The Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN), Cllr. Lemuel E. A. Reeves, on Saturday, November 9, warned all 234 of BIN’s first post-war graduates that their authority would not hesitate to strip them of their uniforms or punish any officers going against the norms of the institution.“Do not compromise your integrity and that of the institution. Obey only lawful partners and whatever you do not understand seek the advice of your superiors, they will always be available to provide you with the necessary clarifications.We will not hesitate to disrobe you or punish any of our officers who choose to go against the norms of the institution or the country,” Cllr. Reeves further warned when he spoke at the program marking the official graduation ceremony of the BIN Basic Recruit Class one.The ceremony was graced by an array of government officials and foreign dignitaries, and held at the National Police Training Academy, in Paynesville outside Monrovia.He disclosed that the graduates would shortly be deployed to start mending the holes in Liberia’s 176 ports of entries, which, according to him, will soon be created as the result of the gradual withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).“You will be assigned with the responsibility to protect our borders against illegal entry, human trafficking, and other cross border crimes.”“As you go forth in your assignments take them very seriously, and follow your operational procedures by upholding the ethics we have taught you as your guide,” the BIN boss advised the graduates.Stressing on the lack of logistical support, Cllr. Reeves said, “Despite the challenges we face, our officers are ready to patrol our borders.”“You are aware that the terrains in which most of our borders are situated are difficult to patrol, and therefore require more logistical support to enhance the mobility of those officers already assigned.”Commenting on the importance of training, the Acting BIN boss stressed that training was the backbone of building the capacity of every security institution, adding: “this is why we are calling on government to provide us with the needed support to start with the training of another batch of recruits.”Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Category: byrexdmc
UN Drive Rally Time Market Health Post, Businesses Engulfed in Big Dirt
The United Nations Drive Rally Time Market, one health post and dozens of small and medium-size business entities and more than 55,000 residents are engulfed in a big, rotten pile of dirt.As a result, business entity owners and several small business Liberians have sounded an urgent appeal to the Municipal Government and its urban waste managers to swiftly remove the rotten garbage.Unfortunately, the only health post catering to the estimated 55,000 residents and many business entities are situated in the midst of stench and squalor at the crowded market in Central Monrovia.According to historical findings, for more than 18 years, residents, business owners and other concerned health workers continue to render services, do business and work in the crisis prone sanitation community.It may be recalled that due to the unhygienic conditions of the Rally Time Market and its proximity of nearby health hazard, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods led a major cleanup exercise in the area.On that day of the vigorous clean up exercise by the Liberian leader and former Labor Minister Woods, 55 truckloads of rotten dirt were cleared and transported to the Whein Town Garbage Disposal site in Paynesville.Sadly, during the hectic course of the clean up exercise at the Rally Time Market, human and domestic animal skeletons were discovered buried underneath the garbage.Moreover, at the time of the dirt collection and disposal, health workers assigned at the medical facility expressed grave concern about the suitability of healthcare center few feet away from the unhygienic dumpsite at the Rally Time Market.In a swift response, following several public outcries, late last week the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the contracting garbage company were seen cleaning the rotten garbage at the Rally Time Market on UN Drive in Monrovia.But to date, the sentiments of the health workers have not borne any fruitful result as residents and business entities in the area continue indiscriminately to dump waste near the clogged drainage close to medical facility.On top of the sanitation crisis, a health survey of the Rally Time Market area indicates that more than 15 dozen houses built there do not have basic sanitation facilities such toilets and bathrooms.Another sanitation factor that has added to the miseries of the Rally Time Market Community is the more two decades-old drainage that is on many occasions during the Rainy Season flooded with rotten dirt that comes from Lynch Street, a few yards from the Ministry of Public Works.“Such a clustered and overcrowded community of more than 55,000 residents and dozens of business entities and no physical sanitation facilities is indeed a potential health hazard, making it a disease prone settlement,” said Mr. Davidson B. Dennis, a Monrovia sanitation commentator.Mr. Dennis, however, wondered whether with three years for the exit of the current Unity Party-led administration, Monrovia’s sanitation nightmare can be fixed, or is it indeed doomed to failure.It will be a stroke of magic and indeed a miracle if the Liberian Government were to transform the Monrovia’s perennial sanitation crisis into an oasis of cleanliness. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Port Kaituma River contaminated – GWI
