Chapter indexed HTML of Villette , the novel by Charlotte Bronte ebooks of essential English literature free to read online sponsored external link to Lighting site II - Paulina Some days elapsed , and it appeared she was not likely to take much of a fancy to anybody in the house . She was not exactly naughty or wilful : she was far from disobedient ; but an object less conducive to comfort--to tranquillity even--than she presented , it was scarcely possible to have before one's eyes . She moped : no grown person could have performed that uncheering business better ; no furrowed face of adult exile , longing for Europe at Europe's antipodes , ever bore more legibly the signs of home sickness than did her infant visage . She seemed growing old and unearthly . I , Lucy Snowe , plead guiltless of that curse , an overheated and discursive imagination ; but whenever , opening a room-door , I found her seated in a corner alone , her head in her pigmy hand , that room seemed to me not inhabited , but haunted . And again , when of moonlight nights , on waking , I beheld her figure , white and conspicuous in its night-dress , kneeling upright in bed , and praying like some Catholic or Methodist enthusiast--some precocious fanatic or untimely saint--I scarcely know what thoughts I had ; but they ran risk of being hardly more rational and healthy than that child's mind must have been . I seldom caught a word of her prayers , for they were whispered low : sometimes , indeed , they were not whispered at all , but put up unuttered ; such rare sentences as reached my ear still bore the burden , " Papa ; my dear papa ! " This , I perceived , was a one-idea 'd nature ; betraying that monomaniac tendency I have ever thought the most unfortunate with which man or woman can be cursed . What might have been the end of this fretting , had it continued unchecked , can only be conjectured : it received , however , a sudden turn . One afternoon , Mrs. Bretton , coaxing her from her usual station in a corner , had lifted her into the window-seat , and , by way of occupying her attention , told her to watch the passengers and count how many ladies should go down the street in a given time . She had sat listlessly , hardly looking , and not counting , when--my eye being fixed on hers--I witnessed in its iris and pupil a startling transfiguration . These sudden , dangerous natures--_sensitive_ as they are called--offer many a curious spectacle to those whom a cooler temperament has secured from participation in their angular vagaries . The fixed and heavy gaze swum , trembled , then glittered in fire ; the small , overcast brow cleared ; the trivial and dejected features lit up ; the sad countenance vanished , and in its place appeared a sudden eagerness , an intense expectancy . " It _is_ ! " were her words . Like a bird or a shaft , or any other swift thing , she was gone from the room , How she got the house-door open I can not tell ; probably it might be ajar ; perhaps Warren was in the way and obeyed her behest , which would be impetuous enough . I--watching calmly from the window -- saw her , in her black frock and tiny braided apron ( to pinafores she had an antipathy ) , dart half the length of the street ; and , as I was on the point of turning , and quietly announcing to Mrs. Bretton that the child was run out mad , and ought instantly to be pursued , I saw her caught up , and rapt at once from my cool observation , and from the wondering stare of the passengers . A gentleman had done this good turn , and now , covering her with his cloak , advanced to restore her to the house whence he had seen her issue . I concluded he would leave her in a servant's charge and withdraw ; but he entered : having tarried a little while below , he came up-stairs . His reception immediately explained that he was known to Mrs. Bretton . She recognised him ; she greeted him , and yet she was fluttered , surprised , taken unawares . Her look and manner were even expostulatory ; and in reply to these , rather than her words , he said , -- " I could not help it , madam : I found it impossible to leave the country without seeing with my own eyes how she settled . " " But you will unsettle her . " " I hope not . And how is papa's little Polly ? " This question he addressed to Paulina , as he sat down and placed her gently on the ground before him . " How is Polly's papa ? " was the reply , as she leaned on his knee , and gazed up into his face . It was not a noisy , not a wordy scene : for that I was thankful ; but it was a scene of feeling too brimful , and which , because the cup did not foam up high or furiously overflow , only oppressed one the more . On all occasions of vehement , unrestrained expansion , a sense of disdain or ridicule comes to the weary spectator's relief ; whereas I have ever felt most burdensome that sort of sensibility which bends of its own will , a giant slave under the sway of good sense . Mr. Home was a stern-featured--perhaps I should rather say , a hard - featured man : his forehead was knotty , and his cheekbones were marked and prominent . The character of his face was quite Scotch ; but there was feeling in his eye , and emotion in his now agitated countenance . His northern accent in speaking harmonised with his physiognomy . He was at once proud-looking and homely-looking . He laid his hand on the child's uplifted head . She said -- " Kiss Polly . " He kissed her . I wished she would utter some hysterical cry , so that I might get relief and be at ease . She made wonderfully little noise : she seemed to have got what she wanted--_all_ she wanted , and to be in a trance of content . Neither in mien nor in features was this creature like her sire , and yet she was of his strain : her mind had been filled from his , as the cup from the flagon . Indisputably , Mr. Home owned manly self-control , however he might secretly feel on some matters . " Polly , " he said , looking down on his little girl , " go into the hall ; you will see papa's great-coat lying on a chair ; put your hand into the pockets , you will find a pocket - handkerchief there ; bring it to me . " She obeyed ; went and returned deftly and nimbly . He was talking to Mrs. Bretton when she came back , and she waited with the handkerchief in her hand . It was a picture , in its way , to see her , with her tiny stature , and trim , neat shape , standing at his knee . Seeing that he continued to talk , apparently unconscious of her return , she took his hand , opened the unresisting fingers , insinuated into them the handkerchief , and closed them upon it one by one . He still seemed not to see or to feel her ; but by-and-by , he lifted her to his knee ; she nestled against him , and though neither looked at nor spoke to the other for an hour following , I suppose both were satisfied . During tea , the minute thing's movements and behaviour gave , as usual , full occupation to the eye . First she directed Warren , as he placed the chairs . " Put papa's chair here , and mine near it , between papa and Mrs. Bretton : _I_ must hand his tea . " She took her own seat , and beckoned with her