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Mozilla and Yahoo announced a five year agreement for Yahoo to become the default search engine for Firefox. The deal pays Mozilla $100 million and ends their current arrangement with Google. (You can read more about the deal here.)
Mozilla and Yahoo struggle with their low market shares in their respective industries. But will this deal benefit both parties or is it too little too late?
Andy: I understand why the agreement took place. It makes sense for both these companies. Mozilla, an open source company, picks up a significant source of revenue for the next few years.
For Yahoo, this is a way for the former search engine behemoth to try and gain a footing back in the market and perhaps become relevant again. But this seems futile for both companies.
World wide, Google Chrome is now the elephant in the room when it comes to browsers. It has a bigger market share than Internet Explorer, the once insurmountable web browser now playing second fiddle.
According to Stat Counter, Chrome now has a commanding 51.3% market share while IE is at 21.3% and Mozilla is at 18.8%. Yahoo is attempting to capitalize on that 18.8% of the population using Mozilla, but it is just too little too late.
Yahoo is down to a 10% share in the market and continues to drop. Google’s market share for both search engine use and web browser use continue to grow and this relationship seems like it will do Mozilla more damage than it will do Yahoo good.
Mike: Andy, there’s nothing you said I disagree with. I also appreciate you listing out the stats. Saved me from doing it.
Yahoo has a lot more to do to re-establish themselves in the search market than a five year contract with Mozilla. Yahoo’s search experience is horrible. Instead of buying up other companies like Tumblr, they should re-invest the money in their own search again. And unless I’ve missed an article in the past couple of years, Yahoo uses Bing’s search to populate it’s results.
The article linked above, the one from engadget, mentions a new user experience through Firefox. That’s a step in the right direction, assuming they don’t mess it up. But unless they rededicate themselves to search, all they’re doing is putting lipstick on a pig and no one wants to kiss that oinker.
As far as Mozilla Firefox is concerned, they have the most to lose from this move in the US market. Moving their default search to Yandex in Russia and Baidu in China makes sense. They’re the search giants in those countries. There’s a reason people use Google. Whether you hate them or not, their search is a good product that knows can get the results to their users.
This is a move by both companies to provide a unique experience to get more users. Unfortunately for Mozilla, this hinges more on what Yahoo delivers. Who knows what they’re planning to do. Yahoo may surprise us and give us great results and a intuitive user experience.
We won’t know until they release the final product. We won’t have to wait long to find out. Yahoo will be the default search starting in December, so we’ll see what product they put on our screens.
Agree with the partnership? Do you think we’re off base? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.


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Poison Lilies by Katie Tallo
Poison Lilies by Katie Tallo was an absolute delight to read. The story follows the reluctant sleuth, Gus Monet as she is thrust into another mystery — this time involving an elderly neighbor and a whole host of secrets. With its multi-dimensional protagonist, strong writing, and a smooth-flowing plot, this is a mystery series to watch for!
Poison Lilies is the second book in the Gus Monet series. Since I have yet to read the first book, Dark August, I was a little worried about starting on book #2, but it easily works as a standalone. Yes, I was missing some of the character history (and will definitely be going back to read the first book as well) but I had no problem jumping into this novel as was.
I also thought this book was beautifully written. There was a very eerie feeling woven throughout and I loved the imagery the author was able to evoke. The timeline is divided up into three separate chunks — each one aligning with a trimester in Gus’s pregnancy — and I thought that worked very well. The book opens with the very intriguing premise of a nine-month pregnant Gus trapped in a subbasement of her apartment. As the story progresses, we constantly see the push and pull of past and present, and I enjoyed that tension.
Gus’s character was so well built. She’s strong and brave, but also, clearly grieving her mother’s death and in denial about her pregnancy. She doesn’t always make the best decisions but you can easily follow her motivation. This flawed but lovable, multi-dimensional main character is the sort I adore in mysteries. I also loved her supporting cast: Mojo, Howard, and Poppy. They were colorful and fun and made for great characters.
The plot itself is full of intricate layers and twists. However, this meant that occasionally found it difficult to keep track of everything. In particular, the ending was quite complicated. I did have to pay careful attention to the numerous characters and their relationships. Still, it all came together nicely and was wrapped up well.
An excellent read for mystery fans, I very much look forward to (hopefully) continuing on with Gus’s story.
Mystery fans who enjoy eerie thrillers and a wonderfully complicated main character.
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Book provided courtesy of the publisher, Harper Collins Canada. All opinions expressed are my own.
About Poison Lilies:
(From the publisher) In Katie Tallo’s thrilling follow-up to the international bestseller Dark August, Gus Monet is swept into the orbit of a prominent, wealthy family whose privilege is founded on a dangerous web of secrets they’re desperate to keep hidden
After moving back to her hometown and solving her mother’s murder, August (Gus) Monet thought she was done. Settled. Content for the first time in her life.
Cue hard reset number whatever.
She made a mistake she couldn’t undo, so Gus cut and run. Packed all her things in the dead of night and took off. Now somewhat settled into The Ambassador, an art-deco apartment building with cheap rent in one of Ottawa’s oldest neighborhoods, Gus has found the perfect place for a fresh start—or a good place to hide.
Gus also finds friendship in Poppy Honeywell, her reclusive neighbor perpetually wrapped in a pink kimono like an aging Old Hollywood starlet. She’s also a descendant of the Mutchmores, one of the town’s founding families. When a body is found in the pond of a nearby park, her connection to this powerful and wealthy family turns dangerous, possibly deadly. The Mutchmores are hiding something and are willing to do anything to keep their secrets buried.

domain: entertainment


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Paint Colors For Homes Exterior
Paint Colors For Homes Exterior
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domain: design


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On the 50th anniversary of the decision to withdraw troops from Vietnam, Jon Piccini, from Australian Catholic University writes about veterans who opposed National Service and the Vietnam War. This piece was originally published in The Conversation.
On July 26 1971, a top secret cabinet meeting ended what was then Australia’s longest conflict. The public would hear about it for the first time in August, when Prime Minister William McMahon announced the withdrawal of Australian forces from Vietnam.
Eighteen months — and a change of government later — Australia’s Vietnam War was over. Alongside untold Vietnamese, some 521 Australians had died in conflict, including 202 national servicemen.
The end of Australia’s war also saw the wrapping up of a novel and now largely forgotten organisation. The Ex-Services Human Rights Association of Australia was founded in October 1966 by former servicemen and women who “oppose militarism” and “believe that National Service […] should not involve conscription for foreign wars”.
The final issue of the group’s newsletter, Conscience, in February 1972 paid special tribute to Martin Leslie (Les) Waddington, a World War II veteran and leather goods manufacturer, and the group’s “spiritual leader, and greatest workhorse”.
Fifty years since Australia officially began withdrawing from Vietnam, my forthcoming article reflects on how Waddington exemplified an undercurrent of anti-war citizen soldiery in Australia.
Australia’s anti-militarist tradition
The Ex-Services Human Rights Association of Australia emerged out of a long Australian tradition of opposition to compulsory national service, perhaps best exemplified in the famous struggle against conscription during the first world war.
Pre-war national service schemes had proven unpopular: 27,000 court cases were filed against non-compliers between 1912 and 1914.
During the war, two plebecistes defeated Prime Minister Billy Hughes’ attempts to conscript Australians for overseas service.
This subversive legacy continued. Ex-serviceman and communist Len Fox used a 1936 pamphlet, The Truth About Anzac, to suggest:
[the] heroism of the Conscientious Objector, the Militant Anti-War Fighter, and the Anti-Conscriptionist, [be] give[n] its place besides the heroism of the Anzacs.
While the Menzies government’s National Service scheme of 1964 was initially widely supported as citizen building, the return of “Nashos” in body bags saw the tide of public opinion slowly turn.
From Sydney to a national movement
The Returned and Services League was established in 1916, and by the 1960s the “political pressure group” used its authority to support anti-communism, national service and the Vietnam war.
Waddington was still an active member of his local Cronulla RSL sub-branch when he spearheaded the Ex-Services Human Rights Association of Australia’s founding meeting in 1966.
Attended by both current and former RSL members, and including doctors, academics and “leading lay churchmen”, the Australia reported the 60 attendees were “well-tailored, well-fed and, to all appearances, essentially middle class”.
The Sydney-based group began actively participating in the city’s anti-war movement, including the December 1966 protests against visiting US President Lyndon B Johnson.
Waddington believed the Anzac tradition should venerate war resisters as much as battlefield sacrifice. These beliefs saw him expelled by the RSL’s State Executive in late May 1967 for “conduct subversive to the objects and policy of the League”.
The resulting controversy meant “there must be hardly anyone left in this country who has not now heard of our Association”, Waddington happily reported in Conscience. Membership exploded to over 500, with branches across the country.
Fellow RSL members came forward to defend Waddington. One resigned his membership, writing the league displayed “a hardening, intolerant attitude”, while another accused it of “deprivi[ing] members of the right to […] express political opinions”.
An editorial in the Canberra Times stated if the Vietnam war was “the be-all and end-all” of RSL policies, then “there would be great gaps in the ranks”.
Anzac and the heroic resister
Amid the outcry, Waddington was reinstated — but changing the RSL was not the Ex-Services Human Rights Association of Australia’s main priority. Its primary interest was supporting conscientious objectors.
The number of young Australians who refused to serve in Vietnam, while always small, rose quickly after the widely publicised case of Sydney school teacher Bill White in late 1966. The association took on his case, as it did other non-compliers like John Zarb.
What the association had — and the wider anti-war movement lacked — was their status as ex-servicepeople. Members wore service medals conspicuously at demonstrations to undermine the image of protesters as “long haired radicals”.
To refuse service was not an act of cowardice, the association claimed, but rather the highest form of bravery. As Waddington, protesting the ongoing imprisonment of objectors, remarked in a 1971 letter:
Two years in jail is the price for national heroes to pay to avoid murdering on a foreign field.
Waddington and his fellow anti-war veterans were convinced it was as brave to face prison for your beliefs as it was to face death on the battlefield.
This example highlights how, contrary to popular opinion, the ex-service community has always been far from monolithic in its politics. Equally, it shows Anzac is not an uncontestable mantra, but a pliable tradition that could, rhetorically at least, include proud soldiers and brave resisters.
Today, Australia reflects on the withdrawal from Vietnam as we face the aftershocks of another overseas war. Perhaps we should also reflect on those war resisters and their allies who believed, as the Ex-Services Human Rights Association of Australia put it, “war is a crime against humanity”.

