Many of us grew-up to the quirkly laughs of SCTV and in celebration of the legendary Comedy Sketch Series, Netflix will present an as-yet untiled Special to be directed by Martin Scorcese!
The Special reunites Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short and Dave Thomas in front of a live audience for An Afternoon with SCTV, moderated by Jimmy Kimmel. It will record Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Elgin Theatre, 3 PM.
UPDATE 5.10.18: Rick Moranis is confirmed to be in the Special now too!
A stream date has yet to be set, but we’re so incredibly-ready!
(Photo credit: Cara Howe/Netflix Canada)
Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto and Montreal a chance to see first, Martin Scorcese‘s SILENCE. Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto (Thursday January 5th) – Cineplex Cinemas Varsity & VIP @ 7:00PM
Montreal (Wednesday January 4th) – Cinéma Cineplex Forum @ 7:00PM
Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE tells the story of two Christian missionaries (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) who face the ultimate test of faith when they travel to Japan in search of their missing mentor (Liam Neeson) – at a time when Christianity was outlawed and their presence forbidden. The celebrated director’s 28-year journey to bring Shusaku Endo’s 1966 acclaimed novel to life will be in theaters this Christmas.
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City.
Paramount Pictures Canada release SILENCE Friday, January 6, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
It is with great sadness that I’ve come to the realization TIFF ’14 is only a couple days away from its end. Going back into my normal routine once again surely will be especially hard because I had such an amazing Festival this year! I look forward to catching a couple more Movies this weekend now that the Parade of Stars are about to make an exit.
Today was a special day and I will remember this as the day that I met Ryan Reynolds. I’ve seen him many times but just simply never have been able to angle myself into contention to get a Snap with him. At last it happened today as I crossed paths with him while he was promoting his new Comedy, The Voices. The Film which sees him get into some trouble as he hears things from his Dog and his Cat, driving him to murder.
The Canadian-born Star looked particularly dappper in a blue suit tonight on the Red Carpet at Ryerson Theatre and was extremely generous with Fans taking time to sign as many Autographs and take as many Selfies as he could! No sign however of his Mrs., Blake Lively.
Earlier tonight, we also saw Patricia Clarkson and Scott Speedman on the Red Carpet for Winter Garden Theatre in support of their new Film, October Gale. The Film is about a Doctor who takes-in a wounded Man, only to discover that his Killer is out to complete the job.
Clarkson was absolutely amazing, stopping to sign some Autographs for Fans and I was lucky enough to get a Snap with the remarkable Actress.
Scott Speedman always looks sharp and tonight was an exception as the Toronto-born Actor graced the Red Carpet for October Gale also.
Although we didn’t get a chance to see him, our Contributor David Baldwin was thrilled to attend a Screening of Martin Scorcese‘s latest, The 50 Year Argument which he co-directs. Fan Reports are indicating that things got a little unruly outside the Theatre tonight hindering the Icon from signing more Autographs.
Tomorrow we’re expecting to see John Travolta, Chris Evans and Alice Eve, among others! We can’t wait. So check back!
Don’t forget to follow for immediate updates:
All Photos were taken on the Nikon D3300 and communciated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin)
It absolutely is our favourite time of the year again and announced this morning is the official list of Talent coming to Toronto for TIFF ’14! We look forward to seeing plenty of returning names – some just here last year like the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet – and also plenty of Stars from years past making their way back here once more!
Among the names attending TIFF ’14 this year include:
Jon Stewart, Martin Scorcese, Richard Gere, Andrew Garfield, Viggo Mortensen, Gael Garcia Bernal, James Franco, Jane Fonda, Chloë Moretz, Brit Marling, Laura Dern, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Redgrave, Vera Farmiga, Al Pacino, Tina Fey, Haley Joel Osment, Robert Pattinson, Ansel Elgort, Alice Eve, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Seyfried, Michael Shannon, Dax Sheppard, Robert Duvall, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Hailee Steinfield, Justin Chatwin, Method Man, Jennifer Connelly, Bobby Cannavale, Kuoth Wiel, Cassie Williams, Danny Webb, Dominic West, Jung Woo-Sung, John Boylan, Sam Worthington, Tye Sheridan, Andrew Scott, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, Evan Bird, Zhao Wei, Han Ye-Ri, Melissa Benoist, Haley Bennett, Sonja Bennett, John Travolta, Julianne Moore, Isaach De Bankolé, Dan Stevens, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll, Xavier Dolan, Peter Stormare, Ben Schnetzer, Abigail Spencer, Ellen Barkin, Bill Pullman, Charlotte Aubin, Kate Winslet, Ryan Reynolds, Rene Russo, Roger Waters, Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Loreto Aravena, Tobey Maguire, Aubrey Plaza, Tobey Maguire, Gemma Arterton, Juliette Binoche, Zhang Yimou, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Rose Byrne, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Mark Ruffalo, Bill Murray, Daniel Barber, Liam Aiken, Mike Leigh, Olivier Assayas, Richard LaGravenese, Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Anna Kendrick, Morgan Freeman, Benicio del Toro, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Chris Rock, John Cusack, Benedict Cumberbatch, Octavia Spencer, Keira Knightley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kevin Costner, Anthony Mackie, Patricia Clarkson, J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Priyanka Chopra, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Winterbottom, Justin Chon, Steve Carell, Gong Li, Hayden Christensen, Tory Kittles, Jordana Brewster, Holliday Grainger, Max Irons, Lone Scherfig, Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth, Paul Bettany, Daniel Barnz, Noah Baumbach, Barry Avrich, Jennifer Aniston, Akon, Nick Kroll, Holly Hunter, Catherine Keener, Greta Gerwig, Omar Sy Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Kevin Smith, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Faye Marsay, Bill Nighy, Justin Long, Christopher Plummer, Marton Csokas, David Cronenberg, Sarah Gadon, Tom Schilling, Tom Hardy and more!
TIFF also will be hosting a series of In-Conversations-With as part of their Mavericks Programme. Joining-in are the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Jon Stewart, Dan Savage, Julie Taymor and several more!
As is the case always, it’s sometimes not just who’s coming – it’s who they’re bringing. Don’t be surprised if Jennifer Garner brings Husband Ben Affleck along and be warned if Andrew Garfield brings Emma Stone along!
Who’s on our list of Must-Meets? Plenty! We hope finally to get a positive moment with Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet! Excited about Martin Scorcese, J.K. Simmons, Bobby Cannavale, Miles Teller, Corey Stoll, Tobey Maguire, Rose Byrne, Michael Douglas and newer names like Max Irons and Douglas Booth, that’s for sure. And did we read TINA FEY!?!? Finally! AND WHERE IS TOM HARDY?!?!
The list is always subject to surprise and no-shows as we know all too well!
Visit the official TIFF Website for more.
TIFF ’14 runs September 3 – 14, 2014.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Mr. Will Wong and Paramount Pictures want to take you to an Advance Screening in Toronto to one of this year’s most hotly-buzzed Films, Martin Scorcese‘s THE WOLF OF WALL STREET starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey! Screening takes place Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Scotiabank Theatre.
Revered Filmmaker Martin Scorsese directs the story of New York Stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). From the American dream to corporate greed, Belfort goes from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late ’80s. Excess success and affluence in his early twenties as founder of the Brokerage Firm Stratton Oakmont warranted Belfort the Title – The Wolf of Wall Street.
Money. Power. Women. Drugs. Temptations were for the taking and the threat of authority was irrelevant. For Jordan and his Wolf Pack, modesty was quickly deemed overrated and more was never enough.
Watch the positively mesmerizing Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Also state your City and tell me your favourite Scorcese Flick and why! Share on Facebook and double your chances or Re-Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/wolfofwallstreet @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to the Advance Screening of #THEWOLFOFWALLSTREET! In theatres Christmas!
Paramount Pictures release THE WOLF OF WALL STREET on Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)
Sold! Martin Scorcese and Leonaro DiCaprio team-up again and the results are winning in this brand new Trailer for The Wolf of Wall Street. Based on a true Story and Memoir by Jordan Belfort, the Drama centers on a New York Stockbroker to cooperate in a large Securities Fraud Case involving corruption on Wall Street. The Ego. There is no one who could pull this off like Leo. Nobody.
Rob Reiner, Spike Jonze, Jean Dujardin, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey and Kyle Chandler star also.
Watch the Trailer below:
Paramount Pictures releases on November 15, 2013. Please, oh please, let this premiere at TIFF 2013!
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)
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text: What were the significant cultural contributions 1. What were the significant cultural contributions of Ottoman art? 2. What make Akbar "great"? Compare and contrast Akbar to England's Elizabeth and China's Kangxi. Which of the three was most successful in the short term? In the long term? 6. Why did Europe become the engine for rapid global change in the seventeenth and eighteenth century rather than China or some other non-Western society? 7. Discuss the positive and the negative contributions of Napoleon to the French Revolution and to Europe generally in the early nineteenth century. Would France and Europe have been better off if he had never attained political power? Why or why not?

