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Understanding where you stand with the different stages of divorce can be tricky at times, with so many different legal forms to get your head around. In a divorce, Consent Orders are the best way to ensure that all financial matters are resolved. In this post, we’re taking a look at what Consent Orders are in family law, how to apply for one, and what happens if one party breaches the order.
What is a Consent Order in family law?
A Consent Order refers to a legal document which states the agreements between each party regarding the division of their assets and other matters. This document covers numerous financial matters, including property, assets, savings and pensions. It may also discuss any agreed maintenance payments. The final document is legally binding to enforce your financial agreement and protect both parties from future claims.
When is a Consent Order relevant in divorce, and when should I apply for one?
Ideally, it’s best to have your solicitor draft this order in the early stages of divorce, before the court grants the Conditional Order, as this ensures that your divorce can be finalised without any obstacles delaying matters.
You can file your Consent Order once the court has pronounced the Conditional Order. While you can still apply for a Consent Order after the Final Order stage, we recommend finalising a Consent Order before divorce proceedings are complete. If you choose to wait until the divorce has been finalised before you implement a Consent Order, you could be at risk financially due to how pensions are treated following divorce.
It’s worth bearing in mind that a judge may take up to a month to approve this type of order, and this timeframe can vary depending on your court’s workload.
How do I apply for a Consent Order?
You can only apply for this type of legal order if you have existing divorce proceedings with your ex-partner. Once you and your ex-partner have drafted a document that you both agree is fair, you can submit a copy signed by both parties to the court for approval. This can only be submitted to court following a Conditional Order of divorce being made by the court.
Applying for approval of your Consent Order currently costs £53, and if a judge believes that it is fair, it will typically be approved without any hearing. If the judge doesn’t believe the document is fair, they may ask you to amend it or list a hearing to speak to the parties about the terms of the order.
If you and your partner cannot agree on how to divide your assets, you may wish to explore alternative dispute resolution.
Following April 2022, Consent Orders are allowed to be presented to the court through the online court portal, which a judge then reviews. Once the judge approves the Consent Order, an email is sent to each party, allowing the sealed order to be downloaded electronically.
What happens if one party breaches the Consent Order?
After applying for your Consent Order and having it approved, you may think you don’t need to worry. However, should either party breach the terms of the Consent Order, it must be dealt with accordingly.
Firstly, it may be best to reach out to your ex-partner directly or via your solicitor. From this, you could uncover why the party has breached the order and may be able to resolve the situation efficiently without needing to take matters to court. Due to the expenses associated with the court, this method is undoubtedly favourable to both parties.
However, if you cannot resolve matters on your own, you can request that your court enforce the Consent Order. If the court recognises that the other party has breached the order, they can be forced to meet the terms of the order and cover any fees associated with bringing this issue to the court.
In the event that one party cannot satisfy the requirements due to financial issues, the court may review the terms of the Consent Order in light of the change of circumstances.
What could happen if I don’t get a Consent Order when getting divorced?
If you don’t get a legally-binding Consent Order during divorce, you may face problems later down the line. For example, the other party may withdraw from your original financial agreements and make a claim against some of your assets. This often happens in cases where, following an agreement, you gain a large sum of money through an inheritance, a lottery win, a career promotion, or any other financial windfall. Because of this risk, you should never underestimate the importance of resolving financial matters in divorce, and you should always secure a legally binding Consent Order before ending your marriage. This can help protect you and prevent your ex-partner backing out of your financial agreement.
How can Newtons Solicitors help?
Divorcing parties are often bombarded with a range of unfamiliar legal information and documents during an emotionally straining time.
Here at Newtons Solicitors, we know how challenging negotiating a divorce financial settlement can be. This is why our team of experts use their years of professional expertise to support clients, offering the guidance and advice individuals need to secure the right results.
Our divorce and separation team can help you gain knowledge of where you stand in your divorce and how you should proceed to protect yourself and your assets. We care about helping people when they need it most, and our specialists are here to guide you through divorce and Consent Orders.
If you are considering seeking legal advice on drafting and submitting of a Consent Order in divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact us today, and we’ll be more than happy to help you out.


The revitalisation of Petticoat Lane, London’s oldest Sunday street market still in operation, continues apace with the unveiling next week of the community banners, commemorating many aspects of market life, along Wentworth Street and into Middlesex Street.
The banners project has been spearheaded by the City of London’s community engagement department.
It has also involved Tower Hamlets Council, the Leyden Gallery and the textiles department of London Metropolitan University – as well as many members of the local community and others with fond reminiscences of the market who submitted their thoughts and ideas.
There is an open invitation to the informal launch at 2pm on Wednesday October 13 on the corner of Wentworth and Commercial Street. Or, just pop down and enjoy them at your leisure.


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When President-elect Barack Obama appoints ato the White House, he should make the new appointee a part of his senior economic policy team and the chief "evangelist" for innovation-spurring policies, the software and hardware industries say.
The Business Software Alliance, which represents companies like Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and others, sent a letter to Obama last week with suggestions for what role the CTO should play in the administration. The BSA has taken other steps in the past week, such as meeting with the Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday and releasing its 2009 policy agenda on Thursday, in an appeal to the next Congress and administration to integrate information technology solutions into its policy prescriptions, both in the short term and long term.
"When dealing with every major issue, there should be a question of what is the role of IT in providing the solutions," BSA CEO Robert Holleyman said Thursday.
The industry's goals are largely aligned with the president-elect's, Holleyman said, including Obama's proposal to push for increased adoption of health IT. New legislation and a new approach to cybersecurity is needed as well, BSA members said, to improve both the government's cyberinfrastructure and its communication with citizens regarding the security of personal information.
As lawmakers integrate IT measures into new legislation, they'll have to avoid some pitfalls, the BSA and its members warned. Health IT is seen as an "enormous opportunity" for the industry, Susan Mann, Microsoft's senior director for intellectual property policy, said Thursday. However, Congress needs to ensure there are adequate privacy protections in place and that the government does not end up with "a system of winners and losers."
Congress needs to "provide incentives for folks to invest and innovate in this area," she said, and "make sure all companies with solutions to bring to the table can compete."
Holleyman said the BSA has been working closely with Representative Pete Stark (D-Calif.) to ensure "we don't lock into place or fossilize a particular technology." Stark proposed health IT legislation that initially mandated an open source platform, Holleyman said.
"It would be mistake to say we're only going to look at open-source solutions," Holleyman said.
Ensuring electronic health records remain private is particularly tricky, Mann said, since the information by its very nature needs to be shared. However, strong privacy requirements for health records are already in place through the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, said Kevin Richards, Symantec's federal government relations manager.
"I would encourage Congress to not reinvent the wheel," he said.
Securing information in cyberspace
He does, however, support reforming data breach notification law. Currently, 44 states have their own laws in place, making it difficult for software companies to comply with all of them.
"Next year you'll see a tsunami of data breach bills," Richards said. "A lot of these bills were introduced previously, but we believe the issue is ready for prime time."
The industry has been working to push the issue in numerous congressional committees and is advocating for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to consolidate all the data breach legislative efforts.
"The bogeyman of data security has been jurisdictional issues," Richards said.
The BSA has been working closely with the government to secure its cyberinfrastructure, and on Wednesday senior representatives from eight of its member companies met privately with DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"Our industry has invested considerable resources into that partnership to protect cyberinfrastructure," said Franck Journoud, BSA manager of information security policy.
The public-private partnership, however, has been strained at times, he said.
"Sometimes it has worked really well, sometimes it hasn't worked well at all," Journoud said. "In some situations, we felt our ability to learn from DHS and the various entities involved in cybersecurity about policy development, and our ability to input into policy, was limited. Those policies can have a considerable impact on our ability to manage and operate that infrastructure."
While the BSA has voiced its support for theproduced by a Center for Strategic and International Studies commission, it has not taken a position on the report's suggestion to transfer cybersecurity responsibilities away from DHS to the White House.

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Now researchers have found that the milk activates the body’s natural defences in a way that formula cannot.
The milk triggers a reaction in the gut which helps to defeat infection.
It had long been known that breast-fed babies have a lower risk of developing a range of illnesses.
Breastfeeding has been linked with fewer chest infections, ear infections and general sickness.
In the long-term it is thought breast-fed babies are less likely to be overweight, have high blood pressure, or develop eczema or asthma.
Women are recommended to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their child's life.
Researchers hope that the breakthrough could lead to the development of infant formula that will give as much of a boost to the immune system as mother's milk.
The team found that breast milk triggers changes in the gut linked to genes.
Sharon Donovan, a professor of nutrition in the University of Illinois, who carried out the research, said: "For the first time, we can see that breast milk induces genetic pathways that are quite different from those in formula-fed infants.
"The intestinal tract of the newborn undergoes marked changes in response to feeding.
"And the response to human milk exceeds that of formula, suggesting that the active components in breast milk are important in this response.”
She added that while experts had known for decades of the importance of breast feeding babies, "what we haven't known is how breast milk protects the infant and particularly how it regulates the development of the intestine."
Prof Donovan also would like to learn how bacteria in the gut differ in formula and breast-fed babies and this technique should make that possible.
She said: "Now we'll be able to get a complete picture of what's happening in an infant – from the composition of the diet to the microbes in the gut and the genes that are activated along the way."
The study examined the effect of feeding on 22 healthy infants, 12 breast-fed and 10 formula-fed.
The technique involved isolating intestinal cells shed in the infants' stools, then comparing the stimulation of different genes between the two groups.
The study was published in the latest issue of the American Journal of Physiology, Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.