domain: sociology


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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monster Energy's logo airbrushed
Airbrush of monster energy's logo on kevinmuji's cpu..
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Flyer Advertisement Design
another freelance job done by kevinmuji..
Friday, August 10, 2007
Logo design for U.I.S
A logo design of assignment group by kevinmuji..


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Something I have wanted to try
to do for months now........and
I finally did it!
I have seen fish netted demijohns all over the stores in all sizes and shapes but lordy are they expensive! Even to buy the bottles without the net could break the bank! A luxury I can't afford! So this was my next best thing!
This was my inspiration from Ballard Design. Love that place! I get their catalog in the mail and I am always so excited to dive into it! And then reality sets in and I'm crushed.....it's just another daydream day.
But I said to myself...."use what you have girl!"
|Bottles I'm using from my stash.....and I found this old picnic basket I forgot about too!|
That's what happens when you hoard gobs of stuff!
I save darn near everything....and I got bottles up the ying and yang! I spent several days looking at pictures all over the net, studied knots and realize that making the netting on these bottles is really quite like macrame...I did a little of that back in the day so this wasn't to hard to do at all! I grabbed all the supplies I figured I needed and luckily had all that too!
So I set a plan to motion....adjusted this and that, here and there, had a couple of cuss words slip out a time or two lol, and then....WALA! I did it!!!
And if you know me, I gots to have sparkley too! It gives the bottles some pizzzazzzz don't ya think?
I like my bottles much better....just wished I had some of those big fat bottom bottles durn it!
I was really struggling with how to photo my new pretties as my house is not beachy cottagey, so I went out and bought a bag of sandbox sand and dumped it on our brick patio out by the pool. Now the pictures have a bit of a beachy feel.........JUST what I was looking for!
Now I just need to buy a beach!
In my new dream!
The two largest bottles had a green hint of color to them. The small one was clear glass. I loved how the twine and green meshed so well together.
I got sidetrack with beach on my mind and remembered I have two large bags of sand dollars, so I got them out and painted a few. The color is softer more pastelly in color than shown here. Is pastelly a word? hmmmm Blame it on a cloudy photo day!
I covered the bottles bottoms too. They sit more stable this way instead of knots on the bottom causing them to rock a bit. After all the hours of making them, I durn sure don't want them to fall over and break! I would cry!
I did different designs on each of the bottles to make them more interesting and not like everything else you see out there. I like it!
Looking pretty on my patio table by the pool.
I love the added sparkley on them too!
I got side tracked again and made those nautical balls too...you'll never guess what they are made from....I'll be posting about that next! And wait till you see my sailboat I'm making! It's just silly cute!
There is a reason for this nautical beachy madness I'm in here lately....I have a new dream if the good Lord is willing...I'll tell you about it later too!
I had so much fun making these and was so excited I could figure it out!
Now I want more!
I looked up what a Demijohn really is and this is what it says.....A large narrow-necked bottle made of glass or earthenware usually encased in wickerwork. A Demijohn is just a fancy word for a "giant wine jug."
This is the real them! Huge aren't they?
Darn near as big as me!
Image Courtsey of Antiquaire - Awesome shop!
Look at all these! I think this person should take pity on me and just give me a couple and I can make them pretty too! Fat chance! These are antiques and for sale too!
They look really great empty set in clusters on a table or on the floor for decorating. Mine aren't large bottomed, but they got narrow necks!
Works for me!
I can't help but wonder with as huge as some of those bottles are, how in the heck did one lift these babies to pour the wine in a glass!!!? Lord help ya if you were tippsy!
Thank you for the visit!
Have an awesome blessed day!
For the tutorial on how to diy click here:
With Sincere Appreciation I Would Like To
Thank The Following Websites Below!
My Ballard Design Demijohn Knock Offs
Were Featured At...
What a lovely surprise! Thank You!
Linking up with:

domain: artistic


text:
This card was made with one of my friends in mind.
I look forward to writing a message from my heart inside and giving it to her soon. :)
All supplies are SU! except the American Crafts felt heart and Crate Paper patterned paper.
Thanks for stopping by!
I was just outside with the boys and noticed both dogwoods had bloomed just today! I'll share pics tomorrow. :) I love love love our dogwoods.


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Our resort is Riva Del Garda, situated at the northern end of the lake, with its pleasant waterfront, cobbled streets and squares. Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake and also considered one of the most beautiful stretches over 30 miles from the rugged grandeur of the Dolomites to the borders of Lombardy. Its shores are dotted with fascinating old towns, castles and picturesque villages set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Along its shores grow vines and olive groves. Every few miles a different lakeside resort waits to be explored with bustling markets, terrace cafes, pleasure crafts and lush vegetation and exotic flowers everywhere.
Free Day to Enjoy Riva De Garda, Boat Cruise on Lake Garda, Local Guide on Dolomites Tour, Local Guide for South of Lake Tour. Visit to Sirmione.
Our Hotel is the superb 4 star Hotel Sole which is ideally situated in the centre of Riva Del Garda with stunning views over the lake.
Travel to Dover for our short channel crossing to Calais and onto our overnight hotel in France.
Depart after breakfast and travel through Bavaria and into Austria before traversing the Brenner Pass to arrive in Riva Del Garda in time for our evening meal.
- Free day to relax and enjoy Riva Del Garda.
- Today we include a boat cruise to visit the pretty villages of Limone Sul Garda and Malcesine. On the west side of the Lake we find the delightful village of Limone Sul Garda. This is one of the lakes most attractive villages named suitably after the terraced lemon groves which stretch along the shores of the lake. From here we cruise across the lake to Malcesine town which perches on the lake edge under the shadow of Monte Baldo, the highest mountain in the north of the Lake. With cobbled streets, plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants it really is a lovely town to explore. The old castle dominates the centre and can be seen from miles around as it juts out onto the lake.
- Today we are joined by a local guide who will take us on a full day tour of the breath taking mountain range 'the Italian Dolomites', or 'pale mountains'. With a mixture of Italian and Austrian architecture the Dolomites are said to be one of the most scenic regions in Italy and the most beautiful mountains in the Alpine range with breath taking landscape.
- Today we are joined by a local guide to spend a day exploring & discovering the south of the lake passing through villages such as Garda and Bardolino and onto the town of Sirmione, which is set in a picturesque headland jutting into the lake. You will have free time in Sirmione which is one of the most popular 'sights' on Lake Garda, with thousands of visitors flooding in each day to view the picturesque peninsula with its Castle and Roman ruins that feature in virtually every information booklet about the Lake.
Sadly, it is time to depart from Italy so relax and enjoy the Alpine views on route to our overnight hotel.
Depart the hotel after breakfast and make our way to Calais for our return sailing and home.
|Hotel:||Mercure Hotel, Forbach
Hotel Sole, Riva Del Garda
|Basis:||Dinner, Bed & Breakfast|
|Price:||£815 per person sharing|

domain: geography


KIMBELL ART MUSEUM
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd Fort Worth, TX 76107
FORT WORTH SYMPHONY/LINKUP! PROGRAM
By special arrangement, the Communities LinkUP! program provides fourth grade students of the Fort Worth Independent School District and their teachers the opportunity to infuse symphonic music into their curriculum. The LinkUP! program takes students on a journey inside the construction of a musical work. Students learn the ways in which composers use theme and variation to create their compositions. Through participation in selected works, students experience different ways of listening to music. The program will culminate in two performances in March, 2012, in which students will answer questions, sing, and play recorder to demonstrate the concepts they have learned.
Ticket Office: 817-665-6000
BAYLOR SCOLIOSIS CENTER