domain: library


text:
Unknown GunMen Kidnap Imo Cheiftain, Drop Dead Body After APC Convention
A kinsman to the deceased, Martins Nwadike, who confirmed the murder to Punch earlier this week, said the deceased was kidnapped on the eve of the just concluded APC national convention.
“He was kidnapped on Friday, a day to the APC national convention. He was travelling home from Owerri to Nkwerre, our home town. The gunmen blocked him on the Isu-Njaba road.
“They made away with him. His corpse was found after the national convention. This is very saddening and highly devastating.
“Desperate politicking has no place in a decent democracy. The deceased was a gentleman. He was educated and civil in all his dealings.
Akano was the Director-General of Ezihe Foundation, one of the groups supporting the governorship ambition of the Chief of Staff to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Uche Nwosu.
The murdered APC Chieftain who hailed from Nkwerre Local Government Area, the same LGA with Nwosu was an ally of the state governor’s camp and had been seen several times at state government functions.
Nwadike also urged the security agencies to make sure the killers are brought to book. He said, “We urge the security agencies to bring his killers to book. Imo is not known for violent politicking. Those who take away human lives in order to ascend to political positions would be disappointed in 2019.”
Punch reports that the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, had yet to respond to the text message sent to his phone.
Source: Naija News

domain: news


text:
Vegan Easter Recipes, ranging from brunch and lunch to dinner and dessert, will please just about everyone at the table this holiday! These dishes are also perfect for just about any springtime gathering, including weekend potlucks and Mother's Day.
Because it falls on a different day each year, Easter always seems to sneak up on me. And because of that, I rarely make plans.
Unlike some of my friends, my family didn't have traditional recipes for out big easter meal. We often ate out at a local restaurant on the holiday. If we stayed in, we would typically have the same types of foods that we at for other holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Of course, there was usually lots of chocolate, even when I was older and no longer waited impatiently for the Easter Bunny to drop of a basket full of candy eggs.
These days, I use Easter as an excuse to make a large bunch. These vegan Easter recipes will cover brunch, lunch, and even dinner. You can't forget dessert!
Vegan Easter Recipes
Vegan Easter Brunch Recipes
This easy-to-make frittata is the ultimate brunch dish!
This frittata is made with chickpea flour, and it's super easy to make!
Tofu Benedict is the ultimate vegan brunch dish! It’s made with greens, tomato slices, and tempeh bacon and then drenched in a dairy-free hollandaise sauce.
Brunch doesn’t get any better than this Vegan Eggs Florentine. Made with tofu, spinach, and dairy-free hollandaise sauce, this recipe is perfect for Easter.
Full of asparagus and tofu feta, this vegan omelet is a terrific dish to serve at a spring brunch.
Quiche is the ultimate brunch dish. It’s great for those nights when you want breakfast for dinner, too.
Bring your brunch game to the next level with this vegan Quiche Lorraine from Baconish by Leinana Two Moons!
These mini quiches are perfect for potluck brunches.
You can never go wrong with a tofu scramble for brunch!
This salad is made with mixed greens, cheesy vegan baked tofu, tempeh bacon, and tomatoes, and it’s drizzled with dairy-free hollandaise sauce.
The vegan buttermilk dressing is the real star of this salad, but the asparagus, chickpeas, and feta all play key roles.
Is there anything more “vegan” than a kale and edamame salad? Don’t let the cliché nature of this recipe fool you though! This crave-worthy salad is delicious and it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
This easy vegan spinach salad with strawberries, avocado, walnuts, and dairy-free feta is the perfect starter or side for your Easter feast.
This salad is made with hearty grains and light spring greens. It’s is an excellent side dish, but it’s also substantial enough to be a meal on its own.
Vegan Side Dish Recipes
This is thought of as a Thanksgiving dish, but I'll look for any excuse to make it! And like I said, we usually at the same things for Easter and Thanksgiving.
This recipe is a Thanksgiving mainstay, but it's perfect for springtime gatherings, too.
This recipe just might convert self-proclaimed sprout haters!
Vegan Easter Main Dish Recipes
Topped with fresh asparagus spears and tomato slices, this tart with Cashew Ricotta is perfect for springtime dining.
This tart combines a few of my favorite things – caramelized onions, mushrooms, and tofu ricotta – in one tasty little package.
This recipe Jazzy Vegetarian’s Deliciously Vegan is like a crustless asparagus quiche or savory pie, and it's super easy to make.
In this healthy dish, fresh vegetables and pasta are smothered in a creamy nondairy primavera sauce. It’s super easy to customize this recipe to your liking,
Vegan Dessert Recipes
This is a veganized version of the chocolate pie I made for my family at pretty much every holiday gathering.
Since they’re small, these little treats are terrific when you just want a bite or two of something sweet. Because of their size, they're great for a springtime potluck.
This healthy raw is the ultimate springtime dessert!
Key Lime is Dennis's favorite dessert, so I make this pie from The Blossom Cookbook for him from time to time, and he loves it.
This easy homemade avocado ice cream recipe is made with just a few ingredients and doesn’t require an ice cream maker.
You can't heave Easter dinner without chocolate! If you're just craving just a little bite, these truffles will satisfy your needs.
What's on your menu this Easter Sunday?

domain: food


35 years later, a Gibraltar-based comic book comes full circle
Tony Wicks had always dreamed of becoming a comic book author, and this interest was first piqued when his comic story ‘Power Pack’ was published in this newspaper during the early 80s.
Then aged just 13-years old, Mr Wicks teamed up with Adam Plater to produce Power Pack - an Avengers inspired comic.
This excitement of having his work published in the local paper at such a young age left an “indelible” impression on Mr Wicks who has since “never stopped creating comics”.
Mr Wicks was born to a Gibraltarian mother and spent much of his adolescence in Gibraltar before returning to the UK.
Now aged 50 years, Mr Wicks combined his love for comics and his close links to Gibraltar to produce ‘Tales of Alameda’ a semi-biographical comic book based on an alternate version of the Rock.
The comic book written in English includes Spanish phrases and features a reiteration of the Rock with a much more sinister feel and even an orchestra comprised of Barbary Macaques.
The publication of this book marks nine years of work for Mr Wicks, who pressed on with finally completing the comic in the last 13 months.
Ricardo is the main protagonist in the comic and is from the Alameda, an island paradise.
Through the comic Ricardo tries to come to terms with the impending loss of a second parent to illness, without having made peace with the loss of his first parent.
Mr Wicks told the Chronicle the inspiration for the story was on his early adolescence in Gibraltar and the period of time between his late father becoming ill and his family returning to England for his treatment.
“The illness was nearly a year in duration, and it had a massive impact on our rather idyllic family life, and ultimately affected where we settled afterwards,” Mr Wicks said.
“25 years later I felt the need to make sense of that time, and examine how it had changed my approach to family, so I wrote a semi-fictional script based around my father's experiences at the time.”
In his comic Gibraltar is instead known as Alameda and is an island.
“I've kept most of the early events concerning my Father confined to Gibraltar, rather than the UK, which entailed changing the time line slightly, for the sake of the story,” Mr Wicks said.
“The story is now told from a more personal view point, via Ricardo's life, a character who is closely based on myself. Despite these changes, my brother read the completed comic book, and knew exactly what I was referencing, which I was very glad about.”
The comic book was originally scripted the book as simply ‘Alameda’ in 2010, over a 3 month period.
The finished script was for a slightly shorter strip, and was as detailed as a screenplay, including camera angles, detailed frame layouts per page, full dialogue and prose.
“It's always bothered me that I was unable to do the script justice and complete the story as it existed then,” he said.
“My art style at the time just wasn't clicking with the feel of the story. I think I was trying too hard to perfect every line, and because the story was extremely personal and important to me, it became overworked.”
Mr Wicks rewrote the comic in 2018 and is thankful he waiting until he was better prepared to tackle to subject.
“Things I thought were a certain way back then, I've realised were completely different, now that I've matured, and so it was both exciting and cathartic to be able to use fantasy and supernatural elements to illustrate that epiphany,” Mr Wicks said.
“Gibraltar has a certain magical nostalgia for me, so these parts almost wrote themselves at times.”
Mr Wicks has fond memories of the Rock, with his family leaving Gibraltar in 1986 aged 16-years.
“My days at Bayside Comprehensive, the beautiful summers, spent swimming and snorkeling at Catalan Bay, the Montague Pavillion, and Rosia Bay, plus the night time barbecues on the Lido (now gone) with friends and family,” he said.
To grab a copy of Tales of Alameda contact Mr Wicks on Facebook and Instagram:
www.facebook.com/tonywicksart/ or www.instagram.com/tonythewicks/.
Alternatively books can be purchased from UK bookshops direct at www.c2d4.com