hand to her father . " Be near me , as if we were at home , papa . " And again , as she intercepted his cup in passing , and would stir the sugar , and put in the cream herself , " I always did it for you at home ; papa : nobody could do it as well , not even your own self . " Throughout the meal she continued her attentions : rather absurd they were . The sugar-tongs were too wide for one of her hands , and she had to use both in wielding them ; the weight of the silver cream-ewer , the bread-and-butter plates , the very cup and saucer , tasked her insufficient strength and dexterity ; but she would lift this , hand that , and luckily contrived through it all to break nothing . Candidly speaking , I thought her a little busy-body ; but her father , blind like other parents , seemed perfectly content to let her wait on him , and even wonderfully soothed by her offices . " She is my comfort ! " he could not help saying to Mrs. Bretton . That lady had her own " comfort " and nonpareil on a much larger scale , and , for the moment , absent ; so she sympathised with his foible . This second " comfort " came on the stage in the course of the evening . I knew this day had been fixed for his return , and was aware that Mrs. Bretton had been expecting him through all its hours . We were seated round the fire , after tea , when Graham joined our circle : I should rather say , broke it up--for , of course , his arrival made a bustle ; and then , as Mr. Graham was fasting , there was refreshment to be provided . He and Mr. Home met as old acquaintance ; of the little girl he took no notice for a time . His meal over , and numerous questions from his mother answered , he turned from the table to the hearth . Opposite where he had placed himself was seated Mr. Home , and at his elbow , the child . When I say _child_ I use an inappropriate and undescriptive term--a term suggesting any picture rather than that of the demure little person in a mourning frock and white chemisette , that might just have fitted a good-sized doll--perched now on a high chair beside a stand , whereon was her toy work-box of white varnished wood , and holding in her hands a shred of a handkerchief , which she was professing to hem , and at which she bored perseveringly with a needle , that in her fingers seemed almost a skewer , pricking herself ever and anon , marking the cambric with a track of minute red dots ; occasionally starting when the perverse weapon--swerving from her control--inflicted a deeper stab than usual ; but still silent , diligent , absorbed , womanly . Graham was at that time a handsome , faithless-looking youth of sixteen . I say faithless-looking , not because he was really of a very perfidious disposition , but because the epithet strikes me as proper to describe the fair , Celtic ( not Saxon ) character of his good looks ; his waved light auburn hair , his supple symmetry , his smile frequent , and destitute neither of fascination nor of subtlety ( in no bad sense ) . A spoiled , whimsical boy he was in those days . " Mother , " he said , after eyeing the little figure before him in silence for some time , and when the temporary absence of Mr. Home from the room relieved him from the half-laughing bashfulness , which was all he knew of timidity --- " Mother , I see a young lady in the present society to whom I have not been introduced . " " Mr. Home's little girl , I suppose you mean , " said his mother . " Indeed , ma ' am , " replied her son , " I consider your expression of the least ceremonious : Miss Home _I_ should certainly have said , in venturing to speak of the gentlewoman to whom I allude . " " Now , Graham , I will not have that child teased . Do n't flatter yourself that I shall suffer you to make her your butt . " " Miss Home , " pursued Graham , undeterred by his mother's remonstrance , " might I have the honour to introduce myself , since no one else seems willing to render you and me that service ? Your slave , John Graham Bretton . " She looked at him ; he rose and bowed quite gravely . She deliberately put down thimble , scissors , work ; descended with precaution from her perch , and curtsying with unspeakable seriousness , said , " How do you do ? " " I have the honour to be in fair health , only in some measure fatigued with a hurried journey . I hope , ma ' am , I see you well ? " " Tor-rer-ably well , " was the ambitious reply of the little woman and she now essayed to regain her former elevation , but finding this could not be done without some climbing and straining--a sacrifice of decorum not to be thought of--and being utterly disdainful of aid in the presence of a strange young gentleman , she relinquished the high chair for a low stool : towards that low stool Graham drew in his chair . " I hope , ma ' am , the present residence , my mother's house , appears to you a convenient place of abode ? " " Not par-tic-er-er-ly ; I want to go home . " " A natural and laudable desire , ma ' am ; but one which , notwithstanding , I shall do my best to oppose . I reckon on being able to get out of you a little of that precious commodity called amusement , which mamma and Mistress Snowe there fail to yield me . " " I shall have to go with papa soon : I shall not stay long at your mother's . " " Yes , yes ; you will stay with me , I am sure . I have a pony on which you shall ride , and no end of books with pictures to show you . " " Are _you_ going to live here now ? " " I am . Does that please you ? Do you like me ? " " No. " " Why ? " " I think you queer . " " My face , ma ' am ? " " Your face and all about you : You have long red hair . " " Auburn hair , if you please : mamma , calls it auburn , or golden , and so do all her friends . But even with my ' long red hair ' " ( and he waved his mane with a sort of triumph--tawny he himself well knew that it was , and he was proud of the leonine hue ) , " I can not possibly be queerer than is your ladyship . " " You call me queer ? " " Certainly . " ( After a pause ) , " I think I shall go to bed . " " A little thing like you ought to have been in bed many hours since ; but you probably sat up in the expectation of seeing me ? " " No , indeed . " " You certainly wished to enjoy the pleasure of my society . You knew I was coming home , and would wait to have a look at me . " " I sat up for papa , and not for you . " " Very good , Miss Home . I am going to be a favourite : preferred before papa soon , I daresay . " She wished Mrs. Bretton and myself good-night ; she seemed hesitating whether Graham's deserts entitled him to the same attention , when he caught her up with one hand , and with that one hand held her poised aloft above his head . She saw herself thus lifted up on high , in the glass over the fireplace . The suddenness , the freedom , the disrespect of the action were too much . " For shame , Mr. Graham ! " was her indignant cry , " put me down ! " -- and when again on her feet , " I wonder what you would think of me if I were to treat you in that way , lifting you with my hand " ( raising that mighty member ) " as Warren lifts the little cat . " So saying , she departed .