Breaking News from Green Bay WI
Find the latest Green Bay WI News from the most up to date source on all headlines and breaking stories from around the world.
Two Green Bay officers on leave after jail shooting
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Two officers have been placed on paid administrative leave following a fatal officer-involved shooting at the Brown County Jail over the weekend.Green Bay's Police Chief Andrew Smith says DCI is investigating the shooting and are currently gathering video evidence from the Green Ba
Hearing scheduled for suspects in presumed murder of Green Bay man
Brandan Guyton-Denn, 19, of Green Bay, Shawn Leitner, 19, of Manitowoc and Jaleel Schultz, 19, of Milwaukee are charged with first degree reckless homicide and party to a crime, while Emma Brud, 19 of De Pere, is charged with aiding a felon. All three have entered not guilty pleas.
Man dead after officer-involved shooting at Brown County Jail
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) –A man in his 20s is dead after an officer-involved shooting at the Brown County Jail Friday night.Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith says the shooting happened at about 9:11 p.m. in the sally port. That's the area where vehicles pull into the jail.Smith says the man who was
Name released of man killed in Brown Co. crash
They say he was going the wrong way on Highway 57, in the Town of Scott, when he hit an oncoming Jeep. They say the driver of the Jeep is from the Green Bay area, and he’s still in a hospital after suffering severe injuries.
Uh Oh... Here's The Drunkest City In America
“The heaviest drinking metro area in the heaviest drinking state, Green Bay, Wis., has the highest excessive drinking rate of any U.S. metro area. Some 26.5% of adults in Green Bay drink excessively,” according toUSA Today.
Green Bay Ghost Tours owner works toward bricks-and-mortar haunt
The Green Bay SCORE client, and owner of Green Bay Ghost Tours , has been taking people on tours of haunted places around Green Bay since starting the business in 2010.
Green Bay to vote next week on less severe penalties for pot possession
“The main purpose for this for me is to drive this away from criminal court, not put felony records on people. That is totally unfair,” said Randy Scannell, a Green Bay Alderman.
Turkey terrorizes small Wisconsin town
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. - Standing about four feet tall, and weighing roughly 20 pounds, the turkey known locally as Smoke, deliberately makes its way across the intersection of Morris avenue and Hilltop drive Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.
Trucker concerns: Those who drive for living oppose I-41 speed limit reduction
Mark Arft, the general manager of Fox Valley Truck in Appleton, said the people he's talked to are unanimous in their opposition.
Two Rivers man killed Saturday in Brown County crash that closed state 57 for six hours
The Jeep overturned in the median burst into flames. Passersby pulled its driver, a Green Bay man, to safety. He was rushed to a Green Bay hospital.
Strong winds fuel flames as Howard crews battle house fire
Howard Fire received help from Suamico Fire, Tri-County Fire, Green Bay Metro Fire, Hobart Fire, Howard Police and County Rescue.
Green Bay Police searching for missing 12-year-old
Police say Danovin left his home on the 1200 block of Colonial Ave yesterday at 4:30 p.m. and has not been seen since. Danovin has no friends or family nearby. His father is extremely concerned as he knows Danovin has no place to go. Police say he has health conditions that require adult care.Office
Police looking for suspect after man with ax stabs two in Johnson Street fight
Police have identified Joseph G. Aleman, a 36-year-old white man from Fond du Lac, as a suspect. They believe he is armed with some sort of sharp weapon.
GB police looking for missing woman
Laurent was last seen wearing a pink jacket, blue shirt and pajama pants, according to police.
Two Rivers Man Dies in Head-On Collision
At around 7:45 p.m., deputies from the Brown County Sheriff's Office responded to the crash on Southbound Wisconsin Highway 57. Authorities say a PT Cruiser -- driven by the Two Rivers man -- collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was driven by a 59-year-old Green Bay Man. Following the collisio
Manseau Flats move-in ready, first of many in an Ashwaubenon apartment boom
“We wanted something when you came over that bridge you’re going to look at and go, ‘wow that’s cool, that’s a sweet looking building’ and I think we were able to accomplish that,” said Ryan Bedford, Kendal Group executive vice president.
Things to do in Event City: Oshkosh events calendar for Oct. 21 to Nov. 4
Sunday, Oct. 21Agility Trials,Oshkosh Kennel Club, 220 W. Packer Ave., Oshkosh.Perthshire Paperweights from the Collection of Les and Angie Smith,10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, 165 N. Park Ave., Neenah.Zooloween Boo,11 a.m., Menominee Park Zoo, 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh.Unique Singles Su
Head on crash kills one man, injures another
The Jeep’s driver, a 59-year-old Green Bay man, was rescued by others after the Jeep overturned and burst into flames.
The Buzz: Two new local cafes open in Menasha, Kaukauna
Thompson describes the menu as “traditional” with comfort foods, frittata-style omelets, bakery baked from scratch on site, paninis and hash brown bakes.
Officials investigating Green Bay officer-involved shooting
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) –The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations is investigating an officer-involved shooting. One man died. No officers were hurt.The Green Bay Police Department said in a press release that officers with the department were involved in an officer-involved shooting at th