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text:
Draft EU-Georgia Association Agenda highlights need for ‘ambitious’ reforms – Civil.ge
The European Commission’s Draft EU-Georgia Association Agenda states that promoting “Georgia’s democratic agenda and rule of law through ambitious political, judicial and anti-corruption reforms in the framework of a broad and inclusive process will be at the heart” of cooperation in 2021-2027.
Overall, the Long Draft builds on the previous Association Program 2017-2020 and outlines the main goals of political association and economic integration between the two sides. The document defines the short and medium term priorities in the areas of justice, human rights, economy, environment, among others.
The document pledges EU support for Georgia to implement the goals and priorities, but stresses that “EU assistance is tied to jointly agreed stringent conditions linked to reform progress”.
The European Union delegation to Georgia said on May 24 that the document had already been “approved” by the parties and was awaiting formal adoption.
Here are some of the highlights of the document:
Rule of law, justice reform
The proposed agenda stresses that Georgia must continue to undertake judicial reforms through an “inclusive and multi-party reform process”, with the High Council of Justice – the oversight body of the judiciary – being a priority.
The document also highlights the need for Georgia to align its Common Courts Law with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and to “fully implement the revised law” to all future judicial appointments.
It obliges Georgia to carry out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the third and fourth waves of judicial reform. It was also a provision of the EU-brokered April 19 deal between the Georgian Dream and the opposition in 2021, which the ruling party unilaterally Stop later.
According to the document, Georgia needs to review the process for appointing the Attorney General to strengthen the independence and the prosecutor’s office.
In this context, the draft agenda envisages introducing qualified majority voting in Parliament with an anti-deadlock mechanism to let the Attorney General pass, a provision of the EU-brokered deal on which the GD backtracked.
The document also stresses that Georgia will pursue “ambitious progress in the fight against corruption and economic crime, including all forms of corruption, and will strengthen mechanisms for the prevention of corruption, including in the area of public procurement”. .
It also stresses the need to further strengthen “the accountability and democratic control of law enforcement agencies”.
The draft agenda dictates that Georgia “will uphold the freedom, independence and pluralism of the media, respecting European and international standards, ensuring the conditions for a free, professional, independent and healthy media environment” .
It also notes that Georgia “will ensure the highest democratic standards throughout the electoral process, a fair, transparent and rigorous handling of complaints and appeals, and will continue to fully implement the priority recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR… »
The document states that Georgia and the EU will “promote good governance, human rights, rule of law, non-discrimination as well as fundamental values and humanitarian principles in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 19 and the repeat after it”.
In addition, the country should foster an enabling civil society environment for organizations by supporting their financial viability and development, especially at the local level, the draft program says.
The section also underlines the need for better implementation of the anti-discrimination law and adds that an effective process for the rapid investigation of alleged breaches is essential.
The parties will maintain their cooperation to support Georgia in its efforts to advance in the peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict and to facilitate “lasting peace and security” in the country, the document states.
The EU and Georgia will cooperate to promote the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 with Russia as well as to achieve “tangible results” within the framework of the international discussions in Geneva, co-chaired by the EU, the UN and the OSCE.
As part of the agenda, the country is expected to work towards resuming meetings of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali and efficient operation of the Ergneti IPRM.
The document also sets out several steps for Georgia to take, including continuing efforts to ensure the “safe, dignified and voluntary” return of displaced persons to occupied Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, as well as the continued promotion of freedom of movement, trade, economic ties and education across demarcation lines.
In the meantime, the EU and Georgia will deepen their dialogue on defense and security, including conflict prevention, the fight against terrorism and the fight against money laundering, organized crime and illicit drugs. , indicates the draft agenda.
Economy, Environment, Digitization
The agenda highlights the need for continued economic development and integration between Georgia and the EU, with a focus on reducing inequalities in the country and improving working conditions, between others.
It also underlines the need for cooperation to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity between the EU and Georgia, in particular via the Black Sea.
The document also stresses that Georgia should work towards reducing emissions and submit a long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and update update its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
Greater attention should also be given to promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries with the aim of preserving the existing biodiversity in the Black Sea region and Georgia as a whole, the document asserts.
It also notes that Georgia will prioritize more environmentally friendly legislation, with emphasis on improving waste management and air and water quality, in line with standards Europeans.
The document notes that the EU and Georgia will work towards the digital transformation of the country in the areas of e-health, distance education, telemedicine, virus tracking, among others.
Furthermore, he notes that the parties will work together to strengthen Georgia’s cyber resilience and to ensure legal, policy and operational cybersecurity frameworks in the country, in line with EU legislation and practices.
The draft Association Agenda for 2021-2027 comes as Georgia also waits for the European Commission to deliver its opinion on the country’s bid for EU membership in June, with EU leaders expected to take the decision on the bid at the Madrid summit on June 29-30.
Georgia filed its formal application for EU membership on March 3, the same day Moldova also filed, with both countries following in the footsteps of Ukraine, which applied for membership amidst the crisis. bloody invasion of Russia.
Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova are countries associated with the EU, under the bloc’s Eastern Partnership initiative. The three countries established the Trio Associé format in May 2021, aimed at cooperate to establish closer relations with Brussels.
Read also :


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The Cranchi Z35, 11.5 metres in length and with a completely open cockpit, is the perfect example of how a sporty day cruiser can be both elegant and provide plenty of space for comfort. It is a two cabin, one head, a very good sized saloon and a galley, sport cruiser with an interior having very good headroom. Rush I is a very good example of a well maintained Z35 with full service history. To appreciate the space and layout of this model you need to visit the boat.
The boat has a nice U-shaped seating in the aft cockpit with a small bench seat forward to Port opposite the helm seat.
There is access to the foredeck via the side decks or by means of steps and a hinged door in the windscreen.
Down below one finds a dinette to port with the galley on Starboard and the Head adjacent to the Galley.
The aft cabin has a twin berth which can be converted into a double by means of an infill cushion. The master cabin is a double berth forward.


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To make room for 10 new deputies, the Moscow City Duma is looking to purchase a third building — possibly the nearby Marine House business center, which could cost $50 million.
Valery Vinogradov, an acting deputy mayor and City Hall's representative to the City Duma, announced on Friday that he was leading a special working group of officials and lawmakers to study the purchase of a new building for the deputies.
Specifically, they are discussing the purchase of the Marine House center, which is near the City Duma's other two buildings, Vinogradov said.
Combined, the two buildings the City Duma occupies now — at 22 Ulitsa Petrovka and 4 Rakhmanovsky Pereulok, Bdlg. 2 — are larger than Marine House, which has 8,160 square meters of space, said Andrei Klychkov, one of the Duma's three Communist deputies.
Deputies interviewed by Vedomosti could not name the precise amount of space they now occupy.
The Marine House, located at 4 Rakhmanovsky Pereulok, Bldg. 1, is the most convenient building for the Duma to expand into, an official in the Mayor's Office told news agencies. The unidentified official added that Moscow's parliament wanted to purchase all of the space in the building.
City Duma Speaker Vladimir Platonov said the acquisition was necessary because when the new Duma forms in 2013, it will be expanded to at least 45 deputies, from the current 35.
A different building could be purchased, he said. But even without the added lawmakers, the Duma does not have enough space, Platonov said, adding that lawmakers have offices of 16 to 18 square meters, while their aides get offices of the same size.
Each deputy is allowed to have up to five advisers on staff, and if their offices get any more crowded, it will become difficult to work, said Klychkov, the Communist deputy.
There is not enough space to fit the deputies in one building, meaning that even the Duma leadership is spread between the two existing buildings, a Duma official said. The lawmakers also occupy a few rooms in buildings at 19 and 21 Ulitsa Petrovka, where the parliament's archive is stored.
If the staff were reduced, lawmakers would be comfortable in their existing space, said Sergei Mitrokhin, head of the Yabloko party and a former City Duma deputy. In addition to their aides, the 35 deputies have 282 other staff working there, he said.
Lawmakers had also discussed the possibility of constructing a building in the Moskva-City business district, but that would have been far more expensive than purchasing the additional space, Klychkov said.
Platonov said the new real estate would require additional expenses in the city budget. No funds are allotted for the purchase in this year's budget or the draft of next year's budget.
This year's budget allotted 1.16 billion rubles ($38 million) for all of the City Duma's expenditures. Roughly the same amount is planned for next year.
The average price per square meter in a building like Marine House is $5,000 to $7,000, or at the very most $10,000, said Andrei Zakrevsky, senior vice president at Knight Frank. That would suggest a price tag of $35 million to $65 million, which Klychkov said would be too expensive for the city now.
There could also be difficulties in reaching a deal with the building's owners, a firm called Morinvest. A spokesperson for the owners sent out a letter Friday saying no decision had been made to sell the business center.
A Moscow real estate consultant said there are just 243 square meters of space available for rent in the center.

domain: economics


text:
Detailing the Dangers of Chicken Jerky: A current update on the toxic treats from China
China has been in the news repeatedly for problems related to the production of chicken jerky treats thought to be responsible for illness and death in our canine companions. This threat first reared its head in 2006, when China was responsible for melamine contamination of food additives that triggered a nationwide recall of dog food items from a variety of manufactures. Later, in 2010, problems returned with 50 reports of a Fanconi-like syndrome, thought to be linked to the ingestion of chicken jerky treats from China, with this number alarmingly increasing to more than 70 reports in 2011.
In November 2011, the Food and Drug Administration finally issued an official warning to pet owners that chicken jerky food products imported from China may cause a Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs that routinely consume them, or in the cases where treats make up a large part of the dog’s diet.
Just this week, the FDA has announced that it is now analyzing products upon import for both melamine and diethylene glycol because of an increase in pet owner complaints… ready for the numbers? There have been 467 reports with regards to concern of toxicity placed with the FDA since they issued their official public warning in November 2011!
Just what is “Fanconi-like” syndrome?
It is an uncommon condition that affects the kidneys, causing them to leak glucose (sugar) and other electrolytes into the urine. Dogs that have this condition will usually be very thirsty and will urinate excessive amounts. The most common finding in laboratory tests is that the dog has glucose in the urine, but has a normal blood glucose level. Symptoms of this illness include drinking a lot of water, urinating a lot or more frequently, decreased energy, diminished appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The spectrum of illness and recovery can be broad. Some dogs can go into renal failure and die while others will have only an increase in thirst and urination and go on to have a full recovery within a few weeks of stopping the chicken jerky treats.
Until more is known, these are the specific recommendations made by the FDA:
- Chicken jerky products are not intended to be substituted for a balanced diet and should only be fed only in small quantities.
- Consumers that feed chicken jerky products to their dogs should monitor for symptoms of decreased energy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption, and increased urination.
- Discontinue the products at the first occurrence of such problems.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.
My recommendations are a little more straight forward:
- Buy American treats or, better yet, bake your own or buy locally made ones!
- Raw or cooked vegetables also make tasty treats, and are especially good for those pups that are struggling to lose weight.
What should I do if I suspect my pet has been affected?
Have your veterinarian examine your dog and perform blood and urine tests. These tests will help determine if the Fanconi-like syndrome is present, or if your pet has other possible medical issues such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.
You should report cases of illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state, or you can go to the following website for further instruction on how to report a pet food complaint.
Frustratingly, there has yet to be a specific causal link or contaminant identified. To date, scientists have not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses, but they do continue to perform extensive chemical and microbial testing on products.
Politician and pug parent, U.S. Senator Brown of Ohio, has become the latest unofficial champion for pooches all across America. The sympathetic senator took to the Senate floor the first week in February and urged swift action on the part of the FDA to step up their investigation.
Lets hope others keep following in his footsteps, and in the meantime, let’s keep spreading the word about removing and keeping all imported treats banned from our pet pantries.

domain: pet


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August 2009 Editor's Update: Trader Joe's has discontinued the Soy Crisps. Read more here.
Soy Crisps are one of my favorite healthy snack foods. Sort of like a chip, but with an impressive dose of protein...about 7-8 grams/serving. I love the crunch and taste--which for the BBQ flavor means a salty/sweet mix.
Calorie for calorie, Soy Crisps are a better choice over chips or other crisps (rice or potato).


