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Due to the prolonged global Covid-19 epidemic, the members of the BRICS Foundry Association have not met offline for three years, but the online meeting has never been interrupted. And during the past week on May 26th 2022, BRICS Foundry Association just had its online executive meeting successfully.
The online group meeting has the below member associations, they are Mr.Devendra Jain and Subodh Panchal from The Institute of India Foundrymen,Ivan Dibrov and Andrew Dibrov，from Russian Association of Foundrymen,Janley Kotze from South Africa Institute of Foundrymen,Roberto João de Deus from Brazilian Foundry Association, as well as Thomas Fritsch, CEO from Foundry Planet, our media friend to join us. The meeting was chaired by Mr. GAO Wei, the executive vice president of China Foundry Association.
Igor Kulkov from the Industrial Innovation Club of the UNIDO Centre of the Russian Federation, Paresh Parmar from Foundry Review, Thomas Fritsch from Foundry Planet and Libo Zhang, Thomas Wei Gao, Xing Chen and Yuxin Han from China Foundry Association headquarter and Russian branch also join the meeting. As the initiator of this online meeting, Mr.Libo Zhang, President of China Foundry Association invites and introduces Mr.Decheng Wang from China Academy of Machinery
China Foundry Association initiated the meeting along with the 6th BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting which was held on May 23, during which the ministers of the industrial authorities of the five BRICS countries conducted in-depth discussions on the theme of "enhancing innovation cooperation in the field of the new industrial revolution and promoting a stronger, healthier and more resilient sustainable development". They discussed and jointly issued the Joint Declaration of the Sixth BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting, and encouraged the BRICS countries to further enhance industrial cooperation, jointly create an open, fair, dynamic and resilient development environment, and build a stable, safe and mutually beneficial industry supply chain cooperation system to promote and accelerate the recovery and growth of the global economy. On May 24, the 7th BRICS Culture Ministers Meeting and the opening ceremony of the 2022 BRICS Vocational Skills Competition kick-off were held successively. On May 25, the BRICS Space Cooperation Joint Committee was established to officially start the sharing and exchange of constellation data. This "natural match" has brought the BRICS cooperation to a new level.
The close liaison between the BRICS countries has led to the blossoming of cooperation in various fields. The convening of the working conference of the BRICS Foundry Industry Federation today is just in time.
Ever since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries over the world have been affected by the worldwide policy of suspending production and work halt. Most recently the turbulent international situation has also caused the prices of energy and bulk raw materials to soar. Under various unfavorable factors, global foundry industry and its workers have overcome various difficulties to meet the needs of clients and to deliver the goods. The manufacturers provide products and services, ensure the effective operation of the industrial chain and supply chain, and make huge contribution to foundry industry. Based on the latest world casting production statistics, in 2020, the casting output of the five BRICS countries is 69.97 million tons, accounting for 66% of the total global casting production. This is a record high, worthy of the founding industry's pride. Among them, the development of China's foundry industry has steadily increased: the output of castings in 2019 was 48.75 million tons, while the output of castings in 2020 was 51.95 million tons. And the output of castings in 2021 is expected to reach 54 million tons. The cooperation space of the foundry industry of the BRICS countries will become larger and larger.
As the current chairman of the BRICS Foundry Association, Mr. Zhang, Libo said in his speech that China is the BRICS chair country in 2022, and "building high-quality partnerships to jointly create a new era of global development" is the theme of the BRICS China Year. As the secretariat unit of the BRICS Foundry Association, China Foundry Association has always been committed to promoting industry exchanges and technological progress among the BRICS countries. Under the changing situation of the COVID epidemic and the continuous turbulent international situation, the development of the foundry industry has also become uncertain in some aspect. Therefore, it is even more necessary for us to further strengthen cooperation, promote economic recovery, and promote efficient and pragmatic cooperation. According to the spirit of the Joint Declaration of the Sixth BRICS Industry Ministers Meeting, we should continue to strengthen cooperation in the foundry industry chain and supply chain, continue to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation of the foundry industry, and increase green and low-carbon cooperation in the foundry industry. Through the constant development of online and offline casting vocational skills competitions, the cooperation of vocational education and the cooperation of international foundry industry group standards will be promoted.
At the meeting, Mr.Wang, Decheng, the Chinese executive committee member of the BRICS Foundry Federation and chairman of the China Machinery Research Institute Group Co., Ltd., formally met with members of other associations and media partners. As the current leader of a state-owned enterprise in China, Wang Decheng has been engaged in standardization work since 1985. Since 2015, he has served as the chairman of ISO/TC 10/SC 6, and has participated in the formulation of a number of IEC international standards. The technical product document standards provide a guarantee to the transition of product design and manufacturing from 2D to 3D.
Technical exchanges between industries, market development and expansion are inseparable from standardization work. Today, Mr. Wang Decheng joins the BRICS Foundry Association as a standardization expert and serves as the Chinese executive member, which will definitely contribute new vision and strength to the high-quality development of the foundry industry.
At the meeting, representatives of member countries introduced the current situation of foundry industry in each country, and explored how to cope with the new problems faced by the development of their own industries at this stage. The formulation and promotion of the joint promotion, development and implementation of digital twins among industry enterprises, as well as the third BRICS Industrial Innovation Competition and the framework of the "smart manufacturing" track were fully discussed. During the exchange, the participants also had an in-depth exchange of new changes in the development of the foundry industry under the global epidemic. At the same time, they put forward the urgent needs of upstream and downstream supply and demand, industrial chain recovery, etc., and jointly discussed measures to deal with the problem, reached consensus and promoted cooperation.
Through online interaction, the member states of the BRICS Foundry Association have exchanged information, learned about supply and demand, got to know each other, and clarified the trend, laying a solid foundation for the in-depth cooperation in the foundry industry of various countries for the next step. As emerging markets and major developing countries, the BRICS countries shoulder the historical mission of improving people's well-being at home and promoting world peace and development. They advocate the establishment of high-quality partnerships and jointly create a new era of global development. Although the epidemic has prevented us from communicating face-to-face with each other, it will not block our exchanges and cooperation, nor will it block the progress and development of the industry. Hope the epidemic will end soon, and the time to talk face to face will come soon.


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An Overview of Teen Drug Addiction Treatment
Experimenting with drug use is often related to the period of adolescence. Parents and caregivers play a key role in the prevention and treatment of teen drug abuse. It is essential that they are informed about all the important aspects of this issue, so they can prevent it, identify it, and treat it where necessary.
What Are the Causes of Teen Drug Addiction?
There are a number of possible reasons why teens take drugs1. Many do so in order to be accepted in social circles that include drug users among their peers. Others use drugs because they want to experiment or experience an feeling of pleasure that the consumption of drugs creates.
There are also those who seek relief from depression, social anxiety, or stress-related disorders, and those who are looking for ways to improve their performance in an increasingly competitive society.
Sometimes, parents’ drug addiction may result in a situation when children also become drug users later in life. Awareness of these issues is vital because an effective teen drug addiction treatment addresses these causes in order to help a teen overcome the addiction problem.
What Problems Can Teen Substance Abuse Cause?
Evidenced consequences of long-term substance abuse include the following2:
- Severe health issues such as lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental health conditions.
- Some drugs, inhalants in particular, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system.
- The use of opioids is extremely dangerous because it can lead to overdose and death.
- In some cases, lethal outcomes are not caused by the substance itself but another event that occurs when drugs are consumed, such as a car accident or an infection (1 in 10 registered HIV infections come from drug abuse and hepatitis C also spreads through sharing of needles and other drug equipment).3
It is therefore vital that teen drug addiction treatment starts as soon as possible. In addition to health consequences, drug abuse usually has severe effects on relationships with friends and family, as well as learning and career paths.
What Are the Five Warning Signs of Teen Substance Abuse?
The most prominent signs that indicate that an adolescent may be using substances are:4
- Frequent mood swings.
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Changes in physical appearance.
- Lack of interest in hobbies or friendships.
- Health symptoms such as blood-shot eyes, a frequent and unexplained bloody nose, odd smells, tremors, seizures or shakes, lack of coordination.
Teen addiction treatment should take place as soon as milder symptoms are spotted, before the teen’s health has been more severely damaged.
How Does Teen Addiction Treatment Work?
Each patient is an individual with a very specific situation in terms of the nature of their addiction. Appropriate treatment depends on the case and is prescribed by experts after a very careful examination. Teen substance abuse treatment may involve residential treatment, partial hospitalization, outpatient treatment, counseling and therapy for families, or various forms of support for the families of individuals struggling with addiction.
For most individuals affected by substance abuse, treatment begins with a period of detoxification (detox),the purpose of which is to clear the intoxicating substances from the body.
The period of intensive detox is followed by rehabilitation (rehab), in which the emphasis shifts from chemical treatment to psychological and emotional treatment. During this phase, teen addiction treatment may address the causes of addiction through services such as group therapy, individual talk therapy, family counseling, and recreational therapy.5
What Services Exist for Teen Substance Abuse
Typically, some of the teen substance abuse treatment options include the following:
- The teens who can benefit from the stability and security of 24-hour monitoring are good candidates for residential/inpatient treatment.
- Partial hospitalization combines the structure and supervision of an inpatient program with a higher degree of independence.
Outpatient treatment options for substance abuse mean that teen drug addiction treatment takes place during the day while teens return to their homes at night. This form of treatment is appropriate for teenagers who no longer need 24-hour supervision and who are fairly advanced in their recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Support your teen in overcoming the issue. Acknowledging that there is an addiction problem and solving the teen’s issues that led to addiction may change the situation for the better. However, it may happen that teens lie about their drug use. If parents are not sure, a home drug test or a consultation with a professional such as a pediatrician, addiction specialist, or psychologist can uncover the problem. The very definition of addiction by the American Society of Addiction Medicine states that prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases.6In other words, teen drug addiction treatment can help your child recover from this condition as from other illnesses. A pediatrician who diagnosed the condition may recommend a treatment procedure but when choosing a treatment center, make sure you opt for the one that has experience working with teens.
- An effective teen drug addiction treatment is always tailor-made to fit the situation of a particular teen. In some cases, medication is necessary, usually in cases of opioid use or mental disorders that have led to drug abuse. In other cases, medication is not necessary, but behavioral therapy is typically the essential part of any rehabilitation process.6To overcome addiction, experts recommend that most patients go through both detoxification and behavioral therapy, which would help change the behavioral patterns that led to drug abuse. Detox should be seen as only the first step in the process. Patients are advised to continue through other stages of treatment to prevent relapse.
- Parents are always advised to talk about drugs with their children even before adolescence and explain why and how drugs can be harmful to them. If parents are informed about the effects of drugs and are willing to dedicate time to drawing their kids’ attention to this issue, this opens up space for family discussions about this topic. Children are generally less likely to get into drugs when their parents spend time with them and keep track of their activities. In case parents notice some risk factors during their children’s adolescence, such as aggressiveness, lack of self-control, or presence of drug-using peers, early intervention has a key role in preventing drug abuse.
1. American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Definition of addiction.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Health Consequences of Drug Misuse.
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). How to recognize a substance use Disorder.
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Treatment approaches for drug addiction.
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020). What’s the relationship between drug abuse and viral infections?
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Why do adolescents take drugs?