– residents, farmers continue to suffer due to lack of waterResidents of Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini), are fuming over the lack of water supply in their community as a result of the prolonged dry weather.The residents are forced to walk several miles to the only operational water source in the community and fetch water for their daily consumption.The only alternative source of water available to them is the river, however, they were informed that the Guyana Water Incorporated halted the pumping of water from that source due to possible contamination.The company in an advertisement on Sunday in the daily newspapers advised residents in Port Kaituma to desist from using the river water following the discovery of possible contamination.The company noted that samples have been collected and will be sent for testing both locally and overseas and the results of those tests will determine the way forward.The company also advised that potable water is available from the Port Kaituma Pump via a dispenser and residents are being urged to make full use of that water source.Meanwhile, residents said that this source of water is not adequate to service the entire community and residents of the outlying areas have difficulty in accessing that source.“We were using the river alone because that water source they advising people to use is far away from where we living. Is months of dry weather and residents are complaining all the time but nothing is being done. GWI is doing nothing for us here. The springs are dry. No pumping could be done. We are suffering here for basic water,” Trevor De Costa, a resident, told Guyana Times on Monday.The dry weather season continues to affect residents and farmers in hinterland communities throughout the country. Residents of Region One have been complaining of the negative impacts of the lack of access to potable water. Residents and farmers said enough is not being done by the water company to offer substantial relief.Another resident, Patricia Mendonca, who also spoke to this publication, said that her husband depends on farming to take care of his family and since the shortage of water, he has been unable to do so. “My husband can’t look after his crops properly. We don’t even have water to drink so imagine where we finding water from [to] do anything else. We are pleading for help. More work needs to be done by GWI in supplying these communities with water in the dry spell,” she said.Meanwhile, farmers in that and other hinterland communities continue to suffer losses and are facing extreme difficulty in feeding their families.Region One Chairman, Brentnol Ashley had told Guyana Times that the dry spell is severely affecting all communities in the region as the water level of the GWI springs dropped drastically and pumping is being done periodically once per week and three times per week in some areas. This, he said, continues to have harsh effects on residents since there is very limited access to potable water. He added that as a result of the dry spell, the rivers are salted, making it impossible for residents of riverine communities to access. Subsequently, some residents are forced to walk for miles to access the limited water supply available in springs.He also confirmed that the lack of water is affecting farmers in the area who depend on farming for their livelihood. Guyana Times was unable to reach the public relations department of GWI for a comment on the efforts being made by the company to offer relief to the residents in that and other hinterland communities.
Officers nab drivers chatting on cell phones
A driver caught talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device faces a fine of $167. The Fort St. John RCMP detachment is cracking down on people who drive while using their cell phones.In a statement released on Thursday, the RCMP report that 50 people have already been caught violating the new legislation, which came into effect January 1st, with a one-month grace period. – Advertisement -In February, North Peace Traffic Services set up a speed watch on Highway 97 near Charlie Lake. Over the course of two hours, 600 vehicles travelled the highway, three per cent of which had drivers talking on their cell phones.The RCMP would like to remind the travelling public that talking or texting while driving is illegal. A hands-free device is required for drivers who want to chat while driving. However, new drivers who fall under the ‘N’ or ‘L’ categories of a class 7 license, are not permitted to use any electronic device, even if the device is hands-free. Advertisement By Energeticcity.ca staff
Antelope Valley Calendar
WEDNESDAY J&J Social and Travel Club will meet, 5:30 p.m. at the Red Lobster restaurant outside the Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 W. Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale. An optional movie will follow. Call (661) 267-2586 by Tuesday. Emotional Freedom Technique for pain relief weekly demonstrations, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (except before three-day weekends), Stress Management Institute for Living Empowered, 44130 Division St., Lancaster. Call (661) 942-4220. Sweet Talkers Toastmasters will meet, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Wilsona School District boardroom, 18050 E. Ave. O, Lake Los Angeles. Call (661) 944-1216 or 944-1130. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3000 will serve specialty meals, or hamburger baskets, 5:30-8 p.m. at the post, 4342 W. Ave. L, Quartz Hill. Proceeds will benefit community affairs. Members, guests and public welcome. Call (661) 943-2225. Kids Managing Anger Together for ages 13-17 will meet, 4:30-6 p.m. at 38345 30th St. E., Suite. B-1, Palmdale. Court approved. Call (661) 266-8700. Low-cost Facilitated Women’s Group will deal with the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of relationship, infertility and other issues, noon-1:30 p.m. Call (661) 266-8700. Fobi-Lyte Support Group meets, 7-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month to address the medical, nutritional and social ramifications of weight-loss surgery in fourth-floor Conference Room 16 at Antelope Valley Outpatient Imaging Center, 44105 15th St. W., Lancaster. Call (661) 723-5123. Caregivers Support Group meets, 7-8:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, 44421 10th St. W., Suite I, Lancaster. Call (661) 945-4852. Take