Seville, Spain. A township governed by the left accepted to sell its land to a group of muslims for the construction of a mosque. A group of non-immigrant Spaniards that didn’t want the mosque in their neighborhood came up with an original solution. In the middle of the lot where the mosque was supposed to be built, they buried a big pig and made sure it became public knowledge. Since Islamic law forbids the construction of mosques on hog-soiled land, the Arabs had to abandon the project….
The Israelis have been using this strategy since 2004. They put containers of pork fat in all their buses and made sure everybody knew about it. If a suicide bomber decides to explode himself in a bus, he’s taking the chance that some of the pig fat ends up on his body and therefore he will not go to Paradise. Israelis buses have been safe from attacks since then. No more attacks.
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13 Apr 2023
At Nedap N.V.’s AGM, which was held in Groenlo today, the shareholders approved all of the agenda items brought to a vote. The shareholders have issued a recommendation to vote in favour of the 2022 remuneration report. The 2022 financial statements have also been adopted and a decision has been made to pay out a dividend of € 3,00 per ordinary share. The members of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board have been granted discharge, and the Board of Directors has again been designated as the competent body to acquire and issue Nedap’s ordinary shares. This includes the authorisation to restrict or exclude preferential rights.
During the AGM Mr J.M.L. van Engelen has been reappointed as member of the Supervisory Board for a final term of 2 years. In addition, Ms. M. Pijnenborg was reappointed as Supervisory Board member for a four-year term. The AGM also appointed Mr. S.C. Santema as member of the Supervisory Board for a period of 4 years.


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Donny Edwards stopped by KETK to chat with Bob and Jen. The Elvis impersonator is bringing his show, 'A True Tribute to Elvis,' to .
The concert will be held on November 22, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Gilmer Civic Center.
East Texans can get into the Christmas spirit tonight at the Voices of Faith annual Christmas concert.
Christian Brazell, Ben White and Becky Clayton stopped by to chat about the christian youth choir.


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King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) has announced launching the construction of its biggest residential labor camp offering a new lifestyle for laborers working in the city.
The camp will occupy around 4,000 workers working in different development projects around the city, the camp project will stand on an area of 104,000 square meters.
The first phase of the project will be implemented by Namariq Arabian Services Co. which is one of the leading Saudi companies in the design and operation of workforce camps, hotels, and provisions of manpower. The first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2016 with a total investment of 150 million SAR.
In the same respect, Fahd Al Rasheed, CEO and managing director of KAEC, said that the new camp is a part of the city’s orientation towards enhancing the socio-economic development in Saudi Arabia.
He added also that the city will keep its promises in providing ideal working, residential, and entertainment for all the city’s residents.

domain: sociology


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Aladwa escapes jail time
06 November 2015, 18:51
Nairobi - Orange Democratic Movement Nairobi Branch chairman and former Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa has escaped jail time, after securing release on bail over allegations of Hate Speech.
Aladwa has been under fire over an incident in which he stated that there would be bloodshed and tears if CORD leader Raila Odinga loses the 2017 General Elections.
He was caught in a video making those remarks in Kibera during Mashujaa Day October 20 last month.
Aladwa was arraigned before Nairobi Chief Magistrate Daniel Ogembo.
Ogembo however dismissed an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP Keriako Tobiko to
have Aladwa detained till the case is heard and determined.
prosecution on Friday asked the court to deny the former Nairobi mayor
bond on the grounds that there is an increase in hate speech and
incitement cases in the country.
But Ogembo said it was Aladwa's right to get bail and he was thus released on a KES 500,000 cash bail.
" It is every Kenya's constitutional right to freedom and the accused is no different," he stated.
Aladwa has denied the charges, saying he was misquoted.
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Click here to learn more.
If you have a dog, chances are you have at least a collar or two — or, if you’re like me, perhaps a dozen for each dog, depending on the season or celebration. Collars are a pet ownership staple, both for holding identification tags and having a secure way to move the dog when needed. Without even considering the design or color, just simply the collar type, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Read on to find the best collar for your pet, including those that prevent escape and strangulation and alternatives to corrective collars.
Think of it as your white T-shirt, a wardrobe staple. The flat collar is simple: a piece of material adjustable for length that fits around your dog’s neck, often with a snap buckle. Though traditional, the flat collar holds tremendous value for its simplicity. ID tags can be secured to the collar, and it can be used as a walking tool for trained dogs. It’s also a security measure to hold or move a dog when needed.
The breakaway collar gives way when caught on something, such as a tree branch. The breakaway feature helps to safeguard against strangulation accidents. Dogs can still be walked on the collar without it snapping open by clipping the leash to both metal rings, located on either side of the breakaway feature.
Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know!
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The Pruchnick family says their three rescued Pit Bulls saved their lives by alerting them
to a fire in their home.
Are you a fan of big dogs? According to
vet professionals, new owners should
stay away from these large breeds.
During the course of their day, vets do a
number of unexpected things like taking
animals home and creating pet…
Feeding pets and people from the same
dishes can be risky for you and your pup.
Dr. Marty Becker explains why.
An expert explains which protein
sources are best for pets and how much
of it cats and dogs need to consume.
Thanks to his webbed feet, the Spanish
Water Dog has a knack for swimming,
boating and playing in water.
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No credit history monitors. Checkmate has more two decades of experience offering many different other financial company. However, while it provides numerous version of money, their minimal reach and lack of evaluations you will suggest you are high off studying a lender that a more built for the-line presence.
If you don’t paid down by maturity day, might cost desire at the maximum out of a few.seventy five% monthly. So it changes when you have higher than 1 pay day loan. You must be working otherwise have various other constant source of typical month-to-few days income. Generally, pay check lenders in the Washington need your borrower’s funds is higher than $1,100 thirty day period.
Productive Programs From Payday advances Arizona Made clear
Ca Attempt Cashing Stores concurrently accessible to shell out $105,one hundred thousand for the penalties and other will cost you inside a consent buy that have the state’s Division out-of Business Oversight, which was cracking down on payday and other highest-value consumer finance you to definitely experts claim was predatory. The company didn’t know shame into the concur order.
Are an amazing job while working truth be told there. We read something new and assisted push my personal restrictions to be taught additional. Disliked which i got let go because of the brand new Washington state legal guidelines to possess pay day loan. Counting on the phrases, their Annual percentage rate which have Spotloan may very well be due to the fact excess since the 490%, that is much more according to the Apr you might come across off old-fashioned pay day loan providers.
Swift Pointers Regarding Payday loans Arizona Found
Payday loan are typically paid off two to four months throughout the day the borrowed funds was applied for. Loan providers normally want a publish-old sample or ACH exchange to possess compensation. Funds is actually dated on your own 2nd pay-day, to allow them to become cashed in case your deposit comes so you’re able to pay off the borrowed funds. ACH withdrawals are booked with the further pay check as securely. With Potential, financing was reduced more than seven months in payments and you may funds you’ll getting rescheduled when needed to the a cell application.
Initial Charge – The lender may disguise these types of once the application charge or document fees or other select, even so they all of the indicate: Motorboat me some money just before I manage one provider.” Think about this: You’re becoming questioned to motorboat bucks as a way shell out day loans Arizona is loaned cash. That is a rip-away from. Legitimate lenders is always to disclose all their charge. Constantly, he could be rolled on the cost of the loan, not taken care of upfront.
Individuals just who pay the quantity in a good 10-times period otherwise way less have access to new line of credit rating at any time. not, a debtor who eventually works out having a superb equilibrium need to capture a break prior to they’ll be eligible for several other line of credit get.
According to CFB , greater than 80 p.c out-of cash advance was folded more than. While you roll over home financing, you only pay the brand new fund fees and also others 14 days to invest straight back the newest preliminary amount. As an instance, when you take aside $two hundred which have a good $forty charges, you might constantly pay $240 towards the prevent of a two-times period. If you can’t pay-all of it once more, you pay the fresh $40 and you can rollover the new $two hundred while also taking on other $forty fund pricing. Just in case you pay financing once again, you wind up paying a whole away from $280.
LendUp is rolling out a system regarding reasonable fund that are stated towards three main financial bureaus to help you start enhancing your credit rating score quickly without worrying about more restrict fees and you can invisible prices. You can have even use of LendUp’s monetary movies that may instruct everyone it’s necessary to learn more payday loans Georgia about credit well and securely. And you may in place of covered credit cards, LendUp’s cards has no need for a deposit to implement. Still, the cards isn’t open to everybody else. You may need to subscribe condition compliment of e-send and find out to own a promo code. Up on obtaining one, you could start the appliance techniques.
OppLoans is safe and you will secure and i might recommend so you’re able to some one needing a simple mortgage. This is certainly a far better chance than passing by way of another locations that is able to charges a whole lot more attraction. OppLoans works together you to make sure that your finance are down.