domain: medical


The American Dialect Society has voted "plutoed" as its 2006 Word of the Year. According to the press release, "To pluto is to demote or devalue somone or something, as happened to the former planet Pluto when the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union decided Pluto no longer met its definition of a planet."
I have a couple of objections to this choice. The first is semantic: The IAU did not "demote" Pluto. It created a formal definition of a planet to remove ambiguity, something that scientists love to do and that I believe most language enthusiasts encourage. The effect of that definition was to remove controversy over whether more recently-discovered bodies such as Eris should be classified as planets, and yes, to remove Pluto from that classification as well. But the proposal was not, as the definition of "pluto" implies, some sort of hostile act whose sole purpose was to strip Pluto of its status.
My second objection is that it is quite unconventional to define a verb in its active voice by the object of the verb's action. In other words, while "plutoed" as a past participle makes sense, "to pluto" as it was defined does not; it implies that Pluto did something, which it didn't. Usually, it's the agent of the action (in this case, the IAU) after which the new verb is named, and then both voices work: "The planet got IAUed", or "They IAUed Pluto". It's only because the passive voice in English has the compound form of to be + past participle that we sometimes define a verb first in the passive form, then extend it (inappropriately) to the active form. This sort of backwards coinage would be unlikely to happen in, say, Latin, where all voices share the same stem.
Finally, while the reclassification of Pluto may be an important event in scientific history, the linguistic significance of the term "plutoed" is debatable. I'd never even heard of it before it was voted 2006 Word of the Year; to me, some of the other nominations like "YouTube" or "macaca" were far more noteworthy. But then, I don't know what criteria were used by the 47 members of the society who voted for "plutoed".


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- Mike Posner performs at his father's funeral - TMZ
- Mariah Carey mourns Prince's death in latest Mariah's World episode - Gossip Cop
- Ireland Baldwin spends the night with boyfriend Noah Schweizer - Just Jared Jr
- Lily-Rose Depp hangs out with her mom Vanessa Paradis in Paris - Radar
- Andrew Garfield is Emma Stone's biggest fan - Lainey Gossip
- Nick Cannon says ex Mariah Carey was "flustered" at NYE performance - The Hollywood Reporter
Ashlee Simpson's 'Bat For A Heart' - Listen Now!
About Photo #2761986: Ashlee Simpson and her son Bronx share a smile at his fourth birthday party on Tuesday (November 20) at The Coop in Studio City, Calif. The 28-year-old singer… Read More Here

domain: celebrity


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Choosing the right firm to represent you when facing foreclosure is a bit like choosing the right doctor. You want someone with a proven track record, someone who has built up trust among their clients and is effectively and responsibly committed to providing the highest level of care in the industry.
In similar fashion, the foreclosure defense attorney you choose to represent you in foreclosure defense should have the highest level of trust among his/her clients. It is important for that law firm to be highly regarded as a place where people can go to get the job done.
When looking for a South Florida bankruptcy attorney or a foreclosure attorney in New York, New Jersey, or Florida, or applying for a loan modification in Florida, New York, or New Jersey, look to Amerihope Alliance Legal Services, a firm that has distinguished itself by effectively stopping foreclosures for its clients.
5 Ways We Are Different Than Other Firms:
- TrustLink.org. Amerihope Alliance Legal Services has more than 240 reviews on Trustlink and 95 percent of these are positive. Trustlink is a community that helps to bridge the gap between consumers and businesses by offering information consumers need to make better, more informed purchasing decisions. Through Trustlink, businesses have the opportunity to connect with consumers, respond to feedback in a timely manner, and understand the needs and wants of the marketplace. Having built such a reputation on Trustlink proves that Amerihope is a law firm that gets results.
- Amerihope Alliance Legal Services is Martindale-rated. The Martindale-Hubbell® RATINGS are an objective indicator of a lawyer’s high ethical standards and professional ability. Attorneys receive a rating based on evaluations by clients who review them on Communication Ability, Responsiveness, Quality of Service and Value for Money. Here, Amerihope Alliance Legal Services has achieved a 4.9 rating out of a 5.0.
- Let our clients tell you: Our website has a page in which you can review actual case results from clients, including a “before and after” profile of what was achieved in each individual case, so that prospective and current clients can review both work in progress and cases that have reached successful completion.
- Client portal: We also provide clients with 24/7 access to all notes and updates on their case via our website. This level of transparency sets us further apart from others in our industry and gives our clients more control and a better understanding of the events that comprise their case.
- Proof is in the numbers. We have completed more than 5,000 loan modification and foreclosure cases in four years in three states: Florida, New Jersey and New York.
When choosing the right firm to represent you, during what may be the toughest financial times of your life, we suggest you do your research. The more you research the more you’ll find the roads leading to Amerihope Alliance Legal Services.

domain: law


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Admission to the Master (specialisation European law)
This course will focus on the main body of rules governing the internal market. An area without internal frontiers within which the Member States must ensure the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital. The internal market comprises the backbone of the European integration project. In the first part of the course the four fundamental freedoms will be introduced. The “fifth freedom”, EU Citizenship, will additionally be studied as an example of how EU integration has moved beyond pure economic cooperation. In addition, this course offers a platform in which students reflect critically on the role of fundamental rights in EU internal market legislation as well as on the concepts of market access and discrimination in internal market legislation.
Whilst the internal market freedoms mainly address the behaviour of Member States, a fully developed internal market cannot function in the absence of additional rules ensuring free and fair competition between private actors on that market. The second part of the course therefore provides an overview of the EU competition rules. Those rules address anti-competitive practices by private actors, such as cartel agreements or abuses of a dominant economic position, but also the rules on state intervention in the market. In addition, this course will offer students a detailed overview on the role of the CJEU in each competition law branch and the roles of EU and national competition authorities; the role of economic and policy analysis in EU competition law as well as an overview on the different aims of competition policy. Students will also distinguish the particular position of Services of General Economic Interest within EU competition law.
Objectives of the course
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the EU free movement and competition rules Students will learn how to identify, apply and distinguish those rules at a practical and academic level.
At the end of this course the student is able to:
Define in a comprehensive manner the content of rules in the area of EU internal market and competition law;
Identify restrictions to EU internal market and competition law rules;
Solve complex practical case studies in the area of the EU internal market and competition law;
Recognize trends in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU on EU internal market and competition law;
Contrast the impact of different factors behind market integration and explain how they interrelate.
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
Carry out research in the areas of EU law covered
Solve practical cases in the areas of EU law covered
Reflect critically on the European integration process
The timetable of this course can be found in uSis.
Mode of instruction
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 10
Names of lecturers: Prof. Van Den Bogaert, Dr. V. Kosta and guest lecturers.
Required preparation by students: Students are required to read the compulsory literature and case law.
Number of (2 hour) seminars: 10
Names of instructors: to be confirmed
Required preparation by students: Students are required to read the compulsory literature and case law and prepare written answers to exercises
Compulsory written assignment (25%)
Written exam (75%)
The grade obtained in the written assignment will remain valid for the period of one academic year.
Students who fail the exam are entitled to sit a re-examination. Depending on the number of students failing the exam, the re-sit may take the form of an oral exam. In this case, students will be informed 10 days before the date scheduled for the oral exam. If a student has not passed the course by the end of the academic year, partial grades for written exam or written assignment are no longer valid.
Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 18.104.22.168 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations), on the condition that this course is included in the compulsory components of the degree programme. Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course. Please contact the Student Administration Office (OIC) for more information.
The written assignment will have to be submitted both in hard copy and electronically through Blackboard.
Areas to be tested within the exam
The examination syllabus consists of the required reading (literature) and case law for the course, as well as all subjects discussed during the lectures and tutorials.
More information on this course is offered on Blackboard.
Obligatory course materials
Students are free to use any textbook on EU internal market freedoms and EU competition law they wish.
For EU internal market freedoms:
P. Craig & G. De Búrca, EU Law, Text, Cases and Materials (Oxford University Press, 2015, 6th edition)
D. Chalmers, G. Davies and G. Monti, European Union Law (Cambridge University Press, 2014, 3rd edition)
C. Barnard, The Substantive law of the EU – The Four Freedoms (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2016, 5th edition) Note: this book does not include EU competition law.
For EU Competition Law:
A. Jones and B. Sufrin, EU Competition Law. Text, Cases and Materials (2016, OUP, 6th edition)
R. Wish and D. Bailey, Competition Law (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2015, 8th edition) (Note: these books do not include the internal market freedoms)
Compulsory case law and reading materials will be made available on blackboard, as well as a list of recommended case law and reading materials.
Recommended course materials
Will be made available on Blackboard.
Registration is through uSis
Co-ordinator: Dr. D. Piqani
Work address: Room B1.35 KOG
Contact information: via secretariat, see below
Telephone number: +31 (0)71 527 8503
Institute: Public Law
Department: European law
Room number secretary: B.1.21
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-17h
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0)71 527 8905
All relevant information with regard to this course will also be made available on Blackboard.