text:
Delonso Barnes whats to change the perception of black fathers in the African- American community threw his new book "Daddy Everyday"
|Delonso Barnes whats to change the perception of black fathers in the African- American community threw his new book "Daddy Everyday"|
|Delonso Barnes The New Book "Daddy Everyday"|
The purpose of Daddy Everyday is to celebrate all the black men that are performing fatherly duties and demolishing the stereotype of black men as only deadbeats and absentee fathers.
|Daddy Everyday, Rewriting The Black American Dad Story|
Whether you are a father, stepfather, uncle or brother, black males are an important factor in the development of our children and community.
This book is my contribution and straightforward effort in the rewriting of the Black American Dad Story.
The negative perceptions and stereotypes of black fathers and black men in general are very dangerous in the growth of our communities.
Daddy Everyday will start the conversation about black fathers involvement and teaching of our youth.
The stories included in Daddy Everyday will begin the conversation and necessary improvement of our communities by focusing on fathers and their children.
To Share your Support to Delonso Barnes follow on facebook https://www.facebook.com/mrdelonso
|Like Us On FaceBook|

domain: literature


Bihar’s Rashtriya Janta Dal chief Tejashwi Yadav has joined the bandwagon of these calling out Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adtiyanath for his latest controversial “Abba Jaan” comment. “It’s an absurd comment,” he mentioned.
“Yogi Adityanath should talk about the people who say ‘pita jaan‘ (Hindi word for father) — how many of them have been given employment or education?” Mr Yadav requested in a video he shared on Twitter at the moment, speaking in regards to the Hindi-speaking inhabitants within the state.
The remark was in reference to Yogi Adityanath’s broadly criticised “Abba Jaan” (Urdu phrase for father) dig.
“This is just religion and caste-based politics under BJP’s rule, since elections (in Uttar Pradesh) are coming soon,” the Rashtriya Janta Dal chief added.
कथित योगी जी बताए,
‘पिता जान’ कहने वाले कितने लोगों को नौकरी, रोजगार, अच्छी शिक्षा और स्वास्थ्य व्यवस्था प्रदान की? ये बेरोजगारी,महंगाई व किसान के मुद्दों पर बात क्यों नहीं करते?
चुनाव देख तुष्टिकरण करने व भाषाई आतंक फैलाने के अलावा इनकी कोई योग्यता एवं उपलब्धि है ही नहीं। pic.twitter.com/IQ3VQ7GSwC
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) September 14, 2021
Yogi Adityanath has been criticised by several political rivals and social media customers for his crude swipe on the Samajwadi Party, which misplaced energy to the BJP in 2017. Setting the tone for meeting elections subsequent yr, he said at a public meeting on Sunday that previous to his authorities’s formation within the state, ration meant for the poor could be “digested” by those that utter “abba jaan.”
“Because then, people who say ‘abba jaan‘ used to digest the rations. The rations of Kushinagar used to go to Nepal and Bangladesh. Today, if anybody tries to consume the rations meant for poor people, he will land in jail,” he had mentioned.
The Uttar Pradesh authorities has finished no work so it’s “obvious” that the chief minister will move such a remark in view of the upcoming polls, Mr Yadav claimed.
His assault on jobs and unemployment comes on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Yogi Adityanath and mentioned Uttar Pradesh is main the largest growth campaigns of the nation. “Uttar Pradesh has become a shining example of (the) double benefits of the double-engine government,” PM Modi had mentioned earlier within the day.
“Crime rates have increased in UP, and casteism has also spread… but the BJP will not talk about that,” he added. “Any development issues for India are not a concern for them — be it inflation, unemployment, education or farmers’ issues.”
“They have no merits or achievements apart from appeasement politics and spreading linguistic terror,” Tejashwi Yadav wrote on Twitter.


text: The Stelvio men's ski jacket from the Alpine line merges elegance and resistance with high technical performance. The main fabric features a micro weave and a glossy/matte effect. Contrasting details in two-way stretch fabric. Soft, natural down feather padding. Jacket laminated with a breathable and waterproof technical membrane (15,000 g/m2/24h) featuring a water column rating of 15,000 mm. The 3D mesh padding on the shoulders cushions the weight of skis when they are being carried. Powder skirt. The pre-shaped sleeves come with stretch cuffs and waterproof zips. Detachable hood. The comfort lining can adapt to follow any and all movements. Ventilation at strategic points. Long-lasting water-repellent treatment. The Recco® reflectors found on the interior of the jacket allow skiers to be tracked by professional mountain rescuers in the case of avalanches.


Azerbaijan: journalists detained and beaten by police over protest coverage
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) condemns the excessive use of force by the police, the lockdown of the village, and the arrest of journalists, during the recent environmental protests in the village of Soyudlu in western Azerbaijan. The EFJ calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to promptly investigate all allegations of violations related to these protests.
On 20 June, residents took their grievances to the streets of the village, objecting to the construction plans for a second artificial lake. Residents say the existing artificial lake, built in 2012, is used to dump toxic waste from the mine. The waste is poisoning the drinking water with severe consequences on residents’ health. The protests quickly escalated as a result of disproportionate state response.
According to Global Voices and Meydan TV, the company that owns the gold mining business is Anglo-Asian Mining, formerly known as RV Investment Group Services LLC, a US firm based in Delaware. In previous years, the company was investigated over its ties to the daughters of President Ilham Aliyev, Arzu and Leyla Aliyeva.
On 22 June, police installed checkpoints for entry into the village, verifying address registrations of anyone trying to enter the village. The police denied entry into Soyudlu to Nargiz Absalamova, a reporter with the news website Abzas Media, Nigar Mubariz, a freelance reporter with Voice of America’s Azeri service, and Elsever Muradzade, a reporter on social issues. The journalists entered the village by another route and were reporting when two police officers and seven or eight people in plain clothes detained them and took their phones. When Mubariz demanded her phone back, one of the men in plain clothes covered her mouth with his hand, and a police officer twisted Absalamova’s arm and pushed her against a wall. The police officers then drove the journalists to a nearby town, where they returned their phones and released them.
On 22 June, officers of the State Service for Mobilisation and Conscription also summoned journalist Elmaddin Shamilzade, after he published a video showing police officers in Soyudlu the previous day. The following day, police in the Yasamal district of Baku detained Shamilzade and demanded that he delete the video. When the journalist refused, three officers punched him, struck him with a truncheon, kicked him in the stomach, and threatened to rape him. Shamilzade said he lost consciousness and, when he awoke, he deleted the video from Facebook. The police officers then took him to the Baku City Police Department, where an officer threatened to jail him if he spoke publicly about the attack. Shamilzade had bruising and scrapes on his neck, face, and body.
Furthermore, two other journalists, Giyas Ibrahim and Elmir Abbasov, were detained for 20 and 30 days, respectively, in retaliation for critical remarks posted on their social media. Following the arrest of Abbasov, the police put pressure on other members of NIDA, a civic movement to which Abbasov belonged. Several NIDA members have already been summoned to the police and asked to delete Abbasov’s critical posts.
On 23 June, police in the Binagadi district of Baku summoned Ulvi Hasanli, chief editor of Abzas Media, after he posted pictures of police officers who detained Absalamova, Mubariz, and Muradzade on Facebook. The officers demanded he delete the post, but he refused and was released after four hours. That evening, security staff at the United States Embassy in Baku removed Hasanli from the premises, and police detained him after he livestreamed three Azerbaijani activists protesting at the Embassy over the events in Soyudlu. Hasanli was taken to the No. 21 Police Station in the Nasimi district of Baku, ordered to delete photos and videos from his phone and released him after an hour.
On 25 June, Farid Ismayilov, a reporter with Toplum TV, was interviewing residents in the village of Chovdar, which neighbours Soyudlu, when two people in plain clothes who identified themselves as police tried to take his camera, saying that local officials had forbidden reporting. Ismayilov said that local officials threatened to have his relatives fired from their jobs if he published his reports.
“The public authorities are doing everything they can to prevent public opinion from being informed about the uprising of the local population against projects that are harmful to the environment,” said the EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez. “We demand that an investigation be opened and that the police officers who tried to prevent journalists from doing their job be condemned.”