(OTTAWA) International trade agreements and other market-driven reforms in recent years have stripped nation-states of many tools to implement the activist industrial policies needed to promote domestic industries, economic growth, and living standards.
That's the key message in The Future of Industrial Policy in a Globalizing World: What are the Options?, a new Briefing Paper on Trade and Investment by CCPA economist Marc Lee.
"Industrial policy is too important to be left to the market," says Lee. "The prevailing neoliberal orthodoxy that favours minimal freedom for government and maximum freedom for corporations has little basis in history and little support from empirical evidence.
"Efforts to constrain states with legally binding international rules serve only to maintain the existing hierarchy of power and development, and further marginalize the poorest countries. Instead, the path forward should be to capture the best elements of an activist state for industrial policy, while immersing it in deeper democratic participation and development."
The paper describes industrial policy as a process through which "people together create the institutions and organizations that support a high standard of living. Industrial policy is thinking democratically about the economy and about seeing economic and political institutions as capable of being changed by an engaged and effective citizenry."
Lee concludes by urging governments to use the industrial policy tools still available to maximum effect, brushing up against trade challenges if necessary. The public sector can and should play a major role through the use of public services, Crown corporations and non-trade distorting subsidies.
"The biggest obstacle," he says, "may be finding the political will to act."


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Travel with confidence during Covid-19
At This Hotel
Le Roch Restaurant, Bar & More
The Le Roch restaurant and bar, under Executive Chef Rémy Bérerd, offers French and international buffet breakfasts, lunches, and teas, as well as cocktails, gourmet snacks, and Champagnes.
Unlock your stay with the Marriott Bonvoy™ App
28 Rue Saint-Roch,
Paris, France, 75001


The Tour every “Old Skool Hip Hop Head” is talking about is the King Of the Mic Tour!!! LL Cool J, Ice Cube, De La Soul, Public Enemy is coming to Riverbend June 27th. Watch the video below and let it be a reminder of the good ole’ days!
Get on your musical quest and continue to listen to 101.1 the Wiz for your chance to win your concert tickets.
Jade West “Always On a Musical Quest”
On-Air Personality/Producer/Public Affairs
Producer of the Russ Parr Morning Show M-F 6-10am
On-Air Sunday’s 10-2pm
Follow me on Twitter @jadewest101
Like The Wiz on Facebook to stay updated with the latest breaking, entertainment news and original interviews!


Infrastructure and Environment
The Infrastructure and Environment Directorate comprises of three teams; City Engineering, City Operations and City Reserves and is responsible for a wide range of activities including asset management, sustainability, design & construction, waste management and reserves management.
The City of Albany is responsible for $765 million worth of public assets. These include roads, pathways, drainage, reserves and building assets. The annual budget for Works & Services is approximately $24 million and includes maintenance and capital works.
- Customer Service Requests – how the City responds to requests from the public on maintenance of its infrastructure.
- Road Maintenance, Renewal & Upgrade Requests – how the City responds to requests for roads to be graded, renewed or upgraded.
- Traffic Calming Devices – frequently asked questions about the effectiveness and use of traffic calming devices.
- Crossover (driveway) Application Form & Guidelines.
- Verge Development Application Form and Guidelines.
- Signs on Public Land Application Form and Guidelines.
- Storm Water Disposal Information Sheet.
- Managing Stormwater Information Sheet.
- Drainage Connection Application Form.
- Customer Service Public Works Request Guideline 2014 (570KB)The purpose of this guideline is to provide answers to commonly asked questions regarding requests to the City of Albany for maintenance of its assets. These assets include roads, paths,vegetation management, reserves, infrastructure, buildings and other facilities.
- City Guideline: Works: Road Maintenance, Renewal and Upgrade Community Guidelines 2014 (779KB)This guideline is intended to provide answers to commonly asked questions regarding how the City of Albany manages its road assets.
- Traffic Calming Devices Information Sheet (2MB)This information sheet is intended to provide answers to commonly asked questions about the effectiveness and use of traffic calming devices.
- Verge Development Application Form (75KB)Verge Development Application Form.
- City Guideline: Works: Verge Development Guidelines (97KB)These guidelines have been formulated to assist residents in carrying out landscaping or other improvement works to the verge area adjoining their property.
- Signs on Public Land Information Sheet (163KB)This information sheet applies to road and other reserves under Council control which is to provide the travelling public with clear and uniform information, while minimising the number of signs and avoiding indiscriminate advertising.
- Signs on Public Land Application Form (172KB)Please read related information sheet.
- Storm Water Disposal Information Sheet (237KB)The City of Albany receives many enquiries from the community regarding stormwater disposal, where the responsibility lies if stormwater is entering their property, and what to do if they have a problem.
- Managing Stormwater Information Sheet (198KB)Stormwater detention is a way of collecting the rain that falls on your property (known as stormwater),storing it temporarily and then releasing it slowly so that it does not cause downstream flooding.
- Drainage Connection Application Form (81KB)Application for connection to the City of Albany Drainage System.
- Application to Clear Native Vegetation from Fence Line Form (52KB)Upon completion of this application it should be forwarded to the Reserves Officer, City of Albany, PO Box 484, Albany, WA 6331.
- Crossover application form (2MB)Crossover application form and guidelines
The assets team is responsible for the long term strategic planning for all City assets. They prepare and implement Asset Management Plans to inform a 10 year capital works plan and maintenance programming to an agreed level of service. These plans allow the City to allocate expenditure in the most cost effective way over the whole lifecycle of an asset.
Documentation relating to asset management can be downloaded below.
- Asset Management Policy (173KB)The objective of this policy is to ensure that Asset Management is embedded in the organisation and is recognised as a substantive corporate function. Adoption Reference: OCM April 2017 Resolution DIS017.
The City is committed to reducing any negative impacts on the environment from its operations. To guide the reduction of energy consumption and carbon production the City has developed a Carbon Reduction Strategy.
As a direct result of this strategy the City has installed two solar power systems on the Administration Building at North Road and the Albany Day care Centre. These two systems are forecast to generate savings to the ratepayer of $30,000 per annum.
Future projects shall focus on building heating, ventilation and air conditioning efficiencies, more alternative energy supplies and building lighting innovations.
The City is also committed to reducing water consumption, improving the management of the vehicle fleet and implementing a range of sustainable waste management programs for the community.
To read the City’s Carbon Reduction Strategy click here
The Urban Tree Strategy was adopted by Council on 23 May 2017 to guide the City in expanding, protecting and managing trees in urban areas.
- Urban Tree Strategy (8MB)To guide the City in expanding, protecting and managing urban trees.
This team is responsible for the delivery of the City’s capital works programme. This is through option analysis, project costing and design as well as project management of the construction stage of all City projects.
Some recently completed and ongoing projects include: Centennial Park, Bayonet Head Rd bus bays, Greatrex Rd extension, Drome Road Drainage upgrades, Barnesby Drive & Stirling Tce footpath upgrades and the refurbishment of the heritage listed Westrail Building.
The City is responsible for the planning, scheduling and implementation of planned and reactive maintenance on a wide range of assets:
- 1700 km of roads (55% unsealed)
- 353 km of open and piped drains (13,000 pits)
- 150 km of pathways
- 12 major bridges
- 200 buildings/structures
- 44 public toilets
The City employs civil maintenance teams and a trades workshop team to undertake most of the maintenance requirements of the City in-house.
The City of Albany manages waste activities throughout the municipality in conjunction with Transpacific Cleanaway and Vancouver Waste Services. Each year over 50,000 tonnes of waste is collected from residents and businesses in the City. This is managed through the two landfills and 5 rural transfer stations.
There are a range of options for recycling and reusing of waste including the successful Fossikers Tip Recycling Shop. The Recycling shop is located at the Hanrahan Landfill Site along with the Albany waste and recycling education (AWARE) Centre.
For more information on the City’s waste services, click here.
The City of Albany is responsible for the management of over 600 Crown reserves, occupying more than 138,000 hectares. The management of these reserves is divided into natural (bushland / coastal areas) and developed (parks, playgrounds, gardens) reserves.
The City’s Natural Reserves Team is responsible for a range of activities include managing declared environmental weeds, protecting threatened species, fire management programs, strategic planning and conservation works. For further information on Natural Reserves, click here.
The City’s Developed Reserves Team is responsible for the planning, installation and maintenance of playgrounds, park amenities (bbq’s, lights), sporting ovals and tree management. This extends to 42 playgrounds, 110 gardens, 35ha of sporting fields and 40ha of irrigation. For further information on Developed Reserves, click here.


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- A leader in hydrogen fueling infrastructure development
- Industry leader in safety
- World-class customer service
Hydrogen for Mobility: Generating a Cleaner Future
Air Products’ higher purpose includes addressing the world’s need for clean energy and materials while reducing environmental impacts. Hydrogen is key to rising to these challenges, and our H2fM Hydrogen for Mobility solutions cover the entire value chain for hydrogen fueling.
Generating a cleaner future involves experience, investment and innovation on a world scale. We have the technology, the track record, the capital and the ambition to be a first-mover in bringing the hydrogen economy to scale.
Interested in hydrogen for your application?
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APEX Temporary Emergency Gas Services
Short-term or emergency industrial gas supply for start-ups, peak demand periods, planned or unplanned maintenance activities, and plant or pipeline turnarounds.
Delivered by truck and stored on your site either as a liquid in cryogenic tanks or as a gas in high-pressure tubes based on your volume, desired pressure, purity level, flow rate, and operating pattern.
Cylinders & Hard Goods
The traditional solution for low-volume gas supply. Cylinders can be supplied in a full range of sizes, pressures and gas purities for a range of gases and gas mixtures. Search our extensive network of distributors in the U.S. and parts of Canada for your cylinder and hard goods supply needs.
On-site Hydrogen Gas Generation
On-site gas generation helps sustainability-minded customers lower their carbon footprint, boost energy efficiency, increase throughput, enhance end product quality, and improve environmental performance.
Located in major industrial locations around the world, pipelines offer customers with large product demands a range of benefits, including reliable, safe and flexible supply in a cost-effective way.