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President Donald Trump
Joshua Roberts | Reuters
President Donald Trump could fight back against France’s new tax on U.S. technology companies by unleashing biting tariffs on key French goods, according to trade experts.
The French Senate on Thursday passed a 3% tax that will affect American firms such as Facebook and Google. The tax, already approved by France’s National Assembly, would apply to companies that draw about $850 million in revenue worldwide from digital services — and about $28 million from within France.
Ahead of the tax’s passage, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative started an investigation into whether the measure “is discriminatory or unreasonable and burdens or restricts United States commerce,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Wednesday. Once it finishes the probe, the agency could retaliate with tariffs or other steps to deter France — and potentially other countries — from putting new taxes on top U.S. companies.
“Once the investigation is complete, USTR will determine based on the findings of the investigation whether and what action should be taken,” the USTR said in a statement Thursday when asked how the administration could hit back at France.
The probe under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 could take up to a year, according to Jennifer Hillman, a Georgetown Law professor and former USTR and World Trade Organization official. She expects it to end “much faster” than that, and thinks “chances are high” that the Trump administration will find a violation.
French wine drinkers beware
The Trump administration will most likely respond by slapping tariffs on iconic French goods, experts said. That could mean duties of up to 100% on signature French products. Think wine, cheese or perfume.
“I would expect steep tariffs on a very symbolic product, which is obviously the French spirits and wine industry. … That’s symbolic, and it does hurt economically, as well,” said Jorn Fleck, associate director of the Future Europe Initiative at the Atlantic Council.
In a CNBC interview last month, Trump suggested he could put tariffs on French wine. He said California wine producers have complained to him about France putting higher tariffs on imports than the U.S. does.
“And you know what, it’s not fair. We’ll do something about it,” he said.
France exported 3.2 billion euro (about $3.6 billion) in wine to the U.S. last year, making America its biggest export market, according to the Federation of French Wines and Spirits Exporters.
Trump’s other options to retaliate against France
The investigation gives Trump options to hit French industries beyond wine. For instance, he could put smaller tariffs of up to 5% on all French imports. But the move is unlikely, according to Gary Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
The Trump administration has another alternative that experts consider more drastic. The White House could use Section 891 of the Internal Revenue Code to double taxes on French companies doing business in the U.S.
When France was mulling the digital tax last month, Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ron Wyden of Oregon — the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, respectively — urged Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to consider raising taxes on French subsidiaries. But experts believe the White House will prefer targeted tariffs to increased taxation.
“That would be pretty draconian, and I think would not be proportional” to France’s digital tax, Hufbauer said.
As the U.S. investigates its options to retaliate, it will also work to strike a multilateral agreement on digital taxation with countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD. But a resolution is not expected until next year.
The slow, multilateral OECD process is a tough sell for Trump, a showman who likes to make blunt political points. He may prefer a move he can tout as a concrete example of cracking down on the European Union, especially as he runs for reelection in 2020.
“The president can use this for his political advantage,” Fleck said. “You’ve heard him talk about the EU being almost worse than China in terms of some of its trade practices.”
It remains to be seen whether Trump wants to open another front in his global trade conflict during an election season. He is already scrambling to reach a deal with China as the world’s two largest economies try to avoid a widening trade war.
In May, his administration delayed tariffs on EU cars and auto parts imports by up to six months.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announces Bluesky social media standards push
CEO of Twitter, Jack Patrick Dorsey, speaks during an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times at Twitter India office, at the Crescent, on November 14, 2018 in New Delhi, India.
Burhaan Kinu | Hindustan Times | Getty Images
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced the company is funding a new research team that will develop an “open and decentralized standard for social media,” in part to address some of the current problems with the platform.
The idealistic long-term vision is to make disparate social media networks more like email, so that users could join different networks but still communicate with each other no matter which one they’re using. Shared technical standards would also make it easier for users to gain some control over how these networks recommend content, which could reduce the tendency to guide users to the most outrageous material and users in hopes of keeping them engaged, Dorsey believes. It could also make it easier for the social networks to enforce restrictions against hate speech and other abuse, essentially helping them share the load at a lower cost.
There are already social media platforms that operate on a decentralized framework, the most popular of which is Mastodon, an open-source social network that’s often used as an alternative to Twitter. Tim Berners-Lee, the founder of the World Wide Web, has also launched several projects advocating for a decentralized internet.
But unlike these projects, which have struggled to gain traction, Twitter already has a devoted user base of more than 300 million people, which could give Dorsey more traction in trying to push the standard through and convince other social networks to lend support. However, it seems unlikely that Facebook, which currently dominates the space with an audience of more than 2 billion users, would be willing to cede control to an external coalition. A Facebook spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Bluesky vision
Dorsey announced the vision and team, called Bluesky, in a string of tweets on Tuesday:
Bluesky will include up to five architects, engineers and designers charged with creating the standards. The goal is that one day Twitter will become a “client” of the network, though it’s likely the standard will take several years to develop, Dorsey said.
“For social media, we’d like this team to either find an existing decentralized standard they can help move forward, or failing that, create one from scratch,” Dorsey said. “That’s the only direction we at Twitter, Inc. will provide.”
The standard would allow Twitter to focus its “efforts on building open recommendation algorithms which promote healthy conversation,” Dorsey added.
Focusing on recommendation algorithms could help Dorsey deflect some of the content moderation problems the company continues to face, such as its failure to curb hate speech, said Jennifer Grygiel, a social media professor at Syracuse University. In an open source framework, Twitter would handle how content surfaces on the platform, akin to Google searches, instead of hosting and managing the content itself.
By announcing Bluesky, Twitter appears to have realized that hosting and managing content “is a business model that doesn’t have many benefits,” Grygiel added.
“They’re looking to deal less with the responsibility that is the walled garden, aka the platform,” Grygiel said.
When asked to elaborate on the Bluesky project, a Twitter spokesperson pointed to Dorsey’s tweets and said in a statement: “We’ve long demonstrated our commitment to doing critical work in the open and empowering people to build off of the fundamentals of our service. Apart from the technical elements outlined by Jack today, this is about exploring the fullest and most participatory vision of our service.”
Interest rates unchanged, sees no changes through 2020
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady following its two-day meeting this week and indicated that no action is likely next year amid persistently low inflation.
Concluding a year that saw the central bank take down its benchmark rate three times, the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday met widely held expectations and kept the funds rate in a target range of 1.5%-1.75%.
In its statement explaining the decision, the committee indicated that monetary policy is likely to stay where it is for an unspecified time, though officials will continue to monitor conditions as they develop. The decision to keep rates unchanged was unanimous, following several dissents in recent meetings.
“The Committee judges that the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate to support sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Committee’s symmetric 2 percent objective,” the statement said.
“The Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook, including global developments and muted inflation pressures, as it assesses the appropriate path of the target range for the federal funds rate,” the committee added.
The language is consistent with recent statements from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and his colleagues, who have said policy is in “a good place” and likely to remain unchanged as long as current conditions persist.
Those sentiments also were reflected in the likely path forward.
‘Dot plot’ shows no 2020 hike now
Through the “dot plot” of individual members’ future projections, the FOMC indicated little chance of a cut or increase in 2020.
At the committee’s September meeting, individual members were split on what could happen next year, with eight members seeing no change and nine indicating the likelihood of one or more increases. One member even foresaw three hikes. On balance, the estimate then was for at least one hike in 2020.
Wednesday’s projections saw a decided downward shift in the dots, with just four of 17 members anticipating one quarter-point move up in 2020.
There also was a general downward shift for 2021, with the chart pointing to at least one and possibly two increases. The central projection came down for each of the four years included in the committee’s estimates. The median expectation for the funds rate is 1.6% in 2019 and 2020, down from 1.9% in the September estimate, and rising to 1.9% in 2021, compared with the previous estimate of 2.1%. The 2022 projection also came down to 2.1% from 2.4%, though the longer-run estimate remained consistent at 2.5%.
The more dovish tilt came without any changes in expectations for U.S. economic growth. The committee again projected 2019 to finish with a 2.2% gain in gross domestic product, followed in consecutive years by 2%, 1.9% and 1.8% gains.
Members did reduce their inflation expectations this year.
They now see the core personal consumption expenditures gauge to register just 1.6% growth this year, down from the 1.8% projection in September. They kept their estimates consistent at 1.9% in 2020 and 2% for the following two years.
The committee releases its economic estimates quarterly. While only 10 members vote on rate policy, all 17 FOMC officials have input on the economic and rate projections.
The FOMC operates under a dual mandate of full employment and price stability. Unemployment is running at a 50-year low and job creation is coming off a blockbuster November.
However, inflation has remained stubbornly below the 2% level that the Fed considers healthy. Members in recent weeks have discussed multiple strategies to address the issue, though Wednesday’s statement did not indicate any changes to the Fed’s approach.
The statement also did not elaborate on any matters relative to the upset in overnight repo operations that took place in mid-September. Overnight interest rates spiked following a cash crunch, and the Fed since then has been conducting a series of operations to keep liquidity flowing and to make sure the funds rate stays in the target range.
An implementation note attached to the meeting statement did say the Fed’s offering rate is now 1.45%, down 10 basis points in October.
The best places to work in Singapore in 2020
Technology giant Google has emerged as the best place to work in Singapore in 2020, a new study has found.
The Alphabet-owned employer led the charge in a list dominated by familiar tech names such as Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, according to Glassdoor’s inaugural report on “Best places to work in 2020 in Singapore.”
The top 10 shortlist, which also includes major names from banking, oil and gas and insurance, is based on anonymous feedback from employees who submitted reviews on their employer to Glassdoor in 2019. To be eligible for the list, employers needed to have 1,000 or more employees.
Those reviews included feedback on a range of aspects including career opportunities, compensation, senior management, and culture and values.
That feedback was then calculated as an overall score on a five-point scale, with 1 indicating “very dissatisfied” and 5 showing they were “very satisfied.” Below are the scores rounded to the nearest percentile.
The best places to work in Singapore in 2020
Culture tops the charts
All of Singapore’s top employers of 2020 are international firms. Eight of the leading 10 are headquartered in the U.S., while Shell is headquartered in the Netherlands. AIA is a Hong Kong-based pan-Asia company.
Glassdoor’s president and chief operating officer, Christian Sutherland-Wong said the findings speak to the growing emphasis big name employers are placing on culture and inclusivity — a trend he said he expects to extend well into the next decade.
“The Employees’ Choice Awards for the Best Places to Work in 2020 mark the start of a culture-first decade,” said Sutherland-Wong.
“Gone are the days when company culture could be considered a fluffy or non-essential business metric. In today’s age of workplace transparency, the mission, culture and values of a company are crucial when it comes to employers’ ability to recruit and retain top talent. We’re proud to celebrate exceptional employers who stand out in the eyes of their employees.”
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Leonardo DiCaprio Flirting So Much at Maxim Hot 100 Party
Although having Bar Refaeli, who recently landed on top of 20 of Maxim's Hot 100 List, as his girlfriend, Leonardo DiCaprio still wasn't able to hold himself from flirting with other beauties. The 35-year-old actor was said enjoying attention given by girls who threw themselves at him during the Maxim Hot 100 party, spies told New York Post gossip column Page Six.
As DiCaprio wasn't able to hold back a little, his friends were even prompted to say, "Don't you have a girlfriend?" Moreover, an onlooker at the party, which was held in Hollywood on May 19, said, "All the girls were making a beeline for him, and while he was friendly, he went home alone."
Refaeli, meanwhile, did not attend the event which was packed with gorgeous girls. Meanwhile, Jamie Foxx was seen making appearance at the party. Russell Simmons, additionally, arrived with Sophie Monk and "spent the night telling everybody she was the hottest girl at the party," an onlooker shared.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Bar Refaeli have been in on-and-off relationship since 2005. Though so, the "Revolutionary Road" actor was recently said planning to take his relationship with Refaeli to the next level. In early May, an insider revealed that he plans to propose to his longtime girlfriend.
"Leo is ready to settle down and the woman he wants to settle down with is Bar. We believe a marriage proposal is imminent," the insider claimed, while DiCaprio himself, back in March, admitted that he started to "think more and more" about starting a family.
"I definitely feel a need to make my life about more than just my career," the "Titanic" actor revealed. "Family is something I'm starting to think about more and more, especially now that my grandmother is no longer around. It makes you think about the impermanence of things and how important it is to be part of a family."
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domain: celebrity