Domestic Violence - A Workplace Issue She was one of the top customer service reps in the company . To her coworkers , Suzanne seemed to have it all - a doting husband , children , a lovely home and a successful career . Every night at the end of her shift , her husband was waiting outside in their car for her , and she was out the door promptly at five . One day her manager approached her just before quitting time and asked to speak with her in his office . She became flustered and asked if it could n't wait until the next day . He shrugged her off . " It 'll only take a few minutes . I wo n't keep you long . " He was true to his word but when Suzanne opened the door to leave her manager's office , her fuming husband was standing there . He ordered her to go to the car . What Suzanne's colleagues did n't know was that she spent the following two days being insulted , assaulted and locked in her own bedroom , all at the hands of her " devoted " husband . What is domestic violence ? Domestic violence ( also called battering or intimate partner violence ) is a pattern of abusive behaviour used by a person to gain power and control over his or her partner in an intimate relationship . The abusive behaviour can include intimidation , verbal abuse , emotional attacks , threats or use of violence , sexual assault , and homicide . The batterer may also use other means to control his or her victim , such as controlling finances , interfering in the victim's work , isolation , limited or no communication , blaming , apologies , promises to change and gifts . Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life , however the majority are women . The SafeWork website reports that in the United States , 1 in 3 women will report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives . Domestic violence tends to become more severe over time with the highest number of assaults and homicides occurring after victims leave their abusive partners . So why is domestic violence a workplace issue ? When a victim leaves the abusive relationship , the abuser knows that the one place the victim can be found is at work . Ten signs of domestic violence If you suspect that one of your employees or colleagues may be in an abusive relationship , look for a pattern of these signs : Injuries such as bruises , black eyes , or broken bones with no , or unlikely explanations such as blaming the injuries on falls or being clumsy Large number of phone calls , emails , and texts from a current or former partner and reluctance to respond to them Disruptive visits to work by current or former partner What employers can do As an employer , you have the power to keep your employees safe at work . Ultimately , this will also protect your community as well as your company's bottom line . You can start by developing a domestic violence policy . You can also train your managers , supervisors and all employees about proper response steps , and raise awareness about the issue . Train managers and supervisors to : recognize - be aware of signs of violence for potential victims and abusers refer - know who to call internally and externally if a situation of domestic violence becomes known Training should include issues of privacy and confidentiality . Start a program in your workplace to address domestic violence : Make prevention of and response to domestic violence part of your workplace violence prevention program . Create awareness by talking about domestic violence with your employees . Communicate that your workplace is a safe environment for them to reach out for help with domestic violence . Provide employees with information on how to recognize the signs of a troublesome or abusive relationship so they know when to seek assistance for themselves or for co-workers . Make information on counseling and support resources available both inside and outside the organization . Educate employees regarding security procedures available to keep themselves and others safe in the workplace , including where and how to report a potential threat and how to avoid unintentionally giving the abuser access to the victim . remove the employee's name and phone number from automated phone messages or directories ; do n't give out any employee's personal information to others ; ensure the employee knows the specifics of your workplace policy and how to report any incident or threat ; rework the employee's work assignment or schedule . Develop an effective workplace response to domestic violence that includes an organizational safety plan as well as working with victims to develop individualized workplace safety plans . Domestic violence is a workplace issue . In April 2009 Ontario tabled Bill 168 , an act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act . The proposed bill specifically addressed the issue of domestic violence in the workplace by requiring Ontario employers to " take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances " to protect workers from domestic violence that would likely cause physical injury to workers in the workplace . This obligation on the employer arises only if the employer is - or should be - aware of the situation . What constitutes " domestic violence " is not defined . The new legislation is expected to be passed in the Fall 2009 . Hazard Alerts Print this article Lead in the Workplace Last year , some childhood lead poisonings in Maine came from an unusual source . Parents got lead dust on their clothes at work and then carried it into their cars , inadvertently exposing their children . Workers can be exposed to lead in the workplace by inhaling fumes and dusts , or by accidentally ingesting it from lead-contaminated hands , food , drinks , cosmetics , tobacco products , and clothing . As in the case of the family in Maine , workers can take lead home on their clothes , skin , hair , tools , and in their vehicles , potentially exposing their families to harmful health effects . In an updated health and safety bulletin , Work Safe Alberta offers guidance on lead in the workplace and how to protect workers and their families from lead exposure . Lead exposure Until the 1980s , the main sources of lead exposure for Canadians were lead paint and emissions from cars using leaded gasoline ( which stopped in Canada in 1990 , except for some specific types of vehicles ) . Today lead is used in many of the following products : batteries lead shielding for x-rays crystal ceramics and pottery glazes stained glass lead solder - used in water pipes in older homes , electronics , radiator shops cosmetics - many of the pigments and other substances used in cosmetics contain lead pesticides ( lead arsenate ) ammunition lead weights and tools electroplating glass in computer monitors Occupations with lead exposure risks include : Cable splicing Construction Manufacturing of ammunition , ceramics , electrical components , pottery and lead batteries Stained glass Mining Painting Radiator repair Recovery of gold and silver Repair and reclamation of lead batteries Smelting Welding Health effects The most common ways that workers are exposed to lead are inhalation of airborne lead dust or fumes and accidental ingestion . Workers ingest lead by touching the face and handling cigarettes or food when their hands are contaminated with lead . About 5 to 15 percent of the lead an adult ingests is absorbed into their body . Lead is not normally absorbed through the skin unless there is a break in the skin such as a cut or scrape . Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include headache , excessive tiredness , nausea , abdominal cramps , and joint pain . Other effects such as a metallic taste in the mouth , vomiting and constipation or bloody diarrhea can also occur . Harmful effects due to short-term exposure to inorganic lead compounds are rarely seen any more because of strict controls used in workplaces where lead exposure might occur . However , lead accumulates in the body where it can be stored for decades and released back into the blood long after the original exposure . Inorganic lead compounds are well known to cause significant health effects following long-term ( chronic ) exposure , including effects on the : Reproductive system ( causing effects on fertility and developmental effects in children ) Nervous system Digestive system Cardiovascular and blood system Kidneys Work Safe Alberta's health and safety bulletin provides greater detail on the health effects as well as information on managing lead in the workplace , exposure levels , monitoring methods , and preventive measures . Partner News Print this article Feel Great About Life Canada's Healthy Workplace Month - October 5 to November 1 Week 1 - Feeling Great at Work Week 2 - Feeling Great with Family and Friends Week 3 - Feeling Great at Play Week 4 - Feeling Great about Giving Back Plus , register your organization and keep track of the activities completed by your workplace . CHWM will announce winners for each week , and your team could win ! CHWM is presented by Great-West Life and managed by the National Quality Institute in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety . To learn more about and sign up for the workplace challenges , and participate in friendly competition against others across Canada , visit the Healthy Workplace Month website at www.healthyworkplacemonth.ca . CCOHS is celebrating with free webinars In celebration of Canada's Healthy Workplace Month , CCOHS is offering free webinars to help you plan for the pandemic and show you how to use social media tools to promote health and safety in your workplace . Planning for the Pandemic is available on demand as a recorded presentation . Jan Chappel , CCOHS Sr. Technical Specialist in Occupational Health and Safety , discusses how organizations and individuals can plan and prepare for the pandemic flu outbreak and offers tips for staying healthy . Listen up : Chemical exposure and hearing loss in the workplace Exposure to noise in the workplace can permanently damage our hearing . But for some occupations and industries , other factors such as variations in exposure , age , gender , race , and general health , can negatively affect a worker's hearing . Studies have been conducted to try to understand why the occurrence and degree of noise-induced hearing loss can vary so much within and among various groups . This webinar is recommended for managers , occupational health doctors and nurses , industrial hygienists , audiologists and health and safety professionals . Health and safety podcasts Health and Safety to Go ! , CCOHS' new podcast series offers " bite " sized episodes on a variety of workplace health , safety and wellness issues . They run from 3 to 10 minutes long , and best of all , they 're free .


The Hindu marrying is carried out as per the customs as well as traditions of the neighborhood to that the bride as well as the groom belong . The marrying is n't simply restricted towards the bride as well as the groom nevertheless it implies the coming with each other of the two households as well as therefore it assumes all of the far more value . Hindu matrimony is also named as Vivah in Hindi as well as Panigrahana in Sanskrit . It truly is solemnised in accordance along with the VEDAS , the holy scriptures of the Hindu religion . Prior to the marrying , the parents match the kundli of the potential bride as well as the groom , if it matches only then they proceed forward as well as fix the day as well as date of marriage soon after consulting the pundit . Several rituals start off before the marrying day in each the houses . A huge amount of guests are invited to attend as well as get pleasure from the celebration . These may well incorporate Mehendi ceremony - the hands as well as feet of the bride are decorated along with Mehendi , other female relatives may well also apply it . Sangeet Sandhya - it truly is evening of musical entertainment exactly where the groom's family members may well invite the bride's family members for dance as well as songs . In several of the Hindu marriages , handful of far more rituals might be carried out such as the Ganesh Puja - the Puja is accomplished prior to the marriage ceremony to take the blessings of Lord Ganesha . Tilak - In a lot of of the communities Tilak ( red turmeric powder ) that symbolizes auspiciousness as well as happiness is applied by the bride's uncle , father brothers upon the forehead of the groom . Upon the marrying morning , several ablutionary rituals are carried out on each the bride as well as the groom in their very own properties . Their bodies are anointed along with turmeric , sandalwood paste as well as oils , that cleanse the physique , soften the skin , as well as create it aromatic . They may be then bathed towards the chanting of Vedic mantras . The Hindu marrying itself entails the following rituals Baraat - the procession of the groom accompanied along with his family members as well as buddies attain the marriage venue . The priest commences the marriage underneath a canopy which is specially decorated for the ceremony . The priest invokes blessings of God for the couple to become married . Jaimala - the bride as well as the groom exchange garlands amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns by the priest . Hathleva - in this ceremony several henna is place upon the appropriate hand of the couple as well as the hands are tied along with a cloth . The couple then prays to God for any profitable married life . Vivah - the ritual signifies the actual marriage . The priest ties a single finish of the groom's dress to which of the bride's , the knot signifies the sacred wedlock . Each of them then move across the fire for seven instances , accepting the seven oaths that are chanted by the priest . Kanyaadan - the father of the bride pours away a libation of sacred water symbolizing the offering away of the daughter towards the bride groom . The groom recites the Vedic hymns to Kama , the god of enjoy . In return the father also requires promise from the groom which he is going to be along with his daughter in realising the 3 ends of Dharma , Kama , Artha . The groom can make the promise to his father in law . Vidaai - soon after the profitable completion of all of the over rituals , comes the a lot of emotional ritual of Vidaai exactly where the bride lastly leaves the residence of her father to become along with her husband . Practically absolutely everyone showers their blessings on her as well as give her a tearful farewell . In this way the Hindu matrimony is completed along with considerably blessings as well as enjoyment .


The following is the list of ISP supplied by Mertec Computers plc . All product information is the responsibility of each supplier and any complaints should be directed at the supplier and Becta should be copied in for our information . Products listed are only a representation of each suppliers product range , full ranges can be viewed on individual supplier sites . Please note that all prices are indicative . For a more accurate quote , please contact the supplier . Displaying 11 to 16 of 16 results .