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On May 24, 2006, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) approved an FBI application for an order, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. § 1861, requiring Verizon to turn over all telephony metadata to the National Security Agency. The Court subsequently approved similar applications for all major U.S. telecommunication service providers. Over the next seven years, FISC issued orders renewing the bulk collection program thirty-four times. Almost all of the information obtained related to the activities of law-abiding persons who were not the subjects of any investigation.
This program remained secret until mid-2013, when a combination of leaks by Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) employee, and Freedom of Information Act litigation launched by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, forced key documents into the public domain. In response, the Obama Administration issued statements, fact sheets, redacted FISC opinions, and even a White Paper, acknowledging the existence of the program and arguing that it is both legal and constitutional.
37 Harv. J.L. & Pub. Pol'y 757-900 (2014)
Scholarly Commons Citation
Donohue, Laura K., "Bulk Metadata Collection: Statutory and Constitutional Considerations" (2014). Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works. Paper 1350.

domain: law


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Chef salad in Henderson
Henderson restaurants that serve chef salad
More about Anthony’s Pizza and Deli - 1550 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy F
Anthony’s Pizza and Deli - 1550 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy F
1550 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy F, Henderson
A mixture of freshly cut romaine and iceberg lettuce topped with onions, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, provolone cheese, turkey, ham and hard boiled egg. Served with your choice of dressing. Served with Italian bread.


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The lawsuit is a symbolic one to impress upon cycling fans the importance of rider safety. 3 days ago 0. News. Colbrelli and Mohorič both sign 'multi-year deals' to stay with Bahrain Victorious.
See more videos for Cycling Tips
The Best Arm Warmers for Cycling No. 4 Don’t move your upper body too much. Let your back serve as a fulcrum, with your bike swaying from side to side beneath it.
When cycling you neither want to be spinning your legs like crazy nor straining to push the pedals. Ideally, you want a pedalling speed or ‘cadence’ at about 70-90 revolutions per minute. This will work your cardiovascular, aerobic system - which is more efficient more than your muscular, anaerobic system – and will improve your endurance and all-round health.
But, many people riding a bike without having the main cycling tips that they should take […] Best 9 Cycling Tips for Beginners(New Secrets) - Cycling for Leg this is an amazing list of cycling tips for beginners such as, wear a crash helmet, stop at red lights, having GPS cycling, cycling frequently
1. Some decent padded cycling shorts — better still padded bib shorts — stop your backside hurting so much. Massively padded saddles won’t help you on longer rides: trust us on this.
I often get questions about cycling tips from beginners looking for fast improvements. I introduce them to the basic training principles and basic rules for optimal training I know. Training consistently for a long period is a cornerstone in every cyclist’s success and using some principles for recovery accelerates the progress.
Head injuries are the cause of 60 percent of all cycling deaths in the U. S. every year. Many of these deaths could be avoided if everyone wore a helmet while cycling. Always wear a helmet when riding and make sure your kids do as well. Many states have bike helmet laws, but you should always wear one even if you don't have too. 2.
Top tips for a beginner cyclist. 1) Buy your bike from a local shop. Start off at your local bike shop. ... Join a cycling club - though you'll only be riding together on Zwift, for now!
3. Get more cycling into your week. Finding more time to ride your bike is a challenge for every bike rider, and two things help: being creative and being organised.

domain: hobby


Chinese brand Horwin launches fastest maxi-scooter in the world: 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds🇨🇳 10/7/23, 8:04 PM by Motorcycle Journalist
A new high performance and state of the art maxi-scooter by brand Horwin from 🇨🇳 China, with support from professional racers from 🇩🇪 Germany and 🇦🇹 Austria.
The fastest electric scooter in the world with a top speed of 124.3 mph, 840 Nm torque and an acceleration performance of 0 to 62.1 mph in 2.8 seconds.
Horwin Sentimenti 0
- 124.3 mph top speed.
- 840 Nm torque.
- 0 to 62.1 mph in 2.8 seconds.
- 186.4 miles driving range.


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Identification of the World’s Biggest Spider
Goliath Birdeater: Characteristics
The Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) takes the crown for the most massive spider in terms of weight and body size.
A fully mature Goliath Birdeater can weigh over 170 grams and boasts a hefty leg span that can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 inches).
This South American behemoth is also noted for its surprisingly long lifespan for a spider, as they can live between 15 to 25 years.
Fascinatingly, despite its formidable name and impressive size, its venom is relatively harmless to humans, and it has even become a sought-after, if daunting, pet for arachnid enthusiasts.
Giant Huntsman Spider: A Close Contender
On the other hand, the Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima), discovered in Laos in 2001, gives a close competition with its remarkable leg span, which can extend up to 30 centimeters, matching that of the Goliath Birdeater.
The Huntsman doesn’t carry the same body mass but wins in the category of the largest leg span.
These spiders are known for their speed and mode of hunting, which is typically an ambush.
While these spiders also possess venom, it is not considered harmful to humans.
Unlike the Birdeater, the Huntsman has a shorter lifespan, estimated to be about 2 years.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The world’s largest spiders can be found in a variety of environments, from the dense rainforests of South America to the warm, moist regions of Africa and Asia.
Each of these spiders has adapted to its unique habitat, showcasing the incredible diversity of arachnid life.
Rainforests: The Goliath’s Home
The Goliath Birdeater, recognized as one of the largest spiders by mass, resides primarily in the rainforests of South America.
These enormous spiders are often found in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana.
Their natural habitat consists of the shadowy forest floor, where they hide among the fallen leaves and debris.
The warm climate of the rainforests provides the perfect environment for these creatures, with plenty of humidity and a rich assortment of prey.
The Brazilian salmon pink birdeater, another sizable spider, also calls the lush, verdant rainforests home, nestled amongst the banana leaves.
Global Spread: Where Giants Dwell
Apart from South America, significant spider species like the Colombian giant tarantula can be found distributed across other continents, such as Africa and Asia.
For instance, Sri Lanka is known to host some very large spider species.
In these regions, spiders have adapted to environments ranging from moist rainforests to the edges of deserts.
Institutions like the Natural History Museum play a crucial role in studying and providing information on the global distribution of these fascinating arachnids, helping the general public understand their natural history and the importance of their conservation.
Whether it’s in the densest jungles of Laos or the remote corners of African wilderness, these spiders have marked their territory and contribute significantly to their respective ecosystems.
Behavior and Lifestyle
The largest spiders on the planet, like the Goliath birdeater tarantula, exhibit fascinating behaviors and lifestyles that are as impressive as their size.
These gentle giants, despite their daunting appearance, have a routine that revolves around their hunting practices and their unique life cycle.
Hunting Habits and Diet
Their hunting technique doesn’t rely on webs; instead, they are nocturnal hunters that use stealth and power to catch their prey.
Some tarantulas, like the tawny red tarantula, practice stridulation—a sound-producing behavior—to deter potential predators.
They also possess urticating hairs that they can release if threatened, which are irritating to predators/potential threats.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Tarantulas have a unique and lengthy mating ritual that involves delicate dances, with males using their pedipalps to transfer sperm to females.
After mating, female tarantulas lay scores of eggs that they obsessively guard until they hatch into spiderlings.
The life cycle of tarantulas can be quite extensive, with these spiders taking several years to reach maturity.
Post-mating, females tend to live much longer than males, often by several years, with some tarantulas living up to two decades.
The young spiderlings are vulnerable and undergo several molts before reaching their colossal adult size, at which point they continue the cycle, preying on rodents, birds, and other sizable arthropods.

domain: biology


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Myrioni Villa features ample living space that combines luxurious comforts with a clear sense of home. The care that was put in the designing of the property was meant to create a welcoming ambience with a warm modern décor, as well as a high-standard center stage for quality leisure time. There is practically nothing more you can ask for a holiday retreat, whether it is enjoying the sun by the pool, relaxing on the patio with a book and some wine, planning gatherings with your company under the starry sky, or cozying up by the fireplace.
Media facilities of the property include entertainment centers with flat-screen tvs and satellite channels in all rooms, DVD player, free wifi and a Netflix subscription. General household amenities include ironing facilities, laundry room, a high chair and a bed for a baby, an instruction book, a safety deposit box, extra linen, extra towels and pool towels. The kitchen is of course equipped with every appliance or amenity you may need and complimented by the BBQ facility outside, for you to indulge in culinary adventures and tastes with local meat, fish and produce.
Lastly, the property has a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom on the 1st floor, two more bedrooms on the 1st floor, and two on the ground floor. All bedrooms are fully air-conditioned, they have king-sized / singles beds and access to a private balcony. There are 4 bathrooms in total, two on each floor and one by the pool, that feature one shower and one bathtub for each floor and a wc. Also there is a comfortable double sofa bed in one bedroom.
When you eventually decide to leave the privacy of the well-tended garden, the 11x6 pool and the outdoor lounges with a stunning view to the Aegean, you will find yourselves in awe of what Rhodes has to offer.
The Rhodes city centre, its’ commercial life and nightlife are 10 minutes away by car. Part of it is of course the island’s Medieval Town, a UNESCO monument of global cultural heritage of unparalleled beauty and historical significance. Explore the city’s and the Medieval town’s parks, squares and hidden corners and look for a refreshing drink or a local delicacy, but do not forget to venture to the south as well. Explore the west side beaches for all sorts of water sports, and choose the east side for the spur of the moment excursions. Rhodes has a beach for every preference! Sand or pebbles, small bays and vast beaches, serine isolation or all-day and night partying.
License number: 1476E60000110901
|from||to||daily price||minimum stay|
|01 Jan 2024||31 Mar 2024||€540||7 nights|
|01 Apr 2024||30 Apr 2024||€505||7 nights|
|01 May 2024||31 May 2024||€715||7 nights|
|01 Jun 2024||30 Jun 2024||€900||7 nights|
|01 Jul 2024||31 Jul 2024||€1620||7 nights|
|01 Aug 2024||31 Aug 2024||€1680||7 nights|
|01 Sep 2024||30 Sep 2024||€1190||7 nights|
|01 Oct 2024||31 Oct 2024||€720||7 nights|
|01 Nov 2024||30 Nov 2024||€540||7 nights|
|01 Dec 2024||31 Dec 2024||€540||7 nights|