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The building of the old stock exchange is one of the most beautiful in Lille. It was built in the middle of the 17th century when Lille was still part of the Spanish Netherlands. The architectural style du jour at that time was the Flemish Renaissance.
These days you find a used books market inside the court yard.
On the walls you have commemorative plates dedicated to famous citizens of Lille.
La Vieille Bourse
Without protests the monument the most known city, to leaves maybe the belfry.
Constructs by the architect J. Destrée in 1652 for the city merchants (envies Flemish cities Ypres Ghent, Antwerp or Amsterdam?) One did here of the trade up to 1920.
In 1989 one starts a restoration that will last not less than 8 years.
The square is formed by 24 houses to the richly decorated facades of mythological and other motives in relief.
The course surround by arcades to the exuberant decoration, the marble plates to the walls represent a homage to the inventors, scholars, ... Some symbols recall what occupied them. Fascinating!
Sans conteste le monument le plus connu de la ville , à part peut-être le beffroi.
Construit par l'architecte J. Destrée en 1652 pour les commerçants de la ville ( jalous des villes Flamandes Ypres Gand, Anvers ou Amsterdam ?) On fit ici du négoce jusqu'en 1920.
En 1989 on entame une restauration qui durera pas moins de 8 années.
Le carré est formé par 24 maisons aux façades richement décorées de motifs mythologiques et autres en relief.
La cour entourée d'arcades à la décoration exubérante, les plaques de marbres aux murs représentent un hommage aux inventeurs, savants,... Quelques symboles rappellent ce qui les occupait . Fascinant !
Dating from about 1652, The Vielle Bourse (Old Stock Exchange) is one of the highlights of Flemish Architecture in the Place du General de Gaulle. It has an inner courtyard which you can walk in and explore. There was a second market book market taking place inside.
Vielle Bourse, meaing Old Stock Exchange was build in 1652 and is one of the most impressive buildings in Lille.
Note the intricate details in the facade of the building, its really gorgeous.
The building is known to be made of of 24 small houses featuring an interior courtyard.
Old Bourse is now a flea market for books, you can really find some rarities here.
One of the things that I saw only recently, was a motto in the courtyard, Au Genie Inventif, or inventive genius...
The Vieille Bourse is the oldest and most beautiful building in Lille, built in 1652. Vieille Bourse means Old Stock Exchange. Notice the beautiful façade, typical Flemish baroque. Above the entrance gate you can find the symbol of Lille, "Fleur de Lys", next to the Flemish lion and the crown of the city.
Nowadays, you will find second-hand booksellers, florists and even chess players in this building.
You can walk from the Grand Place through the Vieille Bourse to the Place du Théâtre.
This has got to be one of the loveliest buildings in Lille retaining the spendour of Flemish 17th century elegance.
When we visited there were many book stalls in the central courtyard and it was a very peaceful place to be. The building was so colourful too.
Vielle Bourse is one of the most spectacular buildings in Lille.
It is located in Place du General de Gaulle, and has been restored to its original Flemish Renaissance beauty.
It is actually made up of 24 individual houses, which surround a cloistered courtyard. Each house is slightly different due to interesting and ornate mouldings on the outer walls.
At certain times of the week the courtyard is open to the public. When we were there on a Sunday, there was a book market, with plenty of locals browsing for a hidden treasure.
La Vieille Bourse ( the old Stock Exchange) was built in the 17th century and is a great example of the Flemish Renaissance Style. The building is divided into 24 small commercial houses around a courtyard. You can have a look at the booksellors in the courtyard every afternoon. ( see shopping tip)
La vieille bourse - the old stock exchange great place to trace and buy ancient books specially during la Braderie.
Suitehotel Lille Europe Lille
1 Review and 299 Opinions Stayed over on a reunion of some old friends. 5 of us had 3 rooms - the Eurostar fare from London...
Novotel - Lille (Centre) Lille
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Ibis Lille Gares Lille
1 Review and 93 Opinions We decided to go fairly cheap and that is what we got!! The hotel is only about 5 minutes or so...

domain: geography


Pricing Subject to Change. Carburetor Assembly
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Bonding with Your Instrument: A Case Study
I have a confession.
I bought a new guitar at the end of May and it’s taken me until now to bond with it. If I’m being honest, I’m still a little wary of it! It’s been causing me some not insignificant grief.
Before I went on tour with Sarah Farthing, I had the bright idea that I should trade my guitar in for a new one. I had just had my first Saskatoon newspaper interview and was riding high on those feelings. Adrenaline is so powerful. You guys. I went for it. I walked into the guitar room at Long & McQuade and found one within 5 minutes. I was immediately drawn to it, in that hippy dippy sense of…yes, this guitar was made for me! Done, sold. Bye, old guitar that constantly gave me feedback on the low end!
Now, I shouldn’t betray the amount of thought I actually put into this decision. I’d been thinking about finding a new guitar for months. My Martin was by far the nicest I’d ever owned, but I was outgrowing it as a gig instrument. I probably could have done more work to figure out how to make it work for me. Instead, I decided that my relationship with it had run its course and it was time for something new to reflect the progress I felt I had made over the past couple years. I was all like, "Listen up, world. I changed my band-name and I’m going on a tour and I’m going to buy (* cough * finance) this guitar for myself, so THERE!"
Totally pretty reasonable, right? In hindsight, I wish I would’ve bought my new guitar sans trade-in. It would’ve given me time to gradually shift instruments, but cost was also a factor. Although financing CAN be pretty affordable, it also means more interest and longer payment terms. I felt too nervous about committing to the full tag, so I traded-up.
It really is a beautiful guitar that plays nicely, but my biggest regret is not taking the time to get to know its amplified sounds before playing it live. Every instrument has its own quirks, qualities, limitations, and strengths. It requires work to figure these things out and really make an instrument yours. I chose to learn this the hard way by fumbling through a few songs at my first show on mini-tour with Sarah. The sound and feel of the guitar was much different through speakers and in front of an audience, as opposed to practicing at home. I did my best to work through it all weekend, but it was frustrating nonetheless. I really should have known!
I didn’t want to admit to myself that this experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Like many, I can be a stubborn, petty perfectionist sometimes. If I can’t do it perfectly the first time, why even bother? I know it’s ridiculous, especially considering that my work is far from perfect. Regardless, the sentiment tends to manifest itself as avoidant behaviour. After tour, my guitar stayed in its case a lot of the time. I re-focused on writing songs for the piano. Motivation to get to know it, low.
It’s continued to be low for most of the summer. As I’ve been finishing up my writing project, the level of uncertainty in my life has increased tenfold. Some things haven’t worked out the way I expected them to (touring all summer? Nope!) because I’ve had difficulty staying focused. I haven’t had such a rocky foundation in awhile, and when you’re already an anxious person, this is a pretty big deal. I’ve had to accept that it’s a two steps forward, one step back kind of year. All I can do is keep working and not punish myself too badly. Plus, normal humans take breaks. I keep forgetting that those are totally normal. Anyway.
Recently, my situation has become more stable and I’ve been able to work more on my solo stuff. It’s not that I didn’t play ANY guitar, I just wasn’t coming up with anything I really liked, in any sort of consistent way. A couple weeks ago though, I had a moment of inspiration on a day my keyboard wasn’t set up, so I reached for my guitar instead. Maybe all I needed was time, but we had a *moment* where something clicked. The next night I was playing the song that came out of this moment, a sombre finger-picking jam, and it started to storm. Like, hail, wind, the whole deal. It was magical and reminded me that a) I made it rain, awesome. b) if i want to keep writing for guitar, I need to work to get over this hump of not connecting with my instrument.
It’s also worth mentioning that jamming with someone else has really helped me bond with my guitar. I recently started co-writing with a good pal of mine for a different project; when we finally jelled as a team, my solo work also improved. So, it you’re stuck on something, anything really. Try working with someone else! You might just figure some stuff out and form a badass team at the same time.
So, there you have it. I finally got to know my guitar better and will continue to figure it out. It feels really good. I’ve committed myself to more regular/structured solo guitar jams and I feel pretty positive about the results. It just took longer than I wanted it to. Obviously, it wasn’t so much about the instrument as it was about me. What a shock!
I mean, whatever, who cares, music, or whatever. Just keeping it chill over here!
Has this happened to you? Do you think I gave too much space to something that’s totally normal? Would you like me to talk more about the logistics of choosing an instrument?
Feel free to comment below.
**Disclaimer: I absolutely don’t believe that you need to spend a lot of money on an instrument to be a good musician. I’m still a bad musician with a nice instrument most days! You don’t need to buy a $3000 vintage guitar. You may want to or be able to, but I don’t think it’s a requirement to being a serious musician. That being said, as you progress as an artist, especially one who plays live, you might start to feel like you’ve outgrown your instrument. I think that’s normal. Quality is important, regardless of the brand and cost snobbery that exists in all art related things. I also believe that it’s ok to treat yourself to something that reflects your personal growth! Just, maybe don’t do it on an adrenaline high.**