The Mood Light Tile really does takes atmospheric lighting in the home or office to unprecedented levels of sophistication and versatility . The mesmeric mood light tile is similar to the classic mood light but it is specially designed to be used on its own or with one or more mood light tiles . So instead of having an aluminium frame the colour changing lens continues to the edges so that when two or more are placed together they join seamlessly . The mood light tiles also have a data link socket and a ribbon cable so that they can be linked together and work in unison . The mood light pulsates in every sequence imaginable . The Mood Light is a perfect work of art for bedrooms , living rooms , dining rooms , modern interiors , company foyers , offices , boardrooms , bars , restaurants , exhibition stands , night clubs ... it really is that special . The Mood light tile has 4 large flat light changing panels which measure 50 cm square , each of the 4 panels has integral banks of light emitting diodes that sweep and pulses in an almost infinite variety of colours . Mood Lights Technical Specifications ... LED illumination matrix - The Mood Light has continuous lens for seamless joining with other mood light tiles - Display diffusion globes - Dimensions of the Mood Light : 50 x 50 x 3 cms - Wall mount suspended installation . The Mood Lights Features - Color mode selector blends red , green and blue primaries to produce unlimited color combinations . ( Four user-selectable memory options ) - Three preprogrammed , animated light sequences : Chill , Motion , Action . - Four active light functions with speed control : Pulse , Random , Rainbow , Fusion . Cool silver radio wave remote control ( which means that it does not even have to be in the same room as the mood light ) , it includes on / off button , 3 primary colour adjusters , pulsating speed adjuster , multiple memory and mode setting buttons . Dimensions of Mood Lights remote control : 20 x 4.5 x 2 cms The external Mood Light power supply is styled to look just like the Mood Light itself . Dimensions of the Mood Light power supply : 10 x 10 x 4 cms


Do It Yourself Furniture Restoration Do it yourself furniture restoration is now a huge niche in the house and home renovation sector and many products and services are flooding onto the market . If you 're new at this game it will pay you to be bit careful with how you proceed at first . For instance , when dealing with old furniture do n't just assume that you need to strip away the battered old surface . In many cases this is just not necessary . Many of those early finishes such as shellac and varnish can be restored beautifully , unlike modern laminates or urethaned surfaces . Even pieces that have to be stripped because they 've been painted over can still be brought back to life without having to attempt a French polish job which may end in disaster . There is a product on the market called Restor-A-Finish which can do amazing some might even say , unbelievable things . All you need apart from a tin of Restor-A-Finish is some 0000 grade steel wool and some clean cloth . If your piece of furniture was polished years ago using shellac or varnish , your job is likely to be pretty easy and very rewarding . How do you tell ? A rule of thumb is that anything manufactured before 1960 will have been finished in a fairly traditional manner and not with a polyurethane type material . Up to the 1970s the " modern " finishes used were better able to be repaired than later " space-age " polyurethane . Want to get hold of Restor-A-Finish or any other kind of wood and furniture restoration products ? Then check out Howard Products Australia . Leave a Reply


Nature of problem : With the present program the derivation of the coefficients produced by the equation ( 14 ) is obtained . The first part of the proposed program consists of the calculation of the matrix elements which form the coefficients of the system of equations . The second part of the proposed program , as this has been explained in [ 1 ] , [ 2 ] and [ 3 ] , consists of the iterative application of the L ' Hospital's rule ( to avoid coefficients of the form 0 / 0 ) for the computation of the solution of these equations that make up the coefficients of the method ( 14 ) . We note that the system of equations produced by the equation ( 14 ) is solved by an application of Cramer's rule . The above procedure is repeated for the calculation of the coefficients of the methods ( 24 ) - ( 25 ) and for the methods ( 28 ) - ( 29 ) . Solution method : Symbolic computation using Maple . Running time : 1800 seconds References : [ 1 ] T. Lyche , Chebyshevian multistep methods for ordinary differential equations , Numerische Mathematik , 10 ( 1972 ) 65-75 . [ 2 ] A.D. Raptis , Exponential multistep methods for ordinary differential equations , Bulletin of the Greek Mathematical Society , 25 ( 1984 ) 113-126 . [ 3 ] T.E. Simos , Numerical solution of ordinary differential equations with periodical solution . Doctoral Dissertation , National Technical University of Athens , 1990 .


Several hundred people have been killed since September The United Kingdom has warned a UK company against recruiting mercenaries to work in Ivory Coast . Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said such an enterprise would seriously undermine the Ivorian peace process . He said he was gravely concerned at reports that Northbridge Services Group - a security company - was recruiting ex-servicemen from Britain , South Africa and France . But a release denied that they were a mercenary firm . " This contract was to provide humanitarian support and increased governmental security " , the statement said . Services the company website says it offers , includes demilitarisation of warring factions , mine clearance , and special forces to counter terrorists and narcotics . Cabinet meeting Mercenaries from eastern Europe , South Africa and Angola have been accused of fighting on the side of the government since September's military uprising against the government of President Laurent Gbagbo . IVORY COAST CONFLICT Hundreds killed More than a million displaced 3,000 French peacekeepers Nation divided in two Power sharing deal still to work New role for mercenaries A peace agreement was signed in January and a power-sharing government has been named . The rebels have so far refused to attend cabinet meetings citing security concerns but now say they will be present at Thursday's meeting . The government has denied claims this week by the opposition Le Patriote newspaper that it has hired 1,000 South Africans to fight on its side . Reuters news agency quotes diplomats in Ivory Coast as saying that they have heard of the hiring of 300 fresh mercenaries . " Any deployment of foreign military units at this time would seriously undermine the peace process and the efforts of the UK and the wider international community , " Mr Straw said . But Northbridge says Mr Straw's comments " come as a great surprise when it was he that strongly supported the use of private military companies in a office Foreign and Commonwealth Office " . document . Ivory Coast , the world's largest cocoa producer , is now a divided country with the three groups of rebels controlling the north and a big part of the west of the country . The government controls the rest , including the economic capital Abidjan and the main capital Yamoussoukro .