domain: travel


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Company invites brokers to study their process, product lines to diversify
Even when all seems lost, one only needs to know where to look for hopeful signs. The mortgage industry may be somewhat stalled amid higher rates and inflation, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other areas in which loan originators can capitalize.
“Definitely in our space, what we’ve been seeing is a move back for fix-and-flip,” Erica LaCentra (pictured), chief marketing officer at RCN Capital, told Mortgage Professional America during a recent interview. “We’ve had a very long run of long-term rental financing when rates were low. With rates climbing up, we’re seeing people steer more toward fix-and-flip for those opportunities coming up. And there’s a huge opportunity with new construction at this point too,” she added. “A lack of inventory is obviously driving a lot of that too.”
What a difference a year makes
At last year’s FUSE conference, LaCentra hinted at choppy waters ahead but noted an uptick in 30-year fixed products: “Especially with what’s going on in the residential side, we’ve seen a really large increase in interest from brokers just to be able to diversify their product offerings, which has been really good,” she said as a panelist during last year’s conference. “Also, just with the rate increased, our space is a little bit insulated from that. We have had to increase our rates in conjunction to what’s going on in the residential side, but we’re actually at a point where our rates are very stable now, which is really great. I would say around July and August, people were holding off on making transactions. Volume was definitely shifting more toward short term loans at that point in time, but now with prices starting to stabilize we’re seeing a massive influx in investor interest on our 30-year product.”
Those choppy waters have settled into something of a swamp – at least until mortgage rates fall again. Economists venturing a guess into when that might happen have predicted around mid-2024.
While there are added contours to the landscape given all that’s transpired in a year’s time, LaCentra’s assertion of RCN Capital being somewhat insulated remains true. As a leading nationwide lender for real estate investors, RCN Capital’s specialty in short-term fix & flip loans along with long-term rental loans has proven a protective niche – one to which more brokers are turning in light of the market downturn in the residential space.
Brokers urged to learn about investor financing
“We’re trying to teach brokers about our specific type of lending because in order for them to really be able to hang tight in this particular market, they need to diversify, and the investor financing space is still doing very well. There’s a very strong appetitive for that still.”
She urged brokers wanting to learn about such products to reach out: “The best things to do is just have that dialogue with lenders in the private investing space,” she said. “Obviously, I’m going to be partial to RCN Capital but a lot of lenders in our space offer different educational opportunities or are happy to walk wholesale partners, broker partners, through what those programs look like, what our process looks like – especially for those folks unfamiliar with our type of financing.”
But it’s best to do this sooner than later, she suggested: “The best thing they can do is start that dialogue early,” she said. “Get registered, see what educational opportunities they have to be able to be able to attract investor clients.”
She credited AIME with helping spread the word on RCN Capital’s products by virtue of its membership. “AIME has been a tremendous partner to us, and I think the best thing they’ve been able to do is really help us understand where we fit in a broker’s book of business. Especially when we came into FUSE when we were one of the few investment lenders in the space, having that kind of relationship with the organization where they’re able to help us communicate with the broker community in a way that’s meaningful to them has been extremely helpful. AIME is tremendous to their partners in making sure they’re promoting what is most beneficial to the brokers.”
Want to make your inbox flourish with mortgage-focused news content? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.


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The day after the first inauguration of President Obama, I flew halfway around the world to India armed with little more than my old Nikon D40 camera and a kit lens. I travelled onto lakes with active fishermen,
and onto mile-high tea plantations,
I explored tropical lakes, cloud forests, narrow channels and even a dam. I have uploaded what I feel are my top 16 photos on the page below. I encourage you to exercise your sense of adventure, click this link or view what follows on this page. In a couple of days I will unveil my full gallery of images.

domain: artistic


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- All Inclusive
- FREE Unlimited Connectivity app
- Superb location on a golden beach of swaying palms
- Learn something new from the classes available
- Entertainment and parties for all the family
Secluded in a lush tropical paradise that faces a pristine beach with turquoise waters stretching to the horizon, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa offers a picturesque view from every guest accommodation.
Enjoy unlimited luxury with a wide choice of Ã la carte themed restaurants and chic bars. This opulent resort offers a free form swimming pool that winds its way from the lobby down to the beach and is complete with a swim-up bar and venues throughout. The resort’s live nightly shows complement the vast array of daily activities from kayaking, snorkelling, beach volleyball, bike riding, horseback riding to unwinding at the lavish spa. The Explorer's Club for kids, a fully supervised children's program for ages 3-12, features outdoor cinema, snack bar, mini theatre, playground, TV, video games, sand castle competitions, a rock climbing wall and a pirate ship waterslide. Adults can enjoy the on-site casino or nightclub, while kids can enjoy weekly campouts on the beach with the Explorer’s Club. When it comes to activities and entertainment, Dreams Punta Cana Resort has it all.
For the romantics, the stunning wedding gazebo is the perfect place to say 'I do". Lose yourself at Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa.
Gary David Cracknell reviewing Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa (01-Apr-2018)
£959 per person
Your holidays include:
- Representation Services

domain: entertainment


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A tea room created in 1872, Maison Miremont is one of the oldest mythical places in Biarritz.Read more
Côte Basque & sud Landes _
Many spots along the coast will offer you food with an incredible and unforgettable view.
Here is a sample of our selection of restaurants for a lunch or dinner an ocean view and its mood of the day. Without forgetting the cuisine and the quality of products always irreproachable in our choices.
So amazing food while looking the sea, what else?


Md. Congressman Harris Releases Statement on Fiscal Cliff Legislation
ANNAPOLIS, Md.- U.S. Congressman Andy Harris, R-Md., who voted against the legislation addressing the fiscal cliff, released the following statement on Wednesday:
"Unfortunately, the legislation endorsed by the President increases taxes by $40 for every $1 in spending cuts, raises taxes on 77 percent of Americans, and continues corporate cronyism by providing billions in tax breaks to special interests. I opposed this legislation that increases taxes on 77 percent of people in my district. This bill is business as usual in Washington and does nothing to deal with the real fiscal cliff - our 16.4 trillion dollar deficit. In fact, it adds almost 4 trillion dollars to the debt. "
According to Harris, the legislation allowed the payroll tax holiday to expire and thus 77 percent of Americans will pay an average of almost $1,000 more in taxes in 2013 than in 2012.
Harris also said the corporate tax loopholes extended in this bill include a who's who of special interests:
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:38:16 GMT
CAMDEN, Del.- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a Camden-Wyoming man accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. Jason S. Anker, 32, was taken into custody Monday and charged with first-degreeMore
Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a Camden-Wyoming man accused of raping a 15-year-old girl.More
Fourteen-year-old Christina Atkins died two years ago. Her family said she was in a locked bathroom at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes giving a urine sample, when she had some sort of a medical emergency. What exactly that emergency was remains a mystery. Regardless, she was behind a locked door. WBOC's Mike Chesney reports.More


Deepika Padukone redefines natural beauty on the cover of Canadian magazine. See pic
Deepika Padukone has graced the cover of a Canadian magazine called SHE Canada. She looks lovely as always.bollywood Updated: Jul 04, 2018 13:47 IST
After Padmaavat, things are rather quite on Deepika Padukone’s work front even as rumour mills work overtime about her November wedding with actor Ranveer Singh. Now, the actor has featured on the cover of a Canadian magazine called SHE Canada. Try looking away as the undisputed queen of Bollywood, Deepika stares at you from the cover.
Sharing the picture, the magazine’s Instagram page wrote: “Let us help you take a break from the heat wave by presenting you with our very cool toned issue 4 2018 cover featuring the beautiful @deepikapadukone!”
Let us help you take a break from the heat wave by presenting you with our very cool toned issue 4 2018 cover featuring the beautiful @deepikapadukone! Photographer - @prasadnaaik Hair - @georgiougabriel Makeup - @anilc68 Styling - @shaleenanathani . . . #bollywood #magazinecover #deepikapadukone #actor #actress #issue4 #exclusive #summer #wedding #bakedbybinny #hollywood @deepikapadukone @ranveersingh #beauty #fashion #loreal #brandambassador #lorealcanada @lorealindia @lorealmakeup @lorealpro
She is seen wearing a woollen off-shoulder top with her hair tied in what looks like a loose bun. She is holding her super slim necklace in her hand while her nude makeup accentuates her features. Her light brown lipstick adds to her overall allure. Don’t miss her coffee-coloured nail polish either.
Deepika hasn’t been in news much (barring her flashy Cannes appearance this summer) since the release of Padmaavat. However, news of their impending wedding with Ranveer has been afoot for a while now. The roka (pre engagement ceremony) was reportedly held long back but the wedding date was finalised only some time back.
November 10 suited the calendars of both the actors. Initially, Udaipur was thought of as a possible wedding venue but it didn’t work out. Then, there was talk of a destination wedding in Italy, much like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. There is even some talk of the wedding happening in Deepika’s home town, Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the Bollywood duo has amped its PDA quotient. While Ranveer has usually been on an overdrive commenting on posts by Deepika, she too has begun commenting on his posts, making rather personal comments. On one of his photos, she had written, ‘Mine’. Naturally, it went viral.
Follow @htshowbiz for more
First Published: Jul 04, 2018 13:42 IST