text:
Georgia Attractions June 14, 2015
These 15 Pieces of Architectural Brilliance In Georgia Could WOW Anyone
I’m sure you’re not surprised by the vast amount of beauty and history that’s here in Georgia. We have grand historical buildings that are literally centuries old, and we even have a building that is the 10th largest in the country! The way these buildings are built is pure art, and their architectural structure is truly something to admire. Here are some of the best pieces of architecture in Georgia:
1) The Savannah Cotton Exchange
The Savannah Cotton Exchange is located on Bay Street in Savannah, GA. It was designed by architect Williams Gibbons Preston in 1886.
2) New CULC building at GaTech.
This beautiful new building at the GA Tech campus shows the new architectural trend that is emerging in Midtown. This stunning picture shows the long glass panels reflecting the sunlight, making for a more vibrant city!
3) Georgian Terrace
The Georgian Terrace is a luxury hotel in the middle of Midtown. It is a beautiful wedding venue, houses the Livingston bar and restaurant and is an icon of the city. It was erected by architect William Lee Stoddart in a Beaux-Arts style that was intended to evoke the architecture of Paris.
4) A beautiful house in Savannah
The architecture of this house is simply stunning! Savannah is home to many architectural treasures and there are many different styles there. The ornamental ironwork is also something Savannah is known for. Many houses can be found with these intricate designs.
5) City Hall Dome in Savannah, GA
One of the only three buildings in Georgia, known as the "gold dome", the City Hall Dome in Savannah is one of the most distinctive buildings in this city. It was designed by Hyman Whitcover in 1905.
6) Midtown Atlanta's illuminated Skyline
The Midtown skyline is one of the most stunning in Georgia. It is especially beautiful from Piedmont Park where the lights of the city light up the night!
7) Downtown Plains, GA
Plains, GA is a charming little town that is situated in one of Georgia's most lucrative farming regions. The mix of new and old architecture is simply charming in the downtown region of Plains.
8) Old City Hall in Brunswick, GA
This grand city hall in Brunswick, GA is the heart of the city. People hold events such as class reunions and wedding receptions here. This building was designed by Alfred Eichberg and its style is Richardsonian Romanesque.
9) Swan House in Atlanta
This historical mansion was designed by famed architect Philip Trammell Shutze, and was built in 1928. This mansion shows the elite life of southern royalty in the 1920s and 1930s. The Swan House is one of the most photographed landmarks in Georgia.
10) Cathedral St John the Baptist in Savannah, GA
This is one of the most beautiful structures and churches in Georgia. This historical church was founded in the 1700s by the first French settlers in Georgia.
Inside the cathedral
11) Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, GA
This congregation is actually one of the oldest in the country! It was founded by Sephardic Jewish immigrants from London in the mid 1700s .
12) Owen Thomas House in Savannah, GA.
This classic old house in Savannah operates as a museum, the Telfair Museum of Art.
13) Agnes Scott College Library Reading Room, Decatur, GA
This all-women's college is set on a historical campus in Decatur, GA. The 19th-century architecture and Arcadian setting is simply breathtaking.
14) Bank of America Building
The Bank of America building is an impressive skyscraper in Midtown. It is the largest building in Georgia, the 10th largest building in the US and the 60th largest building in the world.
15) Sacred Heart Catholic Church
This beautiful Roman Catholic church in downtown Augusta was once for the growing Irish Catholic population in the late 19th-century. Now the church no longer holds mass, but it is open for tours and community events.
Sorry if I’m a little biased towards Savannah for this list. (It’s just that there are so many architectural gems in that city!) Are there any amazing architectural gems near your home or city? Show us pictures in the comments below!

domain: history


text:
This collection overlaps with the next book and reprints 124 daily strips from:
Aug. 4 1975 to Dec 20 1975
Jan. 26 1976 to Feb. 14 1976
14 strips from these blocks are not included (see comment for list).
This book again shuffles content between what should have gone here, if these were done completely and chronologically, and what ended up in the next book. It looks like there was a little logic to it. The skipped storyline – the first chunk of the epic with Duke as the new ambassador to China – ran for a full four weeks, but the editors only had seventeen pages left at the end of this book, so they brought forward the three week series where Joanie meets and falls in love with Andy Lipincott, and Ginny decides to run for congress, cutting one of those 18 strips for space reasons.
The rest of the book is very Uncle Duke-heavy, as he continues his domination of the strip. He’s forced to temporarily leave Samoa after Rolling Stone takes his name off the masthead, and is reassigned to the Cher-and-Gregg-Almann Bureau, but quits the magazine after oil is discovered in Samoa. After hefty negotiations and bribes, he sells the mineral rights to Jim Alexander and Universal Petroleum for a reported $500 million.
The other major storyline sees Zonker’s father turning up at the commune after his wife leaves him. This leads to another three-week flashback to the days of Zonker’s colonial ancestors Nate and Amy, reflecting the contemporary fight for the ERA, and to Zonker forcing a reconciliation between his parents after Mark takes his dad out partying.
Also in this book, Scot Sloan resigns as the university’s chaplain. Nobody but Mike seems to care, and even he botches the speech at the testimonial dinner.

domain: library


text:
I believe that every single word still holds true.
My Beautiful Painting of "CHRISTMAS"
Christmas, Yuletide, Season of Cheer and Love, or whatever people may call it, is definitely my favorite time of the year.
For starters, my natal day falls on the 25th of December, technically I could be the twin sis of Jesus, it's just that we were born generations away. Kidding!:)
Seriously though, during this time, it seems that everyone inevitably gets infected with the happy mood syndrome, exchanging pleasantries even with strangers suddenly gets possible, the world becomes kinder and more considerate; generosity heightens as more people put into practice the saying "It's better to give than to receive"; most bosses even become a little more lenient, permitting extended vacation leaves to give chance to employees to spend more time with their respective families and loved ones.
The coldness in the air, hmmm...makes one shiver but it turns out to be one perfect excuse for putting on those jackets, sweaters and other cold-buster apparel that have been kept away during the hot summertime, and not to mention, excuse as well for hugging loved ones oh-so tightly.:)
Everywhere, there's a splash of color that brightens every nook and cranny...And the decors, be it as magnificent as a King's palace or as simple as the manger in Bethlehem, never fail to please every gaze that falls into their direction.
And as radios play the Christmas carols, voices all over the world simultaneously sing in perfect harmony the message of peace, joy and love.
These and more complete my beautiful painting of Christmas.
Yes, I know I am being too ideal. In reality, the countless harsh and seemingly hopeless situations encountered everyday, especially poverty, compel many to perceive Christmas as mere fantasy which can never be realized.
But then, I strongly believe that by thinking the ideal, by choosing to see the beautiful painting of Christmas in one's mind and heart and actually having faith in it, no predicament can stop anyone from experiencing what Christmas is all about.
After all, the true essence of the season is not really geared towards material things, or physical festivity. More than anything else, Christmas should serve as a reminder of God's ultimate love for mankind that His Son is born to this world so that all may be saved from sin. And along with this ultimate love is a burning hope for everyone that all suffering in life will come to an end eventually.
Christmas is all about finding love and happiness amidst trouble and tribulation.
I then wish everyone would be able to carry a beautiful painting of Christmas in himself.


Storm water drain project stuck, need permission for Tree Authority to start work: BMC tells HC
| Thursday | 16th May, 2019
Last month, BMC counsel Anil Sakhare told the court that the civic body has appointed four experts to hear the applications.
The third application was filed by the Tree Authority seeking permission to start functioning.
The counsel further told the court that a crucial project for felling trees for augmenting the storm water drain network in the flood-prone Hindmata area is stalled due to the non-functioning Tree Authority.
The counsel also told the court that there are public hospitals and crematorium in the area.
Lawyer Sonal appearing for Bhathena told the court that the committee formed is not as per the law laid down by this court.
Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.
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text:
This TV season sees some familiar bigscreen titles on TV: “Bonnie & Clyde,” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Trip to Bountiful.” That opened the door for new actors to step into famous roles — at least those brave enough to fill the shoes of the thesps that came before.
“We kept hearing from the agents that people were reluctant to take on something that was iconic,” says Margery Simkin, U.S. casting director for NBC’s two-part “Rosemary’s Baby.”
But once it was decided that Rosemary didn’t necessarily have to be white, Simkin, who cast Zoe Saldana in “Avatar,” suggested her for the role. “Getting Zoe to do it was very important because people wanted to work with her,” Simkim says.
For Lifetime’s TV version of “The Trip to Bountiful,” helmer Michael Wilson inherited a core group of players from the Broadway revival of the play, including Tony winner Cicely Tyson, but he says adding Keke Palmer and Blair Underwood to the mix was not without its challenges.
“No artist that is as great and talented as Blair is would ever not have apprehension, especially coming into a situation where Vanessa (Williams) and Cicely had this rhythm,” he says.
But as it happened, Underwood’s NBC series “Ironside” was cancelled the same day he was offered “Trip to Bountiful,” and he decided to take it.
Richard Hicks, casting director of A&E Networks’ “Bonnie & Clyde,” says distancing himself from Arthur Penn’s acclaimed 1967 feature helped him find actors to play Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The new version focused on the outlaws’ youth: “They weren’t quite adults yet,” says Hicks.
He stared at pictures of the real Bonnie and Clyde on his wall for months. “to try and figure out who makes sense to fill those shoes,” he says. Emile Hirsch and Holliday Grainger ultimately fit the bill.