re document forming part of the reports of states parties latvia [ 26 February 2002 ] Paragraphs Page General information The Republic of Latvia is an independent and democratic State situated in north-eastern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea covering 64,589 square kilometres . The State borders with the Republic of Estonia in the north , with the Republic of Lithuania in the south and with the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation in the east . The landscape of the country is marked by lowland plains and rolling hills and most of the countryside is less than 100 metres above sea level . The country historically and culturally is divided into four regions : Kurzeme , Latgale , Zemgale and Vidzeme . There are 7 cities , 69 towns , 26 districts and 483 local municipalities in Latvia . The capital of the Republic of Latvia is Riga . The official language of the State is Latvian , which is one of the oldest of the Indo-European languages and is spoken by approximately 70-75 per cent of the population . The national currency is the lats ( LVL ) , officially pegged to the SDR ( Special Drawing Rights ) basket of currencies at the rate of 0.7997 SDR / LVL . The table below represents the basic statistical data on the characteristics of the Latvian population for the year 2000 / 01 . Table ( continued ) Demographic characteristics In year 2000 the population census was held throughout the country . There were 2,375,000 inhabitants , approximately 1,093,000 males and 1,282,000 females , permanently residing in the territory of Latvia . At the beginning of the year 2001 408,700 Latvians were under 15 , 1,448,400 aged from 15 to 59 and 509,000 aged 60 and over . According to the previous population census held in 1989 , the percentage of the population under 15 fell from 21.4 per cent to 17.3 per cent but the percentage of the population aged 60 years and over increased from 17.4 per cent to 21.5 per cent . The overall decline in the State's population since 1996 is given below . ( Population figures have been revised on the basis of the results of the 2000 population census . As a consequence of tremendous political and socio-economic changes in the State since 1991 , the natural population growth has been negative . However , in 1999 the natural growth slowly improved . In 1999 , the number of children born in comparison with 1998 increased by 5.4 per cent . Furthermore , in 2000 the death rate per 100,000 residents was 1,357 - slightly lower than in 1999 . The natural population growth is given below . The death rate of newborns has decreased from 15.8 per 1,000 in 1996 to 10.4 per 1,000 in 2000 . The number of cases of maternal death per 100,000 babies born alive had decreased from 40.4 in 1996 to 24.8 in 2000 . The Government has taken appropriate measures to improve the demographic situation ; thus , the Ministry of Welfare elaborated and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia in February 2001 adopted " The Strategy of Health Care of Mother and Child in Latvia " . Ethnic characteristics During the 1990s the proportion of ethnic Latvians slightly increased while the proportion of Russians , Byelorussians , Ukrainians , Poles and other ethnic groups decreased . During 2000 the number of Latvians was also slightly higher , compared with other national groups living in Latvia . The distribution of Latvia's population by ethnic origin between 1935 and 2001 is shown in the table below . Long-term historical cohabitation and friendly relations among different ethnic groups have made Latvia a place where significant conflicts among various ethnic and religious groups have not been possible . After regaining independence , the Government elaborated a policy to accommodate its various groups and their many cultural and religious traditions . The model which was chosen could be called " a national State with a multicultural society " : national in the sense that a condition of integration is one official State language and a unified territory , and multicultural in the sense that there is no common or State-supported religion and there are schools with different languages of instruction and conditions promoting development of all cultures . Since 1999 the State Programme of Integration of Society has been carried out and a special institution - the Fund for the Integration of the Society - is in the process of formation . The goals of the programme are to form a democratic , consolidated civil society founded on shared basic values , to provide for all people permanently residing in Latvia access to contemporary living standards , and to promote welfare , education , security and favourable relations between the various ethnic groups . Economic indicators Latvia has made significant advances in its economic , financial and social development since regaining its independence in 1990 , and has embraced comprehensive market economy reform . During the last several years , Government agreed on and continued the structural reform of the economy by accelerating privatization , strengthening the banking sector and the financial system in general , and stabilizing the overall situation in industry and agriculture . GDP growth has been based on a broad range of developments . Particularly strong advances have been made during the last decade in the transportation and financial sectors , in communication services and commerce . Since the beginning of the transition to a market economy , the Government has implemented a strict fiscal policy through a major revenue mobilization combined with expenditure restraint . Latvia has made substantial progress in establishing the State institutions needed for fiscal management in a market economy . Consistently tight monetary and successful financial policies have been reflected in the continuous fall of inflation from 958.6 per cent in 1992 to 23.1 per cent in 1995 , 13.1 per cent in 1996 and 7.0 per cent in 1997 . In 1998 the annual inflation rate fell to 2.8 per cent , in 1999 the annual inflation rate was at 3.2 per cent and in 2000 it was 1.8 per cent . The table below shows the key indicators of economic development of the State ( the data for 2001 are estimates ) . Table ( continued ) The unemployment rate since 1998 has been decreasing slightly , although the rate is still relatively high . In order to address this issue , the National Employment Plan is elaborated annually . The main aims of the Plan are to prevent young unemployed people from becoming long-term unemployed ; to eliminate barriers to business and restrictions to starting entrepreneurial activity ; to strengthen cooperation between the Confederation of Employers and the Confederation of Free Trade Unions ; to implement measures aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in the labour market ; to reduce gender inequality in the area of employment and revenues ; and to encourage family-friendly social and labour policies . The basic detailed unemployment data in Latvia are the following : The gross wage earned by people employed in the national economy in 2000 grew on average by 6.1 per cent in comparison with the preceding year and reached almost 150 lats . The table below indicates the income of residents of the Republic of Latvia . The Government recognizes that notwithstanding the country's substantial development and economic growth , the polarization of the society still continues . The results of the household budget surveys show that average household income per person is increasing , but simultaneously the income of the poorest members of society is decreasing even more . ii . political structure Historical background Historically , the territory of Latvia has always been regarded as a trading and transportation crossroads and has long served as a bridge between Western Europe and Russia . The ancestors of the Latvian nation settled on Latvian soil more than 4,000 years ago . Today Latvia has a multi-ethnic society and culture that has developed because of the historical , economic and social evolution of the country , providing good possibilities for using Latvia as a stable location to work in the Eastern and Western markets . The