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Showing posts from June, 2024

What do a bob, crown and guinea have in common?

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After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the British pound was divided into 20 shillings or 240 pennies. Until decimalization in 1971, money was divided into pounds (£) shillings (s) and pennies [or pence] (d). The symbols s (for shilling) and d (for pence) derive from the Latin solidus and denarius which were the names of coins used in the Roman and Byzantine empires. The £ sign developed from the latin word libra, which refers to weighing scales. The shilling was subdivided into 12 pennies. The penny was, in turn, subdivided into two halfpennies or four farthings (quarter pennies). It was based on the troy system of weighing precious metals where the penny was literally one pennyweight (1,89 grams) of silver. A pound sterling thus weighed 240 pennyweights, or a pound (453 grams) of sterling silver. There were also commonly used terms to describe particular denominations, for example: Two farthings were one halfpenny (or hay-pence). Two halfpence was one penny 3 pence was called thruppence...

The Curriculum Vitae a.k.a. der Lebenslauf a.k.a Resumé

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Creating a standout resumé (or curriculum vitae) for the German job market requires an understanding of local expectations and conventions. Here are key ingredients that should be included: Personal Information (Persönliche Angaben): Unlike resumés in some countries, German resumés typically begin with personal information such as your full name, address, phone number, email, date and place of birth, and marital status. Including a professional photo at the top is also customary. Professional Experience (Berufserfahrung): List your work history in reverse chronological order. Highlight your achievements and responsibilities with quantifiable results when possible. Education (Bildungsweg/Ausbildung): Again, in reverse chronological order, include your educational background with degrees, certifications, and relevant courses, along with the institutions and dates of attendance. Skills (Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten): Clearly outline your language skills (Sprachkenntnisse), IT and software s...

[OPED] 2024 South African Elections

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  I've written a opinion piece about this which can be found here . Note, this is my own opinion!