text:
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text:
Media personality Bonang Matheba, Stephanie B, more celebs and South Africans react to the big stink that hit Johannesburg today (8 June).
‘Queens supporting queens’: Fans said of kind comments between Minnie Dlamini and Bonang Matheba on social media.
Rapper Reason decided it was time to give Slik Talk a taste of his own medicine by imitating the controversial YouTuber. Take a look…
Fair game or unfairly targeted? Mihlali Ndamase has seemingly defended posting an unflattering picture of Bonang Matheba.
‘Mihlali did that on purpose. She was trying to prove a point’: Slik Talk said of a pic of Bonang Matheba posted on Mihlali’s IG Stories.
Media personality Bonang Matheba responded to television personality Andile Ncube gushing over her on Twitter.
Tweeps are concerned about media personality Bonang Dorothy Matheba’s face and are comparing her to Thuli Madonsela.
Andile Ncube reminisces about giving Bonang Matheba her big break on an episode of Sphectacular and DJ Naves’ Kings Cast podcast.
Cassper Nyovest is on a mission to educate South Africans on the significance of brand ownership, from his own experience with Billiato.
South African media personality Bonang Matheba joins David Beckham and others in the ‘Draw the Line Against Malaria’ campaign.
‘I’m the founder, the CEO and the marketing director’, Cassper Nyovest said of claims he does not own alcohol beverage Billiato.
CSA owner Davin Phillips allegedly served Bonang Matheba with a letter of demand after her storm of tweets on 19 May.
Bonang Matheba reportedly opened a case of theft against a former business associate, who she was allegedly romantically linked to.
Bonang Matheba has dragged ex-manager Davin Phillips and agency CSA for filth amid her plans to sue them over their working relationship.
Media mogul and businesswoman Bonang Matheba has called for Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa to be fired from his post
‘She commands a strong presence’: Tweeps praised Bonang for her presenting skills after she co-hosted the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Forget Bonang, Rea Gopane may have a new lawsuit against him after his comments made about rapper AKA and his messy love-life…
‘Most counterfeited design’: Amina Muaddi’s Çinderella-inspired ‘glass slipper’ design launched her into overnight celebrity status…
Media personality Bonang Matheba revealed that she has been dating an ‘American guy’ for about one year and four months.
Bonang says that House of BNG is still her brand, heart and soul despite being in an ongoing legal battle with her former management company.
DBN Gogo’s attempt to defend her #RHOLagos look failed when her old tweets – in which she trolled Bonang and other celebrities – resurfaced.
Media darling Bonang Matheba is set to host Showmax’s ‘RHOLagos’ party in Sandton on Thursday 7 April. Take a look…
Bonang Matheba fired back at a Tweep who claimed she had ‘purchased a new nose’. Will she take him to court like she did with Rea Gopane?
Media personality Bonang Matheba has teased details about her secret boyfriend – who many tweeps still believe is rapper Big Zulu…
‘You’re overhyped and you’re overrated’: Slik Talk fired shots at actress Pearl Thusi, who trended this week after her meeting with Big Zulu.

domain: celebrity


text:
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced bicameral legislation to provide the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with additional authority to protect consumers from the harm caused by traders that repeatedly manipulate electricity and natural gas markets. The Energy Consumer Protection Act is being introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Don Beyer (D-Va.-08), and Sean Casten (D-Ill.-06).
“We need an all-of-the-above strategy to make sure that energy prices are affordable for Nevadans,” said Senator Cortez Masto, “and that includes my legislation to create new tools to prevent bad actors from manipulating energy markets and hiking up prices for consumers and businesses alike. I’m going to continue working to bring down costs for businesses and families in the Silver State.”
“This legislation will add a key consumer protection arrow to FERC’s quiver by blocking market manipulators from repeating their crimes and harming energy consumers,” said Senator Cantwell. “The burden of today’s elevated energy prices makes the quick passage of this bill more important than ever.”
“As historic heat waves sweep the nation, American families face blackouts and rising energy prices. The blame for this rests squarely at the feet of energy companies who for years have manipulated markets and deceived regulators. It is time to protect consumers and reign in these companies to ensure this never happens again,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “The Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2022 will protect consumers by giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission additional authority to penalize companies and individuals that engage in energy market manipulation or who provide false information to the Commission. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Cortez Masto to end the fraudulent practices in energy markets that are harming consumers.”
“At a time when American families are struggling with energy costs, we can’t afford market manipulators that make those concerns worse,” said Rep. Beyer. “Our bill, the Energy Consumer Protection Act, would provide FERC with the ability to address those concerns. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Schakowsky for her leadership on this issue.”
“In the midst of heatwaves fueled by the climate crisis, we need to do everything we can to cut energy costs,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “Providing FERC with the authority to protect consumers and prevent manipulation of the energy market will bring down costs for families across the country and help deliver cheaper, more reliable energy.”
Current law bans market manipulation and false or misleading representations, but FERC’s current enforcement mechanisms aren’t sufficient in deterring traders from violating the law. This legislation would give FERC additional tools to enforce existing law. The Energy Consumer Protection Act would allow FERC to temporarily or permanently ban companies from trading in energy markets if they 1) violate the Federal Power Act or Natural Gas Act by manipulating the electricity or natural gas markets or 2) file false information regarding those markets.
Senator Cortez Masto is working in a comprehensive way to ease cost burdens for Nevadans. She is leading legislation to provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the resources it needs to investigate unfair practices and price gouging by big oil and gas companies. She’s called out these same oil and gas companies for using their record profits to reward shareholders instead of lowering prices for consumers. She’s pushed critical legislation to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, introduced a bill to cap the price of insulin, called on the IRS to help lower costs for Nevadans who use their cars for business and medical purposes, and called on the Biden administration to develop both a short- and a long-term, government-wide strategy to lower gas prices. She has also asked the administration to utilize and assess LIHEAP funds in order to help Americans struggling with the high costs of heating and cooling their homes.

domain: law


text:
Although I've always loved music, I've never always loved concerts. My uninformed take was "just turn their album up loud and it's the same thing". Then I went to my first rock concert. James took me to a Tori Amos concert long ago, and it was great, but nothing like the Rob Zombie concert I went to with him. I soon started going to concerts with him and a friend of ours regularly, and I can tell you that there is nothing like live music. Real live music, not the pre recorded lip sync stuff. Music is like water to me, it has seeped into every corner, it has found its way into every part of my personality. There have been times that I have gotten a point across better with a song than with words. Music definitely is a part of my creative process.
Have you seen the commercial where a woman walks past a shop window, sees a brooch, and is inspired to go home and make nachos? I have had a couple of moments like that, where I see something and I get an image of a finished necklace based on what I see. Sometimes scent will help an idea along, sometimes a TV show, sometimes a friend's favorite color. I have found that inspiration finds me, and not the other way around. I think I may try an experiment. One day, I will go somewhere, maybe a museum, and search inspiration out for myself instead of letting it come to me. In the meantime, the surest way to get my muse to show is with music.
Listening To: Pink Floyd - Learning To Fly, A Momentary Lapse of Reason


text:
Our most economical room; close to the lounge area. One queen bed (that can be changed to 2 singles), private bathroom, no views or private deck but a comfortable room nevertheless. Room price includes meal plan.
Ours is an ambiance of “casual & comfortable rustic elegance," for those who'd like to feel as if they are staying at their own place on the beach in Baja...
The difference being: no hassles, great gear rigged on the beach, delicious healthy cuisine, and very comfortable rooms with weekly maid service.
All units have mini fridges, in room safe, purified water. All are NON-SMOKING.
Common facilities include a Great Room for lounging (w/books and audio/video equipment), A massage pagoda, wi-fi internet, and a 2,000- gallon outdoor hot tub for soaking after a good day.
We have 12 separate beachside accommodations available: Nine 1 BR units and three 2 BR units.
The buildings blend gracefully into a landscape adorned with palms, giant cactus, and tropical flowers. Hammocks and lounge chairs are scattered throughout the property.
"Coyas" is our upstairs restaurant & bar right on the beach! We serve delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on site.
Our meals feature fresh, wholesome foods and get rave reviews!
Common facilities include a Great Room for lounging (w/books and audio/video equipment), a massage pagoda, wi-fi internet, and a 2,000- gallon outdoor hot tub for soaking after a good day.

domain: travel


I attended a forum today on the recently published Department of Justice document on the Management of Sex Offenders.
It was very heartening to see what seems to be a real attempt at genuine engagement with interested parties and academic research. It bodes well for the future development of penal policy.
My main thought on the process can be summed up in one word: courage. The Department and Minister need to be courageous in their approach to this issue and resist the temptation to cave in or cavil to uninformed comment and inevitable criticism. Political leadership is as important as evidence-based practice.
Here’s a link to an RTE news bulletin on the forum: http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0326/abuse.html
And to an interesting piece on Primetime: http://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/
The document can be found here: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PB09000022 and submissions to the Working Group are encouraged, with April 30 the deadline.


