(London) Sartaj Aziz Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on National Security and Foreign Affairs to speak about Post-2014 Transition in Afghanistan: Pakistan’s perspectives on Regional Security and Stability at the prestigious International Institute of Strategic Studies in London on Wednesday 12th March 2014.
Afghanistan is undergoing major political, economic and security transitions this year, including the completion of the draw down of NATO-ISAF combat forces by the end of December 2014. As Afghanistan’s key neighbour, how will this influence Pakistan’s policies? What will Pakistan’s perspectives be on regional security and stability?
Sartaj Aziz was appointed as Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs in June 2013. Earlier, he served as Finance Minister of Pakistan from August 1990 to June 1993 and February 1997 to August 1998; and Foreign Minister of Pakistan from August 1998 to October 1999. Mr Aziz is a development economist, with a Degree in Commerce from the Punjab University in Pakistan and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Harvard University. He has written several books and articles, including Rural Development: Learning from China, and his memoirs Between Dreams and Realities: Some Milestones in Pakistan’s history (2009).


text:
Hydrangea 40 Pc Paper Placemat Book in Assorted 2 Designs
Want a quick and easy way to make your table setting look stunning? Decorate with these beautiful chinoiserie 40pc paper placemats! Just tear a sheet apart and place on your table. Once finish just throw away for easy clean up!
40 Pc placemat book
Features hydrangea design
Assorted 2 designs
Crafted from paper
18 1/2" W x 12 1/2" D x 1/4" H
Not what you are looking for? Try these instead:

domain: hobby


text:
Myoglobin is a protein which mainly serves to carry oxygen to the muscles in order for them to function correctly. It has a similar structure to that of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the bloodstream. Myoglobin is also considered to be a pigment, as it is the reason that muscles are red. Usually contained in the muscles, myoglobin can be released into the bloodstream following a serious muscular lesion, notably in cases of myocardial infarction
, and has even been found in urine in certain cases. Myoglobin quantities in the blood or urine can therefore help towards diagnosing various diseases or conditions.
Original article published by
. Translated by Jeff
Latest update on October 29, 2013 at 07:23 AM by Jeff.

domain: chemistry


text:
International students have reached to 200.000 as a result of state policies of the internationalization in Turkish higher education. Over the past 20 years, Turkey has reformed their internationalization policies and developments which has ultimately enhanced the outcome of successful transformation in the Higher Education System. This fruitful outcome was recognized by the president of Council of Higher Education in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Yetka Sarac.
With the current standing of 54 Memorandums of Understandings (MOU) signed between Turkey and 39 other countries, Turkey was able to expand cooperation and internationalization in Higher Education. This expands from students to faculty members who can reap from these benefits. Some of the collaborating countries are Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Romania and Macedonia.

domain: sociology


Snow Canyon State Park is not covered in snow. Now that that is out of the way, the 3,400 acre Utah State Park is part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which protects the desert tortoise and its habitat. Part of the park contains petrified orange Navajo sandstone (sand dunes that have been cemented into stone). Hundreds of millions of years ago this area was covered with time grains of quartzite, transported by wind to this very spot.
It is so much fun, for people of all ages, to tromp all over. We found lichen, ice, concretions (small round masses of minerals embedded in the sandstone), and spectacular views. A1, of course, was set on hiking all by herself. She loves the great outdoors, and being completely independent. The area is not a trail but a general hiking area, so she could choose her own adventure.


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Southern CA Mountains and Deserts Area Team
Welcome to the AFS Southern California Mountains and Desert Team Website!
"Our area encompasses a large section of western LA County and San Bernardino County in Southern California, USA, and includes valleys, deserts, and mountain communities. AFS Intercultural Programs (formerly the American Field Service) is one of the world’s largest community-based volunteer organizations dedicated to building a more just and peaceful world through international student exchange. In Southern California Mountains and Deserts, as in the rest of the world, local volunteers work with individuals who want to contribute toward that same goal."
- Kathie Blakley, AFS Volunteer Chair
Our AFS Team's website is currently being developed. In the meantime, review the resources below to get involved locally. Contact AFS if you have any questions.

domain: geography


text:
Vegan Food prepared - Baked, Grilled, Steamed, and RAW!
vegan, organic, vegetarian, nutrition, recipes
eXn: No rules gaming forums. Tournament host.
exiled, nation, gaming, forums, cod4, tournament, xbox, xbox360, baked.
Free forum : A forum for those strongly addicted to naturally baked random goodies and not for the faint of heart.
free, naturally, #baked, random, goodness

domain: food


text:
Message for the Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rene Reid
Work phone: 775-825-9196; Cell phone: 775-772-1210www.CatholicChurchReformIntl.org
was designed to fail ... and is failing
Catholic Church Reform International (CCRI) has written an Open Letter to Pope Francis telling him that the 46-question survey requiring all essay-type answers devised by the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops to gather feedback for the October 2015 Synod on the Family, is totally unworkable and not being promoted on most of the worldwide diocesan websites.
"We know it is an unworkable document," said Peter Wilkinson, CCRI coordinator from Australia, "because our research shows that, in the nine weeks it has been out there, few bishops and dioceses anywhere in the world are using it. The complex survey is not only doomed to fail, but sadly, appears to have been designed to fail."
"Not only will it not gather the voices of Catholic couples and families, but it will drive them away," said Rene Reid, CCRI co-founding director. "Whether it is intentional or not, this questionnaire is counterproductive, threatens to thwart the Pope's wishes, and could even endanger the effectiveness of the Synod itself."
Many bishops also want to hear the voices of Catholic couples and families, but now find themselves stymied by a Vatican tool unsuited to the task. It is overwhelming to even the most well-educated Catholic. Without the people's voices, those bishops elected to attend the October 2015 Assembly will have little to offer. "Pope Francis has made it clear that he does not want them turning up with formulations for pastoral care based simply on the application of doctrine or their own interpretation of what their people need," Virginia Saldanha, CCRI coordinator from India, pointed out. "That would defy the concluding directives of the October 2014 Assembly."
But the voices should not be only those of practicing Catholics. "Many Catholics no longer attend Mass," said Ms. Reid, "often precisely because of Church teachings, attitudes, and pastoral practices - the very issues that should be on the Synod's agenda. Pope Francis wants the bishops to find concrete solutions to the innumerable challenges that families face. The Lineamenta questionnaire not only shuts down the Faithful but completely leaves out those who are no longer practicing Catholics. If the Synod wants to 'look at the reality of the family today in all its complexities' as stated as its objective," said Ms. Reid, "there has to be a simplified, user-friendly means to gather the reflections of ordinary Catholics."
Catholic Church Reform Int'l, a network which spans 65 countries and shares Pope Francis's vision for a church engaged in a communal search of discernment, is now looking to develop an alternative survey, an uncomplicated living poll which, the CCRI letter explains "will be an invitation to all the baptized to share with the Synod their lived experience of marriage and family: 'How have their marriage and family life benefited from the teachings of the Church, or how has it caused difficulties or harm?' ...They will be asked for suggestions for change. 'If you were once a participatory practicing Catholic but have left the Church, what caused you to leave, what would bring you back?'" Brendan Butler, CCRI coordinator from Ireland who is serving on the committee designing the poll said: "CCRI wants a survey instrument which will be a pastoral agent in itself, looking to support families still in the flock, those on the fringes who will leave if some reform is not forthcoming, and looking to show welcome to those who've strayed or felt driven away."
"Too long have we lay Faithful colluded in silence out of a mistaken sense of respect," said Robert Blair Kaiser, CCRI co-founder and author. "We need to be speaking out, reminding bishops of the need to respond to families in the context of a complex and changing environment. If the Church is to be a credible instrument of the Gospel, it must instigate structural change in the way it operates. One key element of that is ensuring that all the baptized have a proper say in the governance of the Church."
To read the full letter to Pope Francis, click http://www.catholicchurchreform.com/AlternativeLivingPoll.htm.