Republic of Latvia as a national State was proclaimed on 18 November 1918 in accordance with the principles of international law , and since then its de iure legal personality has never been interrupted . Latvia was granted international recognition in 1920 and became a member of the League of Nations in 1921 . It has been continuously recognized as a State by other countries since 1920 despite occupations by the Soviet Union ( 1940-1941 , 1945-1991 ) and Nazi Germany ( 1941-1945 ) . The will and the right to self-determination of the people of Latvia was expressed in April 1920 when the people of Latvia gave their mandate to the Constitutional Assembly chosen in universal , equal , direct and proportional elections . The nation was united by the Latvian Provisional Government and on 11 August 1920 a peace treaty with Russia was signed in which Russia recognized Latvia's independence . In February 1922 , the Assembly adopted the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia , which is still in force with some amendments , among them chapter VIII on Fundamental Human Rights , adopted in 1998 . Until 1940 , Latvia witnessed impressive economic growth , a flourishing cultural life and a marked improvement in its standard of living . To guarantee the State's economic and social stability , the Government of Latvia launched a programme of agrarian reform . Latvian culture was encouraged and ethnic minorities , which comprised around 25 per cent of the population , were granted educational rights . The ultimatum of 16 June 1940 from the Government of the Soviet Union to the Latvian Government , asking for its resignation , and the ensuing military aggression , resulted in the occupation of Latvia . The elections of 14 and 15 July 1940 of the Parliament ( Saeima ) of occupied Latvia were held under conditions of political terror after an illegal and unconstitutional elections law had been adopted . Of the 17 lists of candidates submitted , only one was permitted in the elections - the list of the Working People's Bloc . The pre-election platform of the Bloc did not include any demand to establish Soviet power in Latvia or to join the Soviet Union . Furthermore , the results of the elections were falsified . The illegally and fraudulently formed Parliament did not represent the will of the Latvian people . It had no constitutional powers to change the system of government and bring to an end the sovereignty of Latvia . Only the people had the right to decide these matters , but no referendum was held . The incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union in 1940 is considered to be invalid also in accordance with international law . The will of the people of Latvia for freedom was expressed in the elections of the Latvian Supreme Council in 1990 of which a majority afterwards expressed the determination to restore the independence of Latvia . The Declaration of the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR " On the Renewal of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia " was adopted on 4 May 1990 . Being determined to restore de facto the free , democratic and independent Republic of Latvia , the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR on that date declared illegal the joining of Latvia to the Soviet Union . Furthermore , it decided to re-establish the authority of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia , adopted by the Constitutional Assembly on 15 February 1922 , in the entire territory of Latvia . On 17 September 1991 Latvia became a full-fledged member of the United Nations . Since 1995 it has been a member State of the Council of Europe . On 12 June 1995 , an Association Agreement was signed with the European Community and its member States , which came into force in February 1998 . Political framework The legislative power is granted to the Saeima ( Parliament ) as well as to the people to the extent provided for by the Satversme ( Constitution ) . Furthermore , the Saeima approves the appointment of the judges of courts of all levels and declares amnesties . It consists of 100 Saeima members elected in general , direct , secret and proportional elections . The Saeima is elected for a period of four years . The Saeima elects the President of the State for a period of four years and the same person can not hold the office of President of the State for more than two consecutive terms . The President of the State fulfils rather representative functions , however , it is the President of the State who nominates the Head of the Government - the Prime Minister . The Prime Minister forms the Government ( the Cabinet of Ministers ) - the executive power of the State - and receives the confidence of the Saeima ( Parliament ) . Latvia has a three-level court system - district / city courts , regional courts and the Supreme Court . The establishment of the Satversme Court ( Constitutional Court ) in 1996 completed the judicial reform in Latvia . The Public Prosecutor's Office , the Collegium of Sworn Advocates and the Collegium of Notaries are the indispensable elements of the judicial system of the Republic of Latvia . iii . general legal framework within which human rights are protected Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia ( Satversme ) provides that Latvia is an independent democratic republic . This principle sets forth certain exact requirements for the Latvian legal system , which also influence the implementation of the obligations under the international human rights instruments . On 4 May 1990 the Supreme Council of the Soviet Republic of Latvia being concerned about the compliance of national law with international law principles in the sphere of human rights , adopted the Declaration on Accession to International Acts of Human Rights . By the Declaration Latvia acceded to 51 international documents ( declarations and conventions ) , inter alia the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic , Social and Cultural Rights . The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights entered into force on 22 September 1994 ; thus , the Republic of Latvia recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals who claim to be victims of a violation by the State of the human rights set forth in the Covenant . Moreover , on 27 June 1997 the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 4 November 1950 entered into force in the Republic of Latvia . Thus , Latvia has accepted the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights and accordingly an individual may complain about a violation of his / her rights provided for by the European Convention directly to the Court . In October 1998 , the Constitution of Latvia ( Satversme ) was amended and chapter VIII on Fundamental Human Rights was included . The adoption of these amendments clarified the debate concerning the role and legal status of human rights in the State's legal system . It also added a more concrete understanding to the principle of democracy , as embodied in article 1 of the Satversme . Accordingly , article 89 states : " The State shall recognize and protect fundamental human rights in accordance with the present Constitution , laws and international agreements binding upon Latvia . " Article 91 of the Constitution encompasses both the principle of equality and the principle of non-discrimination . This article states : " All human beings in Latvia shall be equal before the law and the courts . Human rights shall be secured without discrimination of any kind . " Other newly included articles of the Constitution list fundamental human rights guaranteed by the State and also provide for possible restrictions on the exercise of these rights imposed by the State . International human rights treaties are directly applicable in the domestic legal system . They override norms of statutory law in case of a conflict of norms . It should be emphasized that international human rights norms are understood to have special status in relation to statutory laws because of their special aim and object and a direct link to the principle of democracy as embodied in Satversme . Thus , Satversme and international human rights treaties