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Editor's Note: Former Milwaukee Mile Chairman Craig Stoehr is an avid traveler who regularly visits exotic lands and shares his adventures with OnMilwaukee.com readers. Stoehr rejoined top global law firm Latham & Watkins in June 2008. Now working in Doha, Qatar and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, he continues to inform OnMilwaukee.com readers about worthwhile international travel destinations. During this installment, he visits Venice, Florence and Tuscany.
Having last been to Italy in 2003, I decided it was time for a return trip to Venice, Florence and Tuscany to indulge my love for all things Italian. Venice is known as one of the world's most romantic cities, and late September is a great time for a visit, as the hordes of tourists have begun to diminish and the weather is quite pleasant.
Venice's Marco Polo Airport is small and easily navigable (you can take Delta from Milwaukee to Atlanta and connect to a non-stop flight to Venice). The best way to get into this historic archipelago of 118 islands and more than 150 canals set over a lagoon is by taking the seven-minute walk from the baggage claim area to the water taxi stand, where you can arrange for a private water taxi.
Though somewhat expensive, this is really the most splendid way to arrive in Venice -- you literally feel like you've stepped into a movie, and the fashionably dressed water taxi drivers jabbering on their cell phones the entire ride let you know that you are most certainly in Italy.
In Venice, we stayed at the Hotel Metropole (www.summithotels.com), which is right on the Grand Canal and conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from the famous Piazza San Marco. The essence of Venice can be captured in a day or two, and should be marked by visits to the Piazza San Marco (where the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Clocktower are worth seeing), the Rialto Bridge, the Accademia Bridge and the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
If you are spending several days in Venice, a visit to the glass factories on the island of Murano, the beaches at Lido or the Peggy Guggenheim Museum may also be of interest.
Other popular activities in Venice include a gondola ride (of course), visiting Harry's Bar (www.cipriani.com) for a Bellini (a drink made with Prosecco sparkling wine and peach puree that was invented by Harry's Bar founder Giuseppe Cipriani and named after 15th century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini), and sipping a coffee at the timeless Caffé Florian or Gran Caffé Quadri on the Piazza San Marco.
In addition, a great (and inexpensive) way to see Venice and experience its liveliness is to travel around on a vaporetto (a public water bus) -- it's interesting, if only to see the incredible amount of boat traffic and to be amazed at how accidents are averted.
After Venice, we headed for Tuscany, with a brief stop in Bologna, the birthplace of spaghetti bolognese, tortellini and mortadella sausage -- not to be confused (nor compared) with Oscar Mayer baloney.
Although Bologna seemed to be a nice city, the stop was not necessarily worthwhile, and was marred by our only unpleasant experience of the trip -- a waiter at what seemed like a fantastic little enoteca (wine bar/small restaurant), with tables made out of wine casks with discarded wine bottle corks underneath the glass tops -- who completely ignored us and would not take our order. I guess he took us for the tourists we were.
Early that evening, we arrived in Tuscany at our hotel in Sinalunga, a small town near Siena. The hotel, Locanda dell'Amorosa, dates to the 14th century; the ancient stables have been converted into hotel rooms along with a restaurant and wine bar, and there is even a chapel on the grounds. And the entry is spectacular -- a long, uphill dirt road lined by towering cypress trees on both sides reminiscent of General Maximus' home in the film "Gladiator" (which was partly filmed in Tuscany). Moreover, the level of service matches the unsurpassed and picturesque setting.
On our first night, we dined in the hotel's restaurant and had a wonderful meal that included a main course of thinly sliced veal doused in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
On our first full day in Tuscany, we rose early to see a spectacular sunrise over the Tuscan hillside from our window. That was an absolutely invigorating start to the day. We then drove straight for Montepulciano, a wonderful medieval hilltop town where first we visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was constructed between 1594 and 1680.
We then walked down the steep and winding cobblestone streets to the bottom entrance to the old city, stopping along the way to watch an automobile rally comprised of more than one hundred old cars that were making their way to the top.
Before departing, we entered Citta Sotterranea, a wine and cheese shop, where we received a tour of the wine cellars located beneath the ground floor, where they still make the well-known Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.
After a brief stop in Pienza, a quaint medieval town with a view of Monte Amiata, Tuscany's highest mountain, we continued on to Montalcino, another medieval hilltop town known for the Brunello di Montalcino wine produced in the surrounding countryside. After walking around the town, where a cycling race was taking place, we stopped for lunch at Vineria Le Pottazine, a small contemporary enoteca located off the main piazza.
After Montalcino, we made a quick stop in Siena, famous for its annual horse race, the Palio, where each July 2 and Aug. 16 jockeys race their horses around the Piazza del Campo, Siena's large central square lined with cafés, gelaterias, shops and apartments on one side, and the Palazzo Pubblico (the town hall dating to 1297) and associated Torre del Mangia (the bell tower dating to 1325) on the other.
That evening, we dined in the neighboring town of Guazzino at Il Fornacino, a restaurant recommended by the friendly front-desk clerk at Locanda dell'Amorosa. It was a great and inexpensive local dining experience, with the owners -- Luigi and Daniela -- treating us like old friends, and serving us a wonderful Tuscan specialty, grilled beef Chianino (from the Chianina breed of cattle), along with a few too many glasses of Italian sweet wine after dinner.
On our last day in Tuscany, we began with a brief visit to Cortona, the village made famous in America by Frances Mayes in her memoir (subsequently made into a film), "Under the Tuscan Sun," where we walked down via Nazionale to Piazza Garibaldi, which afforded us a wonderful vista of the Tuscan countryside, including Lake Trasimeno, where Hannibal ambushed the Roman army centuries ago.
No trip to Tuscany -- well, perhaps for some -- would be complete without a stop at the fashion outlets, where you can purchase Italian designer clothing and accessories at deeply discounted prices. The Mall, in Leccio, houses numerous brand outlets and also has a surprisingly good restaurant.
Spacci in nearby Montevarchi houses Prada and its affiliated brands. Although the selection at both locations was great, after converting prices from euros into dollars, it was evident that the exchange rate had an extremely negative effect on our purchasing power, and we did more window-shopping than buying.
Arriving that evening in Florence, we checked into our hotel in the historic city center, the Hotel Brunelleschi (www.summithotels.com), which is partly contained in a 6th century Byzantine tower. For dinner, the front desk clerk recommended Buca Mario, a restaurant first opened in 1886, and it did not disappoint. We had insalata caprese, an antipasto platter, spaghetti bolognese and Osso Buco (which fell off the bone and literally melted in my mouth like butter). The house Chianti, however, was a bit lackluster, but the service was excellent.
Afterward, we stopped for drinks first at Slowly Bar and then at Colle Bereto, which drew a crowd of what appeared to be fashion industry executives.
A trip to Florence should most definitely include taking in the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David (at the Accademia), the Piazza della Signoria, the Piazza della Republicca and the Ponte Vecchio. Also worthwhile is shopping in the numerous boutiques found in Florence's historic city center (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the open market on Via di Porta Rossa, where we purchased a leather jacket, a leather credit card holder, and two nice leather belts. Note that you are expected to bargain here, and coming at the end of the day (and in the off-season) can help you get the best prices.
After checking in to the Hotel Cavour, as the Brunelleschi was fully booked on our second night, we had the final dinner of our trip at Il Latini, a restaurant I first visited with my parents and some other close family friends from Milwaukee on a visit to Florence in September 2003.
That first meal five years ago was one of the most memorable of my life, and I have been dying to return ever since: never-ending courses and endless amounts of food -- antipasto platters, Tuscan bread soup so thick they put three different types in a bowl and none run together, pastas, a wide variety of grilled meats, dessert, and jugs and jugs of Chianti -- all for only €45 per person (only a €5 increase since 2003)!
At Il Latini, it's all family style, and if you can't fill the table yourself, you will share it with others. Our dining partners on this evening included a nice couple from Chicago on their first visit to Italy, and Giuseppe -- a local regular who really made the evening, as he was quite a character!
He first was dismissive of our selection of the house Chianti sitting on the table, and thus gave us some of his apparently better red wine. He was then keen to share his bistecca alla fiorentina (a T-bone steak grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned simply with salt, pepper and olive oil, and served relatively rare), but only if we ate it directly off his fork, which we did.
He also shared what he claimed to be his own personal dessert concoction -- vanilla ice cream with Grand Marnier (which I must say was delicious). Giuseppe certainly contributed to a memorable evening, and was a great example of what makes Italy so special.
After Il Latini, we capped off the evening with a walk to the Piazza della Repubblica, where we saw a scene from an Italian movie being filmed while we enjoyed a drink on the sidewalk café of the Hotel Bristol & Hevetia -- probably too expensive for a stay, but not for a drink to put a fitting end to a wonderful (albeit much too short) trip.

domain: geography