Off Pounds Sensibly will meet, 9-10:30 a.m. Call (661) 272-0207 or (661) 947-7672. Eye Opener Toastmasters Club will meet, 7-8:30 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, 2005 W. Ave. K, Lancaster. Call Al Moore at (661) 726-3627. Talents Unlimited Toastmasters will meet, 7-8:30 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente. Call Alan Strech at (661) 940-4640. Scrapbookers Club will meet, 5-7 p.m. at Peldyns, 27021 Twenty Mule Team Road, Boron. Free tools for use. Bring book and photos. Call (760) 608-1422. Antelope Valley Intertribal Council meeting, 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale. Call (661) 435-0423. AIDS-related death support group meets, 5:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 42442 10th St. W., Suite D, Lancaster. Call (661) 951-1146. Sudden-death support group meets, 5:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 42442 10th St. W., Suite D, Lancaster. Call (661) 951-1146. Dual Recovery Anonymous, an informal 12-step group for mental health consumers with a history of substance abuse, will meet, 3 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Discovery Center, 1609 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite G. Call (661) 947-1595. Antelope Valley Interfaith Choir will meet, 6:30-8 p.m. For adults and mature teenagers. Call Kathe Walters at (661) 285-8306. Hi-Desert Woodworkers Club meets, 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Don’s Restaurant, Victorville. Call (760) 240-4705. Schizophrenics Anonymous will meet, 2 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 1609 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite G, Palmdale. Call Bill Slocum at (661) 947-1595 or (661) 319-5101. Desert Noon Lions Club meets, noon-1 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the California Pantry, 120 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale. Call Barbara at (661) 947-4079. Successful Marriage and Parenting course, 7-9 p.m. in Lancaster. Free. For information and location, call (661) 538-1846. Emotions Anonymous will meet, 7-8:30 p.m. in the multipurpose meeting room on the second floor at Antelope Valley Hospital, 1600 W. Ave. J, Lancaster. The organization is a 12-step, self-help group. Call (661) 943-5466. Little Angels, a support group for families with young children with Down syndrome, meets, 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, 43210 Gingham Ave., Lancaster. Call Cyndee Moore at (661) 945-6761 or e-mail cyndeem@nlacrc.com. Al-Anon discussion group will meet, 7 p.m. at 39055 10th St. W., Palmdale; Alateen at 7 p.m. at 39055 10th St. W., Palmdale, and a women’s discussion group at 7:30 p.m. at 32142 Crown Valley Road, Acton. Call (661) 274-9353 or (800) 344-2666. A Course in Miracles discussion, 7-9 p.m. Call (661) 723-9967. Palmdale Moose Lodge, 3101 E. Ave. Q, Palmdale, will host bingo games beginning at 10 a.m. Call (661) 947-6777. Bridge Club for seniors will meet, noon-3 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Beginner and intermediate players welcome. Call (661) 267-5551. Blood pressure testing for seniors, 10-11:15 a.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Billiard Gang for seniors, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Flex and stretch, a workout for seniors, 8-9 a.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Bring a floor mat and hand weights. Call (661) 267-5551. Knitting and crocheting for seniors, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 704 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale. Bring your own supplies. Call (661) 267-5551. Compulsive Eaters Anonymous – HOW Concept will meet, 6:30 p.m. at Palmdale Children’s Youth Library, 38510 Sierra Highway. Call Kathy at (661) 265-1839. Overeaters Anonymous will meet, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Multipurpose Room 2 at Antelope Valley Hospital, 1600 W. Ave. J, Lancaster. Call (661) 256-7064. Hotline: (661) 789-5806. Women’s Eating Disorder Group will meet, 6-7:30 p.m. at Family Resource Foundation, 1529 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite 203, Palmdale. Call (661) 266-8700. Bingo for seniors, 12:15-2:15 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Cost: 25 cents per card. Call (661) 267-5551. Talents Unlimited Toastmasters will meet, 7 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Center, 44444 20th St. W., Lancaster. Call (661) 949-7423. Narcotics Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call (661) 266-2200 or check www.todayna.org. THURSDAY Ask and It is Given classes, 6:30-8 p.m., Stress Management Institute for Living Empowered, 44130 Division St., Lancaster. Call (661) 942-4220. High Desert Toastmasters will meet, 7-8:30 p.m. at 1008 W. Ave. M-4, Palmdale. Call (661) 992-3229 or 944-1130. High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club meets, 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in the Experimental Test Pilots Association boardroom, 44814 Elm Ave., Lancaster. Call Bob Drury at (661) 400-4479. Cedar Open Reading meets weekly, 7-9 p.m. in Cedar Hall, 44851 Cedar Ave., Lancaster, except on the second Thursday of the month when the meeting is in the gallery, 44857 Cedar Ave., Lancaster. Call (661) 943-4314. The Overcomers, an emotional and educational support group for mental health consumers, will meet, 6:30 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Discovery Center, 1609 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite G. Call Bill Slocum or Mary Rogers at (661) 947-1595 or (661) 319-5101. Aces & Deuces Square Dance Club will meet, 7-8:15 p.m. for beginners and 8:15-9:30 p.m. for plus at Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale, for ages 10 and up. Cost: $3. Call (661) 256-7650. Grief/Bereavement Group will meet, 10 a.m. at ProCare Hospice, 42442 10th St. W., Suite D, Lancaster. Call (661) 951-1146. The Ups and Downs, a support group for people with bipolar disorder or depression, will meet, 2 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Discovery