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About Dr Subrat Kumar Acharya
Degree: MBBS, MD, DM (GASTROENTEROLOGY)
Specialty: Gastroenterology, Hepatology
Affiliated Hospital: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
Experience: 35+ Years
Dr Subrat Kumar Acharya is a highly regarded gastroenterologist and liver transplant surgeon in Delhi. He is currently the Executive Director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj.
He is also the Pro Chancellor of KIIT University Bhubaneswar and the Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at PBMH KIMS (KIIT University, Bhubaneswar). After more than three decades at the prestigious institute, he retired as Professor and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at AIIMS, New Delhi. Dr. Acharya’s relationship with AIIMS continues after his retirement as Professor Emeritus.
Dr. S.K.Acharya is a physician scientist, prolific researcher, and highly regarded educator. He has mentored many young doctors all over the world. His specialties include gastroenterology and liver disorders, as well as transplant hepatology and advanced endoscopy. He aims to offer the best possible care based on the specific needs of his patients, which has gained him a high reputation as a gastroenterologist.
English, Hindi, Odia, Bengali
Dr Subrat Kumar Acharya Appointment Process
Appointment Number (For serial): All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) (011) 26588500, (011) 26588700, OPD Appointment Booking on Telephone: 011-26589142 (Timing for OPD booking on this Telephone is from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (All Working Days).
For Online Appointment: Click Here
Dr Subrat Kumar Acharya Chamber Name & Address: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029, India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. Subrat Kumar Acharya’s specialty?
Dr. Subrat Kumar Acharya specializes in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Where is Dr. Acharya currently practicing?
Dr. Acharya is currently the Executive Director of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
Can I book an appointment with Dr. Subrat Kumar Acharya at AIIMS in Delhi?
Yes, you can book an appointment with Dr. Acharya at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. You can call the AIIMS appointment numbers provided or book an appointment online through their website.


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The Comptroller conducts public auctions of surplus tangible equipment. These auctions allow the County an opportunity to recover part of its expenditures for equipment and vehicles, and provide the citizens with a fair and open opportunity to purchase these items.
Next Auction: To be determined
There is not a surplus equipment auction scheduled at this time. If you would like to be notified by email when the next auction is scheduled, please fill out this form:

domain: economics


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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah lawmakers want to get tough with a practice not often associated with the Beehive State -- cockfighting.
Senators voted 19-9 on Tuesday to increase the penalty for cockfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony. The measure now moves to the House.
Utah is one of only two states west of the Mississippi where the offense is not a felony. There has been only one court case dealing with the issue in the state in the past few years.
"Gambling is widely associated with cockfighting, and also associated with a lot of that is drug dealing," Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, said of the activity.
He feared without the stiffer penalties called for in SB 52, Utah would become a magnet for gambling.
Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, led opposition to the new penalties. A day after he wondered why abortion is legal but a person could potentially go to prison under guidelines for the legislation, Christensen tried to amend the bill to reduce penalties from a felony to a class A misdemeanor. His amendment failed.
"I'm a little hesitant to use the 'a' word in my discussion ... But I think this is a little bit of a heavy penalty," Christensen said. "Should we put a man in prison if he does this? It's a matter of weighing one penalty against another."
In comments on the floor Monday, Christensen called cockfighting a natural event, adding, "yet we allow people to go ahead and murder their unborn babies."
He said owners raise game fowl for one purpose, and that is to fight.
Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley, also said without making the offense a felony, law enforcement was worried more gambling would come to Utah. He said cockfighting in not an accidental activity, which may occur if a chicken gets loose.
"Part of the reason I am so supportive of the bill is because of law enforcement's fear that we will become a magnet for this activity. If we leave it as a class A, we are essentially inviting this to Utah."
The measure would make it a third-degree felony to own or train game fowl for fighting. That means up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

domain: news


text:
Transylvania Clerk race heats up
Published: Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, October 27, 2006 at 11:25 p.m.
The race for Transylvania County Clerk of Court is between a candidate with years of experience working with that office and a political newcomer.
Rita Ashe has held various positions in the Clerk of Court office for 18 years. In 2004 she was appointed to finish out the remaining two-year term of retiring clerk Dorene Mahoney.
Now, the Republican candidate wants voters to extend her job security for four more years.
“I enjoy my job and have the experience and compassion to provide the best service to the citizens of Transylvania County are accustomed to,” Ashe said. “I love my job and this county. I want to continue to serve everyone.”
Her Democratic challenger Kathryn Allen may not have any political experience, but she hopes her background as a N.C. Department of Transportation relocation and right-of-way agent will convince voters to make her Transylvania County’s next Clerk of Court.
“I feel that’s a great background to this job that needs a compassionate person,” Allen said. ““I was approached by the Democratic party to run and feel this is the time in my life to step forward and serve the public.”
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.
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Reintroducing the CorkSport Intake Manifold V2 for the DISI-MZR engine found in the Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazdaspeed 6. First impressions will quickly tell you this is a very different design and design goal than typically found in the performance aftermarket options for the MS3 and MS6; that’s for good reason. The CorkSport Intake Manifold takes performance and OE fitment and combines them to create a combination that performs and fits without compromise. Equal flow, higher flow, tighter packaging, and TMIC fitment are aspects that define the CorkSport Intake Manifold.
Combined with the newly added port fuel injection provisions and optional fuel rail kit, you can now add Injector Dynamics injectors for additional fueling.
We know modifying additional components to install a new performance part can be a real PITA; we worked hard to design a performance intake manifold that does not require extensive modification to use. The CorkSport Intake Manifold installs nearly identical to an OE IM plus difficult-to-access hardware locations on the flange have been cleared for improved installation.
The following components are in OE location and install like OE:
The CorkSport Intake Manifold may fit like OE, but that’s where the similarities end. The CS IM is designed with performance and drive-ability in mind with the larger plenum design and long even flow cylinder runners.
The intake plenum is 3x larger than OE which improves high RPM power capacity without sacrificing throttle response and driveability. The cylinder runners are longer than the typical aftermarket intake manifold to improve mid-range power while still having peak RPM capacity with the single runner design vs the OE split runner.
Newly added, the CorkSport V2 Intake Manifold features two auxiliary fueling solutions.
Balanced flow is critical to the durability and performance of an engine; this is why the CorkSport Intake Manifold is such a valuable performance component for the Mazdaspeed engine. The OE Intake Manifold has a significant flow imbalance between the 4 cylinders which causes cylinders to run excessively lean or rich, affecting engine durability and performance.
Check out the graph to see the difference. Not only does the CorkSport Intake Manifold outflow the OE design by 70CFM on average, but it also significantly reduces the flow imbalance to 2% or less vs the OE imbalance of 21%. This means your engine can run stronger longer and have a higher potential to make power.
The increased flow capacity and even flow between the cylinders provided by the CorkSport Intake manifold help increase power across the entire RPM range and spool the turbo ~100 RPM faster than OE. The graph to the right shows the difference in power before and after the CS IM on a MS3 with the CorkSport TD05H-18G turbo equipped.
The horsepower spike around 3300rpm is a result from a combination of the CS IM and a small increase in wastegate pre-load. The increased efficiency of the CS IM caused a 2-3psi drop in boost pressure that had to be corrected with the wastegate preload.
The CorkSport Intake Manifold is not just for stock or little big turbos. This manifold is designed for the daily driver and high power builds alike. Proven to 684whp on a built 2009 Mazdaspeed 3 utilizing the CST6 turbocharger.
Designed with a larger throttle body opening measuring at 70mm vs the OE 60mm. This works great with the OE throttle body and also allows the use of a larger throttle body without modification if desired. Pair with the CorkSport Throttle Body for peak flow efficiency.
The CorkSport intake manifold comes to your door with the installed hardware as well as additional hardware and accessories required for installation. This includes:
It will take you four hours to install the CorkSport Intake manifold with our easy-to-use instructions.
4 Hour Install Time