domain: artistic


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Fall is taking us back to campus but we haven’t seen the last of digital classrooms
Online learning has been knocking at the door of post-secondary education for years, but thanks to COVID-19 it finally kicked down the door without so much as a hello, put its feet up, and settled in for 16 months. Institutions were left scrambling to completely redesign how they deliver education in a matter of days.
Instructors and students say adapting to online learning has taken time, but as the fall heralds a return to face-to-face courses, calls for the increased accessibility promoted by online classes are increasing. With UVic wrapping up its fourth (and perhaps final) full term of predominantly online classes, let’s take a look at where that leaves our uninvited guest.
Adapting to online
While UVic is offering the option for instructors to continue teaching online, these exceptions are only in limited circumstances. According to a bulletin by the UVic Faculty Association, the university has mandated face-to-face classes except for large 100-level courses, courses with over 50 international students, and academic writing requirement courses. For courses within these categories, departments are encouraged to offer one section online to create equitable access.
Any other instructors wishing to teach online, whether for safety or pedagogical reasons, need to submit a request for accommodation to be approved by the University Senate. There are plans to change this. The office of the Vice-President Academic & Provost (VPAC) is developing a new process for summer 2022 for faculty wishing to change their course’s delivery method in the future.
As calculated by the Martlet at the time of writing, 13 per cent of courses will remain online for September and four per cent for January. For many, the return to campus is a welcome one. A UVic survey of students and instructors found that online courses left many overworked and overwhelmed. The stressful and sudden shift to an unknown education medium has many excited to say goodbye to Zoom and Brightspace for good.
Before we send online learning packing, however, education researchers emphasize that the pandemic forced a hasty implementation upon institutions and is not a good yardstick with which to measure digital classrooms as a whole.
Many education researchers are using the term “emergency remote teaching” to distinguish what instructors and students have experienced in the last 18 months from what online learning can be.
Janni Aragon is a UVic instructor who was director of the Technology and Society program and directed Technology Integrated Learning for five years. Throughout the pandemic, she worked with many instructors.
“It seemed like things were done without any consultation. And of course, we were in emergency mode,” said Aragon. “Usually there’s a pilot with some colleagues and then it’s rolled out. In a global pandemic, you don’t have time to do that.”
Aragon was familiar with online learning before the pandemic and, therefore, was able to adapt her course quickly. However, many instructors did not share her experience.
“I think some of my colleagues might have been humbled by this opportunity to teach online,” she said.
An article in the EDUCAUSE Review states that most professors take two to three terms to get comfortable teaching courses online. UVic professors would only just be reaching that point now, and that’s under normal circumstances, not during a global pandemic where they have many other new concerns.
Experts emphasize that online pedagogy requires new skills, ones that take time to learn.
“One can’t just take a face-to-face course and put it online,” said Valerie Irvine, assistant professor of education technology. “It has to be transformed.”
Transitioning to online learning hinged on support provided to instructors by UVic. During the pandemic, UVic hired four new learning experience designers along with three education technology specialists and three learning experience specialists specifically focused on accessibility. These positions will remain in place throughout the fall.
These staff have a deep understanding of pedagogy, educational technology, and user experience and help instructors develop courses that will best serve students. According to Irvine, learning experience designers played a pivotal role in course design.
Despite this investment, many instructors were not aware of all the supports available to them. In the report that UVic Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation (LTSI) published about their COVID-19 survey they stated “many of the resources requested by students and instructors in the survey responses already exist.” The report acknowledges that, moving forward, these supports will need to be better communicated and promoted.
It isn’t just instructors that were in over their heads though, many students struggled to navigate online courses. Looking ahead, Irvine thinks we need to be preparing post-secondary learners for the digital classroom long before they reach university.
“I think we haven’t done very well as a province is prepare our learners to be digitally literate,” said Irvine. “Our K-12 curriculum is lacking in this regard, we need to have more coursework at that level, and more options, for developing digital literacy.”
The future of online learning at Uvic
Despite the many improvements to be made, online learning has its advocates at UVic. For some, the flexibility and accessibility provided by digital classrooms were long-awaited. For people with disabilities, the physical classroom can pose immense barriers.
The Society for Students with a Disability (SSD) has launched the #Access4All Campaign this summer to express concern over a predominantly face-to-face semester.
“Seeing the transition with COVID to online schooling and how easy it is to accommodate many students with disabilities and the fact that we’re not doing it, I think, is incredibly suboptimal,” said Jonathan Granirer, SSD’s interim treasurer, in an Instagram live interview with the Martlet.
The #Access4All Campaign promotes a HyFlex method of teaching. Not to be confused with hybrid, where students choose how they enrol in the course, either in person or online. The HyFlex model would allow students to choose on a day by day basis how they want to access the course.
Advocates and experts say online classes aren’t just welcomed by those with disabilities, but also international students who can’t make it into the country because of travel restrictions, students in communities that lack post-secondary institutions, and those managing other commitments be it family or work.
“Gone are the days of our students being 18 to 22 and five per cent of them work part-time. That just doesn’t exist anymore. Students have full, rich, and at times problematic lives,” said Aragon, who hopes she continues to see technology used in classrooms. “Offering courses that are online meet our students’ needs.”
UVic is currently outfitting two classrooms (Harry Hickman 110 and Clearihue A127) with hybrid technologies to allow multi-access courses, where students can simultaneously attend class online and in-person.
Incorporating technology for accessibility can be even simpler, like providing access to recorded lectures. UVic has invested in Echo360, which will replace Kaltura as the campus audio-visual recording software. Additionally, a $500 000 project saw 114 classrooms outfitted with webcams to allow easy recording of lectures and projector presentations.
According to LTSI, “instructors may choose to use this technology to address the needs of students who are absent for short periods. It will not replace in-person attendance.”
Of course, providing the resources does not guarantee they will be used. Use of Echo360 is at the discretion of instructors, and concerns with intellectual property and decreased attendance still make many faculty hesitant.
“What we saw with a pandemic is that one modality isn’t good for everyone,” said Aragon, who plans to record all of her lectures. “So I will be using technology in different ways to ensure that I am helping all my students and their different learning needs. And frankly, if students are absent, or they just need a mental wellness block, … they’ll know that the audio recording is there.”
COVID-19 showed us how quickly we can adapt when forced to but it also highlighted many hurdles that exist in building successful online courses. This fall, with decreased COVID-19 transmission and time to plan, the university is moving away from emergency remote teaching. Advocates and experts hope it will provide an opportunity to move towards a more thoughtfully integrated technical classroom.


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The American sports media is going all kinds of "lin-sane", pretty much using a derivative of Lin (Lin-sation, I'm all Lin!) in every headline in their foracious coverage of the nobody turned superstar.
Former Golden State Warrior turned reserve for the New York Knicks, Jeremy Lin has become somewhat of an overnight sensation in the NBA seemingly coming from nowhere to become one of the most talked about athletes in pro basketball.
Lin, a Harvard graduate and the first American in the league of Chinese or Taiwanese descent has been the starting point guard for the New York Knicks for the past few weeks, getting his start from the bench during an extremely low point for an increasingly underwhelming New York team.
The long suffering Knicks fans thought this condensed season could be the start of something better, especially since the recent signing and arrivals of megastars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire but a combination of injury and poor form had the New York press writing the same old story.
That was until February 4th, 2012, when Lin got the call up from the bench to play against the New Jersey Nets scoring a career-high 25 points, five rebounds and seven assists in a 99-92 victory.
The Knicks with Jeremy Lin starting, have not lost a game thus far, sparking all kinds of excitement and attention in the Big Apple. With stirring wins over some cellar dwellers and most notably a victory over the LA Lakers (where Lin outscored Kobe Bryant), Knicks fans finally have a reason to cheer.
WBC welterweight champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr. made headlines yesterday for remarks he made on his Twitter, claiming all the hype around Lin is based on his race and while this may be true in some respects (he's already the most famous Asian-American basketballer in the NBA), I think it's taking away from what has been a great story of a potentially great player in a condensed and pretty lacklustre year of the NBA.


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By Dick O'Brien
Danny Varin won the 2017 ESS Sprint Week championship and the Fonda driver took dead aim at another title by winning Wednesday night's 2018 Sprint Week opener at the Can-Am Speedway.
With a strong field of 36 Empire Super Sprint machines on hand at the half-mile LaFargeville oval, Varin started 10th in the 25-lap feature but quickly moved into the lead after a dozen laps had been run. Shawn Donath then led briefly and Mark Smith made it a three-car chase for the win in the closing laps.
At the checkers, it was Varin notching his second ESS victory this season and his 11th career triumph on this winged, 360 sprint car circuit. Smith of Sunbury, Pa., held on for second and Donath finished third. Steve Poirier was fourth and Paul Colagiovanni completed the top five.
The ESS sprinters join the Super DIRTcar Series big blocks for a doubleheader program Thursday at Land of Legends Speedway in Canandaigua. Sprint Week winds up with shows at Brewerton on Friday, Fulton on Saturday and Utica-Rome on Sunday.
358 MODS: The Can-Am program Wednesday also had 358 modifieds and what a race they put on. The 35-lap main event saw Tim Fuller battle into the top spot, but on the fourth turn of the final lap Bobby Harrington slipped past for the win. Fuller ended up second, with Lance Willix, Chris Raabe, Louie Jackson, Billy Whittaker, Jordon McCreadie Pat Ward, Scott Webb and Brady Gill making up the top-10 finishers.
SPORTSMAN: The crate sportsman were also on the Can-Am card and Taylor Caprara got the win with Jack Gill, Dave Rogers and Dave Marcuccilli following.