Center, 1609 E. Palmdale Blvd., Suite G, Palmdale. Call Bill Slocum at (661) 947-1595 or (661) 319-5101. Facilitated Anger Management Group for teens will meet, 4:30-6 p.m., and adults will meet, 6:30-8 p.m., at Family Resource Foundation, 38345 30th St. E., Suite A-2, Palmdale. Call (661) 266-8700 or (800) 479-CARE or visit the Web site: www.frf.av.org. Al-Anon will host a discussion, 1 p.m. at 1737 E. Ave. R, Palmdale; a step study at 7 p.m. at 1827 E. Ave. Q-10, Palmdale; and a meeting on Steps, Traditions, Concepts at 7:30 p.m. at 44815 Fig Ave., Suite 101, Lancaster. Call (661) 274-9353 or (800) 344-2666. Emotions Anonymous will meet, 7-8:30 p.m. Information and location: (661) 723-9967. Desert Aire Women’s Golf Association will meet at Desert Aire Golf Course at Avenue P and 40th Street East in Palmdale. Call (661) 269-5982. Cardio Knockout Blast, a workout for seniors, 8-9 a.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Bring a floor mat. Call (661) 267-5551. Billiard Gang for seniors, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Take Off Pounds Sensibly will meet, 9-10:30 a.m. Call (661) 272-0207 or (661) 947-7672. Sierra Club will offer one- to two-hour conditioning hikes leaving at 6 p.m. from the Palmdale Park and Ride lot, Avenue S at Antelope Valley Freeway. Moderately conditioned beginning hikers are welcome. Call (661) 273-2761. Country line dance lessons for seniors, 1-2 p.m. for beginners and 2:15 p.m. for intermediate dancers at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Donation requested. Call (661) 267-5551. Soroptimist International of Antelope Valley will meet, noon at the Holiday Inn of Palmdale-Lancaster, 38630 5th St. W., Palmdale. Business and professional women are invited. Call (661) 946-1609. Compulsive Eaters Anonymous – HOW Concept will meet, 5:30 p.m. at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 38530 Sierra Highway, Palmdale. Call (661) 274-4178. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 569 will meet, 6:30 p.m. at Grecian Isles Mobile Home Park, 4444 E. Ave. R, Palmdale. Call (661) 947-7672 or (661) 285-5003. Overeaters Anonymous will meet, 7:30-9 p.m. Step Workbook reading and writing. Call (661) 947-7935. Hotline: (661) 789-5806. Support group for women in abusive or battering situations will meet, 1-3:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Spanish-language group also will meet, 10 a.m.-noon. Call (661) 945-6736 or (661) 945-5509. Narcotics Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call (661) 266-2200 or check www.sava-na.org. FRIDAY Fun After 40 Ballroom Dance Club will host ballroom dancing, 7:30-10 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12. Dance lessons: 6:30-7:30 p.m., $2. Dance admission: $2 for club members, $4 for nonmembers. Call (661) 943-0210 or 267-5551. Grief Support Group will meet, 10-11:30 a.m. at Lancaster Presbyterian Church, 1661 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Call (661) 951-2988. Celebrate Recovery will meet, 7 p.m. at the Harvest Office and Ministry Center, 43209 10th St. W., Lancaster. Call (661) 942-2803. Speakers in the Wind Toastmasters will meet, noon-1 p.m. at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale. Call Jack Knight at (661) 946-7166. Adult Anger Management Group will meet, 6:30-8 p.m. Court approved. Call (661) 266-8700. Low-cost Facilitated Parenting Group will meet, 10-11:30 a.m. Court approved. Call (661) 266-8700. Successful Marriage and Parenting course, 10 a.m.-noon. Call Carmen Andersen at (661) 273-8122. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets, 9:15 a.m.-noon the first and third Fridays of each month at Church of Christ, 1655 E. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Includes a hot breakfast buffet, discussion groups, featured speaker, craft and demonstrations. Children welcome. Cost: $5 for moms and $3 for kids. Call (661) 943-3162 or (661) 942-1638. Stress Management will meet, 1 p.m. at 43423 Division St., Suite 107, Lancaster. Call (661) 947-1595 or (661) 726-2850, Ext. 221. Speakers in the Wind Toastmaster Club 2867 will meet, noon-1 p.m. at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale. Call Joyce Hall at (661) 946-1181 or Barbara Linde at (661) 947-2537. Take Off Pounds Sensibly will meet, 9-10:30 a.m. Call (661) 272-0207 or (661) 947-7672. Celebrate Recovery, a biblically based 12-step recovery program, will meet, 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 44648 15th St. W. Call Pastor Pat Tanner at (661) 948-0855. The Lightkeepers, Spiritual Discussion Group, will meet, 7:30 p.m. at Center of Light, A.V. Church, 1030 West Ave. L-8, Lancaster. Call (661) 718-8731. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3000 and Ladies Auxiliary will serve steak or shrimp dinners, 5:30-8 p.m. at 4342 W. Ave. L, Quartz Hill. Takeout orders. Proceeds will go to community affairs. Members, guests and public welcome. Call (661) 943-2225. Meditation class, 7-8:30 p.m. For location and information, call (661) 945-9832. Schizophrenics Anonymous will meet, 6:30-8 p.m. in the multipurpose room on the mental health ward at Antelope Valley Hospital, 1600 W. Ave. J, Lancaster. Call Bill Slocum at (661) 947-1595 or (661) 319-5101. The Ups and Downs, a support group for people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression, will meet, 2 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Friendship Center, 43423 Division St. Suite 107, Lancaster. Call Bill Slocum at (661) 947-1595 or (661) 319-5101. The Kaiser Permanente Grief Support Group will meet, 10-11:30 a.m. at the clinic offices, 44444 20th St. W., Lancaster. Open to the community. Free. Call (661) 951-2988. The Weekenders, a social and recreational group for mental health consumers, will meet, 1-2 p.m. at Antelope Valley Discovery Center, 1609 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale. Call (661) 947-1595. Al-Anon will have a 12-and-12 meeting at 10:30 a.m. at 1821 W. Lancaster Blvd. and a beginners meeting at 7 p.m. at 1737 E. Ave. R, Room 104, Palmdale. Call (661) 274-9353 or (800) 344-2666. Pinochle Group for seniors, 6-9 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Flex and stretch, a workout for seniors, 8-9 a.