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COWS CANT GET ENOUGH KALEAGE
By James de Havilland
WITH a potential of producing up to 75 t/ha at 22-25%DM kale is not a crop to ignore. History has established it as a cost-effective dairy feed, but baling and wrapping it to form "Kaleage" is a relatively new idea.
With this in mind, Welsh farmer Tom Davies, based near Penparc, Cardigan, decided to give the forage a try by cautiously growing 1.4ha (3.5 acres) of kale for baling. As he used the last of the bales, however, his verdict on the idea is clear: "Kaleage is a top quality home grown feed and I will be making more next season."
The trial field was sown with kale on May 29 – a first cut of grass silage having already been produced from the chosen area.
A light application of 20:10:10 fertiliser was applied to the kale soon after establishment, with varieties Pinfold, Keeper, Hereford, Prova, Bittern and Maris Kestrel being sown as a wider part of Mr Daviess trial.
"I thought I should try different kale varieties to see which did the best on my ground," he explains.
Encouraged by the success of his first crop – although still undecided on which variety will serve him best – Mr Davies plans to make Kaleage on 4ha (10 acres) this season.
"I drilled a crop of rye behind barley this autumn for spring grazing and I will then use this field for kale," he says. "Once the kale is harvested the area will be sown down to grass. It has to be said that kale fits in well with my grass rotation and is a key attraction of the system."
At present 84ha (210 acres) of the 97ha (240-acre), 80-cow dairy farm is down to grass with the remaining land growing barley for feed.
"Establishment costs for kale are not prohibitive, particularly when put against the value of the harvested crop," says Mr Davies who employs a contractor for all major operations.
The bulk of the kale was mown on the September 12 and baled within two days. Agros inoculant was applied as a liquid at baling at a rate of 2.0 litres/t – the same rate as Mr Davies uses for his grass silage.
"We had the bales wrapped the same day with extra wrapping being added because I was worried the kale stalks would pierce the film. We actually had no problems but took the precaution because of the crops value."
So did his first season with baled Kaleage go without a hitch?
"One mistake we made was stacking the bales three high. The bales weighed between 800-900kg, and those on the bottom were squashed. Next time around I will only stack two high," says Mr Davies.
But that is about the only problem he had; the contractor responsible for the baling and mowing of the crop having no difficulties in the field either.
This season will see closer tabs being kept on costs and yields, the small area of crop grown last year making accurate costing difficult.
"We took the kale off the headlands in August because we were short of feed so I am not too sure of the total crop yield we achieved," explains Mr Davies. "Growing a number of different varieties also makes any total yield figures misleading."
Mr Daviess enthusiasm for kaleage is matched by that of his cows – "They eat every last bit of it."
The cows diet is predominantly grass silage, the first and second cuts being clamped and reserved for the dairy herd. Subsequent cuts are baled and fed to the youngstock.
This year the grass had a 42% dry matter, 11.7ME and D-value of 72.9. The Kaleage first cut, taken from the headlands in Aug, was 20.4% dry matter, with a D-value of 72 and protein of 24. The pH was 4.1.
Around 4.5kg of soya, fishmeal, barley and concentrate home mixed feed is fed per cow each day. A butterfat of 4.28% and protein of 3.39% were averaged throughout January.
Mr Davies believes that if Kaleage was to form a wider part of the herds diet, the feed rations could be reduced. *
• Maximum yield: 75 t/ha fresh wt at 22-25%DM.
• Crude protein: 22-24%.
• Digestible crude protein: 17-18%.
• D-value: 70%.
• Metabolisable energy: 11-12 MJ/kg DM.
• Target pH: 4.25 or below.
Kaleage – a crop with a future? Pioneering Welsh farmer Tom Davies (left) is convinced of the merits of ensiled kale, and will be expanding his acreage this year.

domain: agronomy


text:
Startt pleads guilty to 253 counts of terrorism, 251 counts of making false bomb reports
The man accused of making false bomb threats last summer in Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties will spend at least 11 years of active prison time after pleading guilty to charges of terrorism and making false bomb reports during Burke County Superior Court Monday, Feb. 13, 2017.
Cody Matthew Startt, 27, of Matoaka, W.Va., entered his guilty plea to 253 counts of terrorism and 251 counts of making false bomb reports, and was given an active prison sentence of 11 to 21 years to be served in the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections by the Honorable W. Todd Pomeroy, Superior Court Judge from Lincoln County.
Startt faces pending matters of the same nature in Caldwell and Catawba counties. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in those counties.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Lippert arraigned the defendant and presented a factual basis for the case prior to District Attorney David Learner’s sentencing argument on behalf of the State.
Judge Pomeroy also imposed judgments for an additional 10 to 20 years of suspended sentences for Startt and placed him on supervised probation over a period of 36 months. If he violates the terms of his probation, those sentences will be activated, and Startt will serve the time at the end of his initial active sentence.
Startt was arrested on July 6, 2016, in West Virginia for making more than 400 bomb threats in Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties following a large-scale investigation by local, state and federal authorities.
“His actions cost a huge amount of money to fire, police and other emergency agencies and workers. All these units that had to respond to these bomb threats were not available to handle anything else going on,” Learner said. “Plus, he cost merchants a lot of money, and he caused a lot of fear throughout our communities.”
Chief Ronnie Rector of the Morganton Department of Public Safety also addressed the court, noting the stress that Startt’s actions placed on law enforcement with regard to treating each report as a real threat to life.
The defendant was convicted in October 2015 on three counts of making false bomb reports in May 2015. When he was arrested last summer, Startt admitted to violating terms of his probation by absconding from supervision, being in arrears of court indebtedness and failing to complete court-directed community service. His probation was revoked in July 2016 in Catawba County, activating a prison sentence of four to 14 months that Startt served in custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.
Learner and Lippert prosecuted the cases for the District Attorney’s Office.

domain: law


text:
This artisanal knitted cardigans are real artworks with embroidered and crochet details, fine knitted with V-neck and button closure in a soft blend of baby alpaca and alpaca.
Each cardigan is unique, with details in a different color. A cardigan for shops that want to offer their clients exclusive clothes.
Article number: 001-01-2058-01
Material: 100% baby alpaca alpaca
Standard Available in sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
Length: 62cm (M)

domain: artistic


text:
On February 7, 1812, Charles Dickens is born. Actor and writer, Simon Callow has devoted considerable time considering Dickens as a performer as much as an actor. Callow’s take on Dickens reframes the author as an artist who drew in fame with a good deal of great writing, but also masterful performance. During his lifetime, Dickens published books but his was known for his reading tours, not unlike many storyteller writers today like David Sedaris.
Book Title: Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World
Book Author: Simon Callow
ISBN Number: 000744530X
If you would prefer to purchase Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World, please consider supporting the Librarian’s Almanac through our Amazon Link.
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domain: library


text:
2014 Memorial Cup Location
View Single Post
05-20-2013, 06:32 PM
Join Date: Dec 2009
Hard work and smart decisions trump cash almost always, in every sport.
How do we know Mark spends more than others Razor?
I think seeing Mark take a spot on the bench also goes to show what he's willing to do to help out.
View Public Profile
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domain: sports


text:
The three men who are viewed as the nation's would-be kings yesterday brandished their sharpest anti-red tape scissors to cut to the chase and woo new courtiers from the business community.
Snipping (and no, not on this occasion sniping) in the blue corner were would-be Tory leaders David's Cameron and Davis.
In the opposite red corner Chancellor Gordon Brown, who went into scissorwielding overdrive at the annual conference of the Confederation of British Industry. And in the audience, a deadpan ensemble of the movers and shakers of the business community.
Day one of the two-day event at the Business Design Centre in Islington saw the two Davids - who both fancy being Prime Minister one day - and Gordon Brown, who may get a chance to actually be just that sooner than they, a chance to pitch to the great wealth creators and commercial decision makers of the nation.
So, with a few light-hearted lines - met largely with stoney silence, fidgets and what many of the audience saw as akin to blowing tumble weed - away they went.
One of the key areas under the spotlight was overregulation, the long-standing bane of many a business and of many a complaint.
David Cameron's take on the subject: We've got a regulatory burden estimated at £40 billion a year.
Britain has fallen from 13th to 51st in the world regulation league table. Overall the UK is down from fourth to 13th in world competitiveness rankings.
''You can't win the battle against red tape unless you win the intellectual and cultural battle for open markets.''
David Davis's take: Since 1997 the cost of additional regulations to business is £40 billion - and it's now rising at £6 billion a year.
He said we need to reduce tax, pension and regulatory burden to allow people to do what they do best - create jobs and wealth.
Interesting, from the conference audience point of view of course, how the figures and the sentiments are not exactly out of step.
And as for the Chancellor - he revealed a whole raft of measures. Moves to save £ 300 million a year in administration burdens, action on goldplating - duplication of Euro and UK measures and much, much more.
That aroused the conference somewhat.
It has been said - on a number of times - that the nation as a whole is sceptical over the ability of politicians to do what they say and say what they do.
Judging from yesterday's responses to the trio of speeches (not wild acclaim from the floor, it's fair to say) the business community takes a similar view about our would-be 'kings'.
The only thing is, Gordon Brown is in a position to deliver and the economic clock is ticking.
The business community is urging him to get snipping with a vengeance.
The success of his measures may well help them decide whether he's the man to wield the scissors in the highest office.

domain: news


text:
HMD Global puts Nokia flagship rumours to rest
Nokia G21 tipped to launch in India soon: Here's how it will be different from Nokia G20
HMD Global launches Nokia Lite Earbuds at Rs 2,799: Check details
Nokia launches four new budget smartphones at CES 2022 in its C, G series
HMD launches a budget smartphone dubbed Nokia X100: Check price, specs
Nokia T20 launched starting at Rs 15,499, will go against Realme Pad in India
Nokia G50 5G affordable phone goes official globally: Will it launch in India?
Nokia C30 budget phone launched with price under Rs 10,000: Check specs, price
Nokia XR20 rugged 5G phone launched: Check specs, price, India launch details
Nokia ultra-premium flagship phone could release sooner than you think
Nokia C01 Plus with an upgraded processor and bigger battery launched
HMD Global could soon launch Nokia X50 with Snapdragon 775 SoC
Nokia C10, Nokia C20 with 6.5-inch HD+ displays launched
Nokia G10, Nokia G20, HMD Global's latest mid-range phones launched: Price, specs
Nokia X20, Nokia X10 with Snapdragon 480 SoC launched
Apple to Skip Its October Event 2022: Know The Reason Why ?
Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2022: Best Deals on Smartwatches, Check Out the Video for Offers
WhatsApp Call Link Feature is Now Available, Watch Video for Details
iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island Notch Now Available on ANDROID !!


text:
- Boxing. Floyd Mayweather: "Logan Paul not getting paid is bull..."
- Boxing. Is the new generation of Boxing Hall of Famers among the best in history?
Floyd Mayweather announced that he will once again put on the gloves for an exhibition fight. The legendary fighter will land in Japan in December to fight Mikuru Asakura.
On the occasion of this announcement, the Michigan boxer attended a press conference. The fight between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford was in the spotlight, especially the latter.
Mayweather Jr. responded to the question regarding the possible date of the bout between the two welterweight dominators. An ESPN report said that October 29 would be the date chosen for the fight.
However, the former champion of up to five different categories revealed that nothing is official yet: "It's not true. When it is true, you will hear it from me first or from Fighthype".
This answer sparked the rumor that Terence Crawford (wanted by Floyd Mayweather in the past) could be part of Mayweather Promotions.
Mayweather does not confirm anything
On this aspect he was also asked later, although he gave no clues: "There are so many things that I can really talk about that I'm not going to talk about".
In the meantime, Mayweather is preparing for a new, albeit unofficial, fight. The next few weeks will be key to know if two key boxing figures seal their union.


Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has been slowly leaking lava onto the surface around it for over three decades now, but only rarely does that lava reach the island’s cliffs. This week, it finally did—and a photographer caught the whole thing from a boat.
David Ford started snapping photos of the streaming lava when it first hit the ocean on Tuesday from a touring boat stationed off the coast. He’s continued to return to take more snaps of the on-going lavafall as it drops into the sea, including a particularly dramatic selection of lava-lit photos from last night.
Exactly how long the lava will continue to flow off the cliff face is uncertain. Kilauea is stationed in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and USGS officials there say that the current lava flow appears to be holding extremely steady, with no signs of either slowing or speeding. In fact, they were so sure that the oncoming lava flows didn’t pose a threat that the area actually still remains open for hikers. Although park officials wisely suggest that visitors avoid the temptation to attempt to trek the “new land” near the cliff face as it was still unstable enough that it could slide into the sea.
Ford’s photos offer an incredible glimpse of just what would be waiting on the other side:
All photos courtesy of David Ford


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anyone know how to get the mouse to work in safe mode in win98se? it is a usb mouse and has a usb-PS/2 adapter. It works fine in normal mode. Its just easier to use the mouse for navigation instead of the keyboards. I'm dealing with an issue with the sound blaster driver fault error as it won't let the pc get past boot process.
Hi all, So I am trying to install ME on a 2004 (I think) desktop and everything goes swimmingly until the last stage of setup, where the system would normally reboot and configure the start menu, control panel, etc. Here it just freezes ("Completed updating files, continuing to load Windows... *blink blink blink*") I have discovered through trial and error that I am able to start into safe mode successfully. When I do this, if I remove ACPI BIOS from the device manager, the system will boot up normally and get to the desktop. However, when I do this, it does not detect ANY of my peripherals (USB, CD drive, graphics card, etc.) and does not even display anything as an unknown device. (I also tried manually installing Plug and Play failsafe BIOS with the same result.) I don't pretend to know much about ACPI but from my research here and elsewhere I see a lot of people recommending disabling it. I don't really care either way as long as I get a working system where I can use my hardware devices. (So far I have tried disabling it in the registry, BIOS and by using the "/p I" setup switch but none give a clean boot.) So my question is, I guess, if anyone can shed any light on this, or suggest what I can try in order to get the system working normally? Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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A photograph of Adair in front of a loyalist UDA mural in Belfast.|
A photograph of Adair in front of a loyalist UDA mural in Belfast.
27 October 1963 (age 59)
Northern Ireland, UK
|Other names||"Mad Dog"|
|Height||5 feet 3 inches|
|Spouse(s)||Gina Crossan (1997–2003)|
|Partner(s)||Lynne Benson (2003–present)|
|Years of service||1984–2003|
|Unit||C Company, 2nd Battalion Shankill Road, West Belfast Brigade|
Jonathan Adair, better known as Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair (born 27 October 1963) is an Ulster loyalist and the former leader of the "C Company", 2nd Battalion Shankill Road, West Belfast Brigade of the "Ulster Freedom Fighters" (UFF). This was a cover name used by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a loyalist paramilitary organisation. Adair was expelled from the organisation in 2002 following a violent internal power struggle. Since 2003, he, his family and a number of supporters have been forced to leave Northern Ireland by the mainstream UDA.
Adair was born into a Protestant loyalist family and raised in Belfast. He grew up on the Old Lodge Road, a now mostly demolished road linking the lower Shankill Road to the lower Oldpark area, a site of many sectarian clashes and riots during the Troubles. The son of Jimmy and Mabel Adair, he was the youngest of their seven children, his siblings being (in age order) Margaret, Mabel, Jeanie, Etta, Lizzie and Archie, who was later also a UDA member. Adair's father Jimmy, who had a reputation as a practical joker, had no involvement in loyalism and maintained close friendships with a number of residents of the republican New Lodge area, where he was a member of the local homing pigeon society. He continued his membership even after his son had emerged as a leading loyalist. According to Ian S. Wood he had little parental supervision, and did not attend school regularly. However Hugh Jordan and David Lister insist that the Adairs were attentive and fairly strict parents who sent their children to Sunday school. As a child Adair attended Hemsworth Primary School close to his Old Lodge Road home, where he was noted as an unremarkable student.
As he grew older Adair took to the streets, forming a skinhead street gang with a group of young loyalist friends, who "got involved initially in petty then increasingly violent crime". Members included Donald Hodgen, Sam "Skelly" McCrory, "Fat" Jackie Thompson, James and Herbie Millar. Adair, Hodgen, McCrory and Thompson were classmates at the Somerdale School on the Crumlin Road. Although the gang still officially attended school, they would frequently play truant, take a bus into the countryside and consume large quantities of cider.
The gang regularly congregated outside the Buffs Club on the corner of the Crumlin Road and Century Street, where their numbers were swollen by other young men from in and around the Shankill. Eventually, Adair started a Rock Against Communism-styled band called Offensive Weapon which openly espoused support for the National Front. As a 17-year-old Adair began a relationship with Gina Crossan, three years his junior and herself a skinhead girl, who at the time had shaved her head to leave only a tuft of hair at the front. The notoriety of the gang, which was part of a wider group in loyalist north and west Belfast known as the "NF Skinz" because of their support for the ideas of the National Front, gained widespread notoriety on 14 January 1981 when "Seig Heiling" members launched a brutal attack on anti-racist fans of The Specials and The Beat when the two bands played a concert at the Ulster Hall. This was followed in August 1983 by the so-called "Gluesniffers March", when 200 skinheads descended on Belfast City Hall determined to riot with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament members who were themselves holding a rally, with the march taking its name from the prevalence of solvent abuse among the skinheads. The gang was not sanctioned by the UDA leadership, and led to South Belfast brigadier John McMichael declaring that he wanted its members "run out of town". As a result, while still in his teens, Adair was threatened with knee-capping by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) after assaulting an old age pensioner but was given the option of joining the UDA's young wing, the Ulster Young Militants, instead. He joined the Ulster Young Militants, and later the UDA – a legal loyalist paramilitary organisation which used the cover name "Ulster Freedom Fighters" (UFF) when it carried out killings.
Upon joining the UDA in 1984 Adair and his friends were assigned to C8, an active unit that formed part of the West Belfast Brigade's C Company, which covered the lower Shankill. The young members early duties mostly consisted of rioting, along with occasional gun attacks on heavily armoured police vehicles or arson attacks on local businesses felt to be employing "too many" Catholics. The unit however was eager to become more active and from an early stage plotted to kill solicitor Pat Finucane although the plan was initially vetoed by the brigade leadership.
By the early 1990s, a new leadership had emerged on the Shankill Road following the killing of powerful South Belfast Brigadier and the UDA's Deputy Commander John McMichael in 1987 by a booby-trap car bomb planted by the IRA; less than three months later, the Supreme Commander Andy Tyrie resigned after an attempt was made on his life. He was not replaced; instead the organisation was run by its Inner Council. With the West Belfast UDA brigadier and spokesman Tommy Lyttle in prison and gradually eased out of the leadership, Adair, as the most ambitious of the "Young Turks", established himself as head of the UDA/UFF's "C Company", 2nd Battalion based on the Shankill. Adair formed a so-called "Dream Team" of active gunmen, with many of his friends from his former skinhead gang including Sam "Skelly" McCrory, Mo Courtney, "Fat" Jackie Thompson, and Donald Hodgen recruited into the unit.