binding for Latvia provide for the catalogue of human rights and freedoms in the State . Regarding the institutional protection of human rights , the independent judiciary and the administrative process are the key elements . The courts are the main judicial institutions having jurisdiction over issues of respect and observance of human rights . According to the Law on the Judicial Power Latvia has a three-level court system . The district / city courts try civil , criminal and administrative cases ; they function mostly as courts of first instance . There are regional courts in each of the regions of Latvia and in the capital , Riga , that try those civil and criminal cases that fall within their authority under the Law on Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure ; regional courts are also the courts of appeal for those cases that have been tried by district / city courts . The Supreme Court is the court of appeal and cassation for all cases tried by regional courts and district / city courts . The Supreme Court acts also as the first instance court for several cases according to the Law on the Judicial Branch . According to article 3 of the Law on the Judicial Branch every individual has the right to be protected by the court against infringements upon his / her life , health , personal freedom , honour , reputation and property . All individuals have equal rights to have their case heard fairly and publicly by an independent and impartial court , which determines his / her civil rights and obligations , or the validity of any criminal charge against him / her . Article 4 of the above-mentioned Law states that all individuals are equal before the law and the court , and have an equal right to be protected by law . Justice is administered by the court irrespective of the person's origin , social status and property , race and nationality , sex , education , language , religious affiliation , type and nature of occupation , place of residence , and political or other views . According to article 17 of the Law on the Constitutional Court ( Satversme Court ) individuals whose fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution have been violated have the right to " submit an application to initiate a case regarding compliance of laws and international agreements signed or entered into by Latvia - even before the Saeima has confirmed the agreement - with the Constitution ; compliance of other normative acts or their parts with the legal norms ( acts ) of higher legal force ; as well as compliance of national legal norms of Latvia with international agreements entered into by Latvia which are not contrary to the Constitution " . In 1995 , the Regulations on the Process of Administrative Acts of the Cabinet of Ministers were adopted , establishing the procedure by which individuals may ask for , or complain about , or appeal against an administrative act adopted by a public institution . There are two main situations where an individual may appeal before the court against an administrative act : when the administrative act violates his / her rights provided in the Constitution of Latvia , international human rights instruments binding on Latvia or a statutory law ; or when the procedure governing the adoption of an administrative act has been abused . The law on the Prosecutor's Office and the Law " On the Police " provide that the Prosecutor's Office and the police also protect individuals against infringements upon their life , health , personal freedom , honour , reputation and property . According to the Law " On the Repayment of Damages or Losses Caused by Unlawful or Unfounded Acts of Investigators , the Prosecutor's Office or the Court " , material compensation is paid to individuals who have suffered from unlawful or unfounded acts by State officials . Furthermore , the State Human Rights Office , the independent national institution , has a duty to review any claim of infringement of human rights in Latvia and immediately react on a violation of an individual's rights , and on its own initiative , to investigate . iv . information and publicity Whenever the Republic of Latvia concludes an international agreement , the text of the agreement is translated into Latvian and published in the official newspaper , Latvijas Vēstnesis . In addition , the text in the original language of the agreement is published as well ( usually in English ) . This procedure applies also to international human rights instruments . Furthermore , the State institutions have access to the normative acts and international treaties and conventions in force in Latvia in the electronic database of the State . In addition , information on various international human rights instruments have been published in booklets by the State Human Rights Office . UNDP , UNHCR , UNESCO and UNICEF have opened representative offices that are functioning , with good results , in Latvia . Publications about human right issues have appeared and have been made available to any member of the society : " Guidebook of Human Rights Tolerance " , " Human Rights Album " ( published by the European Union ) , " Concise Explanation of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights " and others . Booklets on the rights of the child have been published and distributed by the Children Rights Protection Centre . The Latvian Human Rights Institute , which is the independent section of the State University quarterly , publishes a legal journal - Latvian Human Rights Quarterly - which contains articles on human rights issues in Latvia and abroad , international treaties and national laws , decisions of the European Court of Human Rights as well as of national courts concerning violations of human rights , as well as information on various activities ( conferences , seminars , courses on human rights ) provided by the Latvian Human Rights Institute or other institutions in Latvia . The national reports on the implementation of the human rights conventions in Latvia are prepared by working groups consisting of representatives of ministries and other State institutions and headed by the Representative of the Government before International Human Rights Organizations . Although the publication of reports is not required in national legislation , the practice to do so is developing . As a result of the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Latvian Human Rights Institute , the report and debate concerning the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was published in the Official Gazette and the Latvian Human Rights Quarterly . The Views of the Human Rights Committee on individual applications concerning possible violations of the Covenant were also published in the Official Gazette . HRI / CORE / 1 / Add . 123 HRI / CORE / 1 / Add . 123


If you have a mobile with GPRS or High Speed Data or a 3G phone you can use it as a modem with your PDA or laptop . That means you can email on the move with a larger screen , a QWERTY keyboard and the web browsers or email programs that you normally use to access your email ( like Microsoft Internet Explorer and Outlook ) . Depending on your equipment , you 'll be able to connect via infrared , BluetoothTM or a simple cable . What do I need ? A mobile that supports GPRS or CSD , or a 3G phone Set up You may need to set up your phone before you get started , but this is straightforward enough . Click here for instructions on setting your phone up , or alternatively take your equipment into a Phone Trainer at an


My Bikes I am a keen cyclist . Actually , I am a bike bigot - I sold our second car , so I no longer have daily use of a car even if I want one . I ride to work every day ( seven and a half miles each way ) , and usually ride out with Reading CTC on a Wednesday evening and sometimes on a Sunday . Most of the people in the club seem to have two dozen bikes of very similar types , but for some reason * I only have three bikes , two of them Claud Butlers ( purely by accident ) . There is another bike I want , but I have n't quite persuaded Felicity yet . Anyway , this is a list of my bikes reaching back as far into history as I care to go . * The reason is meanness