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Bring floor mat and hand weights. Call (661) 267-5551. Billiard Gang for seniors, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Oil painting class for seniors, 9-11 a.m. at the Palmdale Senior Center, 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, Palmdale. Call (661) 267-5551. Shop Talk Toastmasters will meet, 7-8:30 a.m. at Crazy Otto’s Diner. Call Stan Main at (661) 269-1424. Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Chapter 1681 will meet, 9:30-11 a.m. in Room 14 at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W. Ave. J, Lancaster. Call (661) 943-4459. Rosamond Moose Lodge, 1105 Sierra Highway, Rosamond, will serve dinner, 5-8 p.m. Cost: $4-$6. Bingo will start at 10 a.m., offered by the Knights of Columbus, 719 W. Ave. M, Lancaster. Overeaters Anonymous will meet, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W. Ave. J, Room 13, Lancaster. Call (661) 943-0595. Hotline: (661) 789-5806. Narcotics Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call (661) 266-2200 or check www.sava-na.org. SATURDAY Antelope Valley Scrap Club will hold Super Scrapbook Night, 6-11 at Palmdale Holiday Inn, 38630 5th St. W. Cost: $20, which includes food, beverages and prizes. Call (661) 273-7925. Low-cost Facilitated Parenting Group will meet, 10-11:30 a.m. Court approved. Call (661) 266-8700. Seniors Lunch-Bingo Hour, noon-5 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at the Antelope Valley Senior Center, 777 W. Jackman St., Lancaster. Sponsored by Buklod ng Pagkakaisa (Bond of Unity). Call Emerita Ross at (661) 723-7876 or Marie Cabrera at (661) 726-5309. Al-Anon will have a Spanish-speaking discussion meeting, 9 a.m. at 38345 30th St. E., Suite C-3, Palmdale. Call (661) 274-9353. Facilitated Anger Management Group for ages 8-11 will meet, 2:30-4 p.m.; teens, 4:30-6 p.m., and adults, 10:30-noon or 12:30-2 p.m. at the Family Resource Foundation, 38345 30th St. E., Suite A-2, Palmdale. Call (661) 266-8700 or (800) 479-CARE or visit the Web site: www.frf.av.org. Beginning yoga, 9-10 a.m. at Unity Church of Antelope Valley, 39149 8th St. E., Palmdale. Call (661) 273-3341. Women and Self-esteem support group meets in the Acton area. Call (661) 947-0839. Healing Heart support group will meet, 4-5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army store, 45001 Beech Ave. in Lancaster. Call (661) 943-5830. Compulsive Eaters Anonymous – HOW Concept will meet, 9 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 1737 E. Ave. R, Palmdale. Call Jane at (661) 945-4798. Women Midlife Transition Support Group for women over age 40 is facilitated by a professional psychotherapist. Call (661) 947-0839. Overeaters Anonymous will meet, 10-11:30 a.m. in Room 13 at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W. Ave. J, Lancaster. Call (661) 724-1820. Hotline: (661) 789-5806. Narcotics Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call (661) 266-2200 or check www.todayna.org or www.sava-na.org. SUNDAY Nicotine Anonymous will meet, 8-9 p.m. at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 43824 30th St. W., Lancaster. Call (661) 946-7606. Buklod ng Pagkakaisa (Bond of Unity) Seniors’ Social Hour, 4-7 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Antelope Valley Senior Center, 777 W. Jackman St., Lancaster. Meetings feature films, talks, singalongs, talent shows and dancing. Call (661) 723-7876 or (661) 726-5309. Costume Figure Sessions, 2:30-5:30 p.m. the fourth Sunday of each month at Cedar Centre Hall, 44857 Cedar Ave. Cost: $5, students with identification are admitted free. 40 and Up Singles dance, 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 240 E. Ave. K, Lancaster. Admission: $7. Club membership: $20. Call (661) 718-8997. Life Figure Sessions, 2:30-5:30 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at Cedar Centre Hall, 44857 Cedar Ave. Cost: $5, students with ID are admitted free. Teen Care and Support Group, for teens who have lost a family member or friend, will meet, 6:30 p.m. at Desert Vineyard Christian School, 1011 E. Ave. I, Room 302, Lancaster. Call (661) 945-2777. Palmdale Moose Lodge, 3101 E. Ave. Q, Palmdale, will host bingo games beginning at 1 p.m. Call (661) 947-6777. Revealing Truth, a meditation and spiritual discussion, 4:45-6:15 p.m. Call (661) 723-9967. Antelope Valley Chess Club will meet, 1-5 p.m. at American Legion Post 771, 39463 10th St. E., Palmdale. Call (661) 726-1323. Narcotics Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call (661) 266-2200 or check www.sava-na.org. Overeaters Anonymous will meet, 5-6 p.m. at 44960 Cedar Ave., Lancaster. Call (661) 789-5806. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORESanta Anita opens winter meet Saturday with loaded card160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Proposed Bermite pact hits opposition
“The settlement agreement doesn’t actually select the successful bidders,” she said. “(If) one has to come up with $17 million and the other comes up with $50 million, it’s not because the court told them to do it. It’s because the insurance company told them to do it. “We want to make sure there is a fair playing field.” Lardiere said the bidder can decline the insurance. “If the bidder does not wish to become an insured under Whittaker’s insurance, that is the bidder’s decision,” he said. “The settlement does not require a bidder to become insured under the policy. “What this settlement does is it enables big legitimate companies like SunCal and Cherokee that they will have the funding to clean-up this property.” City Attorney Carl Newton said city officials also wants to see the Whittaker property decontaminated and developed, but they want it done correctly. “The bidders (should) have a level playing field and an equal opportunity to bid