Adair succeeded Jim Spence as brigadier in 1993 after Spence was imprisoned for extortion. When Adair was charged with terrorist offences in 1995, he admitted that he had been a UDA leader for three years up to 1994. During this time, Adair and his colleagues were involved in multiple and random murders of Catholic civilians, mostly carried out by a special killings unit led by Stevie "Top Gun" McKeag. At Adair's trial in 1995, the prosecuting lawyer said he was dedicated to his cause against those whom he "regarded as militant republicans – among whom he had lumped almost the entire Roman Catholic population". Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) detectives believe his unit killed up to 40 people in this period. Adair once remarked to a Catholic journalist from the Republic of Ireland upon the discovery of her being Catholic, that normally Catholics travelled in the boot of his car. According to a press report in 2003, Adair was handed details of republican suspects by the Intelligence Corps, and was even invited for dinner with them in the early 1990s. In his autobiography, he claimed he was frequently passed information by sympathetic British army members, and that his own whereabouts were passed to republican paramilitaries by the RUC Special Branch, who, he claimed, hated him. As brigadier of the West Belfast UDA Adair was entitled to one of the six seats on the organisation's Inner Council and in this role Adair, who wanted to continue on the path of violence, clashed frequently with East Antrim brigadier Joe English, who advocated seeking a peace settlement.
The BBC described Adair as "the most controversial, high-profile and ubiquitous" of all the paramilitaries operating in Northern Ireland during this period.
The Provisional Irish Republican Army's Shankill Road Bombing of a fish shop in October 1993 was an attempt to assassinate Adair and the rest of the UDA's Belfast leadership in reprisal for attacks on Catholics. The IRA claimed that the office above the shop was regularly used by the UDA for meetings and one was due to take place shortly after the bomb exploded. The bomb went off early, killing one of the IRA men, Thomas Begley, and nine Protestant civilians. The UFF retaliated by carrying out the Greysteel massacre, a random attack on the Rising Sun bar in Greysteel, County Londonderry, in which eight civilians, two of whom were Protestants, were killed. Adair has survived 13 assassination bids, most of which were carried out by the IRA and Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).
During this time, undercover officers from the RUC had recorded months of discussions with Adair, in which he boasted of his activities, producing enough evidence to charge him with directing terrorism. He was convicted on 6 September 1995 and sentenced to 16 years in the Maze prison. As is standard practice in the UDA, Adair vacated his position as Brigadier upon entering prison, with his friend Winkie Dodds succeeding him.
Adair was held with other loyalist prisoners in their "block" of the prison. In prison, according to some reports, Adair sold drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy tablets and amphetamines to other loyalist prisoners, earning him an income of £5,000 a week.
In January 1998, Adair was one of five loyalist prisoners visited in the prison by British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam. She persuaded them to drop their objection to their political representatives continuing the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement in April that year. Following the killing of Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) leader Billy Wright inside the Maze prison by the INLA the previous December, the UDA and UFF prisoners had voted two to one to withdraw from the peace process. Adair's co-operation was essential as he was regarded as the key figure in securing the support of the other loyalist prisoners.
At the end of April 1999 while he was on home leave from prison, Adair was shot at and grazed by a bullet in the head at a UB40 concert in Belfast which he had attended with his wife. He blamed the shooting on republicans. In September 1999, Adair was released as part of early-release scheme for paramilitary prisoners under the Good Friday Agreement.
Since his release, much of Adair's activities have been bound up with violent internecine feuds within the UDA and between the UDA and other loyalist paramilitary groupings. The motivation for such violence is sometimes difficult to piece together. It involves a combination of political differences over the loyalist ceasefires, rivalry between loyalists over control of territory and competition over the proceeds of organised crime.
In August 2000, Adair was injured by a pipe bomb he was transporting in a car.
That same month on 19 August Adair organised a "loyalist day of culture" on the lower Shankill Road. He invited the five other brigadiers from the Inner Council to attend along with leading loyalist Michael Stone and politicians John White and Frank McCoubrey. This event featured loyalist marching bands and a militant show of strength by the West Belfast Brigade. It also sparked a violent feud between the UDA and its rival loyalist organisation, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Clashes first broke outside the "Diamond Jubilee" on the lower Shankill then spread to the "Rex Bar", a popular UVF drinking den where shots were fired and UVF members beaten up. Adair and his followers then attacked the homes of UVF members and their families in the lower Shankill, forcing them out of the area, whilst orders were also sent up to A Company in Highfield that the estate should be "cleansed" of UVF members. Adair's men also sacked the homes of Gusty Spence and Winston Churchill Rea as part of a move to drive the UVF off the Shankill. The UVF struck back on 21 August, killing two of Adair's allies, Jackie Coulter and Bobby Mahood, on the Crumlin Road. In response C Company members burned down the headquarters of the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party (PUP). However Adair was arrested on 22 August 2000 whilst he and Dodds were driving down the Shankill Road. As a result of his involvement in the violence, the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Mandelson had revoked Adair's early release and returned him to prison. This time he was sent to Maghaberry instead of the Maze. With command reverting to Dodds, UVF member Samuel Rockett was shot and killed at his home by C Company the following night, with the feud petering out after this.
On 15 May 2002, Adair was released from prison again. Outside the prison he was greeted by up to 300 of his supporters. Once free, he was a key part of an effort to forge stronger ties between the UDA/UFF and the LVF, a small breakaway faction of the UVF founded in 1996 by the charismatic Billy Wright and following his killing, commanded by Mark "Swinger" Fulton, with whom Adair was on good terms. Fulton had been in Maghaberry since December 2001. The most open declaration of this alliance was a joint mural depicting Adair's UDA "C company" and the LVF. Other elements in the UDA/UFF strongly resisted these movements, which they saw as an attempt by Adair to win external support in a bid to take over the leadership of the UDA. Some UDA members disliked his overt association with the drugs trade, which the LVF were even more heavily involved with. For his part Adair controlled a block of flats in his lower Shankill stronghold from which he and his allies dealt drugs. Adair also sought to work closely with Belfast-based dissidents such as Frankie Curry and Jackie Mahood, provoking further anger from the UVF. Another loyalist feud erupted, and ended with several men dead and scores evicted from their homes. The Rathcoole home of long-standing UDA member Sammy Duddy was raked by gunfire; although Duddy was not injured in the shooting attack, his pet chihuahua dog, "Bambi" was fatally wounded by shots fired through the front door by masked gunmen from Adair's C Company. Adair later admitted in an interview he gave for journalist Suzanne Breen that Duddy never got over the loss of "Bambi".
On 13 September 2002, Jim Gray – the head of the UDA in East Belfast and an arch rival of Adair – was shot in the face by Adair's supporters. The shooting was described by the police as "loosely related" to the death of Stephen Warnock, an LVF leader, as part of a loyalist feud. Adair had been spreading rumours that Gray and John Gregg, head of the UDA South East Antrim Brigade, were both to be stood down as part of his attempts to take full control of the UDA. As part of this campaign Adair had visited Warnock's family and told them that Gray had been involved in their relative's death, even though he was aware that it had actually been carried out by a hired Red Hand Commando (RHC) gunman after Warnock refused to pay a drug debt to a North Down businessman. As a result Gray was shot by a lone gunman after he left the Warnock home, where he had been paying his respects to the deceased.
Expulsion from the UDA