text:
at Al Ain UAE*
Hamriya Sea Port Customs Office
LULU (EMKE group) Head Office Reception Proposal
* Those interior Design done by Mr. Zubair Z&4 when he was working GCC. Those Specific Project’s image or video copywrited by the company who has developed the project.
Copyright ©z&4interio 2016. Designed by Das Creatives

domain: design


text:
LONDON, July 29 (Xinhua) — The market price of ivory has increased significantly since 1989, which might pose a major threat to elephant populations, according to a study released on Monday by the University of Bristol.
Researchers from the university used a large dataset of ivory prices collected between 1989 and 2017 to assess the change of ivory prices and related impact.
They found that the global price of ivory increased tenfold since its 1989 trade ban by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Since the ban, ivory has become an increasingly valuable commodity, with Asian markets having the highest prices and Africa the lowest.
And despite the CITES ban on ivory, poaching associated with its illegal trade has not prevented the suffering of elephants and is estimated to cause an eight per cent loss in the world’s elephant population every year, according to the study.
The researchers hope that by revealing these trends and the variables relevant to price determination, better decisions can be made with regards to global ivory policies.
The next steps for the research team include incorporating their conclusions into bio-economic models, which may add evidence to support decisions concerning the CITES ivory ban, national trade regulations, as well as to global ivory stockpile management.


text:
整套乡村小屋 · 6 位房客 · 4 张床 · 3.5 个卫生间
Stunning Views! All en-suite rooms, dog friendly!Set in 800 acres of rolling Northumberland farmland, commanding panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills and stunning NE coast line, The Whinny is an exceptional location and the perfect rural retreat for families and couples.
An irresistible countryside hideaway half a mile up its own track, the cottage is just ten minutes from the historic market town of Alnwick and ideally placed for exploring all the sites and local experiences, this beautiful county has to offer.
The cottage is dog friendly!

domain: geography


The Washougal School District has announced that all of its schools are closed Friday, due to icy road conditions.
According to school officials, there is packed snow and black ice on Washougal streets – particularly in outlying areas.
The Camas School District will open two hours late, with no am kindergarten or preschool.
The forecast does not call for any additional precipitation. This afternoon, the sun breaks are expected with highs in the low 40s. East winds are predicted to pick up again toward the end of the day.


text:
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
After a lot of discussion for hours overnight, we talked, cried and hugged over cherry pie and grape juice. We spoke about the virtues of the honorable Senator Rafael ‘Ted’ Cruz – about how He has worked within the system as a true outsider to change Washington. Could the honorable Senator Cruz serve well as president? Of course – anyone but Hillary or Lord Forbid, Bernie. Then we moved onto the honorable Senator Marco Rubio. We agreed that we love Marco, but cannot forgive him for caving in on immigration. Senator Rubio could come back again one day for the race to the White House, maybe in 2024.
So, what are two grown men doing in the middle of the night crying about this once-free nation’s future? We both came to the conclusion that Bill and Roosevelt strongly endorse the honorable Mister Donald J. Trump for president of this once-free nation. Mister Trump is a Real Man who has the ability to correct the eight years of a huge national and international nightmare known as the Hussein Obama years. Donald J. Trump IS the only one who WILL repeal ObamaCare and quickly replace the illegal healthcare mandate with a market-based common sense system whereby the costs will be naturally driven down so that one can visit his doctor on his own terms. Doesn’t that make sense, people? Only Donald J. Trump will ensure that vision and no one else.
Donald J. Trump IS the only one who will roll back draconian regulation that stifles business and growth in this once-free nation. Once Donald J. Trump gets in The Oval Office, He will have no problem kicking the regulators out so that business will thrive thus resulting in millions of new job$ on American soil. Further, Donald J. Trump will reduce and God willing, repeal taxes and hopefully with prayer, audit or end The Fed and definitely end the IRS. Donald J. Trump WILL be the first president to introduce and implement The FAIRTax which is the most common sense approach to running government.
Donald J. Trump IS the only Real Man who will stare down dictators, ayatollahs and thugs known as ISIS. If anyone messes with American anywhere around the world, Donald J. Trump will blow the thugs away to smithereens and NOT APOLOGIZE FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!! We have had 150 years of trying to be diplomatic with rogue nations! ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Donald J. Trump is a Real Man who ran several successful businesses. You see my pals, there are thousands out there who have been attempting to sabotage the Trump record by screaming about his failed business ventures. THE FACT is that one out of two businesses fail each year because that IS HOW BUSINESS WORKS! YOU TAKE RISK AND TRY THINGS! Does Bill here need to school you socialistic McFly fools out there about how business works!? Donald J. Trump took risks and some things did not work out, but most THINGS DID WORK OUT!
Now, another thing about Senator Rubio that disturbed me and Roosevelt is that he went to insult Mister Trump’s manhood. It backfired on many levels. First, it made Marco look like a sad schoolboy. Second, it is a lie. Since Marco went there, there is no doubt that just like His businesses, Mister Trump is successful in the bedroom. It is a fact that all three wives report 100 percent satisfaction in the bedroom. Why is that important? It is because it shows that Mister Trump possesses a manhood unseen ever before in the presidency. It shows that Mister Trump has gusto to stare down Communist China and Red Russia. Do you McFlys know what that means? It means that Donald J. Trump WILL find the jobs lost to places like China and bring them back to America.
Donald J. Trump WILL bring back what’s called a Culture of Life, something not seen since the successful years of the honorable President George W. Bush. While me and millions in this once free nation prayed for a third and fourth GW Bush terms, we knew that the Lord Almighty made us stronger by enduring the huge mistake known as the Hussein Obama years. Donald J. Trump WILL erase that nightmare and bring class and dignity back to The Oval Office. God Bless the honorable Mister Donald J. Trump. Roosevelt and Bill enthusiastically endorse this great man who WILL WIN the White House and be sworn in by January 2017.

domain: politics


UFC lightweight fighter and Roufus Sports Fighter, Danny ‘Boy’ Downes took to twitter this afternoon to announce that he has been released from his duties under the UFC promotion.
“Zuffa has “exercised its right in to accelerate the term of its promotional and other obligations.” In other words I’m cut,” wrote Downes.
After going 1-1 under the WEC banner, Downes was shifted to the UFC with the merger in 2010. However once in the Octagon, he failed to obtain success and dropped two consecutive bouts to Jeremy Stephens and Ramsey Nijem to earn his walking papers from the promotion.
We announced yesterday that Eliot Marshall has also received his release from the UFC, but now that the dust is unsettling from all the recent events we have been having, it would appear as if, more than likely, six-more fighters have also been released by the promotion.
While not yet official, Jason Brilz, Shamar Bailey, Clay Harvison, Edward Faaloloto, Matt Lucas and Paul Bradley have all had their fighter profiles removed from the official UFC.com fighter database.
The aforementioned Downes and Marshall also underwent the same removal at the same time as the other six fighters, so while not yet announced by the promotion or fighters’ management, it is safe to assume that the additional six-athletes listed have also been released by the UFC for their recent failures inside the Octagon.


text:
Prophecy in the making
ish tam, yoshev ohalim”
Keep not thou silence, O Elohim ( אלהים ): keep not Thy silence, and be not still, O EL (
For, behold, Thine enemies make a hamah (uproar): and they that hate Thee have lifted
up the head.
They have taken crafty counsel against Amecha (Thy people), and consulted against thy
They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of
Yisrael may be no more in remembrance.
For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
The ohalim of Edom, and the Yishmaelites; of Moav, and the Hagarites;
Geval, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tzor;
Assur also is joined with them: they have been an arm to the children of Lot.
Do unto them as [unto] the Midyan; as [to] Sisra, as [to] Yavin, at the brook of Kishon:
[Which] perished at Ein-Dor: they became [as] dung for the adamah.
Make their nobles like Orev, and like Ze’ev: yea, all their princes as Zevach, and as
Who said, Let us take to ourselves the habitations of Elohim ( אלהים ) in possession.
O Elohai, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek Thy Name, O YHWH ( .(יהוה
Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and
That [men] may know that thou,
whose name alone [is]
YHWH, [art] ha Elyon al kol ha eretz..

domain: literature


text:
Inside Out Service Boot9th November, 2015
One of the things that separates us from many traditional footwear manufacturers is our willingness to experiment. A recent, and particularly interesting example of this process is the Inside Out Service Boot. The idea started by taking a closer look at a finished Service Boot upper before the lasting process begins. When flipped inside out the upper takes on a new pattern, but preserves the general form and shape of the original Service Boot. Some minor alterations were made to the final sample, such as elastic ribbing in place of a lacing system. The end result is a contemporary interpretation of our oldest product that manages to feel like something entirely new. The Inside Out Service Boot remains in the sampling stages for now.


