The Rise Again
Black Lung Disease On The Rise Again: "
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" Our philosophy for all our contractors and people we contract is always put peoples health before profits "
" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through Ace News Service
Black lung disease, long a killer of coal miners, is on the rise again after retreating in the 30 years since Congress passed tougher mine safety laws, health and safety experts said on Friday.
The renewed appearance of the disease emerged from an investigation of the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in four decades. It comes at a time when coal prices have risen sharply and some mine operators have been accused of cutting corners on safety in favor of profits.
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" The Roving Giraffe News Report " provided through Ace News Service
Wednesday 17 November 2010
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