text:
- Published: Hollywood, Calif. : Paramount Pictures, c2004.
- Year Published: 2004
- Description: 1 videodisc (106 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in.
- Language: English
- Format: DVD
- Luke, Eric.
- Feldman, Edward S., 1929-
- Dante, Joe, 1948-
- Bombyk, David, 1952-1989.
- Hawke, Ethan, 1970-
- Phoenix, River.
- Presson, Jason.
- Peterson, Amanda.
- Picardo, Robert.
- Paramount Pictures Corporation.
- Human-alien encounters -- Drama.
- Boys -- Drama.
- Science fiction films.
- Feature films.
- Films for the hearing impaired.
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Call number: DVD Science-Fiction Explorers
Available Copies: Downtown 1st Floor
Originally released as motion picture in 1985.
Special features: 2 additional scenes: Wolfgang is bullied [and] Unexpected Thunder Road ride.
Cast: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, Amanda Peterson, Robert Picardo.
In their makeshift laboratory, three young boys use an amazing discovery and their ingenuity to build their own spaceship and launch themselves on a fantastic interplanetary journey.
DVD; widescreen, modified from its original version; Dolby digital 5.1 surround, Dolby surround.
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Stock futures opened slightly higher Sunday evening, even as coronavirus cases continued to march higher globally and domestically. Yahoo Finance
Stock market news live updates: Stock futures fall, Dow futures sink 300+ points after last week's selloff
Investor jitters over rising coronavirus cases in key parts of the country stirred up an extension of last week’s pullback in equities. Yahoo Finance
AstraZeneca contacted Gilead last month and it did not provide the terms of any transaction, the report https://bloom.bg/3h2GU9e added. A spokeswoman for AstraZeneca said the company does not comment on rumours or speculation. Gilead did...
Stock futures kicked off the overnight session slightly higher Sunday evening as investors mulled a patchwork of state plans to slowly roll back social distancing measures. Yahoo Finance
Stock futures opened lower Sunday evening, taking a pause after the end of last week’s steep advances. Yahoo Finance
Stock futures rose Sunday evening as investors braced for another week of closely monitoring developments around the global coronavirus outbreak and policymakers’ responses to the pandemic. Yahoo Finance

domain: finance


text:
Even as India’s military commanders harp on a latent and potent threat from China, capability integration through organisational reforms within the armed forces appears to be in a log jam of sorts, with the most important proposal– Theaterisation continuing to be in a limbo.
Two Chief of Defence Staff – Late General Bipin Rawat and the current CDS General Anil Chauhan had laid down the same as a priority area.
Yet in the fourth year of the creation of the appointment of the CDS, theaterisation remains on the drawing board.
Two Tracks to Theaterisation
Indeed, such far sweeping reforms can be undertaken in two ways.
Firstly, and the most direct way is for the Government issues an executive order enforcing the reforms. This is the way the United States and China did it. The United States Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act reorganized the command hierarchy of the armed forces mandating jointness and its addendums in 1986. The US is no doubt field a joint force in every which way. The process however had evolved over the years after much debate in the US.
Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) ordered creation of theatre commands in 2013. It is not clear if there was sufficient debate in the CMC or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) before Xi issued the orders. Ten years later the theatre commands are firmed in yet it remains a work in progress.
India’s Pathway to Theaterisation
India has selected the route of building consensus. To empower the Joint Chiefs when appointed the Inter- Services Organisations (ISOs) bill seeks provides Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) and Officer-in Command (Oi/C) of ISOs with all disciplinary and administrative powers. This has been passed by the parliament during the Monsoon Session (2023).
The bill also empowers the government to create additional organisations as required thus giving the mandate to creation of theatre commands.
Now the process of consensus building is apparently underway. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in a recent defence event held on October 10 said that Indian armed forces had commenced the journey of "jointness, integration and theaterisation."
The CDS said he has managed to "forge a consensus" among the Army, Navy and IAF, while eliminating "some mistrust", since he took over as CDS a year ago. "It's a journey we have started and will hopefully complete," he said.
Meanwhile Ajay Banerjee of the Tribune reports that Department of Military Affairs (DMA) headed by the CDS is reconsidering the proposals for creation of theatre commands.
There is an attempt to rework the initial proposal of three theatre commands Western, Eastern and Maritime commands.
“The previous formula of three theatre commands is not final. A new combination is under examination,” an official was quoted by the Tribune. It is not clear what proposal has been send to the government.
The proposal of three theatre commands envisaged these under operational command of the Chief of the Defence Staff with the service chiefs role restricted to fielding of the force that is creation of capabilities to be fielded by the theatres. This is the way the US armed forces are structured with the Theatre Commanders in their case reporting to the Secretary of Defence [The Defence Minister].
In the Indian hierarchy this was not seen workable. The situation is complex with a number of factors entailed. For one it is the Defence Secretary – who heads the Department of Defence who is specifically responsible for the defence of India. A reformulation of this will involve another long bureaucratic struggle.
Defence Minister in the case of India have limited exposure to military command functions unlike the United States which has regularly appointed former service officers as the Defence Secretary the present one – Lloyd Austin having been commander of the Central Command.
Operational Command Conundrum
Now as per the Tribune, “It is logical to have three-star officers at the helm of theatre commands, else what will be the service chief’s role,” quoting an official, adding that the US concept of the chief just looking after recruitment, training and sustaining the forces might not work in India.
Thus, the Tribune says that services chiefs are likely to retain their operational control of the forces even as the notification in December 2019 that created the post of CDS bars him from having any operational command over the military.
How will this work with joint theatres remains to be seen for this may create some anomalies in terms of accounting and accountability particularly in terms of operations.
Logically after theatre commands come up 17 regional commands of the three services should be subsumed in these but there appears to be a standoff on the issue as this will lead to substantial down grading of the C in Cs of the services down to three or four including the Northern Command.
What’s On Now and What to Expect?
Now the CDS is preparing a report which would be submitted to the Defence Minister Rajnath for political consideration.
While there are several models which had been debated and discussed by the Indian strategic community over the past two decades or so on the structure of theatre commands and operational chain of command ensuing thereof. Every time it is evident that there is an attempt to reinvent the wheel, which is leading to delays. More over resistance from the services is apparent.
It is time that the Cabinet Committed on Security headed by the Prime Minister with the Defence, Finance and Foreign Ministers takes a considered view of the proposals put forth by the CDS and issues an executive order with reviews as the organisations take shape rather than delaying this important transformation.

domain: politics


Posted by: Anonymous Coward
on February 27, 2007 10:02 PM
The whole reason that Free Software exists is to replace and kill proprietary software and its hold on the users. How can Xara expect to keep the Windows version non-free (as in cost) when the code is already Free?
What happens to these two platforms when Linux becomes a larger player on the desktop? If, we should hope, Linux ever takes 51% of the desktop market (umm.. i said, hope), will the Linux version be for-charge and the Windows version suddenly free?
I like the line, "Its a Free country, just don't say too much." Freedom of anything isn't Freedom at all when there is the chilling effect of threats to exercisers of their rights.


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During the Mekong Delta's 'floating season', when the great river overflows, An and others like him must brave the floods to attend school. When An sets out on his own for the first time, he faces heavy rain and the mysteries of the dark Melaleuca swamp. But although strange dangers lurk in the water, An takes comfort in knowing that his friends are waiting for him at the end of his first journey alone.
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## **Notes and Documentation** ## #### **This is a space included for all your notes and other documentation related to your day-to-day work.** #### Here you may want to include: - Notes done in your preferred space whether this be through MS Word on your computer, Google drive, or JHBox. - Images files, - Audio and visual recordings - Even snapshots of the paper notes you use... - Templates for recording results or observations. - This may also be the space where you include any documentation in the form or a codebook, data dictionary or definition of study variables. You may want to organize different stages of your work in different folders within this component. We recommend following a file-naming convention with the date at the end so that you can easily view your notes chronologically. If you'd like to learn how to utilize a third-party storage service add-on for your notes and documentation see: **Using Add-ons** for a step-by-step guide. Data Management Services has developed a documentation workbook specifically to aid researchers in creating documentation for their project materials. It is accessible from the link below:
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At last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz displayed the B-Class E-Cell Plus, a range-extended concept electric car.
In a little over ten weeks at the 2012 New York Auto Show, we’ll see it again -- but this time it will be a production version destined to go on sale exclusively in the U.S.
Talking with the Automotive News at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Mercedes’ head of global sales Joachim Schmidt said the german automaker would introduce the range-extended B-Class as part of its 2013 lineup of compact cars.
Based on the same platform as the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class unveiled last year at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the 2013 B-Class E-Cell Plus will give Mercedes-Benz a compact fuel-efficient, plug-in car in a market increasingly driven by the desire for high-mileage, low emission cars.
Measuring 171 inches in length, 70 inches wide, and 61 inches in height, the B-Class E-Cell Plus will compete directly with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid in the range-extended marketplace.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.26, the B-Class E-Cell is more aerodynamic than the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, and almost as aerodynamic as the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t given any more details about the new U.S.-only B-Class, but if the concept car we saw last year is anything to go by, expect an electric-only range of around 62 miles, a combined gasoline-plus-electric range of 372 miles, and a top speed of around 93 miles per hour.
Interestingly, the news that Mercedes-Benz will introduce the B-Class E-Cell Plus into the U.S. market contradicts what we’d previously heard about its U.S. electric car plans, but given the number of high-mileage gasoline and hybrid compact cars due to go on sale in the U.S. this year, we’re not surprised.