text:
Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Ged Walters shows you how you can gain more awareness of were your club face is in the downswing.
►Feel free to comment below!
►Remember to hit that LIKE button if you enjoyed it 🙂
►Become a FREE SUBSCRIBER to GED WALTERS GOLF now:
►Book Lesson With GED WALTERS at Trafford Golf Centre call 0161 749 7000
My aim is to provide you with easy to follow, clear and detailed advice on the golf swing in order to help you play this wonderful game to the best of your ability. Whether you are a beginner, a Professional or a golfer dedicated to lowering your handicap you will find my advice can help you achieve your goals and beyond.
o Standard YouTube Licence

domain: sports


text:
Maine does Fall right! I lived in San Francisco for a few years and Fall there was very commercial and fake. Then there was the rest of the year which just felt like Fall without any of the perks. The leaves are changing, I can wear cute boots everywhere! And my favorite, dessert favors turn savory.
Today I made a Sweet Potato Coconut Cheesecake! I highly recommend trying this!
Sweet Potato Coconut Cheesecake
I did a basic graham cracker crust and baked it at 350 for 6 minutes. I also didn’t have ricotta so I used sour cream instead. In the photo for this cheesecake you will see that the center has sunk, if you wrap your springform pan tightly in foil then bake it in a water bath at 350 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it sets, barely jiggles, then turn off the oven, leave the cheesecake in there for 1 hour then refrigerate overnight. Then your top should be flat and baked evenly.
Wow that was a lot. I swear it is easier then it sounds!!

domain: food


text:
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- Clear, natural sound – Because Lyric sits so close to the eardrum, it utilizes the natural acoustics of the ear to provide a clear crisp sound.
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Call today to receive a free 30 day trial of Lyric. You are just a phone call away from hassle free hearing.


Feds spend $152 million on ads
So let me get this straight. We pay taxes so the federal government can encourage people to electronically file their taxes and to inform folks about the new color of money?
The Treasury has to spend money to make money.
BA DUMP CHING!
I would be happier if they just sent me some samples of the new-colored money.


text:
I am fascinated by the paradoxes and contradictions in the Tarot cards. For instance, the Hanged Man (Le Pendu) is generally shown as a man suspended upside down from a cross pole by his foot. Standard Tarot interpretations often talk about hanging as a punishment, suggesting the figure is a traitor, criminal, or has been unjustly sacrificed. But, wait – he is far from dead, looks perfectly happy, and is only strung up by the foot, not the neck. Turn him up the other way and he’s fine! So what is he doing in this position?
Symbolically, we can talk about shamanic practices and mythical reversals: the god Odin hung himself upside down on the World Tree for nine days in order to penetrate the mysteries (he emerged with knowledge of the sacred Runes). But in the context of Tarot history and its home in warmer, mostly Mediterranean countries, the chilly Viking god can only be a cross-reference. No, how about an acrobat? In some very old versions of the Tarot, the Hanged Man is holding a bag in each hand which look like weights. And there are accounts of pole acrobats and rope dancers who did tricks very like this. An eye witness account in modern times reports seeing an itinerant acrobat in France in just the same position as the Hanged Man of the Tarot.
What about this custom from Girona, in Northern Spain? At the time of the Black Death, it had to be sealed off from the rest of the world. During the weeks or months that they were cut off from all their fellow citizens some of the residents decided to cheer up their neighbours with displays of acrobatics from poles erected between the narrow buildings. http://gironablog.blogspot.co.uk/2008/05/some-girona-legends-tarl.html. Now this is commemorated every year in the Festival of the Tarlà, with a lifesize figure suspended from a pole. Admittedly, he’s not upside down, but still gives the sense that somersaulting and hanging suspended are part of the spectacle.
So I think we have here in the Tarot not a tragedy or an unhappy end, but a figure who is willingly turning himself the wrong way up, showing off his skills, defying gravity, but at the same time representing a new way of seeing the world. The Tarot’s images are resonant with symbolism, but they are also rooted in culture and history. Sometimes the actual historical context seems less important when it comes to interpreting the cards, but here I’d say that digging out the origins of the image can contribute enormously to our understanding.
Work in progress!
Pictures from top:
the so-called 'Charles VI Tarot, prob. 15th c Italian
'Tarla' doll, Girona
Jean Noblet Tarot, French c. 1650
Others from French & Italian packs in my possession
Author of books on family history, relationships, alchemy, myths & legends. Life writing tutor teaching for Universities of Oxford & Exeter. Keen on quirky, ancient and mysterious things.

domain: artistic


text:
The 'boys are joined by actor, writer, and voice-over artist Hayley Mancini (The Last Kids on Earth) to return to Burger King and sample their new meatless Impossible Whopper. Plus, another segment of Breaking Chews as we review the new Reese's donuts available at Krispy Kreme.
The 'boys are joined by Ify Nwadiwe (Nerdificent, Candy Dinner, Who Shot Ya?) to discuss their favorite fat food chains in high school and to review Lee's Sandwiches, a Vietnamese-American chain specializing in bánh mì sandwiches. Plus, a listener submitted edition of Cereal.
From the new podcast Maybe Don't, we're joined by Kevin Bartelt (Hollywood Handbook) and our own producer Yusong Liu to discuss eating vegan in California and to taste-test the new beyond meat options at Del Taco. Plus, a healthy juice-edition of Drank or Stank.


Buck McKeon's accounts: BuckMcKeon
Breaking: #Obamacare individual mandate ruled unconstitutional. More to come...
WATCH: My response to #SOTU http://t.co/cT8xExrN
WATCH: My response to #SOTU http://t.co/rknoELL1
Obama's damaging blow to our military:... http://t.co/uuhGvIDp
Myths on the New Detainee Policy: http://t.co/wcQJ6jaw http://t.co/CbMiGGeJ
I am on the House floor getting ready to manage debate on the National Defense Authorization Act Conference... http://t.co/WQtXv1n7
Two Important Jobs Bills Supported by Congressman McKeon Finally Head to President for Signature http://t.co/8jvyeuab
Breaking: Balanced Budget Amendment defeated in House, 261-165. Very disappointing that Congress cannot vote to... http://t.co/fTGLL3Zt
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Reyes' body was found inside a suitcase last Tuesday along a road in Greenwich, Connecticut, according to police, who said her hands and feet were bound.
DeSilva was arrested after he fraudulently used an ATM card belonging to the victim, Valerie Reyes, Berry said.
"We are confident that the pursuit of justice for Valerie will be successful and we continue to work with the family to provide closure to this tragedy".
In a press conference on Tuesday Greenwich Police said that de Silva confessed to playing a role in the murder when he was questioned following his arrest.
The Greenwich Police Department announced the arrest of an individual "believed to be involved" in Reyes' death.
Police say they have examined hundreds of hours of surveillance footage in the case and interviewed several potential witnesses. "I'm paranoid, mummy. I'm getting anxiety attacks.' She was having a hard time talking".
DeSilva "is charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death, which carries a sentence of death or life imprisonment", Nicholas Biase, a spokesman for the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of NY confirms to PEOPLE.
Police said previously that Reyes did not die at the location where she was found, but they did not know where she was killed.
According to the New York Police Department, Reyes suffered from depression and anxiety.
"She said, "Mami, his mother has cancer and I want to support him.' She was an angel like that", Reyes" mother, Norma Sanchez said.
Said Sanchez: "We wonder, 'Who made her feel this way?'"
"I'm afraid someone is going to murder me", she recalled her daughter saying.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to release the autopsy results to rule the cause of death. "And she said, 'No, '" Sanchez said.


Latest inspector general Stories
Testimony from Texas Dentists for Medicaid Reform challenges claims of widespread dental Medicaid fraud by HHSC-OIG, and points to lack of due process for targeted providers. Austin,
A two-year federal investigation into a climate change report by a pair of Department of Interior scientists has finally concluded, but the results are being withheld, according to their lawyer.
- A political dynamiter.


text:
- American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
- American Board of Internal Medicine - Rheumatology
- Dow Medical College, 2011
Residencies & Internships
- Wayne State University, Internal Medicine, MI, 2017
- Cleveland Clinic, Rheumatology, OH, 2019
I practice both inpatient and outpatient Rheumatology. I have had the opportunity to train under world renowned Rheumatologists and strive to do the best I can. I enjoy treating all rheumatological diseases including but not limited to lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and autoimmune muscle problems.
"I take pride in my profession, my specialty and my work ethic and love that I can work with my patients to make shared decisions aimed to improve their quality of life."
- Henry Ford Jackson Hospital

domain: health


text: Nice to meet you here at this site, where you can use epic ringtones for your mobile. Today we have a ringtone of “Emotions” by Sanik as well as 29 other ringtones by Sanik. You can listen to all 4 Sanik – “Emotions” ringtone variations available here and download it for free right now. You can also select other 1 albums produced by Sanik for all time. “Emotions” is referred to Electronic, and you may listen to a huge amount of Electronic melodies absolutely for free. And finally, we have collected lyrics for this track and you can view it here as well. So feel free to browse, listen, download ringtones at Audiko.net. Make your phone sound cool!