On 20 September 2002, Adair was summoned to an Inner Council meeting held in Sandy Row where there was a showdown between him and the other brigadiers, including Gray. Fearing an ambush, Adair had his allies "Fat" Jackie Thompson and James "Sham" Millar smuggle a pistol for him to the meeting. Five days later, Adair was expelled from the UDA/UFF for treason along with close associate John White. Adair's response to the expulsion was "Fuck them uns" and declared the West Belfast Brigade a separate organisation from the mainstream UDA. He even erected "West Belfast UDA – Business as Usual" banners on the Shankill Road. By this point Adair had even lost the support of the Shoukri brothers, his prodigies in north Belfast who had been amongst his closest allies outside of his own area but who decided to side with the mainstream UDA in this dispute. There were attempts on Adair's and White's lives.
Adair returned to prison in January 2003, when his early release licence was revoked by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Paul Murphy on grounds of engaging in unlawful activity. He appointed "Fat" Jackie Thompson as his replacement as Brigadier. On 1 February 2003, UDA divisional leader John Gregg was shot dead along with another UDA member, Robert "Rab" Carson, on returning from a Rangers FC match in Glasgow. The killing was widely blamed on Adair's C Company – Gregg was one of those who had organised the expulsion of Adair from the UDA. Among the mainstream UDA, a powerful faction of Adair opponents quickly formed under the leadership of South Belfast brigadier Jackie McDonald. In the early hours of 6 February (five days after Gregg's shooting and just hours before his funeral was due to take place), about twenty Adair supporters, including White and Adair's wife, fled their homes for Scotland after 100 heavily armed men from the mainstream UDA invaded Adair's stronghold, forcing them to quit Northern Ireland.
Exile from Northern Ireland and personal life
Following the ousting of C Company from the Shankill Road Adair's family and supporters went to Bolton where they garnered the nickname 'Bolton Wanderers' after the football club of the same name. Following the killing of LVF leader Billy Wright in 1997 Adair became the new contact man for a group of Bolton-based members of the neo-Nazi organisation Combat 18 (C18) who up to that point had been close to the LVF. Adair built up a close relationship with these far right activists, even wearing an England shirt during UEFA Euro 2000 that one of the members had given him. Furthermore when the feud with the UVF was launched in 2000 through C Company members attacking the UVF's Rex Bar stronghold a few C18 members fought alongside the UDA men. As a result it was to the homes of these far rightists, in particular a Bolton-based tattoo artist and C18 member, that Adair's supporters fled to in 2003. Adair was released from prison on 10 January 2005 and immediately headed to Bolton after being taken by helicopter to nearby Manchester. The police in Bolton have questioned his wife, Gina about her involvement in the drugs trade, and his son (nicknamed both 'Mad Pup' and 'Daft Dog') has been charged with selling crack cocaine and heroin. Adair himself was arrested and fined for assault and threatening behaviour in September 2005. He had married Gina Crossan, his partner for many years, at the Maze prison on 21 February 1997. Together they have four children: Jonathan, Natalie, Chloe and Jay.
Several claims have been made about Adair's sexuality by his former girlfriend Jackie "Legs" Robinson, and Michael Stone. Stone claimed in his autobiography that Adair had sex with other male inmates while in prison. Jackie Robinson, who beginning in 1991 sustained a nine-year off-and-on relationship with Adair, backed up this claim in an interview with The Mirror, in which she also alleged that Adair has been having sex with long-term friend and fellow loyalist Sam McCrory since they were teenagers. Adair staunchly denies these claims. Robinson told The Mirror journalist that she and Adair had sexual encounters during her visits to him in prison and that he received visits from prostitutes as well. In her book In Love With a Mad Dog, Robinson stated that after a UDA/UFF killing had been set up and carried out, he would become highly aroused and afterwards be "particularly wild in bed". It was also alleged that the mere discussion of an operation's details gave him a "sexually charged excitement"; even when the actual killings had been done by others he had personally chosen as hitmen.
After being released, he was almost immediately arrested again for violently assaulting Gina, who suffers from ovarian cancer. Since this episode Johnny Adair is reported as having moved to Scotland, living in Troon in Ayrshire. The Adair family moved to Horwich, Lancashire in early 2003.
In May 2006, it was reported that Adair had received £100,000 from John Blake Publishing for a ghost-written autobiography.
In November 2006, the UK's Five television channel transmitted an observational documentary on Adair made by Donal MacIntyre. The focus of the film centred around Adair and another supposedly reformed character, a former neo-Nazi from Germany called Nick Greger, and their trip to Uganda to build an orphanage. Adair was seen to fire rifles, stating it was the first time he had done so without wearing gloves.
In November 2008 Adair appeared in an episode of Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men which profiled fellow C Company inmate Sam "Skelly" McCrory.
In August 2011 his Scottish girlfriend gave birth to their first son called Riley and he expressed his desire for his new born son to get a university education.
In July 2013, Adair withdrew his support of the Orange Order. This was due to, in his opinion, "the embarrassing behavior of the Orange Order towards the Catholic minority in Ardoyne".
- Lister, David and Jordan, Hugh. (2005). Mad Dog: The Rise and Fall of Johnny Adair and 'C Company'. Mainstream Publishing. p. 35 ISBN 978-1-84018-890-5
- McDonald, Henry & Cusack, Jim (2004). UDA – Inside the Heart of Loyalist Terror. Dublin: Penguin Ireland.
- Lister & Jordan, p. 25
- Lister & Jordan, pp. 25–26
- Lister & Jordan, p. 27
- Ian S. Wood (15 June 2006). Crimes of loyalty: a history of the UDA. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 155–156. ISBN 978-0-7486-2427-0. http://books.google.com/books?id=liiq7RU67OoC&pg=PA156. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- Lister & Jordan, p. 26
- Wood, pp. 155–156
- Lister & Jordan, p. 28
- Lister & Jordan, p. 30
- Lister & Jordan, p. 35
- McDonald & Cusack, pp. 167–168
- McDonald & Cusack, p. 169
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- Lister & Jordan, p. 78
- McDonald & Cusack, p.161
- Lister & Jordan, p. 88
- Lister & Jordan, p. 149
- McDonald & Cusack, p. 3
- Profile of the notorious loyalist leader Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair — The Guardian, 15 May 2002. Cite error: Invalid
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- Lister & Jordan
- Top Army officer 'handed over IRA files to Adair', The Guardian, 27 April 2003.
- Troops 'colluded with Mad Dog' | UK news | The Observer. Guardian. Retrieved on 10 August 2011.
- Lister & Jordan, pp. 209–211
- "Johnny Adair: Notorious loyalist". BBC News. 10 January 2003 Retrieved 21 September 2012
- Mad Dog finds peace is bad for business, Irish Examiner, 24 August 2000.
- Taylor, Peter (1999). Loyalists. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. p.233
- Lister & Jordan, p.227
- Taylor, p.245
- 'Republicans behind Adair shooting' BBC News.
- RUC investigate Johnny Adair shooting claim, RTÉ News, 2 May 1999.
- McDonald & Cusack, p. 327
- McDonald & Cusack, p. 330
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- "At home with Johnny Adair". Sunday Tribune. Suzanne Breen. 1 April 2007
- "The death of Doris Day". The Guardian. Angelique Chrisafis. 12 October 2005. Retrieved 17 June 2011
- Top loyalist murdered on doorstep BBC News
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- Henry McDonald, Why the streets of Bolton echo to the sounds of a loyalist vendetta, The Observer, 13 July 2003
- McDonald & Cusack, pp. 392–393
- What next for Johnny Adair? from bbc.co.uk>
- Jonathan McCormick A Directory of Murals – Album 51
- Terror follows Loyalist diehards to Bolton outpost, The Independent, 18 December 2003.
- Michael Stone "None Shall Divide Us" Blake Publishing; New edition (31 May 2004)
- Mad Dog's Gay Romps. mirror.co.uk (23 October 2006). Retrieved on 10 August 2011.
- Sex and sectarianism in loyalist paramilitary world". Sunday Tribune. Suzanne Breen. 29 October 2006[dead link]
- Caldwell, June; Robinson, Jackie (2006). In Love With a Mad Dog. UK: Gill & Macmillan Ltd. p.30
- Wood, p.168
- Adair gains a grandson,but his name will be Doherty-The Guardian
- Adair admits park attack on wife, BBC News, 28 September 2005.
- 'I'm no threat to anyone.' Why the war is over for Mad Dog Adair — The Guardian, 19 February 2006.
- Chris Summers Drugs shame of Adair's son BBC. 19 March 2004
- Mad Dog's New Pup-The Sun
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- For Johnny Adair, the writing is on the wall – Sydney Morning Herald
- Mad Dog and Irish men – Donal MacIntyre article on the making of his documentary about Adair.
|Ulster Defence Association West Belfast Brigadier
William "Winkie" Dodds
William "Winkie" Dodds
|Ulster Defence Association West Belfast Brigadier
William "Winkie" Dodds
William "Winkie" Dodds
|Ulster Defence Association West Belfast Brigadier
|This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|