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First let’s come up with a better name for ourselves because I don’t exactly like to be called anything that ends in “hards.” Secondly, other people are onto us. It’s not just our little LTT corner of the fandom that discusses the ridiculous (but amazingness) of the phenomenon anymore. Other people know. Like REAL people who haven’t fallen for the Edward Cullen or Jacob Black trap. They haven’t been entranced by the “spider monkey” line or Buttcrack Santa or the Fake lesbians, the DILF’s mustard pants or the brilliancy of “They’re NOT Bears!”
A few weeks ago I heard about some drama going down on a blog called The Score Card Review. Basically every year they host their own movie awards on their site. They work with writers & people in the industry to come up with a list of the best movies, actors, screenplays etc. etc. etc. And then their readers vote. It’d be like if we did an LTT award ceremony and had you vote between Buttcrack Santa & Big Daddy (which would be CRUEL and unfair. HOW COULD ONE CHOOSE!?)
So anyway, New Moon was included as one of the options on a few categories. The guy running the awards said even though the movie wasn’t at the caliber as many of the Oscar-nominated movies that were also up for his award, it made a lot of money and he wanted to see where it ended up in the rankings. Here is the rest of the story, straight from his site:
Last year, 823 people voted. February 16, a date that will live in infamy to … well, me. I was tracking my stats, and noticed people finding the TSR Movie Awards from [a bunch of Twilight sites]. On February 16, I had over 2,000 voters. Then I looked at the results. Everything Twilight was nominated for, was destroying the competition. Destroying. Something had to be done. It was a hostile takeover. I ran some filters and noticed a couple of things.
1. A number of voters were only voting for Twilight and nothing else.
2. A large number of voters were giving everything Twilight a 10 and everything else a 1.
3. Moon was crushing everything else for Best Ending. Keep in mind this is a film barely anyone saw, yet hundreds were voting for it. I think it did $1.5 million at the box office. My best guess as to why this was happening … Remember when I said the awards appeared on many Spanish websites? I think they recognized the word Moon and decided that must be The Twilight Saga: New Moon. When Moon was the ONLY film hundreds voted on for Best Ending, it’s the most reasonable explanation.
The site decided to pull New Moon from the awards. This was (part of) their official statement:
Unfortunately, I had to remove ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ choices. Too many twihards were giving everything Twilight a 10, and every other film a 1, trying to manipulate the results.
I love movies, movie fans and I have no problem with people loving Twilight, but trying to kill other movies is not the point of these awards….but here is an example of what was happening …
In the BEST MUSIC category, Twilight had a 9.3 score. The next highest was Crazy Heart with a 3.8. That was the next highest! In other words, there were hundreds of twihards who decided the best way for Twilight to win was to give the other nominees a 1.
Apparently fans FLIPPED out & sent him hate mail & hate comments. And he had some pretty strong words for the “Twihards” and called them out for their avid fan… uh.. ish.. ness. Yes. their fanishness..
Hear my thoughts & get Twilosophical with me after the jump
So here’s the thing- shouldn’t him pulling New Moon off his options bother me? Shouldn’t his excessive use (and not so positive use) of the word “Twihards” offend me? I mean, I’d assign it a much cooler name if I had a choice, but aren’t I a “Twihard?” Aren’t I into it harder than most considering I’ve run this site for so long? Well… maybe. LTT isn’t a fan site- the kind of site that stands by the saga no matter what. It’s a site where we discuss the ups, the downs, the good, the bad, the crazy, the normal, the SO abnormal it’s kinda become normal and love it, hate it, make fun of it, protect it and at the end of the day just laugh and laugh and laugh because we’re all in it. Together. So no, this dude calling out Twihards is NOT offensive to me. Because he’s right. Twihards aka Twilight fans aka WE are crazily, obsessively fans of this saga. And I’m the first to admit we sometimes (okay MOST of the time) go a little too far.
For example: There are twitter accounts that exist to make the movies, the actors, the music #1 ALL OF THE TIME, even when the movies, the actors & the music don’t deserve to be #1. How many times have we seen tweets saying “GO HERE NOW- VOTE FOR KELLAN TO BE THE HOTTEST GUY EVER” when he’s up against someone so much hotter (and more famous!). And “Twihards” are the reason Kristen won the BAFTA award. And she knows it. If all things were equal, and all the Rising star’s movies were received with the same level of adoration and had a similar type of fandom- Carey Mulligan would have won, because she deserved it the most for her amazing performance. Even the Kristen fan sites admit that this shouldn’t have been Kristen’s year. But all things aren’t equal. All movies aren’t received the same way and the level of fan adoration isn’t the same. Carey Mulligan was NOT in a movie that hit teens and moms and grandmoms and all the in-between like The Twilight saga did, therefore, she didn’t stand a chance.
Is that fair? No. But it might just be the reality of a big, obsessive “fandom.” But is it embarrassing? Well, kinda. Last year Twilight won over Slumdog Millionaire at the MTV movie awards for “Best Picture”. I mean, come on!! Slumdog won the OSCAR that year! I don’t think ANYONE reading LTT will argue for the ‘artistic integrity” of any of the Twilight movies. When New Moon wins over better, more legit films, it kinda makes us fans look dumb. Like we’re saying, “We don’t care about culturally significant films , we just want to hear 109 year olf virgin vampires say “I don’t want you to come.’ Move over “Shawshank Redemption” we want the Wolfpack in JORTS!
So to the dude who took New Moon off his movie competition: I’m sorry you had to see the dark side of the fandom. Come on over to LTT and stay for awhile. We’re MAJORLY, obsessive fans who might from time to time vote for Rob Pattinson to win a “Hottest man in the history of the universe” contest 112 times in an hour, but at the end of the day, That’s Normal. And so is watching Oscar nominated films & admitting that it might be more fulfilling that seeing the Wolfpack shirtless while wearing jorts. But that’s not gonna stop us. Cuz at the end of the day, it’s a bunch of guys- some with actual six-packs, and they’re in jean shorts. Tell me something that’s more “culturally significant” than that!?
What do you think!? Don’t miss the entire article from The Scorecard Review. Was he too harsh? Are you offended? Do you think Twihards (aka US!?) go too far!?
A message from Forum mod & LTT friend: Emmyloowho:
Did you start the Big Loser challenge in January ans slack off? it’s okay, so did I… Guess what? We’re doing it again, we’ve come up with a few changes in tasks that didn’t quite work and we’re switching up the wild cards. It’s all about fun, making friends and supporting each other in the challenges that real life faces. You get a point for doing things you do normally… or somethings you should do but might need to do better…
If you want to join in, post a message in the big loser thread in the Flat. We’re starting April 5th and we’ll be going until the Eclipse premiere…
Are you in?
And a HAPPY HAPPY 30th birthday to our DARLING BROOKELOCKART. We love you & your friendship Brookie! XO