domain: entertainment


I have posted many posts about Nutcracker, but I am going to do a couple more before the season is over haha:
While the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition, for dancers it might just be the ballet that pushes them over the edge. For dancers in smaller companies, Nutcracker season means longer rehearsals, and being over used. On any given night, a female corps dancer might go through 3 costumes changes. Unfortunately, there really isn’t any room to complain, because Nutcracker pays the bills. For stage managers and lighting designers, Nutcracker basically runs itself. And for those in PR and Marketing, Nutcracker sells tickets on its own… unless you are pnb whose ticket sales are down, hence why they are ditching the Stowell/Sendak version and going Balanchine.
5 Nutty Things that happen in productions of the Nutcracker:
- Have you ever noticed in the Balanchine Version, that music from the Sleeping Beauty is used between party and battle scene? Or the opening score of Snow is wasted on a moving bed? If you didn’t know how that happens… usually there is someone underneath crawling and spinning it around… Awkward I know. Casting sheet:
Bed: Your name.
- The corps is like a well oiled machine… The corps has so many parts to dance during Nutcracker… and the fun part? They usually don’t dance the same spot twice. These girls go from party scene, to snow without being warmed up, and then dance in flowers. Usually the casting board has the act, scene, and roles, but for the corps it might go by numbers and one night you might be dancing girl one, and the next night you might be dancing girl eight. I guess it gives you some variety…
- Sugar Plum pas de deux might just be one of the longest pas de deuxs out there. The variation is ridiculously long, etc.
- Have you ever noticed that Clara and the Nutcracker in the Royal Ballet’s version must have to chug a redbull before their performance. They dance in like every variation and flowers…
- Finally, sometimes I watch productions of nutcracker and I am like wtf is this… random ugly costumes… non cohesive storylines… over rehearsed tired dancers… or my favorite… bringing in guest artists for the leads from major companies, because no one in your company can fill the role… or you would rather have a “name” for the sake of selling tickets.


text: Jose Rico has been named senior vice president of community investment at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Rico served four years as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. He planned policy, strategic initiatives, outreach and communications for President Obama’s education agenda and the Latino community. He helped develop the Promise Neighborhood grants for cradle-to-career programming in distressed neighborhoods across the country. Previously, he was a founding principal at the Multicultural Arts School at the Little Village/Lawndale High School campus. He will lead United Way’s work on education, income and health and its Neighborhood Network model, which concentrates services in underserved communities.

domain: sociology


text:
The design and shape of our classic Kalepsu leather tote bag embraces simplicity.
It is the best option for to carry your laptop, cosmetics and paper stuff. It is spacious and has a inside pocket to store cellphone and wallet. Our bag is 100% handmade by local artisans in Colombia.
>Tote bag in soft leather.
>Two handles a zipped pockets. Zip fastening along top.
>Available with castellano embossed monogram on each side.
Dimensions: H: 53 cm x W: 42 cm Strap length: 28 cm.
A pre-order is an order you can make for a new item before it is produced and available for delivery. Funds are collected at checkout to cover the cost of production as the item is completely handmade and bespoke for you. Delivery time is 3 months from pre-order. We will notify you via email when your order is out for delivery. For any questions please email us at Pre-orders@CastellanoEthnicOrigins.com


Studio Novitec Rosso has presented a modified version of the supercar the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T . Modification from the German tuners got an aerodynamic body kit and was noticeably more powerful than the original version. Tuners managed to improve aerodynamics by installing a new body kit. In particular, the car got a splitter and flaps on the front bumper, the carbon shells of the side mirrors, as well as the spoilers on the roof and trunk lid. Ferrari catalog In addition, the supercar was equipped with a new sports suspension with a low ground clearance of 35 mm. The wheels were installed 21- and 22-inch wheels, “shod” in tires 255/30 and 315/25 in front and behind, respectively. The standard Ferrari GTC4Lusso T is equipped with a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 with a power output of 610 hp. and 760 Nm, but experts from Novitec Rosso installed two special modules, which allowed increasing the output to 709 forces and 882 Nm of torque. This increase has a positive effect on the dynamic characteristics. A modified two-door to accelerate from one place to a hundred requires 3.2 seconds (-0.3). As for the maximum speed, it increased to 325 km / h (+ 5). Also modified Ferrari GTS4 Luso T from Novitec Rosso received an exhaust system from Inconel with two massive double-barrels on the sides of the rear bumper. This release is slightly lighter than the standard and provides a more aggressive sound. The cost of the tuning program is not called.


This week, as part of our RHHRF series, we interview Dr Andrew Black. He is a cardiologist at the RHH, as well as undergoing a PhD with UTAS. His ongoing work with the Tasmanian STEMI network is leading the way toward a better future for healthcare in remote areas of Tasmania.
In this episode, we discuss Andrew’s career, some of his previous research and his unique lens as a cardiologist who is also paving a way for previously unseen medical interventions for Tasmanians who may not have close access to a hospital in the event of heart problems.
Show theme music: Kevin MacLeod
Host: Niamh Chapman (@nchapmanTAS)
Co-Host: Ryan Smith
Production: Ryan Smith
Media & Promotion: Ellie Clapham (@eleanorclapham)


text:
Hathersage is one of the most interesting villages in the Derbyshire peak district area. Hathersage is a popular centre for walkers and rock-climbers, for on its east side the village is overlooked by moorland and a line of gritstone edges of which Stanage Edge is the largest.
There are also spectacular tors, such as Higgar Tor, and the enigmatic hillfort at Carl Wark, which has so far defied archaeologists’ attempts to date it. Several of the edges were quarried and the area was a major source of millstones for grinding corn and metals.
However even in one of the most interesting villages in the Derbyshire peak district area accidents can still happen and in the event of this Accident Advice Helpline has the Injury Solicitor Hathersage team on standby.
Injury Claim Solicitor in Hathersage
The injury claim solicitor in Hathersage team is a team of in house Injury Solicitors working for Accident Advice Helpline and they are committed to dealing with injury compensation claims for those who have been injured in accidents that were not their own fault.
The Injury Solicitor Hathersage team has successfully dealt with various types of accident injury compensation claims. A common claim they have seen over the years is compensation claims for leg injuries.
Do you live in or around this area and have suffered an accident that was not your fault? Has the accident resulted in a leg injury? If so please read on to find out if you are eligible to make an accident injury compensation claim with the Injury Solicitor Hathersage team.
To assess if you are eligible to make a claim for your leg injury ask yourself the following questions:
- Did you suffer this leg injury as a direct result of an accident that was not your fault?
- Was the accident caused by another person’s wrongful actions or neglect?
- Did this happen within the last three years?
- Did you seek medical advice/treatment for the leg injury?
If you have answered yes to the above questions then the Injury Solicitor Hathersage team could help you with your leg injury claim and you could be awarded cash compensation.
We have been dealing with leg injury claims for many years, which means you can be confident that we will know exactly how to handle your specific claim. With a great injury solicitor in Hathersage team we are in the perfect position to supply you with the best advice available, with customer service to match.
Each and every Injury Solicitor within the injury Solicitor Hathersage team work on a 100% No Win No Fee* basis for all customers at all times. This means you can rely on them to act in your best interests and your best interests alone. It also means that there are no upfront fees to pay so starting your leg injury claim will cost you nothing and you have nothing to lose.
Call our 24-hour free helpline today!
So for expert legal advice about a possible claim call Accident Advice Helpline today on: 0800 689 0500 from a landline or: 0333 500 0993 from a mobile.
Date Published: 24th November 2013
Author: David Brown


text:
The smart Trick of hurghada luxor tours That Nobody is Discussing
Embark with a mesmerizing journey through time as we delve in to the enchanting globe of Luxor, Egypt, as well as the awe-inspiring wonders it has to offer. In this post, We'll examine the charming activities awaiting those who undertaking on Hurghada to Luxor excursions, which has a Distinctive deal with the long-lasting Valley of your Kings.
Hurghada to Luxor Tours:
For vacationers in search of a mixture of history, society, and journey, a trip from Hurghada to Luxor is an complete ought to. Luxor, typically called the "planet's best open-air museum," offers an abundance of archaeological treasures that span Countless several years. The journey from your coastal paradise of Hurghada towards the historical heart of Egypt is surely an immersive expertise, providing a glimpse into the region's prosperous past.
Valley of your Kings:
Among the list of crown jewels of Luxor would be the renowned Valley on the Kings, a necropolis that served as the final resting spot for pharaohs of The brand new Kingdom. Nestled about the west bank from the Nile, this historic burial floor is a UNESCO World Heritage web-site as well as a testomony to your grandeur of Egyptian civilization.
Visitors into the Valley on the Kings are greeted by a landscape dotted with elaborately decorated tombs, Each individual Keeping a singular Tale with the pharaohs who after ruled Egypt. The intricate hieroglyphics, vivid murals, as well as the sheer scale of the architecture are certain to leave an indelible effect on each and every traveler.
Hurghada Tours: Gateway to Luxor's Splendors
Hurghada, a well-liked resort city along the Pink Sea, serves as The perfect place to begin for those desperate to investigate the miracles of Luxor. The journey from Hurghada to Luxor is don't just a possibility to witness the stark contrast concerning the coastal oasis and the ancient town but in addition a chance to working experience the heat of Egyptian hospitality.
Hurghada to Luxor tours commonly involve guided visits to iconic landmarks like the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, along with the Colossi of Memnon. The knowledgeable guides supply insights into the historic significance of each site, presenting a comprehensive idea of Egypt's cultural tapestry.
Useful Guidelines for an Unforgettable Luxor Excursion:
Relaxed Attire: Specified the warm weather, it's highly recommended to wear gentle, breathable clothes and cozy footwear.
Hydration: Have sufficient drinking water to remain hydrated, In particular throughout outside explorations.
Camera All set: Seize the magic of Luxor by bringing a camera to immortalize the spectacular landscapes and historic artifacts.
Respect Regional Customs: When going to spiritual web sites, it is vital to costume modestly away from respect for the regional customs.
A Luxor trip from Hurghada can be a transformative working experience, providing a singular mixture of relaxation and exploration. In the Sunshine-kissed beaches of Hurghada on the timeless wonders of Luxor, this journey is really a celebration of Egypt's abundant heritage. Whether or not marveling within the grandeur in the Valley with the Kings or navigating the bustling marketplaces of Luxor, each and every minute claims to be hurghada luxor tours a stage back again in time, leaving an indelible mark to the hearts of tourists.