domain: history


text:
People have always been interested in beauty, and when it comes to men, there are some who have been able to capture our hearts and minds. There are a lot of handsome men in the world, from Hollywood stars with chiseled jaws to male models with smooth faces. We’ll take a closer look at some of the world’s most handsome men. We’ll look at what makes them different and what makes them stand out.
Who are the world’s most handsome men? This is a question that many people have asked, and the answers can vary based on what each person wants. But there are some men who are thought to be handsome by everyone, and they have become symbols of beauty and charm over time. In this article, we’ll talk about the 15 most handsome men who have ever lived.
The Top 15 Most Handsome Men in the World
When it comes to handsome men, Hollywood is the place to go. With their chiseled bodies and impeccable style, these leading men have won over the hearts of millions.
Beauty is different for each person, and what one person finds attractive may not be appealing to another. But some men have an undeniable appeal that crosses cultural, social, and personal lines.
These men are not only good-looking, but they also have charisma and charm that draw people to them. In this article, we will look at the lives, accomplishments, and legacies of the 15 most handsome men in the world.
1. Michael B Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is an American actor who has been in movies like “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther,” where he has given strong performances. He has been praised for his talent and has won a number of awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.
Jordan’s good looks are also well known, and he has been on a number of “Sexiest Man Alive” lists. He has a beautiful smile, a strong jawline, and an intense look that draws people in.
Jordan is also well-known for how hard he works out and how often he shows off his great body on social media and in his roles. Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Michael B. Jordan is without a doubt one of the most handsome men in Hollywood.
2. Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson is an English actor who became famous around the world for playing Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” movie series. Pattinson’s dark looks and intense gaze have made him a heartthrob for many people all over the world.
He has also been praised for his acting skills. Critics praised him for his roles in movies like “Good Time,” “The Lighthouse,” and “Tenet.” Pattinson’s striking features, like his chiseled jawline and piercing eyes, have made him a popular choice for fashion campaigns and magazine covers.
In recent years, he has also become known for his unique and risky style. On the red carpet, he often wears outfits that break the rules. Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Robert Pattinson’s talent and good looks have made him one of the most handsome men in Hollywood.
3. Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling is a Canadian musician and actor who is known for both his acting skills and his rugged good looks. Gosling’s good looks, like his piercing blue eyes, chiseled jawline, and easy smile, have made him a worldwide heartthrob.
He has been in many movies, such as “The Notebook,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” and “La La Land,” for which he has gotten good reviews and been nominated for many awards. Gosling is also known for his unique and risky fashion choices.
He often wears stylish and unexpected outfits on the red carpet. Gosling is a good actor, but he is also a talented musician. In 2007, he formed the band Dead Man’s Bones.
Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Ryan Gosling’s talent and good looks have made him a fan favorite and one of Hollywood’s most handsome leading men.
4. Regé-Jean Page
Regé-Jean Page is a British-Zimbabwean actor who became famous all over the world for his role as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, in the Netflix show “Bridgerton.”
People have said that he is one of the most handsome men in Hollywood and that they like how he acts. Page’s sharp eyes, chiseled jaw, and deep voice make him interesting to watch on screen. He has also won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, which is a sign of how talented he is.
Even though people have different ideas about what makes someone attractive, Regé-Jean Page has won the hearts of many fans with his striking looks and magnetic performances.
5. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt is an American actor and producer who has been known in Hollywood for decades as one of the most handsome men. Since then, he has been in many critically acclaimed movies, such as “Fight Club,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
His first big role was in the 1991 movie “Thelma & Louise.” Pitt is a heartthrob for many because of his chiseled features, beautiful blue eyes, and charming personality. He has also been recognized for his talent. For his role in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for several other roles.
People have different ideas about what makes someone attractive, but Brad Pitt’s long-lasting fame and undeniable charm have made it clear that he is one of the most handsome men in the world.
6. Harry Styles
Harry Styles is an English singer, songwriter, and actor who first came to attention as a member of the boy band One Direction. Since the band took a break in 2016, Styles has had a successful solo career, putting out albums that have gotten good reviews and touring the world.
He has also made a name for himself as a fashion icon. His bold and unique style choices often push the limits. Styles has been called one of the most handsome men in the world and has been praised for his good looks.
He stands out because of his charming smile, his sharp green eyes, and his curly hair. Styles has also tried his hand at acting. His role in the 2017 war movie “Dunkirk” was praised.
Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Harry Styles’ unique style and striking features have made him a heartthrob for many fans all over the world.
7. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the German club Borussia Dortmund and for the England national team. Even though he is only 18, he is already known as one of the best young football players.
Bellingham has been praised for both how good he is at soccer and how good he looks. He looks young and handsome, with bright blue eyes and a friendly smile. Many people think Bellingham will have a long and successful career in the sport because of how mature and professional he is.
Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Jude Bellingham’s talent and good looks have made him a rising star in the world of football and a heartthrob for many fans.
8. Idris Alba
Idris Elba is an English actor, producer, musician, and DJ who has become one of the most well-known faces in Hollywood. Elba is a favorite of people all over the world because of how good he looks and how powerful he is on screen.
He has been in a wide range of movies and TV shows. His work in “The Wire,” “Luther,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” and “Beasts of No Nation,” among others, has been praised by critics.
Elba has been on many “Sexiest Man Alive” lists over the years because of his striking features, like his piercing eyes and chiseled jawline. Elba is also known for his skills as a musician and DJ.
He has put out a number of albums and played at major music festivals all over the world. Idris Elba is one of the best-looking and most versatile performers in the entertainment business right now because of his talent and good looks.
9. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is an American actor and producer who has been a household name for many years. Cruise’s boyish good looks, charming smile, and intense gaze have made him a heartthrob for fans all over the world.
He has been in many different kinds of movies, from action movies like “Top Gun” and the “Mission: Impossible” series to dramatic movies like “A Few Good Men” and “Jerry Maguire.” Cruise’s acting skills have gotten him nominated for and won many awards, including three Golden Globes.
In addition to being an actor, Cruise is known for doing all of his own stunts, which adds to his charm and popularity. Tom Cruise is one of the most famous and well-known actors in Hollywood because of his talent, good looks, and dedication to his work.
10. David Beckham
David Beckham is an English former professional football player who is thought to be one of the best-looking men in the world. Beckham’s chiseled jawline, expressive eyes, and stylish haircuts have made him a style icon and a favorite of fans all over the world.
He has played for some of the best football teams in the world, such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the LA Galaxy, and has won many titles and awards during his career.
Beckham has done well in football, but he has also tried his hand at fashion, modeling, and helping people in need. This makes him a well-rounded and highly respected public figure.
Even though everyone has their own idea of what is beautiful, David Beckham’s talent, charisma, and iconic style have made him a popular figure on and off the field.
11. Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill is a British actor who is known for his striking good looks and chiseled body. Cavill became well-known when he played Superman in the movie “Man of Steel.”
Since then, he has become a popular leading man in Hollywood. Different publications have said that Cavill is one of the most handsome men in the world because of his blue eyes, strong jawline, and clear features.
In addition to being an actor, he is a fitness fanatic who has been on the covers of a number of fitness magazines. Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Henry Cavill’s talent, commitment to fitness, and undeniable good looks have made him a fan favorite all over the world.
12. Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor who is thought to be one of the most handsome men in Hollywood. Fans all over the world love Hemsworth because he has beautiful features like piercing blue eyes, a strong jawline, and a muscular body.
He is best known for playing Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he has also been in big movies like “Snow White and the Huntsman” and “Rush.” Hemsworth is also very into fitness, and he often posts his workouts and fitness tips on social media for his fans to see.
Chris Hemsworth is one of Hollywood’s most handsome leading men because of his talent, charm, and commitment to fitness.
13. Virat Kohli
Indian cricket player Virat Kohli is one of the most handsome cricketers in the world. Kohli has been called the best batsman in the world more than once, and he is thought to be one of the best cricket players of all time.
Kohli has become a popular figure on and off the field thanks to his expressive eyes, sharp features, and stylish haircuts. He is known for his aggressive style of play and his commitment to staying fit and living a healthy life.
Kohli has been on the cover of several magazines, including GQ India and Forbes, and has been called one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Virat Kohli’s talent, dedication to his sport, and undeniable good looks have made him a fan favorite around the world.
14. George Clooney
George Clooney is an American actor, director, producer, and philanthropist. He has been called one of the most handsome men in the world more than once.
Clooney has become a Hollywood icon and a favorite of fans of all ages thanks to his classic good looks, charming smile, and easy style. He is best known for his roles in movies like “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Up in the Air,” and “Gravity.” Critics have also praised his directing work, which includes “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “The Ides of March.”
Clooney has had a very successful career in the entertainment industry, but he is also very committed to helping people and has been involved in many good causes around the world.
Even though everyone has their own idea of what is beautiful, George Clooney’s talent, charisma, and desire to make the world a better place have made him a popular figure that will last for a long time.
15. Omar Borkan Al Gala
Omar Borkan Al Gala is an Iraqi model, actor, and photographer. In 2013, he became famous around the world when he was supposedly kicked out of Saudi Arabia for being too handsome.
Al Gala’s piercing eyes and sharp facial features, among other things, have made him a favorite among fans all over the world. He has been in movies like “A Love Like Ours” and “Hansel & Gretel: Warriors of Witchcraft” and has modeled for well-known fashion brands.
Al Gala is a successful model and actor, but he is also a talented photographer. His work has been featured in major magazines and shows. Even though everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, Omar Borkan Al Gala’s unique look and talent have made him one of the most handsome and talented people in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the idea of the “most handsome men in the world” is subjective and depends on personal tastes and cultural ideas of what is beautiful. But there are some men who are known all over the world for their good looks, talent, and charisma. From Brad Pitt and George Clooney in Hollywood to Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo in sports, these men have become icons in their own fields and have millions of fans all over the world. It’s important to remember that beauty is more than just how someone looks. It also includes their personality, values, and character. In the end, these traits and the ability to make a positive difference in the world are what make a person truly handsome.
There are a lot of handsome men in Korea, but different people have different ideas about who is the most handsome. Some popular choices for “most handsome man in Korea” are actors Lee Min-ho, Park Seo-joon, and Hyun Bin, as well as K-pop idols Jin and Sehun from BTS and EXO, respectively. In the end, everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful, so who is the most handsome man in Korea?
Timothee Chalamet is one of the most handsome young boy in Hollywood, according to many. Chalamet is a talented actor who has won over a lot of fans with his acting skills and his striking good looks. Chalamet has become a heartthrob for many people around the world because of his sharp features, intense look, and stylish sense of style.
People Magazine named Chris Evan the “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2022. This is a very coveted title in the entertainment business. Evan is a talented actor who has been in a number of popular movies and TV shows. He is also thought to be very handsome by most people. Jordan has become a sex icon for many people around the world because of his chiseled body, charming smile, and strong personality.

domain: celebrity


text: With eight rooms, this property contains all the amenities and services you would expect from a 4-star hotel. There is an ironing board, Wi-Fi internet access, and air conditioning in each of the hotel's well-equipped rooms. Collage Taksim Hotel in Istanbul has an elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, and 24-hour room service. Everything the hotel does is centered around the guest' experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation. When you're ready to book a room at Collage Taksim Hotel, please enter your travel dates into the secure online booking form and click.

domain: travel


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This 280 km (6 hours) ride will take you from bend to bend to discover some superb Alpine passes such as the Aravis pass (1487 m), the Cormet de Roselend (1967 m) or the Colombière (1613 m). Few tourist stops during this tour but superb roads and breathtaking scenery!
There are 2 tourist stops on this route. You are free to stay for a few minutes or a few hours.
- Chartreuse du Reposoir
1. Thônes: Located in the heart of the mountains, halfway between Lake Annecy and the Aravis Massif, Thônes offers a year-round life, coveted in summer as well as in winter thanks to a wide range of activities.
2. Chartreuse du Reposoir: In the shadow of the Pointe Percée (2752m), the old Charterhouse was founded in 1151 by Carthusian monks. The buildings, restored in 1686 and 1717, house the former monks' cells, the large and small flamboyant Gothic cloister, the harmonious chapel (1480-1530) and the common parts. After having organised the pastoral and agricultural life for centuries, the Carthusian monks left the place in 1901, leaving it to the Carmelites in 1932.