What would you expect from a pair of routers? Obviously, fast and uninterrupted internet in a large amount of area. In case, you are not able to make out what we’re up to then, let us inform you a little about Google Wi-Fi, a device that comes in pair. They come in a pack of 2, 3 or even in a pack of 4. Well for sure, the price range varies with the increasing number of devices. There is a main device, which controls the secondary devices. The extra ones are linked to the primary node to create a mesh network around your house.
Well, let’s come to the headline. How can you create this immense network in your spacious home?
- Routers create a circular field of a network around them, which implies that directions are of importance not the distance. Direction can be left, right, up or down. If the mesh nodes are in the range then, they will connect to each other wirelessly and provide you internet access over the desired area despite this you need to consider the position of nodes, which should be in a proper manner.
- The nodes emit a better signal if they are kept in a similar place opposite to the main device. For the best signal, we can offer you a piece of advice to keep your main device in the center of your home, it will certainly cover a major area of that floor.
- Mostly building a constant speed network at home becomes a task, because homes are made up of strong material such as concrete, then there are wiring and ventilation devices installed in every room. These things make it difficult for Wi-Fi to spread the signal across the place.
- Hence, you should try a wired connection between the primary device and the mesh devices. This wired connection can take place with the help of the Ethernet cables. Once you have these Ethernet cable attachment, your home will flourish with the internet connectivity even in the backyard or the balcony of your home, you will experience high-speed internet.
- In the case of multistoried buildings, you can place the devices just above or below the main router and you will have internet access on multiple floors of your home.
To recapitulate, Google Wi-Fi are proficient devices for multistoried buildings. They can provide stable connections in large premises. You just have to keep a check on the above-mentioned suggestions. If you have organized the devices in the range and opposite to each other then, there is not stopping in network flow. Even though you are facing connectivity issues then, you need to arrange Ethernet cables and connect one end to the main device and another end into the mesh devices.For more information to go Setting Up Google Wifi.


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If you're following me on Twitter you may already know that I moved to Scotland 2 weeks ago. It was something my girlfriend and I have wanted to do for about 2 years now and it's an amazing feeling knowing that we have now done it at only the age of 21! :) My family have lived in Scotland for about 5 years now and as soon as we first came here I've always wanted to move up because I love Scotland so much. For next month or so I'm going to be a bit quiet with my photography as I'm having to work a bit more to pay for bills etc but once we're settled in I can get back into being fully focused on my photography and getting about their to record the beauty of Scotland's wildlife.
While we were moving up I stayed at my parents house for a few days so I thought make use of my time there and get out with the camera and test out my new lens I had the week before: a Nikon 600mm f/4 II (non VR). My parents get all kinds of wildlife in their garden so I don't usually have to walk far to see a huge variety of garden birds. I spent about 6 hours just sat in their garden just watching and photographing all the different garden birds coming in to feed. Here are a few of the shots that I got but I will be showing more in the next few weeks :)


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St Patrick’s Day is only a few weeks away! These St Patrick’s Day OREO cookies are a fun way to get the kids involved in the festivities!
I’ll be honest I’ve never really gotten into the whole St. Patrick’s Day thing until I had kids. The kids make it so much more fun to celebrate just about any holiday! They love to wear red for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day and on Easter, the girls love to wear bunny ears!
The most I’ve ever done is have them wear something for St Patrick/s but this year I decided to make these fun St Patrick’s Day OREO cookies! Don’t let the fancy details fool you, these St. Patrick’s day treats are really easy to make and even the kids can get in on the fun!
To make these St Patrick’s Day cookies I used green candy melts, rolls for the pot of gold, vanilla frosting for the rainbow, green sprinkles, St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles and for the rainbow I used Airhead Extreme’s!
St. Patrick’s Day OREO Cookies
More recipes you’ll love:
Wilton green candy melts
St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
1. Lay out a piece of parchment paper.
2. In a microwave safe bowl heat your green candy melts on 50% power for 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
3. Stir and place an Oreo into the chocolate making sure all sides are covered.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and shake off any excess chocolate.
5. Set on the parchment paper.
6. Cut a 1.5” piece of airhead extreme and place it on the top left of the green Oreos.
7. Open the Rolos and add a dollop or frosting to the bottom side.
8. Cover the frosting in gold sprinkles and set next to the Airhead Extreme.
9. Top with St. Patrick’s sprinkles and let set.
Pin for later!
Aren’t they fun?! They taste so yummy too!
These St. Patrick’s Day cookies also make a great gift to share! Once the chocolate has dried you can box them or put them in small treat bags!
Click here to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes like this!

domain: food


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|Date:||Wed, Feb 24, 2021|
|Venue:||Online - Zoom|
Please join Winery Ambassador Coordinator Veronica Ball on Wednesday, February 24th at 4:30 pm (Pacific time) for a guided virtual tasting of our Wine & Chocolate Pairing Pack.
Veronica will guide you through the wines explaining the regions where they were sourced and how they pair with the jcoco chocolates in the collection. Taste the wines with us or simply learn more about the wines you'll enjoy later. Invite your family and friends to join for a fun virtual gathering together - the virtual tasting is complimentary!
Be among the first to hear about new releases, local events and wine specials.
Plus, receive complimentary shipping on your first order of $50+!

domain: hobby


BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 11, 2015–Tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, the Library of African and Indian Studies, located on the Kremandala compound at 3304 Partridge Street, Belize City, celebrates its 15th year in existence, having primarily served, since its inception, youth of Belize who cherish it as an invaluable asset in their quest to reconnect with their past and to establish in themselves a deeper sense of identity.
Established by the UBAD Educational Foundation (UEF), the library brings to life the vision of the late Dr. Leroy Taegar, who was also instrumental is ensuring that this vision became a reality.
Virginia Echols, an active member of the UEF for the past 15 years, said: “We’ve had our ups and downs; however, the purpose of the library is to benefit the community, and we have been steadfast in offering that space to the community.”
She said that 46 years ago, a group called the United Black Association for Development (UBAD) had a vision and it was the people in the community who helped them to partially fulfill that vision, and she noted that these members of the community are the ones who got Amandala started. The library is asking for that same community support, she appealed.
“That’s why our theme for this year is UJIMA – which is the kwanzaa principle, meaning collective work and responsibility, meaning that it’s our responsibility to collectively help our youth. The library is primarily for youth – the literacy program – we do so many things there,” Echols explained.
She said that Dr. Leroy Taegar and Lillette (Nzinga) Barkley-Waite shared that vision for the library, and Edgar X Richardson and Rufus X built it. The resources came from Dr. Taegar, and Kremandala provided the space, she added.
Echols explained how she got involved with the UEF. She said that she first met Norman Neal, who introduced her to Dickie Bradley, who introduced her to Evan X Hyde, and then she was introduced to Nzinga. Echols has been involved with the library ever since, and she was tasked from its outset with overseeing the operational management of the library. She is also actively engaged with the women’s and youth groups: the Mattie Roter Women’s Group and the Kwanzaa Club.
This past Monday marked 46 years since the founding of UBAD, which saw its genesis on February 9, 1969, and on March 10, 2015, UEF will celebrate its 19th anniversary. Last January, the Dr. Leroy Taegar Institute of Learning was formed as an education arm of UEF. The institute, as well as the Literacy and Numeracy Program, held in collaboration with RESTORE Belize, are housed at the library.
YaYa Marin-Coleman, chairman of UEF for the past 6 years, shared a wish list for the library. On that list are a laptop, a 3-1 scanner, printer and copier for the computer, a television, a DVD, a PA system, and a VHS player.
The group says that these will aid programs, especially geared at providing educational support to children.
Fahima Barnett, who also has a long history of involvement with the group, said that she is glad to be back after 10 years. She now works at the library in the afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
She, too, is concerned about the plight of our youth: “Certain things have to happen so that we can see a change in our society and a lot of the things that were happening back in those [UBAD] days are still happening now: hunger, lack of proper housing and decent parks in their immediate community on the Southside,” she shared.
Barnett said that youths who lack a sense of self-worth need to be inspired to realize that there is significance in their being alive.
The UEF holds monthly fundraiser events, and in 2014, they began holding a monthly poetry and music show, organized by Echols. The next installment of that show will be held Friday evening at Spoonaz Cafe.
Marin-Coleman said that UEF is celebrating another milestone with her appointment as the secretary of communications for the Central American Black Organization (CABO). Emergent Corp and UEF are responsible for organizing the CABO Youth Summit slated to be held in Belize from July 17-19, 2015.
She said they are looking forward to leading a series of political education discussions in 2015.
“We see that there is a need for that, so that is something we are working on,” Marin-Coleman said.
Also, Amber Rivero, a business management student of the University of Belize, will be joining the library for a 9-week internship.
For further information on UEF, the library or its activities, please contact Fahima Barnett at 663-8602; or call the library at 202-4703 (extn. 241).