Hi, I have Acer Extensa 5220. After installing Ubuntu, the laptop speakers began to produce a high pitched whistle noise when I connect the jack for earphones or external speakers. Maybe it has something to do muting the speakers when the jack is in - they are mute but they squeal all the time. This problem never occur ed with Windows so it seems to be a software issue.
Can anyone tell help me with this,


- Siemens Corporation
- $116,070.00 -174,640.00/year*
Business Unit: Customer Services
Requisition Number: 244617
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Experience Level: Mid level
Education Required Level: Technical Diploma
Travel Required: 10%
The Technical Support Engineer provides engineering advice to the Amtrak maintenance workforce in order to enhance
equipment reliability of the Siemens ACS-64 electric locomotive fleet. This includes advice on: routine maintenance,
restoration and resolution to equipment failures, semi-complex equipment installation, and modifications and repairs.
* Assist with running maintenance on a fleet of locomotives, maintenance instructions from Computer Maintenance
Management System (CMMS)
* Assist with unscheduled repairs on locomotives including Mechanical repairs, Electrical repairs, highly complex technical
and troubleshooting repairs on locomotives
* Follow all maintenance instructions (wherever available) to adhere to and maintain compliance and high quality
* Develop a working relationship with the Customer as an employee and representative of Siemens Mobility
* Verify that all defects, tasks, and /or incidents have been reported and documented in (CMMS) for compliance, issue
tracking, and closure
* Provide first line technical assistance to operations staff for troubleshooting and repair of locomotives
* Maintain compliance to all applicable safety rules, laws, and regulations
* Always ensure highest quality standards are met in accordance with Siemens Rail Systems
* In the absence of Stores Keeper Controllers, perform Material transactions to support the fleet as needed
* Foster a work environment that drives a safety first zero harm culture (ZHC) and speak up when necessary as a
stakeholder for shop and site safety for yourself and your coworkers
* Interact with the leadership as needed on all site issues, systems, and related facility operations
Required Knowledge/Skills, Education, and Experience
* 1-3 years of experience working in an industrial or maintenance environment related to electrical work.
* Must demonstrate an appreciation of mechanical and electrical engineering.
* Candidates with a background in rolling stock maintenance and commissioning or other rail-related experience will be
* Candidates should be able to use Microsoft Office suite application to generate reports, presentations, email communications and work with spreadsheets.
Associated topics: adapter, circuit, diagram, electrical engineer, kv, rf, schema, stationary engineer, transmission, wind
* The salary listed in the header is an estimate based on salary data for similar jobs in the same area. Salary or compensation data found in the job description is accurate.
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Church member nominated for Supreme Court of the Philippines
Adoracion Cruz Avisado, a regional trial court judge in Davao City, Philippines, is one of nine nominees for the post of Associate Justice of the country’s Supreme Court, philSTAR.com reports.
Avisado and her husband, Wendel, are longtime members of the Matina Church of Christ in Davao City, says Steve Byrne, a minister and elder of the Church of Christ at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
The Philippines is a nation of more than 92 million people, spread across more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. The Supreme Court, the highest court in the country, is comprised of 14 Associate Justices and one Chief Justice.
Avisado and her husband “each have truly fascinating life stories of service to God and their country,” Byrne said.
FeedbackWe do well to pray that this sister in Christ may be appointed to the office! How much we do need honest and capable persons in public office in any free nation.Ray DownenOctober, 5 2012Definitely we need honest and God fearing judge like sis. Dory (Adoracion).Danni de VeraOctober, 6 2012The Name of God is highly magnified every time His people shine and excel in the realm of service for people and government. Keep up the good work sister Dory!!!! Praying for you and your family!Alex B. ColomaOctober, 8 2012


text:
Who Was Enheduanna?
Four thousand years ago, where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flowed, civilization was evolving, with the concept of the city -- Ur, to be specific. Temples were established to the many deities in the Sumerian pantheon. One woman, in particular, dared do what none had done before her -- she signed her name to the poems she wrote! That woman was Enheduanna, a priestess/poet to the goddess Inanna, and her story is told in the eponymous work created by Samara, MDTC's Artistic Director for Dance (who choreographed) and singer/songwriter Gary Kupper (who directed). Enheduanna (excerpted from Fo(u)r Women -- learn more), premiered in New Jersey in 2015, and makes its New York premiere on November 17, 2018.
To provide a little pre-show "extra credit", Dr. Phyllis "Phaedra" Saretta, Egyptologist and specialist in the art and archaeology of the ancient Near East, graciously shares some of her knowledge on this fascinating woman of the past.

domain: library


text:
South Gorham Crossing
|Catylist Listing ID:
Office, Retail, Retail-Pad
|Gross Land Area:
||$289,772 Per Acre
||Cash to Seller
Overview / Comments
Unit #3, South Gorham Crossing. Commercial Development opportunity along heavily traveled Routes 22/114. Great visibility with high traffic count. Conveniently located only 3 miles to Gorham Village and 5 miles to Maine Mall in South Portland. Existing business park neighbors include quick-care health facility, convenience store with gas pumps, and 150 child daycare center. 1 of 7 available lots. Permitted uses: Retail under 7000 sf, professional offices, banks, funeral home, business, personal & repair services, sit-down restaurants. Light industrial uses allowed with Town Council approval.
Attachments & Media
|Finance Data Year
|Real Estate Taxes - Annual($)
||Map 3, Lot 22-406
||CONTRACT ZONING FOR COMMERCIAL USES
||Book 14886, Page 26
|Largest Nearby Street:
|Feet of Frontage:
||Major highway access.
||Level and cleared with frontage on a major highway in southern Maine.
||Heavily populated, close to downtown and Maine Mall with every imaginable store in between you could imagine.
||Underlying zoning is residential however, the town of Gorham has allowed for many commercial uses through contract zoning.
||Grading and Drainage Easements.
© Copyright Catylist. All Rights Reserved.
The information presented herein is provided as is, without warranty of any kind.
Neither New England Commercial Property Exchange nor
Catylist Real Estate Software, Inc. assume any liability for errors or omissions.


Water-Cooled Beam Dump
Lasermet’s water-cooled beam dump uses a closed loop water supply system for absorbing laser beam energy.
To start operation, plug in the water tube connections and switch on the water pumps.
Attach a 12mm diameter hose (1/2″) to the four water connectors on the BD-WC45 Beam Dump. There are two water inlets and two water outlets. The length of the hose will depend on the distance to the reserve water tank is located (see recommended setup in below image). Secure and tighten the hose to the hose clamps with a flathead screwdriver or a hex wrench. Make sure the hose clamps are tightened enough to avoid water leaks.
Connect the water inlet hoses to water pumps submerged in the reserve water tank. Then place the ends of the water outlet hoses in the reserve water tank to complete the closed loop cooling system.
|114 x 135 x 104 mm
|15 – 25 °C
|Pump Flow Rate
|>1000 LPH or >264 GPH


Find out how you can win a trip to the show!
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Throwback Photos of Grammy Nominees
The 10-episode HBO series kicks off the season this weekend!
53 Most Outrageous Grammy Outfits of All Time
He may have his hat back and she may like that, but Kelsea Ballerini and Dustin Lynch are not an item.
Kip Moore is taking the lead in his new music video.
A couple of country stars are twinning with surprises creatures.
Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren are madly in love.
Her mother took to social media wondering why her daughter was singled out
The bad blood between Kanye West and Taylor Swift isn't done yet.
A rep for Taylor said that 'Ye did not reach out to ask approval nor was the singer informed about the lyric
Charles Kelley tells us the stories behind each of his songs on his debut solo album 'The Driver'
Justin Bieber is striking a pose for GQ.