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To the rational creature, only the irrational is unbearable; the rational he can always bear. Blows are not by nature intolerable.
I left the tiny country of The Gambia for only the second time in sixteen months and took my first vacation days this December as I took a week long sojourn to the nearby West African country of Guinea (Correction – I left the country one other time but it doesn’t really count as I took a wrong turn on my bike and accidentally ended up in Senegal. I was only there for a couple of minutes so I don’t think it really qualifies as international travel). Just to make clear I travelled to Guinea, not Guinea-Bissau, not Equatorial Guinea, nor Papua New Guinea. So many Guineas – the African nations of Guinea are so called because they lie along the Gulf of Guinea with the word Guinea originally deriving from the Berber word for black.
Before I left I didn’t realize how much I needed a break from this minuscule, mad and endearing country (gosh I’m patronizing!). I had been losing a sense of context by being in the same place for so long, unable to acknowledge the complexities, irrationalities, difficulties, and beauty of this slither of West Africa that has randomly become my home. Reflecting on The Gambia from the confines of another, albeit similar West African country, has given me a clarity in understanding of the uniqueness of Gambian society, yet it has also muddled my idea of what role, if any, I should play in it.
Lets get away from all this self-reflective pomposity and get to the nuts and bolts of my trip to Guinea. Travelling the relatively small distance to this neighboring semi paradise is by no means an easy feat. Our journey, I was travelling with four other fellow Peace Corps Volunteers, started in the Gambian town of Basse in the far east of the country. We approached the Basse car park early one morning, with its ramshackle collection of old Mercedes and Peugeots destined for a multitude of destinations across West Africa, and headed towards the sleek but battered vehicle adorned with speed stripes of Mohammed Jallow, a driver we had spoken to the previous day, who we knew was heading to Guinea. I apologetically roused him from his slumber atop the roof of his Peugeot 105 to enquire whether we had enough passengers to begin the long journey this morning. With an affirmative answer we began the lengthy process of getting all the passengers in the same place at the same time, piecing the luggage on top of the station wagon in an intricately towering puzzle, and finally push starting the vehicle to get the engine going (a faulty alternator is an inauspicious start to a long journey).
And so we set off – two hundred bags, twelve adult passengers, four children, one driver and a partridge in a pear tree (I only exaggerated once) – crammed like sticky dates in Styrofoam. I was sat in the front seat with two other passengers, Abdou – a morose Fular man whose somnambulism was hindered by his straddling of the stick shift, the driver’s hand frequently plunging between his legs to change gears – and Sarah, a Peace Corps volunteer from Connecticut whose posture and patience were tested to the extreme by the impressive feat of going the whole journey without being able to lean back against anything.
The lack of comfort on a long journey numbs you as you breeze through check points and border controls and hit the bumpy dirt road that will wind you through the mountainous jungles of Guinea. We spent the night, or rather six hours of the night, sleeping on the floor of a truck stop called Kunsitel. How trucks manage to travel along the rutted creviced roads, I do not know? Mohammed told us the stop was necessary as there had been a brutal murder of a driver recently in this region in the dead of night. No argument was needed, risk of murder or not, Mohammed clearly needed the rest after a long day of intricate driving. 4a.m came and we hit the road again with the aim of hitting the pull ferry at Bantala at dawn. I wolfed down some rice and peanut porridge at the crossing and then we were on the home stretch. We arrived in the large town of Labbe and negotiated our way through a couple of car parks to find another vehicle which would take us on to Pita, and finally to Duki. We bought a crate of eggs and some delicious crusty yet fluffy bread, accompanied with skewers of marinated goat served with a tangy sweet mustard sauce. The meat sated our ravenous stomachs and reminded us of the glories of well-cooked fresh meat. Usually little care is taken with the butchery or cooking of meat in The Gambia for some reason, so this delectable treat was a welcome introduction to a new culture.
We arrived in Duki, disheveled and dusty, 33 hours after leaving Basse, to be welcomed into the home of Hassan Bah, an eccentric Fular man of Sierra Leonean origin who had set up a hiking retreat and had been recommended to us by numerous volunteers. After a nutritious and glutinous soup of cassava, sweet potato, squash and dried fish, we set out on our first trek to watch the sunset over the ‘grand canyon’ of Guinea. To be hit by the scale and glory of such a bucolic expanse after being stuck within the topographical blandness of The Gambia for so long was awe inspiring.
The rest of our stay in Duki was occupied by an impressive variety of hikes. Each hike has been given a theme park style name by Hassan such as ‘Indiana Jones’, which takes you down into dense and humid Cambodian style jungle, or ‘Chutes & Ladders’, which is an adventure down waterfalls and up rickety branch and rope ladders. Hassan and his brother Abdou are experienced and entertaining guides. Hassan is a constant performer, whether he is hand standing, limboing or juggling, although he is adept at giving you the space to be dumbfounded by the beauty of the country. You can tell he has been working with tourists for many years, and only his teeth, or lack thereof, betray his prodigious age. You can get below the tricks and gimmicks which many tourists require from their African hosts and get a real idea of Guinean life, and he is full of interesting anecdotes and facts (for example Sierra Leone was named by the Portuguese explorer Pedro di Santra who named it Serra Leona, meaning “Lioness Mountains” after hearing thunder coming from the mountains and mistaking it for the roar of lions), as well as acronyms for everything – Guinean bread is B.A.B (Big Ass Bread), ‘Chutes and Ladders’ is a K.A.H (Kick Ass Hike). You can definitely tell he has worked with Peace Corps in the past.
During our stay in Guinea we were constantly comparing things with our nearby home of Gambia, some of us more disparagingly than others. There can be a tendency amongst PCV’s in The Gambia to be vehement in their vitriol against the country they live in without acknowledging the difficulties it faces and the material facts that cause many of the problems within The Gambia. I have certainly been guilty of having the cantankerous mindset whereby everything wrong with The Gambia is the fault of stupid, lazy people and if they just pulled their finger out the country could be transformed. But I like to think, perhaps misguidedly, that for the most part, I don’t place blame for the difficulties in the country on its inhabitants. Rather I see the difficulties it faces, such as its struggling education system, poor healthcare and widespread malnutrition, as a result of a multitude of factors – from a colonial hangover, to an inhospitable climate, to a lack of natural resources, to a less than perfect government (I hope I get away with writing that understatement here).
One of the difficulties faced in The Gambia is building and maintaining fences, so we were struck by the huge lines of sturdy fences with working gates in Guinea. The initial reaction to seeing this disparity in fences is to immediately ask, “Why can’t they build fences like that in The Gambia?” and blame Gambians and/or Gambian culture. But with a bit more thought it becomes clear that within Guinea it is far easier to build these impressive fences as trees grow far more easily and plentifully there. There just isn’t as much wood available to work with in most villages in The Gambia.
The fertility of Guinea was a clear difference to the arid landscape of much of The Gambia at this time of year. Huge plots of cassava, and banana and orange orchards adorn the countryside in abundance. I saw many oranges rotting on the floor, something that I think would not be countenanced in much of The Gambia.
Even with these benefits Guinea still has problems of its own, but it was very tempting to look at the country through rose tinted holiday shades – to ignore the widespread corruption, the terrible roads, the lack of electricity – and simply focus on the beautiful landscape and delicious food.
On return to The Gambia I felt disheartened to be entering this land lacking in trees, but with an ample supply of annoying check points and bad peanut sauce, but on arrival to the village of Ker Sait Maram I was uplifted by the response of my host family to my return, no doubt helped by the ton of bread I bought them. I realized how much I had missed everyone in our compound and how thankful I am for being taken in and accepted by them. Many Peace Corps volunteers do not stay with a host family or do not have a good relationship with their host family, so I am eternally grateful for the hospitality of Abdou, Fatou, Kaddy, Souliman, Sering, Yassin, Sert, Allisan and Isatou to name a few of the most important people to me in the Njie/Sallah compound of Ker Sait Maram.


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Articles categorised "Bishop Dominique Ray"
Do not dismiss concerns about liturgical reform, says French bishop
Mary Katherine Haley
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Bishop Ray has called for authentic liturgical renewal during a conference on the sacred liturgy
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Better Scope Caps?
Is there a better scope cap out there than the Butler Creeks?
I have broken 3 of them this year and would like to find something tougher. It does not seem to take much of a bump to break them when they are open and I do a lot of spot and stalk type hunting so they stay open often.
The Leupold Alumina look good, and I put a set on my one Leupold scope but I need something for the other brands.
"My greatest fear is that after my demise my wife will sell my guns for the price I told her I paid for them"
-don't know where it came from...but true


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WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court says public sector unions can't collect fees from home health care workers who object to being affiliated with a union.
The justices on Monday said collecting the fees violates the First Amendment rights of workers who are not union members.
The ruling is a financial blow to labor unions that have bolstered their ranks in Illinois and other states by signing up hundreds of thousands of home health care workers.
The case was brought by a group of Illinois in-home care workers who said they didn't want to pay fees related to collective bargaining. They claimed the "fair share fees" violate their constitutional rights by compelling them to associate with the union.
Lower courts had thrown out the lawsuit.
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Did you know that around 10% of Americans over the age of 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder? If you suffer from an addiction to alcohol, it’s important to know that you aren’t alone.
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, violence, and car crashes. It can also have long-term effects on your health, such as increasing your risk of heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.
Are you looking for helpful tips on staying sober? If so, keep reading to learn more about addiction to alcohol and how to stay sober.
Table of Contents
1. Work On Your Mental Health
One of the most important aspects of staying sober is working on your mental health. Around 21% of Americans over 18 have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or any other mental illness, it may be more difficult to stop drinking alcohol. Working with a therapist can help you improve confidence, explore feelings, and identify bad habits.
An alcohol counselor can help you develop a new routine, create an effective recovery plan, and regularly assess your progress. As your mental health improves, you may find it easier to fight your addiction.
2. Create a New Routine
Another of the best ways to stay sober is to create a new routine. If you stick to your old routine, you are more likely to fall back into bad habits.
Also, substance abuse can take up a lot of your time, so you may not be used to all of your new free time. To create a new lifestyle, try to avoid places you used to visit and people you used to hang out with.
Try filling your time with new hobbies, exercise, and volunteering. Whether you prefer cooking or hiking, engaging in your favorite hobby will help keep your mind off your addiction.
3. Learn Your Triggers
If you want to stay sober, you should learn to identify your triggers. Triggers are different things that give you the urge to drink.
Some common triggers include family problems, financial struggles, relationships, and mental health issues. There are also may be certain places, such as bars or concerts, that trigger you to drink.
To learn your triggers, pay attention when you feel the urge to drink. A therapist can also help you identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to deal with them.
4. Recognize Signs of Relapse
One of the best ways to avoid drinking in the future will be to learn to recognize the signs of relapse. Most of the time, there will be warning signs before you start drinking again.
Some common warning signs of relapse include returning to old behaviors, self-destructive thinking, and thinking irrationally. Going around people and places that are triggers is also a warning sign.
5. Build a Support Network
Recovering from alcohol addiction is a long and difficult process, so it’s important to have a solid support network.
Spending time with positive and supportive people can boost your confidence, make you feel connected, and motivate you to stay sober. Some of the best support methods include therapy, rehab, and support groups.
In some cases, family and friends can also be supportive. Family and friends can also make addiction worse, so make sure they support your sobriety.
6. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle is another great way to reduce your odds of having a relapse. Using alcohol can have negative effects on your health, but being in recovery gives you the chance to focus on yourself.
To live a healthy lifestyle, try going on walks, cooking healthy meals, and signing up for a gym membership. Taking care of your body can boost your mood and increase your confidence, making it easier to avoid a relapse.
7. Work on Your Finances
Many people dealing with alcohol addiction don’t prioritize finances. Financial problems can also be a trigger for addiction. If your financial situation is less than ideal, you should focus on improving it.
Keep in mind that it may take time for your financial position to improve. If you are newly sober, you may have a difficult time finding a job, but don’t give up.
Spend time considering a new career path, ask family members if they need help with projects around the house, and keep applying for jobs.
Once you find a job, you can work on improving your finances by paying off debts, saving money, and paying your bills. If you need help with finances, consider working with a financial advisor or asking a family member.
8. Deal With Past Mistakes
If you made mistakes while addicted to alcohol, confronting those mistakes can help with your recovery. Having shame or embarrassment can affect your self-worth, making it harder to recover.
To deal with past mistakes, you can work with a therapist, practice self-love, and talk with family members you may have impacted.
You also can deal with legal and financial consequences, such as not paying bills or getting a DWI. If you are looking for more info about DWI, you can search online or talk to your local police.
9. Celebrate Milestones
Recovery can be hard work, so it’s important to celebrate milestones along the way. You can celebrate being one week sober, one month sober, and one year sober.
You also can celebrate your sobriety every day because you should be proud of your hard work. Celebrate by spending time with friends or buying yourself a new outfit.
Are You Ready to Try These Tips for Staying Sober?
Staying sober can allow you to build strong relationships, improve your mental health, and prevent diseases. If you’re ready to quit drinking, keep these tips for staying sober in mind.
Was this article on navigating your sobriety journey helpful? If so, check out the blog for more similar tips.