domain: entertainment


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The story of the Puget Sound orca carrying around her dead calf for over 2 weeks is incredibly sad and moved a lot of people. That pod of orcas, one of the defining animals of the Northwest, is in danger of extinction because they aren’t reproducing. And they aren’t reproducing because the Chinook salmon is endangered. Can we fix that? Is this hopeless?
Yes, we can fix it! But we probably won’t. We fix it by tearing down many of the worthless dams in the region.
Ultimately, to save the orcas, we may have to face the prospect that many policymakers have studiously avoided: not just modifying some Columbia River system dams but removing them. Salmon advocates have long argued that ultimately, the only way to restore salmon runs in the Columbia’s main tributary, the Snake, is to breach the four Lower Snake River dams. Taking out those dams would allow salmon to migrate into millions of acres of spawning habitat in the Idaho wilderness — habitat that may become increasingly critical to the fish as climate change warms habitat at lower elevations.
But that’s a politically sticky proposition: The dams provide some 4 percent of the region’s hydroelectric generating capacity. They also create pools that allow some farmers to irrigate crops without the heavy pumping lifts that lower water levels would require. And the locks attached to them enable barge traffic to reach Lewiston, Idaho, allowing farmers to ship grain to Portland.
“The dams are more valuable than ever,” says Jared Powell, a spokesperson for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican who represents Eastern Washington. “With low commodity prices, we need to keep shipping prices low for agriculture producers.” In addition, Powell says, it’s “estimated that it would cost upwards of $372 million a year to make up for the lost power generation of the four Snake River dams alone.”
On the other hand, a study compiled this year for the Northwest Energy Coalition, an alliance of environmental groups, tribes and businesses, suggests that the dams’ power could be replaced by wind and solar, plus efficiencies and battery storage, at a modest cost: The average household would pay little more than an extra $1 per month, maybe less.
So far, however, federal agencies have avoided serious consideration of breaching the Snake River dams — and some Eastern Washington interests want to keep it that way. Rep. McMorris Rodgers cosponsored a bill, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, that would prevent consideration of breaching and preserve the current recommended level of spill for the next three years. Its chances of passing the Senate look slim, but meanwhile, an appropriations bill that would also prevent any increased spill has been introduced in the House.
The power question should be nearly irrelevant. We can make up that power. Don’t listen to a spokesperson for McMorris Rodgers, who is a right-wing hack if there ever was one. Lewiston, 500 miles inland, should not be a navigable port from the sea. That’s a level of engineering that is more than a step too far.
The real problem here is that for western conservatives, the government taming the land is deeply felt. Don’t listen to the Bundys and other right-wingers talk about big government and the land. They love big government. They just want that big government to use its power to run roughshod over ecosystems and allow them to live a subsidized lifestyle of natural resource production. Calling to tear down the Snake River dams, a reasonable proposal, isn’t just a political disagreement for these people. It’s an attack on the fundamentals of western civilization.
Like many environmental problems, there is plenty we could do to try and fix them. We just won’t do it. This used to be the sort of issue that would cause a level of outrage that would lead to legislation and change, but those days are past and people simply don’t care about environmental issues like they used to. That leaves the field to the frothing western conservatives who want to kill wolves, dam every river, cut down every old-growth tree, and dump mine pollution wherever, all with the government paying for it.


The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shopian Office today organized one day Training cum Exposure visit of farmers of the district under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) Rangreth, Srinagar.
A group of more than 30 Progressive farmers of district were flagged-off by the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb in presence of Chief Agriculture Officer, Shopian, Farooq Ahmad Reshi; DIO Showkat Hussain Ganie and other officers and officials of the department.
At CITH Rangreth, the farmers will be provided day-long training on various aspects of the horticulture sector, including pre and post harvest management strategies.
The farmers shall also be imparted training /awareness regarding latest models of protected vegetable cultivation and various ongoing agricultural activities by the scientists of the institute.
On the occasion, the DC also distributed pulse seed kits among the farmers and stressed upon them to avail this good opportunity of learning and use the same knowledge and good practices in their fields, as recommended by the experts.
The farmers were accompanied by District Officer, Mahinder Paul; Junior Agriculture Extension Officer and Agriculture Extension Assistant.


With the news that Chrysler is
seeking an estimated $400 million from the public sector for the company’s
proposed overhaul of a mini-van plant near Windsor, Ontario, questions of the
wisdom of corporate welfare are once again at the fore (though, in truth, they
never really left).
When considering that governments
and businesses alike frequently tout the value of the “job creators” while they
simultaneously demonize workers who seek fair wages and respect for collective
bargaining rights, the hypocrisy is almost palpable.
The basic justification advanced
by governments for doling out subsidies to corporations is that these subsidies
are required to entice corporations to set up shop in Canada. Corporations
often cite two principal downsides to doing business in Canada: labour and tax
costs. The refrain is that these costs deter corporations from setting up shop
here. This, in turn, ends up founding the often ugly political argument that
the only way to bring manufacturing back to provinces like Ontario is to reduce
the corporate tax rate and provide subsidies to the corporations and weaken
Why governments would spend
taxpayer dollars on corporate welfare at the same time as seemingly endless
amount of cuts are made to social welfare programs is a discussion beyond the
scope of this post. But one can’t help but question the wisdom of ongoing
cronyism that has a very poor track record when it comes to repayment.
According to a report by economist Mike Wilkie, prepared for the Fraser
Institute’s Centre for Tax and Budgetary Policy, the report notes that between
1961 and 2012, Industry Canada disbursed $22.1 billion to businesses (when
adjusted for inflation).
Of this, $8.8 billion was given
in grants and the remaining $13.3 billion was provided in loans.
Repayment has been a major issue with the loans, with only 0.1% of the interest
owing on these loans ever being collected.
It’s almost amazing to think that the government is content to hobble students
with debt and to expect workers to make wage concessions while at the same time
handing money over to corporate interests.
These government transfers of tax
dollars are not new. Back in 1972, NDP leader, David Lewis, used the term
“corporate welfare bums” to describe the various rent-seeking behaviours and
subsidies given to corporate interests. In Lewis’s book, Louder Voices: The Corporate Welfare Bums, he describes the
situation in the following way:
increased government expenditure, particularly in the form of social welfare,
these champions of free enterprise actively lobby the government for incentive
grants, research grants and tax concessions, and all manner of assistance at
the individual taxpayer’s expense.
Even then Lewis was alive to a
pressing issue of today: namely, profits are individualized and retained by
corporations, while corporate risk and losses are underwritten by the
taxpayers. Everywhere you look you find business interests that proudly tout
the merits of unrestrained capitalism. But look a little further and you often
find that these same “job creators” are ironically not too proud to ask for
subsidies and other forms of corporate welfare.
And just as corporate interests
seem content to accept corporate welfare, the government seems equally content
to dish out our taxpayer dollars. Once bearers of a promise to crack down on
corporate welfarism, the government now falls all over itself when corporations
consider expanding in Canada. Canada’s Minister of Industry, James Moore, is a
case in point. After a recent meeting with Chrysler executives in Detroit, Mr.
Moore commented as follows:
auto industry is an incredibly important part of the Canadian economy and we
want Chrysler to do well. We’d love to see the new Town and Country built in
Canada and it’s a long-term commitment — about a 30-year commitment when they do
decide to make that decision.
With gushing comments like that,
one has to wonder how tough Mr. Moore was in any negotiations with Chrysler.
Did he simply hand agree to hand over $400 million in taxpayer money, or did he
insist on protecting the interests of working Canadians as a condition for this
money? It goes without saying that we’d all love to see jobs created in Canada.
But any subsidies should come only on the basis of binding assurances from
Chrysler that it will invest in Canadian research and development and protect
the rights and dignity of Canadian workers. Without such assurances, this
transfer of taxpayer dollars could wind up being another investment that the
Canadian taxpayers end up funding but never receive the true benefit from.
With Unifor involved in the
minivan plant there is reason to believe the workers will have a strong union
advocating for their rights. However, on the other sider, Mr. Marchionne,
Chrysler Chief Executive, has said: “I don’t want this to become a wage
the argument is made that while wages justify the requested subsidy of $400
million, the very corporation asking for this handout doesn’t want this to be
about wages. Wages are so intimately linked to the subsidy that one would think
there must be a wage discussion. The government and the union must make certain
that Mr. Marchionne can’t just expect to take taxpayer money without have a
discussion about what is arguably the most vital interest for the workers: the
Apart from the obvious inequity
subsidies to corporate interests has for the average Canadian, it also hurts
the economy by placing the government in the all-powerful position of picking
the winners and losers in the market economy.
The playing field gets skewed. Corporations that don’t take taxpayer
funded subsidies end up at a disadvantage to those that do. A well-run
corporation, like Ford, could have sold more vehicles had its competition, such
as GM and Chrysler, not been propped up by taxpayers. In short, it’s a system
that penalizes corporations with sound financial stewardship and provides a
boon to less successful competitors.
And, finally, in what is perhaps
the most immediate effect of these subsidies on the average Canadian is the
fact that such use of taxpayer money ends up justifying diversion of funds from
social programs and increases the tax rate we all have to pay.
To put the true measure of
corporate welfare in Canada into perspective, consider this: the money Canada
spends on corporate welfare almost doubles the amount spent on social programs.
And the initial cost is only the most obvious aspect this financial
expenditure. It reduces spending on social programs like housing, ambulance
drivers, hospitals and the like, which have a net benefit on the economy,
whereas corporate welfare often results in a net loss and is generally
considered a temporary fix to employment problems.
According to the National Council
of Welfare, if $12.6 billion had been redirected to fighting poverty through
decreasing healthcare costs, making education more affordable and improving employment
insurance, the net gain to the country would have been approximately $24
Surely this is preferable to the shabby return on investment the country gets
for providing grants and low-interest loans to corporations. How many people
could be lifted out of poverty for the cost of one executive bonus? This is a
question of the utmost concern and one which the government has a duty to the
citizens of this country to answer.
since John Diefenbaker (Fraser Institute, July 2013)