on the project,” he said. “The city’s interest is in having a buyer that will effectively remediate the property of all the contamination at the earliest possible time.” Groundwater contamination has been linked to the Whittaker site, where rocket testing occurred for nearly 50 years until 1987. Chemicals such as perchlorate – a salt used in weapons manufacturing that is known to interfere with thyroid function – have contaminated at least six water wells. Cleanup at one wells began last month, while local water agencies led by the Castaic Lake Water Agency sued to get a piece of the settlement to pay for the rest of the $15.3 million decontamination plan. CLWA attorney Fred Fudacz said “technical problems” exist in the settlement language, but more important is whether funds are available for the water agency to complete groundwater clean-up. “We’re looking to make sure that the insurance coverage that would handle the problem for the water purveyors aren’t spirited away somewhere else,” he said. “If we can establish the insurance remains available to deal with our problem, we don’t have objections.” Eugene Tong, (661) 257-5253 eugene.tong@dailynews.com 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! SANTA CLARITA – City officials object to a proposed settlement in the Whittaker-Bermite bankruptcy case, arguing it gives too much power to the defunct firm’s insurers over the future clean-up and development of its contaminated – but valuable – property. Attorneys representing the city filed the objection Monday with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Arizona, in anticipation of a Dec. 20 settlement hearing where the judge could approve the deal. The 98-page proposal from Whittaker’s current owner Remedial Financial Inc. of Arizona and its insurers provides about $200 million in cash and insurance to remove toxins left from decades of weapons testing and manufacturing. It also would allow development at the 996-acre property along Soledad Canyon Road, in the heart of Santa Clarita. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORERose Parade grand marshal Rita Moreno talks New Year’s Day outfit and ‘West Side Story’ remake The state Department of Toxic Substances Control is overseeing the clean-up. Eric Lardiere, Whittaker’s general counsel, said the settlement as the best deal for all parties. “The settlement is in the best interest of the city of Santa Clarita,” he said. “The settlement provides complete funding for clean-up of the property as well as the settlement of the local water agencies’ lawsuits. Funding is provided with substantial cash deposited into escrow, as well as in the case of buying the site, an opportunity for the buyer to be insured under a very valuable insurance policy being provided by Whittaker. “It’s more than a good deal – it’s an outstanding deal.” But Deborah Prosser, the city’s attorney in the case, contends the insurance coverage provision, which reduces the amount a buyer would pay for the property, is inherently unfair. Irvine-based builder SunCal Cos. and North Carolina-based Cherokee Investment Partners are eyeing the property. 
FORMER KERRY STAR SAYS DONEGAL CAN BEAT DUBLIN
Former Kerry star Darragh Ó Se says he has no doubt whatsoever that Donegal can defeat reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin.Former Kerry star Darragh Ó Sé believes Donegal have the capabilities required to upset Dublin if the two sides meet in the All-Ireland series.Donegal are destined to meet Dublin if both overcome their quarter-final hurdles.It’s a match everybody in the whole country wants to see, and while Ó Sé says Dublin would still be favourites he believes Donegal are more than capable of doing it. Ó Sé also believes Donegal are back at the level they were operating at in 2012, and securing the Ulster title last weekend against Monaghan showed 2013 was just a blip.He said Jim McGuinness’s team aren’t just bodies behind the ball, they’re organised, clinical, and total in sync.In his column with the Irish Times Ó Sé said, “You have to be impressed with Donegal on Sunday, they don’t rely on one or two stars they get you out of a hole, everybody knows their job to the letter.“Dublin and Donegal can only meet in the All-Ireland semi-final now and they both have hurdles to jump before they get there, But if they do, I have no doubt that it’s a game Donegal are capable of winning. No doubt whatsoever. Ó Sé believes the fact that many of the current Donegal side have a lot of mileage in the legs, they’ll realize this could be their last chance before the side breaks up.“This is a real chance for Donegal now, the age profile of the team dictates their attitude.“I’ve said it many times – the closer you are to the end, the less anything matters outside of gathering up another medal.Ó Sé recalled how in 2008 his Kerry side were wrote off, but they regrouped and returned in 2009 to win another All-Ireland, Ó Se believes Donegal are doing the same.“That’s where Donegal are now, they’re coming again. “They know that they have a chance to get another All-Ireland in the bag before the team starts breaking up, and the likelihood is that they will have to go through Dublin to do that.Ó Sé believes despite the beauty of Dublin’s attacking play, half the country will want to see them turned over.“I saw a fella wearing a T-shirt in Dublin one day recently that said “Dublin 1916 – The City That Defeated An Empire”. Nothing about the rest of us, the Dubs did it all by themselves.That’s the beauty of Irish life, half the country wants to see Dublin beaten – and if it takes the blanket defence of Donegal to do it, so be it. “No doubt if Donegal end up winning it out in September then, we’ll all be crying for the Dubs to come back and save football again next year.Donegal face the winners of either Armagh or Meath on Saturday August the 9th at Croke Park.Donegal fans would relish an opportunity to face Dublin, and it certainly would make for one great occasion.FORMER KERRY STAR SAYS DONEGAL CAN BEAT DUBLIN was last modified: July 24th, 2014 by Mark ForkerShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:all-irelandDarragh Ó SédonegaldublinHome-page SportKerrynews