domain: health


Last month, Zac Efron announced he’d be producing and starring in a new streaming series on Quibi called Killing Zac Efron, in which he’d be dropped in a remote location and attempt to survive in the wild. It seems Efron was extremely serious about that conceit, since he wound up in a hospital during filming.
Australia’s Sunday Telegraph reports that Efron was airlifted out of Papua New Guinea last week and treated for an undisclosed illness at a hospital in Brisbane, which the paper suspects was either typhoid or another serious bacterial infection. Efron confirmed the hospitalization in an Instagram post, though it seems he’s fine now.
“I did get sick in Papua New Guinea but I bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in P.N.G.,” he wrote in the post. “I’m home for the holidays with my friends and family. Thanks for all the love and concern, see you in 2020!”
Typhoid is no joke—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can be fatal if left untreated, and some strains are resistant to antibiotics.
As a reminder, Killing Zac Efron, which will air sometime after Quibi launches in April, will follow Efron making his way through the jungle for 21 days with naught but a guide and a few basic survival skills. Let’s, uh, hope the show doesn’t actually kill him...


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A meniscus tear
The most common cause of a locked knee is a large meniscus tear. When this happens, a portion of the meniscus gets stuck in a bad spot.
This doesn't allow the knee to move freely, causing it to lock. Displacement of the meniscus root is a certain kind of tear. Sometimes, it can be repaired which can be hard. See an experienced surgeon. An effusion is fluid in the knee, likely from the tear.

domain: medical


Over four decades Annie Leibovitz’s unique photographic language has dovetailed with—and advanced—the medium’s evolution as a force for art-making. Beginning 6 January, Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong will present “Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years 1970-1983 and Wonderland,” a comprehensive exhibition of photographic prints selected by the artist from her early years to be seen alongside selected iconic fashion images from the past two decades. Leibovitz’s prolific output, and her inventive approach to photography itself, position her distinctly within the traditions and trajectory of American portraiture during the twentieth century.
These rarely seen images from Leibovitz’s early years trace the photographer’s development from the start of her career, capturing the dramatic cultural and political shifts of the 70s and early 80s. During these years, Leibovitz became an avatar of the changing cultural role of photography as an artistic medium. These powerful images reveal her singular ability to merge the tactics of portraiture and photojournalism with profound humanism.
The exhibition also includes a selection of Leibovitz’s fashion photographs shot on assignment that, in the artist’s words, “revealed surprising avenues to portraiture,” offering fresh insight into the depth and breadth of Leibovitz’s unique artistic vision via fashion, landscape, and interior tableaux. In this body of work, Leibovitz makes use of visual references drawn from a wide range of sources—from literature and film, to the history of photography and the long tradition of formal portraiture within the history of art.
Covering the hottest new eats, the best places to play, offbeat takes on local culture, and so much more, Localiiz is every Hongkonger’s destination for how to live a well-rounded life in our vibrant city. Why the strange spelling? Well, Localiiz is designed to be your “local eyes”—and for that, you need two i’s.


At Coating Systems Inc., we value our customers to be able to offer further services to ensure customer satisfaction. We offer chemical analyses in our laboratory, equipped with a full stock of reagents and titrants, as well as quantitative equipments like our x-ray fluorensence system and atomic absorption analyzer. We also offer our NADCAP-compliant neutral salt spray chamber for corrosion testing. Lastly, we offer pre-process custom masking upon request, as well as light assembly for pre or post production needs.
Our laboratory here at Coating Systems is capable of analyzing almost any chemical and plating baths, like nickel, copper, and chrome baths. The lab is also equipped with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to quantify specific readings of metal content in plating baths or waste water systems. Lastly, an x-ray fluorescence analyzer calculates the thickness of plated metal on various metal substrates. This allows for optimizing plating speeds and better accuracy on thickness requirements for many specifications.
Salt Spray Testing
Here at Coating Systems, we offer neutral salt spray corrosion testing for NADCAP requirements in compliance with ASTM B117. Our salt spray chamber is calibrated and controlled with scheduled testing of parameters by the laboratory personnel.
Allow us to work on your metal finishing requirements
Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best quality and most economic process for your product.


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7:30 PM, 25th September, 2014
I thought I’d start this review with a bit of interesting but ultimately useless trivia… also known as the plot.
This time around the fight is personal. Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the Expendables come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson). Stonebanks co-founded the Expendables with Barney many years before but then he turned into a baddie and became an arms trader so Barney killed him, or so he thought. Now Stonebanks is back to finish off the Expendables, but that’s not going to happen without a whole lot of crazy and awesome fight scenes and a bucket load of in-jokes. Oh, and a few, younger new recruits who are tech-savvy and ready for battle!
But as I said, who cares about that plot stuff. The Expendables 3 is another opportunity to watch old school action heroes Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews and Arnie do what they do best. While I’m rattling off names in this awesome cast I might as well mention that there are a heap of other big names gracing the screen during the film including Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, and Kelsey Grammer (sorry for stealing your thunder, booklet credits guy!). [Good try – Ed.]
This is definitely big screen entertainment. So put down your laptops, turn off those TVs and come to the Film Group to hang out with all of the other cool people who will be in the audience.

domain: entertainment


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Famous image from book cover design for series of modern "woman-friendly" novels.
"By the 1890s the streets of every great metropolis were enlivened by large colourful posters). The poster had not only caught the fancy of the broad public, but its best examples were already being regarded as works of art (specifically, as fine prints) to be exhibited, reviewed in journals, collected and reprinted in a manageable form. In the last five years of the century, the Imprimerie Chaix was to play great part in codifying, hallowing and perpetuating the ebullient period of 'La Belle Epoque.' ” (www.yaneff.com)
Poster from Volume 3 of the three-volume set, published from 1897-99. It was a printed in a limited edition of 1,050 copies.
Edited by G. Boudet and printed by Chaix.
Stone lithograph printed on fine vellum paper stock.
Slight browning along edges.
12 ¼” x 8 ⅝”
Aubrey Vincent Beardsley (21 August 1872 – 16 March 1898) was an English illustrator and author. His drawings in black ink, influenced by the style of Japanese woodcuts, emphasized the grotesque, the decadent, and the erotic. He was a leading figure in the Aesthetic movement which also included Oscar Wilde and James A. McNeill Whistler. Beardsley's contribution to the development of the Art Nouveau and poster styles was significant, despite the brevity of his career before his early death from tuberculosis.
Keynotes was a series of 34 novels and short story collections published by John Lane from 1893. Aubrey Beardsley produced cover designs and embellishments for 22 of the titles in 1895 while he was working on The Yellow Book which John Lane was also publishing.
Aubrey Beardsley illustrated the series of modern "woman-friendly" novels published by John Lane in the mid 1890s as a response to the emergence of the concept of the "New Woman". Beardsley and Lane were also working on 'The Yellow Book' at this time. Beardsley's cover design for the first book in the series, George Egerton's "Keynotes", resulted in the series becoming synonymous with fin-de-siècle decadence.
“Les Affiches Etrangeres”
Illustrated with 65 full-page color plates and 2 double-page color plates, all protected with tissue; 24 full-page black and white plates, 1 double-page black and white, and numerous other in-text illustrations.
Paris: G. Boudet and C. Tallandier, 1897. Limited edition -- from a total of 1,050 copies
This volume is the third part of a highly collectible three volume set which explores the significance of poster art in the 1880s and 90s.
The first two volumes concern posters by French artists ("Les Affiches Illustrees"), while this volume is about posters printed elsewhere (specifically: Germany, Austria, England, America, Belgium and Japan). Color lithographs printed by Imprimerie Chaix.