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Shakespeare in Detroit’s Summer 2023 mainstage production The Tempest, directed by Sam White is coming to Campus Martius Park, Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. and admission is FREE. Youth performances of MacBeth will also be held in Campus Martius Park on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Audiences are encouraged to bring their own blanket or lawn chair. All seating is general admission for all performances.
The Tempest is presented by Gilbert Family Foundation with support from The Downtown Detroit Partnership, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Greektown Casino.
The Tempest gives us a magician, Prospero, a former DJ and host of a popular dance show in Milan (Detroit), who was displaced by his treacherous brother, Antonio. Prospero is exiled on an island, where his only companions are his daughter, Miranda, the spirit Ariel, and the monster Caliban. When his enemies are among those caught in a storm near the island, Prospero turns his power upon them through Ariel and other spirits.
The characters exceed the roles of villains and heroes. Prospero seems heroic, yet he enslaves Caliban and has an appetite for revenge. Caliban seems to be a monster for attacking Miranda but appears heroic in resisting Prospero. Miranda’s engagement to Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples and a member of the shipwrecked party, helps resolve the drama.
Shakespeare in Detroit’s The Tempest is a non-stop celebration of Techno music, founded in Detroit in the mid-eighties & also inspired by the iconic The New Dance show.
Prospero is inspired by the founding fathers of techno and is a fusion between the sonic magic they created and the innovation of Detroit’s dance scene.
Three dancers serve as spirits of the isle representing the music and magic of the iconic force known as Techno music created by the real-life magician Juan Atkins, the pioneer of Techno music, along with Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson.
The goddesses are inspired by Lawanda, KeKe and Yvonne (Juno, Iris and Ceres), popular Detroit dancers from The New Dance Show whose movement innovation changed the way the world vibes.
A live DJ helps move the story along from one Shakespearean moment to the next.
This production is dedicated to all the Black originators whose artistry, ideas and magic have shifted the culture.
PLEASE NOTE: If you sit in the front lawn area you may get splashed with water in scene 1. Please sit in another area if you do not want to be splashed with water from the actors.
For more information, visit Shakespeareindetroit.com.


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Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 8BU
Group Size: Min: Enquire | Max: 270
Price: From £45.00pp
Dates Available: 13th December 2019
Festive Party Nights at Ettington Park Hotel
Make your office party one to remember this year with a spectacular celebration at Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
Towering turrets, classic arched windows and soft shades of ancient Cotswold stone; Ettington Park is an inspiring venue for a superb evening of festive fun while enjoying great food, drinks and music with our festive party night package.
Package includes: • Private function suite & bar • A glass of Prosecco on arrival • 3 Course festive dinner • Hotel printed stationery • Christmas crackers and novelties • Disco & DJ until midnight
Available Friday 13th & Saturday 14th December £45 per person
It's never too late to party! Hold your party in January or February for £40 per person


text:
August 13, 2016 1:28:15 am
An intercepted conversation, where gangster Chhota Rajan claims to have accepted responsibility for killing senior journalist J Dey, forms part of the evidence against him in the supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI on Friday.
The alleged conversation took place between Rajan and a relative of now-deceased accused Vinod Asrani on August 4, 2011, less than a month after Dey was shot by bike-borne assailants near his Powai residence on June 2011.
The conversation had also been part of the earlier chargesheet filed by the Mumbai Police against journalist Jigna Vora, another accused in the case.
The CBI, in its present chargesheet, has claimed that the authenticity of the intercepted communication has been verified by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory. It states that the conversation proves Rajan’s involvement as his voice samples match the intercepts.
An official from the Mumbai police, who is a witness in the case, has told the CBI that after having taken the requisite permissions from the state government, a phone number belonging to a Chhota Rajan gang member was intercepted in August, 2011. In a conversation on August 4, Rajan interacted with a relative of Asrani.
“I listened to the conversation and realised that Chhota Rajan was interacting with the said Manoj. He was inquiring about the health of one Vinod and commented that he got trapped without any reason,” the statement says.
The transcript further has Rajan describing Dey as a ‘traitor’, claiming that he had links with his arch rival Dawood Ibrahim. He also mentions journalist and co-accused Jigna Vora, claiming that she ‘instigated’ him against Dey by saying that he was in touch with his rivals and writing against him.
The CFSL report received in May 2016 is part of the chargesheet, stating that the voice is ‘the probable voice of the person (Rajan)’ matching with the specimen. The CBI had taken permission from the special MCOCA court to take a voice sample of Rajan, who is lodged in Tihar jail in Delhi since his deportation from Bali, Indonesia, in November last year.
The chargesheet, however, does not have emails or other evidence on exchange of emails between Rajan and Vora, allegedly through which details of Dey were shared by her. Rajan had told journalists after the murder that Vora provided him with details of Dey’s motorcycle number, his photograph, address, etc. through emails.
Apart from the transcript, the CBI has 41 witness statements, including Dey’s family members, journalists and friends, some of which were part of the earlier chargesheets as well. In one of the statements, Dey has told a friend that 8-10 days prior to his murder, he had been receiving frequent calls from Rajan. “J Dey told me that Chhota Rajan has been frequently calling him and during his conversation he found that Chhota Rajan is very polite, for which he was worried. I told him that dons are polite only when they want to deceive someone. I asked him to be careful of Chhota Rajan,” says a witness.
The CBI’s claim is that Dey was killed by Rajan over the two books he was writing. In its chargesheet, the CBI has details of exchange between two publishers and Dey on his books.
One of the books that Dey intended to write on Dawood was to be on the don’s ‘meteoric rise’ overcoming ‘death threats from enemies’ as well as details on assassination plots by rivals, including Rajan.
The second book, Chindi-Rags to Riches was to contain 20 stories of gangsters, including Rajan. The CBI has claimed that it was Dey’s reference to Rajan as chindi (petty), that had miffed the gangster.
The CBI claims that the murder conspiracy was hatched through Global Roaming SIM cards. Two days before Dey was shot dead, the CBI claims the shooter, Satish Kalya, sent two SMSes to a link number, after which Rajan called him ‘for communicating his final order’ to shoot Dey.
Special Judge S S Adkar has postponed hearing in the case till August 19 to decide on the point of framing of charges against Rajan.
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Share Canberra's trusted news:
POLICE want to confirm the safety of a woman after she appeared confused and disoriented at the Federal Golf Club in Red Hill.
She was seen alone, at about 12.30pm yesterday (July18) and was unable to confirm he address.
The woman was last seen at about 2.20pm walking on Gowrie Drive, the road leading into the Federal Golf Course.
She’s described as Caucasian in appearance, about 40-50 years old with long, dark greying hair. She was wearing glasses, a green top, grey trackpants and black sneakers.
Police have concerns for the woman’s welfare and would like to confirm she is safe.
Anyone who may be able to help police locate or identify this woman is urged to contact ACT Policing operations on 131 444.


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moved for leave to introduce Bill C-367, An Act to amend the Navigation Protection Act (Colquitz River, Tod Creek and Craigflower Creek).
Mr. Speaker, I am introducing this private member's bill today with a goal of restoring federal environmental protection to these waterways. They have been without protection since 2012, when the Conservatives removed all federal environmental protection for each and every lake, river, and stream on Vancouver Island.
Despite a clear promise by the Liberal government to act, it has failed to introduce this legislation, so I have had to do so today. These waterways are vital components of our local ecosystems, and instead of benefiting from government action, now I am forced to thank local groups like the Peninsula Streams Society and the Friends of Tod Creek for the amazing work they have accomplished in restoring the Tod Creek watershed. These local efforts are running far ahead of government action.
The current threats to Colquitz Creek and the mysterious spill in Craigflower Creek demonstrate the importance of restoring federal environmental protection to these important local waterways.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

domain: law


TRUMP TRADE DEAL NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EU MEMBERSHIP
An independent Scotland could see a £5 billion boost to tax revenues by matching the export levels of other small advanced economies.
Analysis published last week by the House of Commons Library found that the UK had a trade deficit of £31 billion in 2018 – with the UK’s strength as an exporter of services masking an even wider deficit in the export of goods.
Brexit – and the increasing likelihood of a No Deal Brexit – is set to weaken the UK’s position as an exporter even further.
The Sustainable Growth Commission last year found that an independent Scotland could generate an additional £5 billion in tax revenues each year through a determined strategy to close the export gap with other small advanced economies.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said:
“The UK performs poorly as an exporter and Brexit will make that worse.
“It is pure fantasy to think that we can replace our EU membership with free-trade deals – which can take years, even decades, to negotiate – and end up better off.
“The abject humiliation of allowing Donald Trump to dictate the UK’s diplomatic staff shows that the UK’s negotiating position has never been weaker.
“Any trade deal negotiated between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump would be bad news for Scotland.
“In contrast, if an independent Scotland was to match the export levels of comparable independent countries we’d raise an additional £5 billion a year to support our public services.
“Faced with the prospect of a devastating No Deal Brexit, we need the full powers to meet Scotland’s potential – and that only comes with independence.”
The Sustainable Growth Commission found that:
“Increasing overseas exports from 20% of GDP to 40% of GDP would be a reasonable target to set in order to close the export gap with small advanced economy benchmark countries, implying an increase from under £30 billion to more than £60 billion. This could deliver a productivity boost of 8% of GDP and would be expected to generate additional taxation revenues of some £5 billion each year.”