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Try this unforgettable experience with Tinggly.com. This and many more world-best activities are available in the unique Tinggly gift box. Perfect as a present for any adventure seeker! Let them pick one and fulfill their dreams!
Bordering Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are among the tallest and widest in the world. 275 separate falls and islands to admire. Exceptionally scenic tour for eco-tourists. About an hour’s drive from the meeting-point in Foz do Iguaçu (Brasil), the national park is set in a fragrant subtropical forest, with abundant flora and fauna to observe. You’ll catch the train up to Devil’s Throat, then take a 2000m (6562ft) catwalk to the point where the calm waters gather before plunging over the falls, with the longest drop being 82m (269ft). Returning to the forest, you’ll join the Upper Circuit for a pleasant walk, with idyllic views of the river, before pausing for lunch.
After another short walk, this time along the Lower Circuit, you’ll head for Puerto Iguazu and see the meeting-point of the Iguazu and Parana Rivers, which divide Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Before heading back to base, there will be a visit to the Three Border Landmark to meet members of the local community and sample some delicious delicacies including cheese, wine, olives and alfajores (a delicious traditional confectionery with honey and almonds).
- Visit the epic Iguazu Falls, a site of unbelievable natural beauty
- See Devil’s Throat, where water cascades in a raging torrent on 3 sides
- Scenic walks with plenty of photo opportunities
- Visit to Three Border Landmark and a local market
- The admission to Iguazu National Park is not included
- This tour if offered on a ‘join-in’ basis - max group size 12
- Iguazu national park and falls experience for 2 people (approx 8 hours)
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up from your centrally located hotels in Foz do Iguassu
All bookings are subject to availability. Some Tinggly activities have fixed dates available to choose from. The list of experiences in Tinggly gift box can be changed without notice. Please enquire for booking in advance.Show More Show Less

domain: travel


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if you're talking about profit maximisation then well, if you set one mrt ride = $1million
you won't get many riders, would you?
well it's hard to say depending on the company la; but frankly the apparent growth in profits, as someone did point out, while present undisputably; let's remember that $5 yesterday is very different from $5 today. net profits should be taken with a tiny pinch of salt too.
Can you name a company that paid its CEO US$100M excluding stock options? All the obscene incomes I recall reading about are including stock options, and even then stockholders are not happy with it.
besides, justification.. well, anything can be justifiable by anyone's standards, whether it's.. sufficient by others' standards, is another thing though, as you can see here in kopitiam.
maybe reposession by the government is a way out. someone brought it up in conversation and we had an argument and i think that suggestion has some merits.
Come to think of it, Steve Jobs did get a jet as a bonus not too long ago, and Apple also paid for the tax on it (and the tax on the tax they paid for him and so on). That's got to be worth multiple millions, and it is not stock.
Anyway, this is seriously OT regarding SMRT profit. My apologies.
Back on topic, not having lived here for multiple years, I didn't realize (or forgot) that SMRT is a public listed company. Lots of interesting reading on its website. As a public listed company, shouldn't their priority be to maximize profit for its shareholders?
barry diller qualifies too. but you're right, we're ot. that was a list for 05 though, i'm pretty sure more and more will hit that list, there were none in 04, if i remember correctly, at least when excluding stock options.
tell me, who in this world, if given a choice, doesn't want free education, free health services, free insurance, free transportation, free libraries? this is called the tragedy of the commons, alluding to overgrazing in villages when there was no control, in case some get me wrong.
can always absorb it and throw it to another division and divide up the pie. not easy, but well, i can't see any other workable plan.
during my discussion as mentioned earlier, i wanted to bring up the point of externalities, i.e. the fact that beyond certain limits, people start to take away the value of what the particular good or service is to each other. for example, you would certainly be more willing to pay $3 for a train ride where you can sit as opposed to $3 for a train ride where there is litter all over the floor, noisy kids, and everybody is packed like sardines.
but it just doesn't seem right, even though in an entirely rational world, certainly there is some merit to that line of thought.
1. It's a bit strange, isn't it? Singtel makes billions and no one complains, but smrt makes a fraction of that and there's so much noise.
Everywhere around the world, govts are privatising services because invariably they can't do as good or as efficient a job as the private sector. So everything from telcos to power plants to public transport are now run by companies. Govts now focus on what they do best, which is to govern and regulate, and let the private sector build and operate.
In management terms they have gone back to their core competencies.
2. How much profit should smrt be allowed to make?
You can read the ptc statements if you want. They consider the projected roi when approving fare increases.
However, in a wider context, that question does not make sense in a free market. Govts do not control your salary, why should they control how much companies make?
3. There's a notion that public transport is a public service, so the companies should make very little profit.
That's old thinking. It was no longer a public service the day the govt privatised it. So they have a right to make as much money as they can provided they meet the service standards.
Anyway, anyone who does accounting knows how fluid the concept of profit is, and really the figure is whatever the company wants to estimate. That's why analysts look at cash flow a lot more than profit.
If a company wants to make less profit, there's so many ways-- you can pay your staff more, pay more allowances and incentives, pay your CEO a lot more, pay more for director's fees, hire more consultants to do useless studies, spend more on unnecessary things, take more "charges" and "writeoffs", charge less for shop space rentals, etc... Just to reach your profit target. Does that change anything? In fact, it makes things worse because the company just becomes less efficient so that it can meet the public's lowered profit expectations.
It's very easy to make less money. It's a lot harder to make more money. And far more harder to make more money and to meet or exceed regulatory standards.
4. There's also the notion that smrt shouln't be listed, because then it will only serve its shareholders.
Anyone who understands business knows that makes no difference. A private company serves its shareholders too. And what is worse, you won't know if they made 150m or 1.5b.
The profit motivation of a company does not depend on its listing or non listing status.
5. So really, it's unfair to say smrt should not make money or too much money. What is fair to criticise is whether the fares are affordable, whether the service standards are acceptable, relative to the prices charged. How much money they make is really their own business if they meet the stds. And what's worse is when people who don't understand financial analysis make sensationalist statements based on single figures in isolation, playing to the gallery like demagogues.
Last edited by waileong; 7th May 2008 at 09:14 AM.
i hope we're not going to go into some silly capitalism good or bad debate, whatever system was best well capitalism, i.e. the pursuit of profits has stood out and proved itself the most; the capitalist countries, sadly, far excel their counterparts - though there are exceptions. there is nothing much to discuss about that unless you wish to be utopian.
and you can't just measure values. can you measure how much a father will be willing to be paid before he gives his daughter away? for some yes, for some, no. it depends. so many situations, so many instances, so many deviations, even if taken to a much lesser extent compared to my example.
or do i misconstrue what you're trying to say?
Personally 150 million profit to me is still ok but I always worry. Greed has no bounds. The fact that town councils can invest our HDB S&C charges to make profit already set alarm bells in my mind. Do these get reinvested or lessen our costs if they make a profit? Last I checked the costs just keep increasing.
f**k lah...do we even have a CHOICE?
Every time we talk about transportation in SG here, there'll always be arguement, suggestion, etc. But what we really need is efficient service at a low price which even the poorest can afford!
Talking about profits in transportation companies, forget them lah...they're just there to make sure they earn as much as possible for their shareholders. If they really care and wanted to make it happen, they would have 10 years ago! Look at buses and MRTs, they're still as crowded and packed. People still complaining as such. What they have done is installed TVs on buses so that they can earn advertisement fees out of it, tell the public that due to high oil prices and labour cost, they have no choice but to increase the fares. Look at how they got their drivers from China? Increase in labour cost?
Life sucks...really, when we talk about transportation here.
different people has different expectations for transportation.
My gripe is the CTE which has been jamming for over 10 years. What have the government done to improve it other than adding ERP? I don't mind ERP BUT they have to expand and improve the roads too right?
it isn't so easy to just say that "oh, let's expand this road"
there is going to be stuff like - oops it's moving closer to the hdb blocks along the place.
oh, eh, the IR construction site is beside it
or something as simple as, cost not justified, will have to reclaim land to do it.
1. Are you the govt? If not, how can you predict what they will do?
2. SMRT is not a monopoly per se, there's also SBS Transit, although they serve different routes.
3. I think the rail operations are just about break even, the main money spinner is the shop rentals and advertising. Suppose SMRT makes lots of money from that, because they are smarter than Capitaland or Mediacorp-- should the govt punish them for being profitable?
4. Competition drives down prices? Petrol stations is a good counterexample.
5. Excess cash is always invested in short-term money market instruments-- that's basic cash management and treasury function in any company. What's wrong with town councils doing that? Are they supposed to keep the cash under their mattresses?
2. They can twist it however they want. SMRT and TransitLink are monopolies. Period. They are just private in name.
3. I can also think that it's the other way around. Just like I cannot predict the govt neither can you predict SMRT costs of operations. Who give them the chance to sublet? Was a tender given to other property developers?
4. What competition? We'll never know would we?
5. Once again it is a monopoly. You dun have a choice. At least if you are in private property or those condos you still get a say. HDB town councils wun even bother to ask you before raising charges. At the end of the day it is my money. It is for our collective interests. I'm not against them making money but to this day I have yet to see how it benefits the collective.
Last edited by takethree; 7th May 2008 at 05:35 PM.

domain: finance