JKL over come poor start to defeat Ndejje in NBL
Ndejje’s Innocent Ochera (09) in action against JKL Dolphins on Wednesday (Photo by FUFA Media)FUBA National Basketball LeagueYMCA Courts, WandegeyaWednesday, 25-07-2018-Ndejje Angels 54-60 JKL Dolphins-UCU Lady Canons 60-45 Magic StomersWANDEGEYA – JKL Dolphins produced a spirited second half performance to defeat Ndejje Angels 60-45 in the National Basketball league on Wednesday.The Dolphins were trailing by as many as 13 points at half time but recovered to win the last two quarters 46-26 on route to a six point victory.JKL had a bright start when Brian Namake and Josh Karuhanga made quick lay ups before Daniel Orenga made a three pointer to lead 0-7 inside the first two minutes of the first quarter but Ndejje managed to answer back to win it 12-9.Ndejje won the second quarter 15-5 to take a 13 point lead at half time with the score board reading 27-14 in favour of the University side.Walker Obedi’s side was blown away in the third quarter as they conceded 26 points as opposed to JKL’s nine (9) and in the process relinquish their lead and trail by four points going into the final 10 minutes.JKL continued with the same form and eventually won the final quarter 20-18 on route to victory.In the game, Ndejje missed 14 of their 21 free throws, as JKL scored 21 points from Ndejje’s turnovers.In the victory, Libe Makala put up a tremendous performance to score 18 points and grab 10 rebounds. Namake and Orenga added 13 and 11 points.Ndejje’s Peter Sefuma managed 17 points, Gauthier Badhera and Innocent Ochera contributed 12 and 11 points respectively.Ndejje have now won seven games and lost as many in their 14 league games so far. They now seat ninth on the 12 team log.The victory, the eighth for the side, lifts JKL Dolphins up to fourth on the log, a place above Pemba Warriors.In the first game of the day, UCU eased past Magic Stomers to win 65-45.UCU’s Vilma Achieng led with 16 points, Rose Akon added 10, as Zainah Lokwameri and Rhoda Naggita contributed 7 and 8 points in that order.Jane Asinde scored a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, Shilpa Lamunu added 12 points in the losing effort.Comments Tags: FUBA NBL 2018JKL DolphinsMagic StormersNdejje AnglesUCU Lady Canons
How Precise Is Precision Cosmology?
When data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) came in, cosmologists heralded it as the era of “precision cosmology” and immediately began to make claims that resulting data map confirmed some cosmological theories and falsified others (see 02/14/2003 headline). Two papers in the Astrophysical Journal, however, are discounting the precision of the data and questioning its usefulness for confirming cosmological models. Erickson et al.1 studied the method used by the WMAP science team to analyze the data and make cosmological conclusions. They concluded that it had the potential to inform models, but cautioned that “great care must be taken both in implementation and in a detailed understanding of limitations caused by residual foregrounds, which can still affect cosmological results.” They concluded that the sky map used by the science team was “not clean enough to allow for cosmological conclusions. Alternative methods must be developed to study these issues further.” David L. Larson and Benjamin D. Wandelt also studied the WMAP data and concluded that the “hot spots” were too cool and the “cold spots” too warm to confirm an assumption made by the science team that the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is an isotropic, Gaussian random field. “A question of fundamental importance to our understanding of the origins of these primordial seed perturbations is whether the CMB radiation is really an isotropic and Gaussian random field, as generic inflationary theories predict,” they note. Yet they compared the actual field to a Monte Carlo simulation of a Gaussian field and were able to rule out Gaussianity in the WMAP data to the 95% confidence level at both the north and south hemispheres. This casts doubt on the theoretical statements based on the data, they say:We find the WMAP data to have maxima that are significantly colder and minima that are significantly warmer than predicted by Monte Carlo simulation. For almost all simulations, we have 95% confidence that the mean of the WMAP hot spots or cold spots is in a 5% tail of the Monte Carlo distribution. In one case, we are 99% confident that the maxima statistic is in a 1% tail. Since we find the same lack of extreme temperature when we use the directly measured WMAP power spectrum, we are not simply restating that the WMAP power spectrum has a lack of power at large angular scales. The effect is independent of the galactic mask or power spectrum used…. Our results may not be a detection of primordial non-Gaussianity. They could still be an effect of the WMAP instrument or data pipeline not modeled in our simulations or an as yet undiscovered foreground. Our result is still highly significant. We have detected something, whether it is primordial non-Gaussianity or some other effect in the data. Having anomalous mean temperature values for the maxima and minima in both the north and the south ecliptic hemispheres is unlikely to occur if the WMAP data were consistent with theoretical expectations. (Emphasis added in all quotes.)1Erickson, Gorski and Lilje, “On Foreground Removal from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe Data by an Internal Linear Combination Method: Limitations and Implications,” The Astrophysical Journal, 612:633-646, 2004 September 10.2Larson and Wandelt, “The Hot and Cold Spots in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe Data Are Not Hot and Cold Enough,” The Astrophysical Journal Letters 613:L85-L88, 2004 October 1.Always read the fine print after the bluffing whirlwind of hot air has subsided. Evolutionary theories, both biological and cosmological, are like dust devils. They attract attention for awhile, but perceptive readers examine what material was weighty enough afterwards to remain on solid ground.(Visited 17 times, 1 visits today)FacebookTwitterPinterestSave分享0