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I have been experimenting with turning Wikisource works into LaTeX-formatted bindable PDFs. My initial idea was to produce quatro or octavo layout sheets (i.e. 8 or 16 book pages to a sheet of paper that’s printed on both sides and has the pages layed out in such a way as when the sheet is folded […]
(Firefox asked me to rate it this morning, with a little picture of a broken heart and five stars to select from. I gave it five (’cause it’s brilliant) and then it sent me to a survey on mozilla.com titled “Heavy User V2”, which sounds like the name of an confused interplanetary supply ship.) Today […]
To add a new edition of a book, using QuickStatements: CREATE LAST Len “The Great Gatsby” LAST P629 Q214371 LAST Den “The Penguin Classics edition of the book” LAST P31 Q3331189 LAST P123 Q11281443 The first two lines need to be changed to match the book’s title and work’s Q-number respectively. Of course other metadata […]
I’ve made a start of a system to pull data from Wikidata and generate a portal for the Penguin Classics, with appropriate links for those that are on Wikisource or are ready to be transcribed. I’m a bit of a Sparql newbie, so perhaps this could’ve been done in a single query. However, I’m doing […]
There is something exquisite in the act of sitting still in a comfortable place, reading, with a nice view. Writing sometimes, to note down the habits of passing sheep. And sometimes drinking, perhaps, once the sun has dropped to that point in the sky. But the important thing is the still small quiet that can […]
As a way of learning Sparql and more about Wikidata, I’m trying to make a list of which pre-1924 Penguin Classics are on Wikisource. Penguin lists their books at penguin.com.au/browse/by-imprint/penguin-classics. The following Wikidata Query Service query lists all editions published by Penguin, their date of original publication, and whether there’s an Index page on Wikisource […]
I’ve been reading Quiet by Susan Cain, and her three steps (p. 218) to figuring out what one should do in life resonated with me: What you loved to do as a child; The work you gravitate to; and What you envy.
This morning I’m at Parlapa, the lovely little caffe opposite the town hall. It’s a good place to be sat, with a slight hangover, with some nice small WordPress code to be working on, and of course with a coffee. The only down side is the fact that the City wifi almost reaches here, so […]
Reading on an ereader, I seem to lose all of the “publisher’s metadata”: there is no longer any hint of what type of book this is — no cover to judge, no binding, no typography to tell if it’s a serious literary thing or a pulpy time-passer or an old forgotten once-loved. It’s probably good […]
The danger is that we are becoming ever more disconnected from place: “Most modern intellectuals and scientists,” he tells us, “have hardly any interest in place, for they consider their theories to be applicable everywhere.” This, of course, isn’t true… —From a review of Off the Map by Alastair Bonnett.


By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor; Emman Ovuakporie, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA—An estimated N1 trillion was spent by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, political parties and candidates for the 2015 elections, it was revealed, yesterday.
The revelation, at a two-day Learning Conference on the Regional Cost of Politics, immediately drew strong disapprovals from concerned stakeholders with assertions that the high cost was the bedrock of the corruption that pervades the political system. Among those who flayed the high cost of elections were legislators, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, President of the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG and Mr. Ibrahim Musa, Executive Director of the Civil Society Advocacy and Legislative Centre, CISLAC. Some in the House of Representatives, however, described the high figure as provided by INEC as unrealistic as they put the blame on civil servants, who they claimed, inflate the cost of elections to their benefit.
It was revealed at the conference that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, expended N8.74 billion in traceable media and other related expenses in the 2015 elections while all the other opposition parties expended N2.91 billion for similar activities.
Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla disclosed at the opening of the conference organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy that the “core cost” of the election as represented by expenditure by the commission and related institutions was $547 million, while total cost, including expenses by political parties and their candidates, was between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.
“In the last general elections in Benin Republic, the core cost was $15 million, and then you had a candidate who, alone, spent about $32 million.
“In Nigeria, our core cost was $547 million. It is perhaps the most expensive elections that we have ever seen. I have seen figures somewhere of between $1.5 billion to $2 billion and believe me; it is true if we knew what happened. In one scandal, we heard of $115 million”, he said.
Eyinla also disclosed that 75 political associations have now applied to INEC for registration as political parties, saying existing laws do not give INEC the latitude to restrict the political space to fewer parties.
In her remarks, an INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Anthonia Simbine said the level of money in politics “is responsible for the kinds of governance we have at any given time. If you make an investment, you would want to reap from that,” she said.
According to her, some political parties have been angling for public support, saying there is no existing legislation to back that.
On party financing, she said: “We have existing limits in the legal framework, but this has become somehow very unrealistic because there are no enforcement framework or capacity when people do what they are not supposed to do. This is more because our society is cash-based and so the capacity of INEC is still very weak in tracking and monitoring party financing.
“A review we did in 2015 showed that there is largely no record-keeping, including keeping receipts of financial support by political parties.”
Cost higher than 2011 polls
Country Representative of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Adebowale Olorunmola, noted that the cost of the 2015 election was higher than that of 2011.
“In 2011, all the opposition parties put together spent N2.04 billion in traceable expenditure, while the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP spent N5.01 billion. In 2015, all the opposition parties spent N2.91 billion while PDP spent N8.74 billion,” he said.
According to him, these are traceable expenses which were spent on media advertisements, campaign materials among others, to the exclusion of money spent in underhand dealings and the use of state-owned facilities including stadia for campaigns and other political activities.
Earlier, Regional Director, Africa, and Europe of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, George Kunnath, urged countries in the region to critically examine the overall cost of politics, saying it has negative implications for the independence and performance of legislators. Reacting to the revelation on the humongous amount spent on the 2015 election, Mr. Musa, executive director of CISLAC said the huge amount expended on elections was a direct correlation to the spate of corruption. According to him, politicians who break the bank to win election give priority to recovering their election expenses ahead of any other thing once in office.
“This revelation is very worrisome in the sense fact that the cost of election in Nigeria is becoming outrageous and ridiculous, and that is what is accelerating corruption in Nigeria because when people spend this kind of money to win elections, the first thing they do is to recover the money they have spent and that is why people and development suffer as a result.”
Also speaking, Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi, the TMG president called for a cut down on logistics and other deployments which she said tend to increase the cost of elections.
“One of our concerns is that Nigeria invests so much in elections and there is the need for INEC and the government to begin to look at how to reduce the cost of elections. Even if you look at the cost of producing voters cards and you put it across for all eligible voters, you will see that it is a huge amount of money, whereas these same people also have national identity cards or some other cards.
“On the day of elections, huge amounts of money are used to bring policemen, ad-hoc staff, trainings, so there is a need for us to have a cost effective elections and that can be done if we cut down some of these.”
Some members of the House of Representatives also commented on the issue.
Figure is over bloated by civil servants
Rep Patrick Aisowieren of Orhionmwon Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State (APC) said “the money is too much. Most of the things by civil servants are fictitious; they are not properly monitored. The figure they give is amazing. What the government should do is to put machinery on ground to make sure what they spend is being monitored so that the actual amount during elections will be known. The figure is over bloated.”
It is a Nigeria problem
Rep Gogo Bright Tamuno, Okrika/Ogu/Bolo Federal Constituency, Rivers State, PDP said: “Ordinarily what it will take another country to conduct elections will be 10 per cent of what we spend on an election. Even in our neighbouring country Benin Republic, they had their general elections not too long, and I was privileged to witness the election, and you see that the electoral personnel moved freely on even tricycle or motor cycle to take electoral materials from one place to the other without anybody attempting to snatch anything.
“You hardly see policemen following electoral personnel because they see it as their civic responsibility. But here in Nigeria, an election is like a war where you deploy 30,000 policemen in one state to conduct a re-run election. You can imagine how much it will require for the logistics, transportation, feeding and other things that will take care of 30,000 policemen. “
It’s difficult to evaluate – Rep Enwo Igariwey, PDP, Ebonyi
“It is difficult to evaluate the figures coming out of INEC without a deconstruction and forensic examination of the items and programmes under which the sums of money were spent.”
The sum is unacceptable to me—Akpatason
Reacting on the alleged huge sum spent in the 2015 elections, Chairman House Committee on Civil Society Organisations, Rep. Peter Akpatason said: “In the first place, to look at whether the figure is proper or not, we have to look at the size of the country, the volume of activities involved in the elections and all the factors put together.
“Secondly we need to look at what was spent in the two, three four previous elections and see the percentage change in the political demographics of the country that is if we want to do a thorough analysis before coming into conclusion.
“But if you look at the figure in isolation of all these factors and you are looking at the economy and the level of suffering in the country today, one will conclude without looking back that that the figure is too much.
“All over the world, people are talking about the cost of election and the cost of politics in general, how the escalating cost of politics is depriving a lot of ordinary citizens from participating in politics because they don’t seem to afford the huge cost involved in political activities and in elections.
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.