South Africa’s SKA bid gets new campaign
The play African Stars looks at the origins of astronomy in Africa and its influence on people. DST deputy director-general Dr Val Moonsamy said we take many things forgranted that have, in fact, a rich scientificbackground. It is through research that humanity is able to better understandnature and the universe. (Images: Ray Maota) Three of the seven dishes that make up the Kat-7, which is the first phase of MeerKAT. (Image: SKA) MEDIA CONTACTS • SKA South Africa Project Office +27 11 442 2434 • MeerKAT Engineering Office +27 21 506 7300 • South African State Theatre +27 12 392 4000 RELATED ARTICLES • SA’s SKA takes another step forward • SKA on the African horizon • African eyes on the universe • MeerKAT in demand among scientistsRay MaotaFull Moon Fever (FMF) is about to grip South Africa as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) drums up national support for the country’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array in Southern Africa.When complete, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s most powerful radio telescope. It will help answer fundamental questions in astronomy, such as the state of the universe before the first stars formed, and will need a budget of R16-billion (US$2-billion) to build.The DST’s new campaign was launched at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on 14 November 2011 with a play titled African Stars. Present at the event were the State Theatre’s chairperson Naledi Gallant, and DST deputy director-general Dr Val Moonsamy.Gallant thanked those present for attending the production of African Stars. “It is our intention as the State Theatre to share the rich stories about African astronomy, while also promoting the country’s bid to host SKA.”The play is narrated by a cast member while the others dance and do astrological formations. It seeks to educate people about the origins of astronomy in Africa and how the science has impacted people and history.It also focuses on the San’s well-documented fascination with astronomy, an interest that is still evident today through ancient rock art. The San are a group of southern African Bushmen believed to be one of Africa’s oldest people.It goes on to explain that the building of the Pyramid of Giza in Egypt was built on astronomical alignments, and ends with an account of the benefits of SKA for South Africa and the African continent.Moonsamy said: “Many things that we have come to take for granted have, in fact, a rich scientific background. It is through the aid of research that humanity is able to gain a better understanding of nature and the universe.”The campaign will see FMF events taking place on the Friday or Saturday closest to the full moon of each month; science and technology career exhibitions organised by the Tshwane University of Technology and the University of South Africa; and a nine-province tour of the African Stars production.South Africans are also urged to place messages of support for the bid on the SKA website.The bid to host SKAThe bid to host the SKA project is a two-horse race between South Africa and Australia.The hosts will be announced early in 2012 – meanwhile South Africa is going all out to show that Africa is an emerging global hub for astronomy.Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor said in a statement read by Moonsamy: “South Africa has come of age when it comes to astronomy capacity and capabilities. Our infrastructure and human capital development investments in space science and technology have ensured that our country is counted among the best in the world.”Pandor also said that with the technology involved, the hosting of SKA will propel Africa into the 22nd century and drive economic development across the continent.South Africa shows its potentialIn preparation for SKA, South Africa enacted the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act of 2008 to provide for the preservation and protection of areas within the country that are uniquely suited for optical and radio astronomy.The country also established the South African National Space Agency in 2010.Pandor said: “The establishment of the space agency is a welcome development that has become an important vehicle for promoting our growing satellite industry and a wide range of innovations in space sciences, earth observation, communications, navigation and engineering.”South Africa has already shown its space prowess with the Southern African Largest Telescope (Salt) and the Karoo Array Telescope, which is the first phase of the MeerKAT.Salt is located near Sutherland, about 370km northeast of Cape Town. It’s the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere and among the five largest in the world.According to its website, Salt can detect the light from faint or distant celestial objects that are a billion times too faint to be seen with the unaided eye.The MeerKAT is the precursor to SKA and is under construction in the Karoo in the Northern Cape. Although the first phase with seven satellite dishes – KAT-7 – is complete and operational, the project will end in 2016 with 64 dishes.The MeerKAT has already proven to be an astronomer’s dream with scientists around the world booking the facility for research time. A total of 43 000 hours has already been allocated to interested radio astronomers.As the SKA precursor, the MeerKAT comprises the same technology. It uses a technique called radio interferometry, which is the production of high-resolution images using a cluster of smaller telescopes rather than one large instrument. The more telescopes in the cluster, the higher the resolution obtained and the better the result.Pandor said: “Hosting SKA will change our economic fortunes and I reckon Africa will host it.”